Review on Saucony Men's Switchback Walking Shoes in Classic Black: Maximum Comfort and Durability by Christopher Morgan

I really wanted to like them, but for serious trail running they lack any protection in the forefoot. No stone slab and little midsole protection. Under these things you can feel every stone. Just roll a tennis ball under your fore/midfoot and you can feel every aspect of the curves. All I can say is that they took the Freedom ISO (love) and put in a more durable outsole without paying much attention to the needs of trail running. They've also reduced the cushion on the front, right under my toes, to almost zero compared to ISO (down to the tips), which is why I get blisters a lot. They may be good for running on dirt roads, grass, or soft trails, but in the Northeast with roots, rocks, etc., they won't cut anything serious. BOA is neat, but the upper is a little stretchy and, unlike more traditional fabrics, tends to pucker and irritate. I really wanted to like it! My upper altras are much better and my feet are much less bruised stepping on the northeast rock gardens.