By Paul Freary
Designed for runners requiring high levels of support and control as well as capable cushioning, the new Saucony OMNI ST 23 brings a revised look to the model that combines these features without the high weight cost often associated with such shoes.
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The Saucony Omni has always been a shoe aimed at runners who want a little more support from their daily trainer, and the Omni ST 23 takes that idea and gives it a new, modern feel. What immediately stands out to me is that Saucony hasn’t tried to make this a big, bulky stability shoe, instead, it is a lightweight, responsive shoe combined with excellent control.
Stats
Saucony | Omni ST 23 |
|---|---|
Best for | Supportive daily trainer |
Support | Moderate Stability |
Cushion | High level of cushioning |
Stack Height | 38mm heel |
Drop | 8mm |
Weight | Men 277g (9.7oz) Women 254g (8.9oz) |
Price | $170 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 9.5/ 10 |
Design
The PWRRUN stability frame and Stable Zone pronation design guide the foot into a neutral, balanced gait, providing a reliable level of support with every stride.
Saucony Omni ST 23 - Stable Zone Support System
The responsive PWRRUN PB foam adds protective cushioning without reducing stability and adds a touch of responsive energy return to the ride.
A durable XT 900 outsole provides long-lasting traction, with articulated forefoot grooves that help your stride roll forward smoothly and comfortably.
Saucony Omni ST 23 - Upper
A premium engineered mesh upper enhances airflow and breathability, while added cushioning in the tongue and ankle collar creates a snug, supportive fit.
Omni ST 23
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Fit & Feel
In terms of sizing, I find the Omni ST 23 to have a relatively accommodating fit. The fit is true to size in length and width, with a slightly generous volume, but not baggy or sloppy.
Saucony Omni ST 23 - Toe Box
The engineered mesh upper is one of the first things I notice when I put the shoes on. It feels soft and comfortable around my foot and has a slightly stretchy feel to it.
There is enough structure to keep everything in place and secure. The tongue and heel collar have plenty of cushioning, which adds to the comfortable, secure feeling.
Performance
For me, the best stability shoes are the ones where I notice the support when I need it, rather than feeling as though the shoe is constantly trying to adjust my stride. That is very much the approach here. The Omni ST 23 feels secure underneath my feet, but it still has enough cushioning and responsiveness to make everyday running enjoyable.
Saucony Omni ST 23 - Heel
The control comes from what looks like a traditional medial post; only here, it sits beneath the deep stack of PWRRUN PB foam, meaning the overriding feeling is one of cushioning rather than intrusive control.
The posting foams part of the midsole and outsole, so it reduces lateral roll as well as overpronation. It foams a ‘clip-like’ device similar to that found in the brand’s control shoes of about three years ago.
Saucony Omni ST 23 - Heel Collar
For me, that makes this a shoe that is particularly well suited to regular training miles, steady runs and longer outings when comfort and stability are more important than outright speed.
But speed isn’t totally out of the question. I like the spring-like feedback the PWRRUN PB foam gives and with the deep forefoot midsole flex-grooves, the shoe can feel nimble if required.
Comparisons
As a highly cushioned and supportive daily trainer, competitors to the Omni ST23 would be the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23, ASICS Kayano 33 and Nike Structure Plus.
The shoe that comes to mind first for me is the Nike. It has a similarly soft step-in feel to the Omni ST 23, and while not as obviously supportive as the Omni
ST 23, it does do a pretty good job of providing control and stability.
Saucony Omni ST 23 - Outsole
The ASICS provides a soft, cushioned feel and good support. While not as responsive as the Saucony, it’s a great option for daily training.
Brooks’ Glycerin GTS is another popular alternative to the OMNI ST and provides a good combination of cushioning and control in a responsive daily training shoe.
My Verdict
The Saucony Omni ST 23 is a good example of how much stability shoes have evolved in recent years. This is still a shoe designed around support and control, but it doesn't feel like the sort of traditional stability trainer that sacrifices everything else in the process.
The shoe feels very balanced. It is a broad, stable base that sits well under the foot and feels very planted. It is a reassuringly stable feel.
The cushioning is plush and springy and never feels like it will bottom out, even when tired and heel striking.
Saucony Omni ST 23 - Tongue and Lacing
The shoe is a very reliable, daily trainer with a moderate to high level of control for over-pronation that works very well for a wide range of runners requiring higher levels of support.
What we now demand from every running shoe is available here in a highly supportive daily training model. Top-level cushioning and excellent support.
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