Saucony Omni 21 Review - RunnerSpeaks

The Saucony Omni 21 is a stability running shoe designed for overpronators who require extra support and cushioning. Its comfortable and supportive fit, thanks to the engineered mesh upper and the TPU guidance frame that helps keep the foot in place.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Excellent support and stability for runners who overpronate
Cushioned midsole provides a comfortable ride and absorbs shock
Durable outsole provides good traction and longevity
Breathable upper and ventilation ports keep feet cool during runs
FORMFIT technology provides a customized fit for individual runners
PWRUN and PWRUN+ foams provide a balance of cushioning and responsiveness
Heel counter provides additional support and keeps the foot in place during runs

Cons

The Omni 21 may be too heavy for some runners, particularly those who prefer a lightweight shoe
The shoe may have a break-in period and may feel stiff initially
The shoe may run slightly narrow, which may not be suitable for runners with wider feet.
The price point may be higher than some other running shoes on the market, which may not be suitable for runners on a budget.
The shoe may not be suitable for runners who prefer a minimal or barefoot running style, as it provides a high level of support and cushioning.

Design and Features

The Saucony Omni 21 is a stability running shoe that features a number of design and features to provide comfort, support, and performance for runners. Here are some of the notable design and features of the Saucony Omni 21:.

Engineered mesh upper: The upper of the Omni 21 is made of an engineered mesh material that is lightweight and breathable, providing ventilation and comfort to the foot during runs.
TPU guidance frame: The TPU guidance frame is a midfoot structure that provides additional support and stability for overpronation, while also reducing the weight of the shoe.
PWRUN and PWRUN+ cushioning: The Omni 21 uses Saucony's PWRUN and PWRUN+ foams in the midsole to provide a balance of cushioning and responsiveness for a comfortable ride.
Tri-Flex outsole: The outsole of the Omni 21 features a Tri-Flex design that improves flexibility and traction, allowing for a smoother transition from heel to toe and better grip on various surfaces.
Medial post: The medial post is a firmer foam material that runs from the midfoot to the heel, providing added support and stability for overpronators.
8mm heel-to-toe drop: The 8mm heel-to-toe drop of the Omni 21 provides a moderate amount of cushioning and support for runners who need a stable and responsive shoe.
Variety of color options: The Omni 21 is available in a variety of color options, giving runners the chance to choose a shoe that fits their personal style.

Stability

Support and stability are key features of the Saucony Omni 21, as it is a stability running shoe designed for overpronators who need extra support to prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot.

The TPU guidance frame is a supportive midfoot structure that wraps around the foot and provides stability without adding weight or bulk to the shoe. It helps to guide the foot and prevent overpronation, promoting a more efficient and comfortable running gait.

The Omni 21 features a medial post that runs from the midfoot to the heel on the inside of the shoe. This firmer foam material helps to support the arch of the foot and control inward rolling, providing additional stability for overpronators.

The upper of the Omni 21 is made of an engineered mesh material that conforms to the shape of the foot and provides a secure, comfortable fit. The material is also breathable, which helps to prevent overheating and discomfort during longer runs.

The midsole of the Omni 21 features Saucony's PWRUN and PWRUN+ cushioning materials, which provide a balance of comfort and responsiveness. The cushioning helps to absorb shock and reduce the impact on joints, which can help to prevent injuries and promote a more comfortable run.

The Omni 21 also features a heel counter that helps to lock the heel in place and provide additional support and stability during the heel strike phase of the gait cycle.

Cushioning and responsiveness

The Saucony Omni 21 provides a balance of cushioning and responsiveness to runners.

PWRUN and PWRUN+ cushioning: The Omni 21 uses Saucony's PWRUN and PWRUN+ foams in the midsole to provide a balance of cushioning and responsiveness. These foams help to absorb shock and reduce impact on joints, providing a comfortable and supportive feel.

