Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
12 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Trail
Type
Stability
Key Features
• The Heel Grid System created by Saucony is great for the runner who is looking for more support. It also helps improve the runner’s gait and reduces the risk of injury.• IMEVA midsole foam is lighter and offers more cushioning than some other midsole options.• Underfoot is lugged in a triangle design to help on slippery or uneven terrain.
Upper
Trail shoes are tricky beasts. They need to offer enough protection that the runner feels safe traipsing through the elements, but they also need to be breathable enough that the foot can stay cool and dry even on hot runs. Also, trail runners know that puddles and streams are often part of the average trail run. For the reason, the shoe needs to be breathable enough that it can dry fast in case of a run in with a water source. The upper of this shoe is made of a synthetic mesh material that allows for maximum airflow, but the material is durable enough to deflect debris and keep the foot safe.
Midsole
An interesting element to these shoes is the Heel Grid Technology used in the midsole. This system helps to stabilize the heel and ensure a safe and secure foot strike each time. While this shoe is listed as a neutral shoe, this heel grid technology does add a slight arch support the runner who needs it. It also uses an IVEMA foam which tends to be more cushioned and less firm than other popular midsole materials.
Outsole
Trail runners know that a good trail running shoe is built from the bottom up. What I mean by that is that the outsole of the shoe has to be durable enough to carry you over rugged terrain without breaking down, it has to have technology that provides good traction to take you across slippery, jagged or uneven surfaces, and some runners would even prefer lugs or spikes in the underfoot for added protection. The outsole of this shoe is relatively tame for a trail running shoe. That is what puts this into the “beginner” category of the trail running shoe section. The outsole is made of a durable rubber, and the underfoot is fitted with a triangular lug pattern increases its grip, but it lacks some of the strength other more intense Saucony trail shoes have, like the ones from the Excursion line.
Breathability
The synthetic material used in this upper gives the shoe a nice combination of protection and breathability. Runners reported that the shoe felt snug, but it didn’t feel too constricting. The upper allows for air flow and keep the entire foot cool even on hot days.
Comfort
There are two main sources of comfort in these shoes. The first is the IMEVA midsole foam. This foam tends to be cushier and more comfortable than some other traditional foams which tend to be more firm. The other place this shoe generates more comfort is in the heel grip system. The drop of this shoe is higher and it `created a more cushioned footfall. This is a shoe for the neutral runner, but it also provides extra support and padding for the runner who needs it.
Style
There is no fancy way to say this, so I’ll just say it: This shoe is certainly a very trail shoe looking trail shoe. While some runners are looking for a more colorful or stylish look, this shoe has more of the rugged, classic look of an adventurers shoe. With classic colors like black or gray with blue or orange details, this shoe will have you looking like a pro on the trails (even if you are just getting started !).
Durability
It is important for a trail shoe to be able to hold up to the elements. In two ways, this shoe adds durability to the run. The synthetic upper of the is specifically designed with a tougher material in order to hold up against the trail. The outsole is made from a durable rubber to protect against the trail.
Protection
Protection is adequate on this model. The outsole offers a triangle lug pattern to help keep the runner safe on slippery terrain. The upper also offers reflective material to keep the runner safe on darker runs. The most intense trail shoes offer different technology to deflect debris. These shoes don’t offer distinct debris protection, but the synthetic mesh upper does offer slight protection from the elements.
Responsiveness
The outsole of this shoe is a good thickness for maximum responsiveness. Runners reported feeling protected on the trails, but they still felt connected to the trail. The shoe does a good job of allowing runners to make quick moves on the trail when they are responding to the ups and downs of the terrain.
Support
This shoe is suggested for the neutral runner, but it does include features that help the overpronator. The Heel Grid System helps runners improve their stride over time by allowing them to strike in the middle of their gait each time. This reduces stress on the joints and reduces the risk of injury. In addition to this, the IMEVA foam of the midsole offers a little extra bounce and cushioning to the runner.
Terrain
This is a shoe that is certainly made for the trail, but its features are toned down enough that it can also be used as a road running shoe. The outsole is created with a triangular lug design and durable rubber. However, this outsole is not that trail specific that it can’t take you on the road as well. One of the strengths of this shoe is also one of its weakness: it is fine for either road or trail, but it isn’t great for either.
Price
This is an older iteration of the the Cohesion line. The good news is that you can find this shoe for much cheaper then you’ll find the newest model. Since this is the Cohesion TR 6, you can find it for way under one hundred dollars, while some of the newer models, like the Saucony Cohesion TR 9, will run you much higher.
Drop
Don’t expect to find anything even close to a minimalistic or natural feel in these shoes. While it can be argued that a zero drop shoe is surging in popularity, and some even suggest that the design is better for runner’s form and healthy, this shoe has a very high twelve-millimeter drop. Don’t count this shoe out though! Many runners still look for the more traditional feel of a higher drop and appreciate the added support it offers.
Stability
This shoe is suggested for the neutral runner, but runners who tend to have a slight over pronation issue also responded positively to these shoes. The unique Heel Grid System is helpful to the overpronator, but overall, there is not any targeted technology for the overpronator or even the runner who is looking for added arch support. There are lots of really amazing shoes out there for those specific needs, but this shoe is not one of them.
Flexibility
Expect a decent level of flexibility from this shoe. Even though it is a heavier shoe, runners reported that the shoe does not feel cumbersome and actually does not feel as heavy as it actually is. The midsole contains the IMEVA foam which tends to be lighter and cushier than some other midsole options. The outsole, though it does contain lugs, it’s extremely rugged which adds to the lighter, more flexible feel to the shoe.
Traction
I wouldn’t take this shoe on your more extreme trail adventures. The traction along the bottom of these shoes is good for the groomed trail or even the slightly wild one, but not for the most extreme of terrains. The underfoot features a triangular lug layout which protects the runner from the slippery and uneven terrain.
Bottom Line
Saucony knows that it’s doing, that is for sure. Their shoes are high-quality and can be trusted to perform. With that being said, the Cohesion TR 6 is a fine shoe. It will take you on light trails or even on the occasional road run without a problem. It holds up to the wear and tear of the trails and the price is nice. If you are looking for a shoe with tons of technology bells and whistles, this isn’t your running buddy. If you are looking for a basic, solid shoe, this is your new best friend.
