Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
8mm
Breathability
7.9/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• The Saucony Hurricane 14 features a new, lowered heel drop promoting a midfoot strike for a more natural feel.• This update showcases a lighter-weight highly cushioned stability shoe with a plush ride.• The Hurricane 14 also adds a midsole insert to help control overpronation.• This shoe retains its heavy-duty status but with all the changes, its reduced weight makes it a best-buy for runners requiring more of a solid base.• The upper mesh, while allowing impressive air circulation missed the mark for some runners, developing holes in the toe area after a short period.• Overall a good, comfortable stability trainer that, aside from the new drop height, requires little to no break-in period.
Upper
The upper of the Hurricane 14 is completely comprised of breathable, lightweight open mesh fabric with stitched composite overlays delivering what most feel is a comfortable, supportive fit. As part of the SAUC fit system, these overlays secure the midfoot so well that they completely replaced the arch lock support system in the overhaul. The upper of the Hurricane 14 has been noted to allow more natural movement. Taking part in the upper’s secure fit was the lacing system that was elastic with just the right amount of resistance to keep feet comfortable and confidently in place. One little comfort feature Saucony incorporated for the runner-on-the-go is the small pocket incorporated into its tongue just the right size for change or a key.
Midsole
The largest changes to this newest Hurricane are in the midsole. POWERGrid technology improves on the original foam which was bulky and less cushioned. This reduces the overall weight and the new POWERfoam provides a springier and steadier step. This new cushioning is not only softer and more comfortable but provides more flexibility as well. To create a more natural feel, Saucony also significantly reduced the heel drop from 12mm to 8mm. The Hurricane is still a stability shoe aiming to help control overpronation, so the dual-density insert was left intact but its composition has been changed. It now features a newer, more lightweight and more seamless SSL (Saucony Super Light) EVA rubber foam material. Saucony also changed its midsole support bridge. It has been minimized thereby increasing flexibility but its purpose now is more for extra cushioning and, coupled with the SRC impact zone reduces heel impact and provides a more natural footstrike which can potentially reduce the threat of injury.
Outsole
Saucony utilizes some of the same technologies across many models of its shoes to improve the overall experience for all runners. These features are seen in the Hurricane as well. The forefoot of the outsole of the Hurricane 14 utilizes Saucony’s lightweight IBR+ (Injection Blown rubber) that aims to increase flexibility and improve ground feel, while the heel implements Saucony’s XT900 which is a carbon rubber compound known for good stick and grip for slippier terrain. Both of these rubber compounds are reliable and durable and can help to extend the life of the shoe.
Comfort
With its plush, POWERfoam responsive cushioning in the sole and the upper’s well designed lightweight, breathable open mesh fabric, many laud the comfort of the Hurricane 14. The cushiony sockliner with Saucony ‘s exclusive open-cell foam only enhances the comfort of the ride. The impressive stability of this shoe does create a little rigidity but most wearers are quick to point out its flexibility in spite of this.
Style
The color scheme and design are very basic but wearers are so pleased with the Saucony Hurricane 14’s overall function and fit that this seems to be of little consequence. As an older shoe, this shoe is not as readily available as when it first debuted. It seems that there is little variety at this time with the men’s option coming in at black/silver/ lime while the women’s shoe is offered in white/grey/aqua.
Durability
The blend of foams and the iBR+ and XT-900 rubbers in the sole are responsive and durable. The dual density open mesh in the upper, while mostly applauded has gotten some mixed reviews as some wearers have reported that they have torn and developed holes in the toe area. Others laud its ventilation through the mesh fabric upper plus the moisture-wicking Hydramax collar lining to keep the shoe dry, extending its lifespan.
Protection
The men’s shoe with its 36.1 mm (heel) and 26.9 mm (forefoot) of cushioning and the women’s with its 34.4 mm (heel) and 26.1 mm (forefoot) provide a higher profile off the ground, and the rubber composition of the sole with EVA and IBR+ is sturdy and impressively absorbent to shock. The open mesh upper is covered liberally by stitched overlays that serve to protect the foot.
Responsiveness
Despite its higher ride height (Men’s – Heel: 36.1 mm/Forefoot: 26.9 mm) from super plush cushioning, the Hurricane 14 utilizes an effective blend of foam materials to create a shoe that is quite responsive. The PowerGrid system with its PowerFoam material and Grid Technology offer impressive cushioning and responsiveness. Couple that with the Injected Blown Rubber (iBR+) of the outsole that is proven to be more cushioned and responsive, the Saucony Hurricane 14 seems to be a crowd pleaser, giving in to the demands of its wearer.
Support
This shoe is exceptionally supportive and stable. While the upper’s mesh is open and flexible, the overlays reinforce the shoe’s stability as part of the SAUCFit system. Despite the fact that Saucony removed the arch support in the shoe, these generous stitched overlays and securing lacing system keep the foot locked in providing confidence in the stability of the ride.
Terrain
The Saucony Hurricane 14 is a stability shoe designed for the road. The outsole provides solid traction on the pavement and asphalt. Although it can be used on some light trails, it’s best to keep this shoe on the surface it was made for.
Price
When this shoe was released, it was relatively expensive but still in the same price range as comparable shoes in the lighter weight stability road runners category. As it is now a discontinued shoe, if you can find it, it may well be greatly discounted.
Drop
One of the largest changes to previous incarnations of the Hurricane has been its substantial change in the heel to toe drop. The drop is the difference between the measurement of the heel and the forefoot of the shoe, respectively, from the ground. It had measured 12 before the revision, and now the 14 introduces a reduced drop of 8mm. Combined with the Saucony’s SRC Impact Zone heel technology, this lowered differential is thought to promote a midfoot strike which is more natural and reduces the potential for injury. However, because a lowered heel extends the Achilles muscle further, a transition time is recommended before making this a daily trainer.
Stability
The Hurricane 14 is a stability shoe. It incorporates a midsole foam insert that settles the foot into place, disallowing for inward roll and helping to control overpronation. The upper, while flexible, is sufficiently supportive not allowing for lateral movement of the foot. The higher profile sole component is very cushioned and some think it reduces stability but the consensus is that the shoe’s features work together to create a stable, confident ride. In addition, the decoupled heel disperses impact efficiently for a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
Flexibility
With all the changes to the Hurricane in this model, flexibility could easily have been sacrificed, but Saucony managed to highlight it instead with the upper’s open mesh fabric and the blend of foam and rubbers in the sole.
Traction
Saucony’s use of the XT-900 carbon rubber compound on the tread contributes to the Hurricane 14’s stick and adaptability. Its grip is durable and helps runners feel more stable while adventuring on the road in less than ideal conditions.
Bottom Line
Saucony put all its chips on the table when it introduced a dramatically overhauled version of its Hurricane road shoe. This bold move proved to be a good bet. The Hurricane 14, with its lower weight, increased flexibility and cushioning has pleasantly surprised many of the line’s long-time wearers. While some might have difficulty adjusting to the drastic change to the heel drop (12mm to 8mm), overall this daily trainer yielded high marks. The price tag is higher but still in keeping with comparable models and many seem to feel it a worthy investment.
