Best Saucony Running Shoes

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Echelon 5
Test Winner: Echelon 5
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Saucony has been in the business of making top-notch athletic gear since 1898. You know that a company has to be doing something right to still share the spotlight with some of the other top brands out there, even after all of these years. The Saucony running shoes are designed to not only hold up over time but also accommodate all of the different types of runners. If you are looking to try out this tried-and-tested brand for the first time, or you are a longtime fan that is curious about all of the different designs and models, Saucony has something out there for everyone. Summer is swiftly approaching, and the ice is finally beginning to melt. You might have already opened your closet and noticed that your old trainers may need that proverbial trip out to join all of your other ones.

Standout Picks

Cohesion 9
The Cohesion 9 is one of the best pairs of neutral designs currently out there on the market today. It has all of the features that both new and veteran runners would like out of their trainers- such as comfort, easy design, and durability. The best part is that all of those features come at a very affordable price.
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Triumph ISO 2
If you are a traditionalist that likes running shoes that support a more simple design- you probably aren’t going to like this pair very much. They conform to the current trend of trainers, which means that they come in a wide variety of fun and vibrant colors to ensure that fellow running will see you coming a mile away. They are so incredibly comfortable and easy to wear, however, that they may turn the most traditional runner into a trendsetter.
Grid Excursion tr10
The Grid Excursion t10 will be a great addition to all of your trail runs- no matter how challenging the trails you like to take. It comes in a variety of muted gray and black tones for the athlete that doesn’t like their footwear to be too flashy. It has a comfortable fit that will last you many miles of outdoor adventures.
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Echelon 5
Now, unlike the Grid Excursion- this model is made specifically for jogging on the road. There are a few design changes to help make training on the road easier on the feet (and essentially the joints), and this model has all of the features that will keep your feet comfortable while training on hard surfaces.
Amazon Link
$163.95
Omni 15
The Omni 15 is another great addition to their lineup of great urban trainers. It has a slightly different design than the Echelon 5 that stands to provide the user a little bit more stability and control. It is also offered in a wide array of different color and design choices.
Guide 10
The Guide 10 has a little bit of a lower profile on the foot than some of the other models and is perfect for athletes that like to train on sidewalks as well as difficult trails. It is one of the more versatile models out there and will be a great addition to all types of athletes.
Amazon Link
Men's Cohesion TR10
Don’t be confused- this isn’t the updated version of the Cohesion 9 style. This design is made for running on trails- easy trails to the more difficult trails. They look great, and can really help you scale those rocky and uneven courses without skipping a beat.
Amazon Link
Ride 9
The Ride 9 is a trailer designed to take on the trails, but it is also perfect for urban jogging. It comes in many different colors and designs to appease many different tastes and is designed to take a lot of pressure off of feet- especially on harder surfaces.
Amazon Link
Kinvara 8
The Kinvara is a light and easy design that comes in many different colors and designs that will ensure that you will be noticed when jogging down the sidewalk or on the trail. It is designed to keep your stride light and your feet comfortable.
Amazon Link
Kineta Relay
Everyone has that one pair of running pants that they love more than any others. When you open your drawer and see that they are clean and waiting for you, you know that it is going to be a good day. That’s exactly what the Kineta Relay sets out to do- be that comfy pair of running pants, only in shoe form.
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Criteria Used for Evaluation

Comfort

One of the most important things that we took into consideration was the overall comfort. If your trainers aren’t comfortable, you probably aren’t going to want to wear them. Furthermore, uncomfortable shoes can lead to blisters, slower times, and shorter distances. It is really easy to convince yourself to stop when your feet are screaming up at you to stop. We tried to stick to material that wouldn’t rub up against your ankles that will cause blisters, and we really kept an eye on the padding of the sole. This brand uses a sole that is made with up to 5 different layers of materials that will provide you a nice and even run. For instance, many models have a hard layer that is positioned in the middle of the other rubber and EVA layers to help absorb the impact from the ground. We also gravitated towards models that had a layer of memory foam in the sole, because everyone loves to lace up their sneakers and have them fit like a glove (and it also helps improve your stride.)

