Saucony Grid Type A5

Perhaps the best all-around road shoe that I own. Comfortable, light, and enough cushion up to the marathon distance (maybe beyond?).

It's a great, really light shoe. My only complaint is that the right shoe fits a little large and makes me curl my toes sometimes in a way that has given me some arch problems. I find it's not a problem as long as I rotate these shoes with other shoes.

Saucony's Grid Type A5 is a great racing shoe, but it lacks much durability. It is the most comfortable flat I have ever ran in. I like it so much that I do most of my training in it, which causes the shoe to get worn down within a couple months. The seams on the side begin to tear apart. However, my running form may contribute to this problem (I land towards the outside part of my foot).

This is a great shoe, but it falls apart quite easily.

Serves its purpose well, but after a lot of miles he sides of the shoe tear and the shoe needs to be replaced.

Took out the insoles, which I always do with shoes if possible. Used for everyday runs, track workouts, tempos, anything. Very comfortable, except the upper dug into my ankle so I cut a bit of it out with scissors, then it was fine. Soles are somewhat soft but not too much like a pillow and you can feel the ground a bit, which I like.

This is a continuation of a earlier post.

I have 4 pairs of the Saucony A5 that I run in regularly. I also have 6 pairs in in my closet for later use.

Since 2007, except for the Saucony A5, I buy running all of my running shoes in Japan. I go there two or three times a year.

I prefer Japanese style running shoes because, for elite, fast, or serious runners, all of the Japanese models have low heals. They recently started manking big box shoes for the masses but I don't like them the same as I usually never buy shoes in the US these days.

For example i have bought 7 pairs of a Nike zoom trainer in Japan with a low heal. You can't buy it in the US. I have the Asics Sortie Magic, 3 pairs, bought in Japan, 2 pairs of Adidas for the Japanese market etc. Also 2 pairs of Nike Zoom racers from Japan. Not counting other Japanese models, mostly Asics made for the Japenese market that I have given away. I give my shoes away to churches etc after I use them and they are still good for someone.

I rotate my shoes. I usually never wear the same shoe twice in a row. I am relatively injury free, a midfoot striker, with a very short stride. Also I take the insoles out of most shoes, as I like the feel of the road or surface.

Granted I haven't raced alot recently but I don't consider myself a hobby jogger. I take running seriously even though I don't race.

I might be considered an outlier for your survey but its my shoe style.

I recently tried the new Nike Pegasus in a Japan running store and it felt like a big box on my feet. I just couldn't see running in them after running in low-healed Japanese style shoes except for the Saucony A5.

I run mostly in racing flats. From the US I run in Saucony A5. I also have the Asics Sortie Magic that I bought in Japan. In fact most of my running shoes are from Japan. Why? They mostly have low heals and I don't like big bulkly shoes. I tried the new Nike Pegasus and it felt like a boat, even a size 9.

It tried the Japan Boost, an Adidas Shoe made for Japan just like a few of the other Adidas shoes. Its ok, but not worth the price.

So except for the Saucony A5. I got Asics Sortie Magic from Japan, 3 pairs, Adidas Japan Boost, Adidas Hagio from Japan, two Nike Zoom training flats made specifically for Japan, 2 Nike zoom racing flats made specifically for Japan, I Just prefer running shoes made for the Japanese market.