Ortholite sockliner: The Omni 21 comes with a removable Ortholite sockliner that provides additional cushioning and comfort to the foot.

Support

The Saucony Omni 21 is designed to provide support to runners who overpronate or require extra stability during their runs.

Medial post: The Omni 21 features a medial post that runs from the midfoot to the heel on the inside of the shoe. This firmer foam material helps to support the arch of the foot and control inward rolling, providing additional support for overpronators.

Heel counter: The Omni 21 has a sturdy heel counter that helps to lock the heel in place and provide additional support and stability during the heel strike phase of the gait cycle.

FORMFIT technology: The shoe's FORMFIT technology creates a custom fit for the foot, helping to reduce pressure points and improve overall stability and support.

Durability

The Saucony Omni 21 is built to last, with

Rubber outsole: The Omni 21 has a durable rubber outsole that provides good traction and durability over time.

Reinforced toe cap: The shoe's toe cap is reinforced with extra material to provide additional protection and durability during runs.

High-abrasion rubber: The shoe's outsole features high-abrasion rubber in high-wear areas to help protect against wear and tear.

Breathability

The Saucony Omni 21 is designed to be breathable, providing ventilation and comfort to runners during their runs.

Engineered mesh upper: The upper of the Omni 21 is made of an engineered mesh material that is lightweight and breathable, providing ventilation and comfort to the foot during runs.

Ventilation ports: The shoe features ventilation ports on the upper that help to improve airflow and breathability.

Traction

The Saucony Omni 21 provides good traction for runners, with several features that contribute to its grip on various surfaces:

Rubber outsole: The Omni 21 has a durable rubber outsole that provides good traction and grip on both dry and wet surfaces.

Tri-Flex design: The shoe's outsole features a Tri-Flex design that improves traction and flexibility, allowing for a more natural and stable ride.

Flex grooves: The shoe's outsole also has flex grooves that help to improve flexibility and grip on various surfaces.

Who Omni 21 is best for

The Saucony Omni 21 is one of the best running shoes for overpronation and high arches.

Overpronation occurs when the foot rolls inward excessively during the gait cycle, causing the arch to collapse and the ankle to twist inward. This can lead to a range of injuries and discomfort, such as shin splints, knee pain, and plantar fasciitis.

The Saucony Omni 21 is designed to address these issues by providing a range of features that support and stabilize the foot during runs. Its medial post, heel counter, and FORMFIT technology all work together to provide support and reduce inward rolling, while its cushioning and traction features help to reduce impact and improve overall comfort and stability.

The Omni 21 may also be a good choice for runners who want a balance of cushioning and responsiveness in their shoe, as its PWRUN and PWRUN+ foams provide both. Additionally, the shoe's engineered mesh upper and ventilation ports make it a good choice for runners who want a breathable shoe.

Saucony Omni 21 vs other shoes

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

Both the Saucony Omni 21 and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 are stability shoes designed for runners who overpronate.

However, the Adrenaline GTS 22 has a slightly softer midsole and less aggressive support features compared to the Omni 21.

The Omni 21 also has a more breathable upper and a more durable outsole, making it a better choice for runners who want a more supportive, cushioned, and durable shoe.

ASICS Gel-Kayano

The ASICS Gel-Kayano 29 is a great stability shoe.

However, the Kayano 29 has a softer and more responsive midsole compared to the Omni 21, which may be a better choice for runners who want a balance of cushioning and responsiveness. The Kayano 29 also has a more breathable and seamless upper.

Nike Zoom Structure 24

The Nike Zoom Structure 24 is another stability shoe designed for runners who overpronate.

However, the Structure 24 has a slightly firmer midsole compared to the Omni 21, which may provide a more stable ride for some runners. The Structure 24 also has a more streamlined upper and a more responsive feel.

Overall

The Saucony Omni 21 is best for runners who overpronate and require extra support and stability, but it may also be a good choice for runners who want a balance of cushioning and responsiveness, as well as breathability in their shoe.