I currently train and race in Saucony’s Tangent 3’s, but I’m thinking of moving to the Fastwitch 3’s for a race shoe. For those that have tried both, how much less support is there in the Fastwitch compared to the Tangent. I’m a slight over pronator and have no problem running long in the tangent, but I also know I wouldn’t get away with running an IM marathon in a A2. So is the support in the Fastwitch fairly close to that of the Tangent??
Also I’ve noticed that the Fastwitch and the A2 have a nice stretchable upper, I’m tempted to go half a size smaller than the tangent just to get a nice snug fit but still knowing the upper will give a little as my feet swell. What have others done re. sizing??
I have ran and tested all of those shoes. There isn’t much difference between the Tangent 3 and the Fastwitch 2 or 3. The original Fastwitch was a lot different. You would do fine racing in the Fastwitch 3s as they have a nice midfoot bridge and mild rearfoot post like the Tangents. They fit the same, so no need to downsize. Actually, I find the Tangents a little wide in the forefoot with their new, open mesh.
The A2s are a VERY minimal shoe compared with either of the above and should be relegated to 10K or under for most “pronators” (your words) although you “could” run a marathon in them if efficient. Certainly not a shoe to train in.
I think I can help here. Over the past year I’ve gone through pairs of Paramounts, Guides, Fastwitch 3’s and 2 pairs of Hurricane 10’s, Tangent 3’s and Omni 7’s.
In 07, I ran the marathon in the Tangent’s and they worked perfect but in 08 I thought about going with the Fastwitch 3’s. After a 20 mile training run, I decided that the Fastwitches just did not have enough forefoot cushoning for me (6’4 - 180 lbs). So I ended up running with the Tangents.
Overall the two shoes fit the same, there is just a few millimeters more foam in the Tangents and less outsole material on the Fastwitches for weight reduction.
Saucony really does make some great shoes. The Tangent 3’s have been out for awhile now (since Spring/Summer 07) and should receive an update soon.
I am not even close to an expert on shoes. I am beginning to extend my runs this year and am trying some different shoes to see what works. I am running about 25 miles a week. 6’1 and about 184Lbs. 50yrs old and do 3-4 Olympics and 1 1/2 IM each year. Last year the run was my weakest event so I am working hard on that this year. Any in put would be helpful. I do have a local Dick Ponds near-by.
Could you let me know where Pearl Izumi Streak’s are in comparision to Saucony Tangent and Fastwitch. Are they even in the same catagory?
My current shoes are Soucony Triumph 5, Asics (ahar+ on heal) SpEVA (on the side) and Pearl Izumi Streak