Saucony Men's Echelon 8 Running Shoe

Product Information

Runners with flat feet know that cushioning is everything. So, if you're someone who struggles with foot pain during your runs, the firmer cushion of this shoe may not work for you. What We Like Although I have tried other models that easily accommodate my orthotics (for example, the ASICS Cumulus series), I have never before found a shoe that is designed specifically for people who use aftermarket insoles. I very highly recommend this shoe model to anyone else with this specific need. Secure, snug foothold

Many shoes for flat feet have extra cushioning for support and comfort. However, the adidas Ultraboost 22 goes above and beyond to give your foot a snug but comfortable fit while you’re running. The BOOST midsole is adidas' patented design that is meant to return more energy to your running power with every step. ISOFIT is the relatively new upper construction that Saucony places on all their higher-end models. Despite the wide and roomy fit of the Saucony Echelon 8, I found that the shoes still provided a secure fit during my runs. The lacing area allowed for a snug closure, and the padded heel cup helped my feet to stay in place during the gait cycle. Whether you are taking a gentle stroll or going for an easier road run, the Echelon 8 will most certainly provide you with the comfort you desire when you're pounding the pavement. Pros: good fit for feet that need slightly more room than standard shoes provide, available in a lot of colors, ultra-cushioned lightweight ride

Additionally, the outsole of this model is pretty wide, creating a feeling of stability during the gait cycle. I greatly enjoyed this feature during all of my runs in the Echelons. They made my feet feel very secure when hitting the ground, with no unwanted wobbling in the shoes. Echelon 8 required no break-in period BUY: New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080v11 Best Trail Running Shoes for Flat Feet - Salomon X-Mission 3 Although I have only owned the Saucony Echelon 8 for a few weeks, the shoes have held up very well so far and appear to be extremely durable. Brooks is also a brand revered for its durability, and the Launch 8 shoes are no different. Built with a one-piece mesh upper that promotes breathability, these shoes also utilize midsole cushioning. The combination creates a durable shoe that can outlast everyday training, but it's also lightweight enough to race in. What We Like

The Saucony Echelon 8 is designed with mesh uppers, perfect for allowing breathability and airflow to the foot. Flat feet are usually painless, but in some cases, they can cause pain even with running and walking. For distance runners, in particular, a cushioned shoe is key to staying pain-free during those long runs. The Saucony Endorphin Shift 2's cushioning is unmatched. A 38-millimeter cushion between your heel and the ground keeps your foot comfortable while you run. Saucony's PWRRUN cushioning is firm and supportive, while still being gentle enough to support sensitive feet.Running shoes come with different amounts of arch support. Most people with flat feet need more arch support rather than less. But some types of arch support are designed to prevent overpronation, which is common among people with flat feet. It's a good idea to have your gait evaluated at a professional running store or by a podiatrist, so you know how much support or correction you need. Heel-to-Toe Support Understanding shoe last, or the actual shape of the sole of the shoe is vital for folks with flat feet. If you have high arches or even normal arches, your footprint naturally makes a noticeable curve to the inside when you walk or run. This isn't the case for those with flat feet, who don't have a defined arch when they move. It's important that shoes for flat feet accommodate this by using a wider mid-foot and toe-box design. This allows your arch and toes to comfortably splay out for stability as you walk or run. FAQs About the Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet A shoe department salesperson or podiatrist can measure your foot, watch you run, and possibly do a gait analysis to help determine the best shoe for your foot. Consider sizing up

Powergrid+ is the evolution of Powergrid, which in turn is the evolution of the original Progrid technology. The toe box is spacious, allowing the foot the splay and breathe without feeling trapped and uncomfortable. BUY: New Balance Fresh Foam 860v13 Best Running Shoes for Men with Flat Feet - New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080v11The tread pattern on the outsole of this running shoe provides sufficient grip for road running in dry conditions. I did note that the tread seemed just a little slippery when I ran in wet conditions. Perhaps deeper lugging could be beneficial in future iterations of the Echelon model. Note that the pattern of this outsole is able to grip roads and treadmills, not offroad terrain. However, if your foot is wide from the toes to the heel, you will need to look for a shoe that’s offered in wider widths. This may include 2E and 4E widths as well as wide, extra-wide, and D. The 10-millimeter heel drop is slightly higher than others of the same class, but the two-piece Continental rubber outsole makes the Ultraboost 22 a sturdy support for training for a run or casual walking alike. What We Like There’s a little more to it. The inner mesh sleeve is actually made of 4 different kind of meshes, on the midfoot, midfoot sides, toebox, tongue…

They are at the higher end of the scale for running shoes but given the Saucony brand's reputation for crafting exceptional running shoes, I'd say they are worth the money. Before you get into researching and selecting new footwear, you should establish the root cause of your flat feet. Babies are born with flat feet and later develop defined arches. Some people simply never form those defined arches on their feet. If you've always had flat feet, it's probably at least partially genetic. Many children grow out of flat feet as they get older, while others develop flat feet later in life due to injury or chronic conditions. If a preexisting condition such as obesity or arthritis is contributing to your flat feet, it's best to consult a doctor to work on the root cause as well as mitigate your symptoms with the proper choice of footwear. Types of Flat Feet

I tested the Saucony Echelon 8 on a series of moderate-paced road runs ranging in distance from 4 to 6 miles. These runs involved some very hilly terrain. Given the season, I also encountered a lot of fallen leaves as well as some wet weather on my runs. The Saucony Echelon 8 fits true to size If you have wide feet or issues with hammer toes or metatarsalgia, which causes the ball of your foot to become inflamed, look for shoes with a wider toe box. The quality craftsmanship used on the Echelon 8 gives them that edge you need to go further and for longer periods than your average running shoe. Arch support is not all you need! Depending on whether you're a heel-, midfoot-, or forefoot-striker when you run, you'll need supportive cushioning in different parts of your shoe. Make sure the shoe you select has support where you need it. It should also have a drop (the difference in height between the heel and toe areas) that you're comfortable with. Drop can impact stability and speed, and over time, high-drop shoes can have ill effects on the Achilles tendon. Shoe Last This cushioning stands high at 38 millimeters in the heel and 34 millimeters in the forefoot, which results in a stiffer shoe that keeps your foot elevated off the ground. While the design is ideal for flat feet, it's not the best trail running shoe. Also keep in mind that the extra cushioning adds weight, which is why this shoe is one of the heaviest we've featured at roughly 10 ounces. What We Like