![]() In short The 3D Grid Web is a fine, high-mileage, everyday-training shoe for runners looking for cushioning and a little stability, but it’s quite different to its predecessor. But if you have any stability needs, you’d be better off with Saucony’s £70 GRID Omni 3 – which, incidentally, is Saucony’s nearest shoe to the old GRID Web, in its protective, easy-fitting way. The new Web is a fraction more stable than the Trigon. ![]() The Trigon doesn’t have 3D GRID, though, so the Web may prove more durable – but you may not think it’s worth the extra money. The 3D Web now has a very similar fit and feel to the medium-density GRID Trigon, which is an excellent cushioned shoe for £10 less. The expanded Grid provides more cushioning than the internal Grid of the previous shoe. The most obvious difference is the change to visible 3D Grid. In other words, ignore the name, this is an all-new shoe. It also has a completely different midsole. The Grid Type A5 will be available at The Runner’s Gait in the 3rd quarter of this year in a new colour way.Evaluation We were big fans of the original Grid Web, so it’s interesting that the new 3D Grid Web is softer, narrower and less stable than the original shoe. Thanks again to Ruth from Royal Sporting House for arranging for this shoe trial, I’ve really enjoyed using them. Don’t be intimidated by the A5’s categorisation as a “racer”, runners should definitely give this shoe a a try. This shoe will be especially popular with the triathletes thanks to its transition-minded features and seamless upper. It is built for speed, but doesn’t do this at the expense of comfort for the athlete. The Grid Type A5 is a great option for speed work and racing. However, none of this takes away from the performance of the shoe. The toe box is somewhat roomier than other shoes in its class. Runners will be surprised by the comfort of the A5. It isn’t going to be your first choice for long runs, but Saucony’s Grid cushioning does provide a very comfortable ride for such a lightweight pair of shoes. Another thing to note is that while the upper of the A5 does lock the foot in place well, it’s minimal design does mean that your foot will not receive as much support, so be prepared! Once that is out of the way, the A5 is a real joy to run in. If you are using a shoe with a larger heel drop, you may feel some tightness in your calves initially as your body adapts to the A5. Add that to the close-go-ground feel of this low profile racing flat and what you get is a responsive, lightweight shoe ready to take you to the races! ![]() The A5 has a 4mm heel-to-toe drop, which is now standard for Saucony’s performance range. When you pull these shoes on, you just want to run fast. Even carries a nice message for your competitors! The tongue also has elastic straps on each side to keep it firmly in the centre, no matter how much running you do. If you perspire like a waterfall, these prevent your shoes from resembling a fish tank by the end of your race and reduces the incidence of forehead slapping when you accidentally throw water on your shoes as you race through the aid stations. Another thoughtful design feature carried over from the A4 is the drainage holes in the sole of the shoe. The finger loops at the heel ensure ease of entry, especially for those athletes looking to get these shoes on in a hurry. No socks? No problem! Quick entry features The absence of stitching in the upper makes this shoe very triathlete-friendly. On the contrary, the breathable mesh upper with new FlexFilm bonded overlays was extremely comfortable and held my foot in place firmly. Having said that, that isn’t to say that my foot was sliding all over the place in them. In terms of fit, the A5 isn’t as snug as some other racing flats I’ve tried on. But that’s sort of where the similarities end. At 155g, the A5 is the same weight as my current racing flat, the Lunarspider R. I usually wear a men’s US8 for all my running shoes, but I went up half a size for the A5. This season, the Grid Type A5 retains the outsole and midsole design from the A4, but with an upper that utilizes its new Flexfilm technology, has managed to cut even more weight off. Lightweight and responsive, Saucony had a very understated but very good racing flat on its hands. ![]() We had the Grid Type A4 in our store last season and it was a big hit. Ok, bad wordplay aside, here’s the review! The Saucony Grid Type A5 – white/red/citron colourway I’ve had the opportunity to try out a pair of the Saucony Grid Type A5 for the last 4-5 weeks and here’s the rundown (hurhur, get it? Run-down…?). ![]()
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