Terrain

Before you make that purchase make sure you consider the need associated with your chosen terrain. It might be in your best interest to have your foot measured to ensure that you are buying a model that will have the right amount of support to ensure that even on long runs your feet will remain nice and comfortable. If you intend on sticking primarily to paved roads and sidewalks, there are some models that are designed specifically for the road. What makes them best for the road is that they have a different structure (wide and raised toe best) and special padding to ensure that your foot is support at every point in your stride. If you like to switch it up between roads and trails, there are also models that can provide you enough support to take pressure off of your feet but have a flexible sole to really dig into those difficult trails.

Durability

Runners typically measure an effective trainer by how many miles they can rack up- 200 being considered good and 500 is considered great. What makes a trainer last is the quality of materials used, such as EVA rubber on the soles and water-resistant lining. Those are some of the things that we took into consideration when researching what will make a trainer last longer than others. The water-resistant lining is something that makes this brand a little more unique than others- because I lot of other brands don’t use this type of materials for their trainers. You might not like to admit it, but looks are probably mildly important to you. We knew this when we were researching the best designs. We made an effort to include designs that are considered to be stylish based upon all of the current trends- such as bright and neon colors- but also included more muted tones for those that just want a classic design. This brand is really good about providing a wide array of designs that aren’t too over the top and trendy, and will likely still be in style even in you pack them away in your closet for 10 years before taking them out on a run.

Brand

Saucony has proven over the years that they are dedicated to crafting footwear that will help runners of all types push through their goals. They were the very first footwear brand to really take the time to develop a piece of gear that was tailored specifically for runners. If it wasn’t for them, we might still be going on jogs in strange flat leather footwear.

Lacing up your sneakers to head out on a run can be tough, and if you have trainers that you just don’t absolutely love- it can be even harder. This company has focused all of their energy and efforts of getting inside the minds of runners- and only runners- to determine exactly the things in which they need to make every training session better than the first. If you were on the fence about giving this brand a try, you will be pleasantly surprised at just how comfortable and reliable this brand is, it’s likely you won’t buy any other brand.

Top 10 Picks

1. Cohesion 9

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Cohesion 9
Amazon Link

The Cohesion 9 is one of the best pairs of neutral designs currently out there on the market today. It has all of the features that both new and veteran runners would like out of their trainers- such as comfort, easy design, and durability. The best part is that all of those features come at a very affordable price.

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Design

When it comes to trainers- many athletes don’t want something that looks too trendy or that will stand out in a crowd- and they won’t have to worry about any of those things when it comes to Cohesion 9’s design. It has a solid mesh top that is available in dark gray, light gray, or blue, and they all have white and blue accents. Each model has a solid white sole with a grid pattern that reflects the top colors of the shoe along the bottom.

Comfort

If it’s not comfortable, you probably aren’t going to want to wear it. The Cohesion 9 marries the best of both worlds when it comes to running: it’s lightweight and won’t weigh you down, but it offers a lot of padding to keep your feet comfortable. The mesh the runs along the top is designed to keep your feet cool when you are really putting a lot of ground behind you- especially on hot summer days.

Durability

If Saucony is known do one thing very well- it is crafting a sneaker that will hold up to whatever you throw at it. Its grid design on the bottom of the sole is great for taking out on the trails, but it’s too harsh and heavy when you need to transition to the treadmill at the gym when the snow starts to pile up.

Value

The Cohesion 9 comes to you at a price that is considered to be the middle of the road when it comes to how much the average consumer would be willing to pay for a pair of trainers. These give you all of the support you need while not draining your bank account.

Summary

If you are curious to try out this brand- or are looking to try a different model, many veteran runners swear by how durable, comfortable, and effective the Cohesion 9 is at allowing them to train their best every time they lace them up.

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2. Triumph ISO 2

Where to buy
Triumph ISO 2
Amazon Link

If you are a traditionalist that likes running shoes that support a more simple design- you probably aren’t going to like this pair very much. They conform to the current trend of trainers, which means that they come in a wide variety of fun and vibrant colors to ensure that fellow running will see you coming a mile away. They are so incredibly comfortable and easy to wear, however, that they may turn the most traditional runner into a trendsetter.

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Design

If you were looking at a wall of Saucony sneakers- your eye will most likely be immediately drawn to this design. It’s bright and colorful and available in various color options and designs. It definitely adheres to the current trends when it comes to sneakers.

