Oprah’s Favorite Things: Why the Saysh Felix Runner Is a Game-Changer in Women’s Running Shoes
A design shaped for women’s feet that blends responsive support with everyday style.
Oprah’s Favorites 2023: Spotlight on the Saysh Felix Runner
Each year, Oprah’s Favorite Things list brings together a curated selection of standout items, blending function, style, and meaningful stories. In 2023, the Saysh Felix Runner—a women-centric innovation in footwear—found its place on the coveted list. Created by decorated Olympian Allyson Felix, the shoe promises not just a refined running experience but a stronger message: performance and empowerment tailored exclusively for women.
Meet the Saysh Felix Runner
The Saysh Felix Runner isn’t just another running shoe. It’s a testament to how thoughtful design can bridge gaps in the athletic industry by considering the unique needs of women’s feet. After years of brands prioritizing male form in performance footwear, Allyson Felix—a champion both on and off the track—delivers a shoe that fits, supports, and celebrates women from every stride to every lifestyle moment.
Main Features
- Innovative FemiformityFit Technology: Anatomically designed to mimic the specific shape, width, and structure of women’s feet—wider toe box, narrower heel, unique arch support.
- Supercritical Midsole Foam: Delivers optimal balance of softness and energy return for a supportive yet responsive ride.
- Minimal, Durable Outsole: Anatomical flex points offer natural movement and robust traction, ideal for both running and all-day wear.
- Lightweight Design: Weighs only 10.5 ounces, making it suitable for every activity from sprints to errands.
- Modern, Versatile Styling: Subtle colorways (ebony, avalanche, fire) and premium details blend athletic performance with daily fashion needs.
The Story Behind the Brand: Allyson Felix’s Vision
Allyson Felix, the most decorated American track and field athlete in history, launched Saysh in 2020 when—despite her accolades—she lacked a shoe sponsor committed to maternal rights and women-specific innovation. Felix’s journey to founding Saysh reflects not only her drive to address the “shrink it and pink it” shortcomings of the industry but also her advocacy for women’s health and empowerment. Every Saysh product emerges from this vision: to honor, support, and enable women from ground up.
Empowering Design Principles
- By Women, For Women: Every shoe is constructed from a last (form) modeled after the anatomical realities of women’s feet, not simply resized from men’s models.
- Advocating for Moms: Saysh’s industry-leading maternity return policy lets women exchange their shoes if their size changes due to pregnancy—reinforcing a commitment to inclusivity and real-life needs.
- Sustainability Matters: The brand integrates eco-conscious production techniques, responsibly sourced materials, and community-driven recycling initiatives, supporting wellness for women and the planet alike.
Technical Breakdown: What Makes the Felix Runner Unique?
| Feature | Specification/Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.5 ounces |
| Heel-to-Toe Offset | 9.5mm (30mm heel, 20.5mm forefoot) |
| Upper Material | Knit, lightweight, and breathable mesh for ventilation and fit |
| Closure | Midfoot lacing system with lace-through cording for secure arch lockdown |
| Heel Construction | One-piece, 3D-molded heel with internal foam pods for plush comfort |
| Outsole | Minimal, durable with anatomical flex points for natural motion |
| Reflective Details | Discrete reflective accents at heel and eyestay islands for safety |
Performance: Everyday Running and Versatility
Testers and reviewers praise the Saysh Felix Runner for offering performance that meets and exceeds expectations across various activities. On the run, the shoe’s unique FemiformityFit feels snug in the midfoot, supportive around the heel, but never restrictive—helping to improve form and comfort even for those recovering from injuries or with asymmetrical foot needs. The supercritical foam midsole balances softness with responsiveness, so while the shoe feels cushioned, it doesn’t create instability or a “marshmallowy” sink. Instead, the Felix Runner molds under pressure, reminiscent of a memory foam mattress, adapting to every step and stride.
Styling versatility is another stand-out feature. The elegant silhouette and premium materials move effortlessly from daily runs to casual office attire. Rather than sporting overtly feminine colorways, the aesthetic favors understated sophistication, with swirled Saysh logos and cording details drawing comparisons to designer accessories rather than utilitarian sports gear.
