Product Review: Saucony ProGrid Hurricane

Overview:
One of the greatest challenges that I have faced in picking a good all around training shoe is the ability of that shoe to provide good stability while not feeling like I’m running on wooden planks with lead weights attached to them. The latest Hurricane seems to provide a (mostly) no compromise solution for these needs.

Shoe Specifics:
The Hurricane 9 is a stability shoe for moderate overpronators. It is also a cushioned shoe for a more comfortable ride. There are a number of devices built into the shoe to provide these qualities such as: Pro Grid, Response Tek, Arch Lock, and a duel density EVA midsole to name a few.

Evaluation:
Training in these shoes consisted of speedwork on a track, trail and road running and stair climbing and elliptical trainer workouts. The reviewer is 5′ 10″ and 190 pounds, and a moderate to severe overpronator; training pace for average runs is from 7:30 to 8:20 per mile, interval pace average is approximately 78-84 seconds for 400 meter repeats.

Subjectively, the first impression is that this shoe has a comfortable ride and a very nice fit (it has a semi-curved last). This is the kind of moccasin-like fit that I normally associate with New Balance products, and was a pleasant surprise.

The ride that I refer to is the sensation of having the foot go through its full range of motion without the feeling that there is an artificial or forced movement from the shoe. Here the Hurricane was heroic. It allowed anything from recovery run pace to 400 meter interval pace to feel stable and controlled without feeling overly stiff or too heavy.

I didn’t feel the shoe restricted toe-off in stair workouts, nor have I experienced any foot numbness during elliptical trainer workouts (usually due to a too snug toe box).

The only negative that I have noticed is that the durability of the rubber outsole seems to be a bit less than the previous generations of Hurricanes that I have owned. This may be a softer rubber compound that is also delivering a better ride—possibly a trade off with durability.

Pros:
Great ride and stability without feeling too stiff or heavy.

Cons:
Outer sole seems less durable than in previous versions

Summary:
A lighter, more responsive Hurricane with the same great stability.

Read more about the Saucony ProGrid Hurricane.