Comfort

The Triumph ISO 2 is lightweight and easy, but the soft and spongy sole will leave feet feeling great even if you are running on the sidewalk. The ISOFIT design places extra cushioning on the different parts of the foot where runners push off, maintaining maximum comfort during the entire stride. It has a cushioned collar that prevents against blisters, and a thin tongue that doesn’t sit too heavy on the top of the foot.

Durability

The sole of this design is thick and sturdy enough to take on the trails, and can easily be transition right to the treadmill when the weather isn’t cooperating. It has a mesh that runs only along the top of the toes and letting hot air escape to keep your feet cool, while the synthetic sides will keep your feet dry if you happen to run through a puddle or a muddy trail.

Value

Just like the Cohesion 9, these come in at an incredibly affordable price that will provide your feet maximum comfort without putting any extra strain on your wallet.

Summary

If you like to keep up with the latest trends while also wearing incredibly comfortable trainers that will be able to push you past all of your previous limits- this is a great choice that comes in at a reasonable price.

3. Grid Excursion tr10

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Grid Excursion tr10
Amazon Link

The Grid Excursion t10 will be a great addition to all of your trail runs- no matter how challenging the trails you like to take. It comes in a variety of muted gray and black tones for the athlete that doesn’t like their footwear to be too flashy. It has a comfortable fit that will last you many miles of outdoor adventures.

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Design

This trainer doesn’t adhere to the fleeting trends of footwear- it likes to stick to the tried and true colors and design that are the mark of a great sneaker. It is available with a deep black base, and other models have red, orange, or blue accents.

Comfort

There are three paths that a sneaker can take when offering athletes excellent comfort- they can either be lightweight so that they don’t weigh runners down, or they can provide maximum cushioning so that you wouldn’t be able to tell if you were running on concrete or dirt. This model lies somewhere in the middle- is has excellent cushioning in the sole, but the top of the sneaker isn’t encumbered by excess padding.

Durability

The treads on the bottom of the sole have excellent traction so that you can take them on some of the more challenging trails and not have to worry about being slowed down or held back by loose and uneven terrain. The top of this model was specifically designed for the trails because it offers a mesh toe to provide ventilation, but synthetic sides to keep mud and dust away from your socks.

Value

The price of this model is about the average price that consumer would tend to spend of a good quality pair of trainers. It’s not going to cost you the higher cost that some could run you, and it will provide you with enough extra cash to be able to invest in a great pair of socks or other running gear.

Summary

If you are in the market for a great pair of trainers that will never go out of style and will offer you fantastic support even on the most difficult of trails- this is a great choice that won’t break the bank.

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4. Echelon 5

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$163.95
Echelon 5
Amazon Link

Now, unlike the Grid Excursion- this model is made specifically for jogging on the road. There are a few design changes to help make training on the road easier on the feet (and essentially the joints), and this model has all of the features that will keep your feet comfortable while training on hard surfaces.

Read more

Design

The design of this shoe adheres to the basic and doesn’t adhere to many of the fleeting trends out there on the market. You could put this shoe in a box for 10 years, lace them up and you won’t be considered out of style. It has a basic black or gray base that is punctuated with subtle neon yellow or red accents.

Comfort

When training on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt, each step can really do a number on your feet if you don’t have the proper tools. You need sneakers that have a soft and spongy sole with a large and raised toe best to ensure that your entire gait is supported- and this model excels at that perfectly. It also has a padded tongue and collar to ensure that you won’t get painful blisters on your heel.

Durability

Running on hard surfaces requires a lot of extra pressure on the sole of your trainer, and this design compensates for all of the extra wear and tear by offering an incredibly padded sole to push up off of and to take some of the impact off of your foot with every stride.

Value

While it is a little bit more expensive than some of the other models found on this list, it isn’t by much and is still considered to be a reasonably priced trailer. If you find that you don’t do a lot of jogging on trails and usually stick to the sidewalks and roads- this is an excellent deal.

Summary

If you are a jogger that likes to stick the sidewalks and roads in your neighborhood and need something that will absorb some of the impact of training on hard surfaces- this is an excellent choice. While it is a little more expensive than some of the others, it is well worth the slightly padded price tag.

Amazon Link
$163.95

5. Omni 15

Where to buy
Omni 15
Amazon Link

The Omni 15 is another great addition to their lineup of great urban trainers. It has a slightly different design than the Echelon 5 that stands to provide the user a little bit more stability and control. It is also offered in a wide array of different color and design choices.