Ideal Uses
- Performance running (short-to-medium distances)
- Everyday walking and commuting
- All-day standing and active lifestyles
- Paired with business casual outfits for all-day comfort
Comparison: Felix Runner vs. Traditional Running Shoes
| Saysh Felix Runner | Traditional Unisex Running Shoe | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit/Anatomy | Women-specific last, contoured heel, wider toe box | Designed on a men’s last, resized for women, often less anatomical |
| Cushioning | Supercritical foam tuned for women’s stride pattern | General foam, not adapted for different biomechanical needs |
| Support & Lockdown | Midfoot lacing, molded heel, internal foam pods | Standard lacing and heel counter |
| Weight | 10.5 ounces (balanced for nimbleness and support) | Varies, often heavier at equivalent sizes |
| Sustainability | Eco-conscious materials and methods | Mixed; often less focus on green production |
| Fashion & Versatility | Sleek, understated, designer-inspired | Typically sport-focused appearance, fewer styling options |
Sustainability Commitment
Saysh considers environmental impact at every stage of the Felix Runner’s lifecycle. From reduced water usage during production to a lower overall carbon footprint, the brand’s eco initiatives include energy-efficient manufacturing and responsible sourcing that supports both health and sustainability. Plus, recycling programs encourage longevity and community responsibility—each pair is a step toward a greener future.
Caring for Your Felix Runner
- Clean by hand or with a gentle machine cycle using mild soap and cold water.
- Always air dry; avoid heat sources to maintain shoe structure and materials.
- Regularly remove insoles to freshen and prevent odor build-up.
- Spot clean reflective and colored elements with care to maintain appearance.
Payment & Purchasing Options
With a recommended retail price of $165, the Felix Runner remains accessible compared to other high-end, specialty athletic shoes. Flexible payment plans (such as Klarna, allowing three interest-free payments) enhance accessibility for more women seeking quality, fit, and thoughtful design.
What Runners Are Saying: Testimonials & Reviews
Feedback across fitness communities highlights several recurring strengths:
- “The fit feels immediately different—snug but comfortable, especially at the midfoot. The toe box allows my toes to splay, unlike so many narrow traditional shoes.”
- “Stylish enough for both workouts and wearing to work; I wore them for a 14-hour hospital shift with no discomfort.”
- “The cushioning is not marshmallowy but supportive—perfect for long days and after recovering from foot injuries.”
- “Finally, a running shoe that isn’t just a smaller men’s design with pink slapped on.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the Saysh Felix Runner designed for?
The Felix Runner is built specifically for women, addressing anatomical differences and a wide range of comfort and performance needs.
Can men wear the Felix Runner?
While technically possible, the design and fit are optimized for the typical structure of women’s feet; men may not find the best fit or support from this shoe.
What sizes and colors are available?
Available in standard women’s sizes and multiple colorways, including ebony (black), avalanche (white), and fire (red), the Felix Runner suits diverse preferences and activities.
How is the Felix Runner different from previous Saysh models?
Unlike its casual predecessors, the Felix Runner introduces supercritical foam, enhanced support, and a focus on running-specific needs while maintaining designer styling.
What is FemiformityFit Technology?
FemiformityFit Technology begins with a women’s-specific last and builds every detail to anatomical, biomechanical, and hormonal realities unique to female athletes.
Is the Felix Runner suitable for long-distance running?
The Felix Runner works well for most daily runs and all-day activity; elite marathoners may want to alternate with more specialized performance models for extreme mileage.
A Shoe with Meaning: Beyond Performance
The Saysh Felix Runner isn’t just a product—it’s part of a larger conversation about representation, empowerment, and systemic change in sports and beyond. Allyson Felix’s leadership puts maternal rights, inclusive design, and sustainable practices at the forefront, challenging an entire industry to do better by women. For women seeking a high-performance, beautifully crafted, and mission-driven running shoe, the Saysh Felix Runner stands as 2023’s must-have pick—not just by the numbers, but by the values it represents.
References
- https://www.womensrunning.com/gear/shoes/i-tried-it-the-saysh-felix-runner/
- https://saysh.com/products/the-felix-runner-fire-womens-running-shoe
- https://believeintherun.com/shoe-reviews/saysh-the-felix-runner-review/
- https://www.prevention.com/fitness/workout-clothes-gear/a64920700/saysh-the-evelyn-runner-review/
- https://saysh.com/collections/the-felix-runner
- https://saysh.com/products/the-felix-runner-aka
- https://runpacers.com/collections/saysh-the-felix-runner
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