Saucony KOA ST

When conditions get tough, Saucony s KOA ST shoes are there to answer the call. The KOA ST is designed to keep the runner optimally stable and moving through soft, soft, muddy, slippery terrain, even on tall grass and ice-free snow. The synthetic upper wicks away mud and moisture, while the lacing system allows you to quickly modify your fit during the run. All this makes us think that Saucony is serious about making an aggressive trail model.

The KOA ST shares many similarities with the Saucony KOA TR, the construction with an oblique design simulates the shape of the foot, it also has a rebuilt platform and cushioning system, unlike the KOA ST, the KOA TR is designed for drier trails, surfaces and compacts.

Cushioning, support and comfort

The upper is comfortable and quickly takes shape around the foot. Comfort throughout the Koa range is its most identifying feature of this trail running model. Add in the fact that the upper is designed to repel mud and water (they're not waterproof!), the ability to keep your feet a little drier than usual has to be a plus.

The locking lacing system will clearly be another important feature when it comes time to take them off. A simple pull of the lace closure and the laces come undone, a definite plus, when the shoes are covered in mud and soaked.

The internal insole sits on a layer of Everun, Sauconys flagship material. This gives the shoe added impact protection.

The Saucony KOA ST has a 4mm drop, and once again with pockets of cushioning throughout. Overall similar to what happens in the midsole of the TR version, the Saucony KOA ST is a stable training shoe, since it offers good cushioning and optimal support, and especially with a high level of comfort.

The lugs on the Saucony Koa ST are quite prominent, and there is not much room for improvement. They have a depth of 8 mm. Clearly, these trail running shoes are designed to accelerate: for starters, the lugs are flexible and therefore offer a grippy profile on a variety of terrains, and, more specifically, to hold their own on muddy surfaces.

Many voices and opinions place the Saucony KOA ST as a valid choice for trail running due to its excellent grip on mud, and for moving over terrain ranging from trails to the most open paths.

Outstanding features of the Saucony KOA ST

The moment the Saucony KOA gets into muddy terrain, it gets stronger. Without a doubt, of all the shoes that make up the American firm's "Run Anywhere" line, the KOA ST are the most aggressive.

The grip on the KOA ST is outstanding and provides great traction on ascents and descents. When the terrain is hard, the lugs are flexible, so they act as additional cushioning, thanks to their design features, they feel stable especially on technical descents.

Cushioned, yet responsive; comfortable and well equipped, the Saucony KOA ST offers a very good amount of grip on wet and muddy terrain. This model is aimed at both the ultras runner and those who are new to trail running, but who are clearly looking for a shoe with very good performance. Especially if comfort and grip are the most important features.

Regarding the technical specifications, the Saucony KOA ST have a 4 mm drop(22 mm in the heel and 18 mm in the forefoot) and an approximate weight of 292 grams. All in all, these Saucony KOA ST are defined as a trail training shoe for runners with a neutral footprint and responsive cushioning.