Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
8 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• React2U sock liner with plush memory foam• Full-length EVA midsole foam• Aggressive lug system for added traction on wet or dry terrain• Cushioned tongue and collar for added comfort• Knit textile upper• Hot melt synthetic overlays for added support• 8-millimeter drop• Part of Saucony’s RunAnyWhere line
Upper
This shoe uses a unique technique to provide support and breathability to the runner. It has what Saucony calls, Hot melt overlays, along the top of the shoe to help keep the runner’s foot in place. These overlays reduce unwanted movement which can lead to irritation and blisters. This shoe also features a heel counter to lock the heel of the foot in place. The upper material that is used is a knit textile that provides a soft, comfortable fit across the entire top of the shoe. This material is also breathable and helps regulate the temperature inside of the shoe as well. All in all, the entire design of the upper help reduce friction and works to keep the shoe in place while the runner traverses over challenging terrains.
Midsole
The midsole of the Saucony Caliber TR has been described as runners by springy and plush. It employs a variety of materials to create a comfortable ride for runners. To begin, the shoe uses a full-length EVA midsole foam. This provides a bouncy ride for runners that quickly and efficiently respond to changes in direction, speed, and terrain. In addition to the full-length EVA midsole foam, the sock liner of this shoe offers added cushioning for the runner. This sock liner is Saucony’s patented React2U sock liner that is made using memory foam that gives the shoe a very plush, very comfortable feel that adapts to the unique shape of each runner’s foot. This provides added arch support because it cradles the foot and rises up to adapt to the shape of the runner’s arch.
Outsole
The outsole of this trail shoe is designed to take runners on any terrain they feel confident running on. The shoe comes equipped with an aggressive lug system all along the bottom of the shoe to grip onto the ground below, even if the ground below is muddy, slippery, loose gravel, or jagged rocks. The outsole material is a high-quality rubber that is designed to stand up to the wear and tear of the trails and keep the runner protected against the elements. Every inch of this outsole is designed to hold tightly to the ground and keep the runner safe and feeling secure on their runs.
Breathability
While many uppers are now designed using a synthetic mesh, this shoe actually uses a knit textile. This material does a great job of allowing air to freely flow into the shoe and circulate around the foot to help regulate the temperature inside of the shoe. Runners reported that even during their long runs or their runs in hot weather, their feet stayed cool and comfortable.
Comfort
Runners were very pleased with the overall comfort of this shoe. The majority of this luxurious comfort can come from the material choices that Saucony went with while designing this shoe. The midsole uses a springy EVA foam, but the real comfort comes from the REACT2U sock liner that is made with a plush memory foam. This foam is extra plush and molds to the shape of the foot. In addition to this material, the upper is also designed with an extra soft material. The material used in the upper is a knit textile that is soft to the touch but does a great job of absorbing moisture and wicking it away from the foot.
Style
This shoe is not designed for the runner who needs a bright, eye-catching look. It is designed with a more subdued color scheme and muted colors that provides a classic look. Runners liked the look of the shoe, but they were disappointed that it wasn’t offered in more options.
Durability
The rubber used in this outsole is of the highest quality and Saucony specifically choose this material to help the shoe hold up against wear and tear. Runners reported that the outsole of this shoe withstood the elements of the trail and stayed looking and feeling newer for longer. They also said the same thing about the midsole and found the addition of the plush sock liner to keep the shoe feeling newer for longer. However, runners did comment that the knitted material of the upper tended to wear and rip more easily than they would have wanted.
Protection
Runners know that when it comes to protection, a quality trail shoe needs to provide the runner with a base that will keep them safe from debris and jagged elements that can be found on the trail. Another part of the protection that needs to be found in a quality trail shoe is a lug system that will provide the runner this enough traction and grip to keep them upright. This shoe provides both of these elements through its aggressive lug system and high-quality rubber used in the outsole.
Responsiveness
Runners commented that this shoe provides a high level of responsiveness. The heel drop of this shoe is lower and the material used on the outsole is durable, but it is also thin enough to provide the runner with a close ground feel. This connection to the ground below them provided the runner with the ability to change direction quickly and respond to unexpected changes in terrain. Runners reported that they felt more surefooted in these shoes because of the high level of responsiveness.
Support
The key support elements come through in the upper of the shoe. The hot melt overlays provide a secure, structured fit that keeps the foot in place and reduced the risk of unwanted movement. Likewise, the shoe has a structured heel counter that works to lock the foot in place. Runners appreciated this features as they traversed across uneven terrain and ran down steep hills on the trail. This helps keep the foot stable and reduced the amount of friction that can lead to discomfort and blisters.
Terrain
This shoe is designed for the most aggressive trails that you can think up. Runners particularly liked this shoe for trail racing because of its lightweight nature, lower drop, and superior underfoot traction. This shoe provides the runners with a powerful trail running companion, but it doesn’t weight the runner down with unnecessary materials. This shoe utilizes an aggressive lug system underfoot so this isn’t a shoe that should be sued for road running or as a cross training companion in the gym.
Price
Runners were pleased with how reasonable the price tag on these shoes is. It comes in under the average price of a trail running shoe on today’s market, and it falls well within the affordable price range for most runners.
Drop
This shoe features an 8-millimeter drop that helps the runners feel connected to the trail below them. While some trail runners appreciated a higher drop for added cushioning and support, many trail runners find that a lower drop helps them feel more stable and sure footed on the trails. This drop won’t take much getting used to for a runner who is used to a traditional drop of ten or higher, but there will be a small adjustment period because these shoes are more level and provide less forward propulsion.
Stability
This shoe is officially a neutral running shoe, but runners found the plush, memory foam of the midsole to provide good arch support and adequate stability control. In addition to this, the upper of the shoe does a great job of helping keep the runner stable on their runs. This helped the runner feel safe and secure regardless of the terrain they were racing on.
Flexibility
Runners found this shoe to provide adequate flexibility, but overall, it is more of a structured, supportive shoe than a flexible shoe that bends and moves with the natural movement of your foot. Runners found the upper to provide the most flexibility of the entire shoe.
Traction
Due to the lug system found underfoot, runners can expect to receive the highest level of traction. The underfoot of this shoe is almost entirely lined with tough lugs, and this makes this shoe a great choice for some of the toughest terrains. Runners reported that the traction keeps them safe and secure even on slippery and muddy terrain or as they traverse steep up or downhill climbs.
Bottom Line
The Saucony Caliber TR is a trail shoe for the runner who is looking to stay connected to the ground below them, but still have enough cushioning and support to carry them across treacherous terrain. Runners commented over and over about the overall comfort of the shoe. This can be attributed to the knit upper and the memory foam sock liner that rests atop the full-length EVA midsole foam. Saucony is a road running brand that lent their expertise to the trails to create a shoe for the off road adventure. The price is affordable and the color schemes of this shoe fall into the more classic design spectrum. Across the board, this is a quality shoe for the runner looking to get off the road and feel connected to nature.