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Design

The exterior of this model has a slightly more bulky and boxy design than some of the others- and it is primarily due to its utility. It is available in many different color and design choices, including black with blue accents, a faded red color, black with neon green accents, and an electric blue with sharp orange accents.

Comfort

Comfort is the name of the game when it comes to the Omni 15. Jogging on concrete can be a real pain- both on your feet and your back. The less impact that you absorb by your feet and back, the better you will feel One way to achieve this is by utilizing a trainer that has a very thick and bouncy sole that will absorb some of the impact from that road- and that is exactly what this model does.

Durability

The thick sole of these trainers are not only designed to absorb some of the impact from hard surfaces, but they will also take a long time to be worn down to the point of replacement. They have a breathable mesh material located on the upper part of the foot that will keep your foot cool and comfortable even on those hot summer days.

Value

The price tag on the Omni 15 is a little higher than some of the other models to makes this list, but not by much. If you are an athlete that needs a trainer that will be able to keep up with you for miles on hard surfaces, it is well worth the slightly extra cost.

Summary

For athletes that need a little more stability and cushioning while running on sidewalks for roads- and have a little bit extra money to spend- the Omni 15 might soon become your new favorite pair of trainers.

6. Guide 10

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Guide 10
Amazon Link

The Guide 10 has a little bit of a lower profile on the foot than some of the other models and is perfect for athletes that like to train on sidewalks as well as difficult trails. It is one of the more versatile models out there and will be a great addition to all types of athletes.

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Design

This model has a lower profile and is available in many different colors to appease the style choices of all athletes. Color choices include a solid charcoal grey with red accents, blue and navy, lime green with black accents, and solid black. None of the colors are too flashy and will appease most tastes.

Comfort

The way that this model sits lower on the foot means that your ankle will have more room to flex and maneuver, making you feel less encumbered than some models that tend to cradle the ankle in padding along the high collar and tongue. It comes with a TRI-FLEX sole that offers premium comfort while still allowing you to scale difficult terrains as easily as if you were wearing no shoes at all. Lightness and flexibility is the name of the game with the Guide 10.

Durability

This model is made to seamlessly transition from the trails to the sidewalks, and give the user premium comfort and stability on both surfaces. The detailed traction on the bottom of the sole will make it so that you will be able to scale loose and uneven terrain without skipping a beat. The mesh and synthetic top allow for maximum airflow while keeping dust and mud away from your socks.

Value

The cost of this model is a little bit more than some of the other designs on the market- but it still coming in at a reasonable priced when compared to some of the other brands out there. Given out versatile and comfortable this design is, it is offered at an excellent price.

Summary

If you are in the market for an updated pair of trainers, and you find that you love to run on both sidewalks and trails- this is a great choice that can seamlessly transition you from one surface to the next without losing any support or traction.

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7. Men's Cohesion TR10

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Men's Cohesion TR10
Amazon Link

Don’t be confused- this isn’t the updated version of the Cohesion 9 style. This design is made for running on trails- easy trails to the more difficult trails. They look great, and can really help you scale those rocky and uneven courses without skipping a beat.

Read more

Design

Color options are a little bit more limited when it comes to this design. It only available in three different shades of gray that have red, blue, or white accents. The soles of this model also sport a solid gray design with a little pop of color on the treads. Much like the Guide 10, it also sits a little bit lower on the foot.

Comfort

The Cohesion TR10 is made specifically for jogging on the trails, so you know that it has a lot of support and padding for uneven terrain. The HELL grid design is made to keep your foot comfortable, but it also works to prevent you from rolling your ankle when climbing difficult hills. It has a little more mesh that runs along the top than some of the other models, which means it works better at keeping your feet cool on those hot days.

Durability

Designed to take out on the trails- these were designed to really take quite the beating. The thick soles that are designed with their HELL grid system to ensure that you will never lose your footing while pushing your limits scaling even the most impossible trails.

Value

The price of this model might just convince you to give them a try. They are priced significantly lower than many of the products found on this list. In fact, they are priced significantly lower than many competing brands currently on the market.

Summary

If you were curious about this brand- and you love running on trails that have a tendency to be rough and uneven- you cannot go wrong with the purchase of these trainers.

