Verdict from 8.8 hours of research from the internet
6 reasons to buy
- The Saucony Echelon LE2 was able to deliver a pleasant walking experience to a great number of wearers.
- A lot of buyers appreciated the midsole cushioning; some people mentioned that it helped to relieve pain in their feet, knees, and back.
- The shoe allowed for orthotic inserts without sacrificing the fit, based on many reviews.
- Most testers found that the footwear was true to size and width.
- A few people were happy that the trainer corrected supination.
- Several reviewers mentioned that the product appeared to be well-constructed.
4 reasons not to buy
- A handful of people complained about the lack of support in the upper, which resulted in the foot sliding off the outside edge of the sole.
- The rubber came peeling off the toes after a few months of use, according to several users.
- The shoe was deemed pricey by some purchasers.
- The style and color options did not resonate well with a few customers.
Bottom line
The Saucony Echelon LE2 became a go-to walking shoe for a significant number of people. It was highly praised for its cushioning and support which made the footwear suitable for long periods of wear. On the downside, there were complaints about durability, insufficient upper support, high price, and unappealing style. But all things considered, it was still the footgear of choice for the majority of buyers who enjoyed the effortless and painless walking experience.
Tip: see the best walking shoes.
The Saucony Echelon LE2 is designed as a walking shoe for people with neutral pronation and supination (underpronation). It is claimed to offer a more steady platform while delivering maximum comfort and support. For those who require a bit more arch support for stability, Saucony offers its Grid Omni Walker model.
The Echelon LE2 employs the brand’s own iBR+ rubber material on the outsole unit. It is designed to be about 30% lighter and provide more cushioning than the conventional blown rubber. It also serves to protect the midsole from abrasion.
The XT-900 material throughout the outsole contributes to the durability of the platform. Made of premium carbon rubber material, it is a hard-wearing and traction-ready compound.
The Saucony packs the midsole of the Echelon LE2 with a multitude of technologies to provide wearers with plush cushioning and ensure a steady gait. The highlight feature is the POWERGRID compound, which runs the full length of the sole. It is manufactured to be 30% more lasting and 15% lighter than the regular foam. It serves to attenuate shock and center the heel upon the footfall and deliver a bounce-back at the toe-off.
The dual-density S SL EVA foam is also responsible for cushioning. Described as the brand’s most advanced EVA blend, it serves to provide enhanced rebound and durability.
The SRC Impact Zone contributes to the cushioning. Located in the heel section, it absorbs the shock from the heel strike.
A molded EVA ComforLite sockliner is placed for extra cushioning and arch support. It takes the shape of the foot, offering more comfort. It can also be easily removed or replaced by an orthotic insert.
The full-grain Garment leather makes up the upper unit of the Saucony Echelon LE2. It is a soft yet supportive material which gives a responsible coverage for the foot throughout the walk.
The shoe is designed to be orthotic friendly. It implies that the upper features a larger volume to accommodate the insert without compromising the fit.
The plush tongue and collar are meant to hug the foot in a comfortable and supportive way. They make sure that the foot is free of irritation and the rear doesn’t slip out of the shoe.