Editor rating:
9/10 on
JON OBER
User's rating:

PROS

  • Fast ride with a dash of support.
  • Redone comfortable knit upper.
  • Sturdy outsole that complements an explosive midsole.

CONS

  • Weak insole construction.
  • Price.

OUR VERDICT

The Saucony LIberty ISO 2 packs a punch with a dash of support. While pricey, it is built for the long run with a sturdy construction.
SHOE INFO
Brand
Liberty ISO 2
Model
Type
9.9 oz. (281 gr.)
Weight
160 US$
MSRP
4 mm
Heel Drop
Previous model
WHO IS IT FOR
Ideal for runners seeking a fast shoe that offers a dash of support. It is best for distances up to the half marathon.

Saucony Liberty ISO 2 Intro

After what seems like forever, Saucony returns with the Liberty ISO 2. This is a fast and lightweight trainer with a dash of support. It is essentially a stability version of the Freedom ISO.

Why did it take so long for the sophomore release of the Liberty? I tested the first version of this shoe in early 2017! I was getting scared that it was going to go to the way of my last Cinderella shoe from Saucony, the Mirage.

Updates are mostly in the upper with a new knit material and a redone heel counter. The medial post is boasted to be longer and provide more support as well. In terms of Saucony’s stability lineup, this is the lightest and fastest.

Competition includes New Balance’s Vongo and ASCIS’ DS Trainer. There aren’t many shoes that are like this. As someone who likes to run hard and fast but needs support, my hat goes off to the few who still make these type of shoes.

Saucony Liberty ISO 2 First Impressions

Saucony Liberty ISO 2 - Pair

Saucony Liberty ISO 2 – Pair

First time opening these up I was in love. The knit upper looked and felt great. The colorway really snapped as well.

Lacing up and taking them out on their maiden voyage I was immediately drawn to how comfortable they were. I did 10 miles out of the box in these and they performed great!

Saucony Liberty ISO 2 Sole Unit

Saucony Liberty ISO 2 - Sole

Saucony Liberty ISO 2 – Sole

The outsole uses an aggressive pattern of tread called Tri-Flex. It is flexible, soft to the touch and gives great traction. I accidentally ended up on some trails during testing. I felt in control through mud, roots and rocks in my local state park.

Saucony’s coveted Everrun foam compound is in the full length of the midsole. This material allows for high shock absorption and a high energy return on liftoff.

Out of all the proprietary midsole compounds out there these days, Everrun remains a favorite of mine.

A post on the medial side of the shoe provides support for the over pronator. Saucony claims there is “enhanced” support from the first version, but I really can’t tell any difference.

For such a high priced shoe, Saucony sure skimped on the insoles. They rode up on me a few times while running and I had to remove them to get them to retain their original shape.

The low 4mm drop is really going to give your calves a run for their money. It took me about a week to get acclimated to this since I normally wear shoes in the 8-10mm range.

The shoe’s ride is smooth and fast. The lower drop had me mostly landing and lifting off on my midfoot. the Everrun material complemented this nicely. It allowed me to go fast, but not have my body breakdown on longer runs.

Saucony Liberty ISO 2 Upper Unit

Saucony Liberty ISO 2 - Medial Side

Saucony Liberty ISO 2 – Medial Side

The liberty has moved away from synthetic mesh and now utilizes a knit upper. It breathes well and is reinforced with the ISOFIBER system to support foot. It is not water proof, but is pretty resilient for a knit upper.

If you haven’t noticed yet, Saucony is an ISO superfan. Separate semi detached overlays dubbed ISOfit wrap your foot offering a personalized fit. I felt like this was a gimmick at first, but this lacing system gets better every year.

There is a semi detached tongue that gives a ‘booty’ feel. This eliminates any issues with the tongue riding up or riding down. Thanks to this, there are no hot spots and the fit is incredibly comfortable.

The heel counter has been redone with no plastic exoskelton like the debut. It looks less aggressive, but locks you in nicely, if not better than before.

In terms of fit, it is true to size and I had no issues with real estate in the toe box. No need to size up unless you need to go wide.

Saucony Liberty ISO 2 Conclusion

Saucony Liberty ISO 2 - Heel

Saucony Liberty ISO 2 – Heel

The shoes performed exceptionally well for me. I did not have a chance to race in them, but did get to do some tempo runs with some fast friends.

The midsole material allowed me to go fast and not feel it too much the next day. They really shined in my longer runs; though like the original I am unsure of taking these out on a marathon distance.

It’s a great half marathon racer for sure.

I do wish the price was not so high though. I will say this is a shoe that I can see going well over 400 miles, but the price is still too high for it gain more popularity.

It’s something I can look past, though the poor design of the insoles left a sour taste in my mouth.

All in all, the sophomore release of this fast stability shoe is another home run from Saucony.

We purchased a pair of Saucony Liberty ISO 2 from runningwarehouse using our own money. This did not influence the outcome of this review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.

Saucony Liberty ISO 2 Price Comparison

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