Amazon Link

8. Ride 9

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Ride 9
Amazon Link

The Ride 9 is a trailer designed to take on the trails, but it is also perfect for urban jogging. It comes in many different colors and designs to appease many different tastes and is designed to take a lot of pressure off of feet- especially on harder surfaces.

Read more

Design

The design of this sneaker comes in many different colors and designs that conform to the newest styles and trends. Colors include blue and green, neon orange, black and red, and shades of gray for those that do not want something as bright and flashy.

Comfort:

Comfort is the name of the game with it comes to the Ride 9. It has a flexible sole that will ensure that you will always have an excellent range of motion that will never make you feel hindered or limited while working on your form. It has a nice padded collar and tongue and a very thick and layered sole that will help absorb the impact of whatever surface it is that you are running on.

Durability

While some trainers are designed specifically for the road, and others are designed for the trials- this one is perfect for athletes that like to go for a run on both surfaces. It has a soft mesh top that will keep feet cool on those awesome summer runs on hot days.

Value

The cost of this model is a little bit more than some of the others that make this list- and are typically considered to cost more than what the average consumer would spend on a pair of trainers. However, if you are an athlete that needs a trainer that will be able to work on any type of terrain- these are well worth the slightly padded price tag.

Summary

For athletes looking to spend a little bit of extra money on a pair of trainers that will keep up right alongside them during various types of workouts- the Ride 9 is a sneaker that is well worth the cost.

Amazon Link

9. Kinvara 8

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Kinvara 8
Amazon Link

The Kinvara is a light and easy design that comes in many different colors and designs that will ensure that you will be noticed when jogging down the sidewalk or on the trail. It is designed to keep your stride light and your feet comfortable.

Read more

Design

This design adheres to all of the current trends when it comes to footwear, so you are sure to be noticed when wearing these out on the trails. They are available in many solid colors including yellow, back red, blue, green, gray and burgundy. They sit a little bit lower on the foot than some of the other models out there.

Comfort

While the lower profile gives your ankle more freedom to move and bend, the sole has a 4mm offset which provides excellent cushioning while still maintain a gait that feels solid and natural. The top sole is what is a little different about this model- it is composed of a FLEXFLIM that connected the lower part to the upper part. It is made from one solid piece of material to ensure that your foot always feels light and unencumbered.

Durability

This design was designed to really push your speed limits. While it is perfect to take out on the sidewalks or streets of your neighborhood, it is also durable enough to bring along with you on some of the more difficult trails in the area. It has extra cushioning in the sole, and a tread that will be able to keep you stable on uneven terrains.

Value

The cost of this design will run you a little bit more than some of the other models making this list- but it is nowhere near the most expensive trainers out there. This runs about a little above average of what the average consumer would likely spend on a pair of trainers.

Summary

If you are someone that likes to adhere to the latest trends, but also wants a trainer that will allow you to push yourself faster than you ever thought possible- these are the sneakers that will help you smash through all of your previous times.

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10. Kineta Relay

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Kineta Relay
Amazon Link

Everyone has that one pair of running pants that they love more than any others. When you open your drawer and see that they are clean and waiting for you, you know that it is going to be a good day. That’s exactly what the Kineta Relay sets out to do- be that comfy pair of running pants, only in shoe form.

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Design

No matter what your personal style- there is a design that is made specifically for you. This model has colors that range from gray, white, and tan, to fun blues, black with electric yellow trim, and red, It also comes with a unique green camouflage design. It offers a low profile and a lightweight and easy design.

Comfort

Comfort is the name of the game when it comes to this model. The top sole is made from a soft and comfortable material that some users report feels like their house slippers. It has EVA+ cushioning to ensure that you have a solid and comfortable stride from heel to toe.

Durability

The memory foam sole makes these trainers perfect for talking on the roads or sidewalks, and can also transition perfectly to the trails. The easy and lightweight mesh will be a welcome addition for those jogs that come on very hot summer days- it will keep your foot nice and cool.

Value

One of the nicer features of this design is that it comes to you at a reasonable price, and it one of the more affordable options to make this list. In fact, this model costs a little bit less than what the normal consumer would spend on a pair of trainers.

Summary

If you are in the market for a new pair of trainers that rival the comfort of even your bedroom slippers, while still providing you excellent support on all of your outdoor adventures- these are an excellent choice.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. Sam Silver, 66 best Saucony running shoes, Blog