Customer Reviews Saucony Echelon 6

The Saucony Echelon 6 was NOT the right shoe for my specific purpose, which was to accommodate orthotics after a running injury – here’s my story, in case it’s useful to others in a similar situation. I’ve been a low-mileage runner for 30+ years (~20 miles per week) and I’ve got narrow bony feet, a very high arch, and pronation. I’d worn ASICS GEL-Kayano for more than 20 years (stability shoe for pronation), until I broke my ankle in August 2017 while running, and I started the slow process of working through recovery & rehab. My ortho recently prescribed some pretty significant orthotics to address my foot and ankle issues, at which point I was forced to find a “neutral” shoe that would accommodate my orthotics and still be comfortable to wear while walking (and hopefully, eventually running again). I researched recommended neutral shoes that would take orthotics (either because the shoes were designed specifically for this purpose, or the shoe’s upper was “tall-enough” to fit the added thickness of the orthotic), and the 3 shoes I ended up testing myself were the Brooks Dyad 9, the Saucony Echelon 6, and the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 20. I immediately discounted the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 20 when I could barely fit my foot into the shoe after inserting the orthotic (and a larger size wouldn’t have helped – the shoe was simply too “low-profile” to accommodate the thickness of the orthotic). The Saucony Echelon 6 was the “cushiest” of the shoes, and it accommodated my orthotics perfectly – I liked the flexibility and feel of the sole, even though it was much stiffer than the ASICS GEL-Kayano that I was used to. But the shoe’s heel cup was much too wide for my narrow, bony foot (even when I laced the shoe to create a “lace lock” at the top eyelets). The toe box ended feeling to “spacious” for my foot geometry as well – fine for casual wear, but definitely not the fit that I wanted for exercise. The Brooks Dyad 9 ended up being the best-fitting shoe of the 3 I tried, even though the sole felt quite a bit stiffer and harder than the Saucony Echelon 6. But the shoe itself is generally very comfortable, and I’ve been wearing it for 6 weeks now, walking at a brisk pace for 3 miles a day, with no issues at all – the shoe seems to work great with my new orthotics, and I would definitely purchase the Brooks Dyad 9 again for fitness walking. I don’t think it has enough sole cushioning for me to run in – but I’m not cleared to run yet anyhow, so I’ll cross this bridge when I come to it. (I’ve received another recommendation for the New Balance 1080 as a potential “cushier” neutral running shoe that works well with orthotics – will likely try this shoe when I’m ready for it.)

I bought my first pair of Saucony last fall for a trip that involved a lot of walking (20k to 25k steps a day!). They were the most comfortable athletic shoe I have ever owned so I just had to buy another pair! My feet are a whole size different and rather wide and these fit perfectly!

This shoe is weird. It ran short and wide. My heothing like its predecessor

The previous echelon was a great shoe for people with wide feet. It was very comfortable. This one has one big problem the tongue of the shoe keeps slipping down and makes the shoe a bit uncomfortable.

The Echelon 6 fits a shade shorter than the 5. In my case, better. I wear custom inserts for high arches, which also have a metatarsal pad. The shoe laces very comfortably over my very high instep, much better than the Saucony Ride does. So far, I am happy and plan to buy a second pair.

One year ago this exact same shoe fit me. I'm still wearing that pair; wanted to replace them. It cannot be that my feet have grown 1/2 size! All my other shoes continue to fit. How frustrating to find that these are too small. Must return

This shoe runs a little small so I ordered a half size bigger and that seemed to work. I think this shoe would be fine for someone with a high arch and no other foot problems. I have arthritis in my big toes ( Hallux Rigidus), and metatarsalgia and I use orthotics in my shoes. And for me this just wasn't a comfortable shoe. I really think I need a shoe that has a little bit of a rocker bottom.

I LOVE the echelon because its the only shoe made for flat footed orthotic wearers who overpronate. Sadly the womens is a little narrow on me and I have to wear the mens. Please saucony open up the womens wide toe box a little more!

Amazing !!

The shoes are great and so is your service

I love this shoe. I've owned about 3 pairs of this style and they are the best shoe overall that I have worn for a long time. The width is perfect, never wanting for more room, flexibility is great, sole comfort is great! I used to have to put insoles in my Skechers, but not with these Saucony. They are good right out of the box!

These are a tad bit more cushiony than their predecessors, the echeleon 5, which is very nice! The upper is a different material which is more flexible. I'm not sure about this yet. I suspect Saucony did this to keep up with current styles. The downside to this is that the upper puckers if your foot is thin or the insole you have in the shoe doesn't fill up the space. However, on the plus side, they are very comfortable and have a generous toe box. They are attractive, I will definitely buy again.

First time trying this brand, usually a Brooks girl. I've never worn a 9 1/2, but will try sizing up- as my toe was at the end of the shoe.

Nice roomy toe box that even an EE width can fit in these. These are the only shoe that is flat inside so that my orthotics sit flat and don’t rock up and down. Wish there was some heel stabilization though.