Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
7.8/10
Latest Version
Cohesion TR 9
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• IMEVA midsole foam provides a cushioned ride without feeling too cumbersome• Midsole’s heel grid system adds stability and absorbs shock, reducing the risk of injury• Triangle lugs improve grip even on slippery or jagged surfaces• Outsole made of durable carbon rubber
Upper
The upper of this shoe is constructed using a combination of synthetic and nylon materials. This allows for a durable upper that also has the right amount of give so your feet feel snug and supported but not suffocated. Also on that note, the upper of these shoes has large, breathable mesh holes to allow for maximum airflow. This keeps feet cool and comfortable even on those long, hot, grueling adventures. The reduction of moisture inside the shoe reduces the risk for irritation and nearly eliminates the potential for blisters or hot spots to form.
Midsole
The unique thing about these shoes is that they have a midsole that feels like a cushioned road running shoe, but an outsole that makes them able to take on tough terrain and in doing so, makes them good for the trails too. The foam used in these midsoles is an IMEVA foam. Most athletic shoes offer two types of foam in their midsoles: Injection Molded EVA or Compression foam. The benefits of having a shoe with the IMEVA foam is that the IMEVA foam tends to be lighter and give a more cushioned feel than it’s denser, more supportive brother, Compression foam. In addition to the IMEVA foam, Saucony does something really cool with these shoes. They use what they refer to as their Heel Grid System. Basically what this technology does it create extra cushioning and stability by helping the heel stay centered when it hits the ground. This technology is unique because it isn’t just about making the shoe more comfortable, it is also so helpful with adding stability to the running experience as well. It also helps absorb some of the shock when the foot hits the ground, thus reducing the risk of injury.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe is what sets it apart from other running shoes. The outsole is specifically designed to add maximum grip and traction which brings this shoe off the road and onto the trail with ease. The underfoot is constructed with a pattern of triangular lugs. This helps the shoe grip onto uneven or slippery terrain and keeps the runner feeling safe and confident. Runners can expect a high-density rubber which adds durability and protects the foot from the uneven or jagged terrain.
Breathability
The upper of this shoe is designed for maximum airflow. The mesh overlay of this upper includes visible air holes for maximum breathability and comfort. This also allows for quick drying should the runner encounter a stream or puddle on their adventure. Runners know that foot moisture is one of the leading causes of discomfort and the smart design and materials used the Cohesion TR7 reduce that annoyance and allow you to focus on what is important – the run.
Comfort
This shoe provides the runner with a high level of comfort. Two of the main factors in this comfort is the IMEVA midsole foam which is a foam option that provides the runner with a cushier less dense foam than a compression foam. Another feature that adds to the Cohesion TR7’s comfort is the Heel Grid System used in the midsole. This helps to reduce the strain put on the points by absorbing the shock from each heel strike. It also improves the stride of runners by guiding the heel into a correct placement on each foot strike.
Style
The thing to like about this shoe is that while some trail shoes try to look too much like road running shoe, these shoes are smartly designed in harder colors. The darker colors are a perfect compliment to the dirt and dust that you can expect to pick up on the trail. Another thoughtful design feature of these shoes is the reflective elements found on the upper. Not only does this add a nice stylistic touch to the shoe, it also adds a protective element for the runner out in the evening.
Durability
The outsole of this shoe is designed using a durable rubber. This outsole is specifically designed to hold up against the elements that the trail can throw your way. However, the midsole foam is a less durable option and runners reported that it broke down more quickly than they would have preferred.
Protection
Protection is a feature to consider when purchasing trail running shoes. Offroad adventures are great to switch up the scenery, but they can also pose threats that road runners don’t have to concern themselves with. The outsoles of these shoes are specifically designed for the trail. The triangular lugs found along the underfoot add extra grip and protection for the runner. The midsole is cushioned which helps protect against the jagged terrain. In addition to these elements, the side has reflective properties which protect runners in on evening runs.
Responsiveness
These shoes received high marks for responsiveness. The triangle pattern of the underfoot allows the shoe to grip rugged surfaces, even wet surfaces, with ease. The outsole is thick enough that runners feel protected, but not so thick they can’t respond quickly to changes in terrain, speeds, or the variance of up or downhill running.
Support
The Heel Grip System in the midsole of this shoe adds extra support for the runner looking for help improving their stride. This system ensures that the heel strikes the center of each footfall. Between this technology and the IMEVA midsole foam, runners can look forward to a cushioned ride that is supportive without being overly soft.
Terrain
This shoe is a double duty running shoe. You can feel confident taking it on light, offroad adventures. The added grip of the outsole helps trail runners feel secure and protected on mildly slippery or uneven terrain. However, because this shoe doesn’t contain extensive technology use specifically for the trail, this is also a decent shoe to use on your runs on the road as well.
Price
Like most aspects of this shoe, the price is average. We know it isn’t unheard of to pay upwards of even two hundred dollars for a pair of quality trail running shoes. These shoes come in at about half that. They aren’t rugged adventure shoes, but a perk of these shoes is that they can be worn on both the road and the trails. That isn’t something you can plan on in all trail running shoes.
Drop
If you are looking for a natural or minimalistic running shoe, look elsewhere. This shoe has a 12mm drop. The added support and cushioning, especially in the heel of this shoe, keeps it from having that natural feel that some runners are looking for. On the opposite side of that, while it doesn’t have a natural feel, it does offer extra stability and runners who were looking for the extra support in the heel and arch found it in this shoe.
Stability
This is a good shoe for the runner who is looking for a more stable running partner. The technology used in the midsole, especially the heel gripping system, provide the runner with a more guided, improved stride. This system ensures that the heel strikes in the middle on each stride and this reduces the runner’s propensity for overpronation. Over time, technology like this can actually improve a runner’s form.
Flexibility
Often times one of the struggles in finding flexible outsole or midsole of shoes is that you have to sacrifice cushioning and stability. This shoe gives the runner added cushioning and flexibility, but unfortunately, it doesn’t offer much flexibility. Some trail runners would claim this to be a good thing because a flexible outsole often means a less cushioned outsole, and it is imperative to have adequate protection on the trails. What this shoe lacks in flexibility, it makes up for its stability and cushioning and protection.
Traction
You are going to find mild grips on the underfoot of this shoe, but again, do not expect this to be a true offroad adventure shoe. The zig-zag design of the underfoot creates adequate traction, and runners reported feeling safe on slippery terrain or downhill running, but overall, this is not a shoe that is ideal of maximum grip. The outsole is not lugged out, nor does it offer a material that is more “grippy” than your average outsole material. Take it on runs across groomed trails, but leave it at home while you are off on the big adventures.
Bottom Line
The Saucony TR7 is an older iteration of this shoe. It is a unique trail shoe that can also be used as a road shoe and it contains some of the best technology for stabilizing the heel and protecting against injuries. It is not the shoe for your intense trail adventures like some other more durable, aggressive trail shoes, but it is a quality all around shoe from a trusted brand. As mentioned, this is an older version of the shoe, and while the price will reflect the older model in that it will be more affordable than the newer version, the updates added to the newer model bring this shoe to the next level.
