Details
Brand
Saucony
Breathability
7.5/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Stability road running shoe• Most find its main selling point to be the comfort• Lightweight daily trainer• Responsive ride due to impressive energy return• Impressive cushioning that does not impede flexibility• ISOFIT upper for a secure feeling fit
Upper
In the Hurricane ISO 3, Saucony goes for a more natural feel with the use of durable, open construction engineered mesh. It aerates well for cool, dry feet and its seamless nature precludes irritation from stitching. The ISOFIT mesh that Saucony uses to create the snug-like fit stretches over the saddle of the foot and serves to adapt to the foot’s natural movements. The tongue is not really a separate entity as it is part of the inner sleeve. A reviewer pointed out that this made getting the shoe on more difficult but most found the security of fit to be worthwhile. An interesting feature of the upper is that a support frame sits over the heel and it is supposed to assist in that natural fit and prevent the shoe from coming off. Despite this, one reviewer claimed to experience heel slippage out of the shoe. A comfort component of the shoe is the moisture-wicking collar lining. There were a handful of complaints about the durability of this liner but, by and large, most were pleased.
Midsole
The midsole of the Hurricane ISO 3 is comprised of the company’s exclusive EVERUN technology that integrates an extra layer of cushioning in the construction of the sole unit. Sitting below the sockliner and above the structural board and traditional midsole cushioning, EVERUN, which lasts much longer than standard EVA foam and is not temperature sensitive, serves to create a greater energy return by dispersing impact, absorbing shock, creating a healthier and more natural transition. The ISO 3 also embeds a heel EVERUN crash pad for added shock absorption on each heel strike. To combat overpronation, the midsole has an upwards curve at the arch and a medial post is incorporated midfoot. The post is more covert than in previous versions of the shoe as it has a layer of cushion above it now.
Outsole
The Hurricane ISO 3 benefits from Saucony’s use of XT-900 carbon rubber in the heel and lightweight responsive blown injected rubber in the forefoot. To allow for flexibility, Saucony uses horizontal grooves among the chevron pattern of tread along the sole and integrates its TRI-flex system that encourages not only flexibility but better traction as well.
Breathability
Not marketed as waterproof or water-resistant, the Saucony Hurricane ISO 3 still delivers a well-ventilated quick-drying kick. With an upper comprised of engineered open mesh to allow for better air movement around the foot, it offers a breathable ride paving the way for a cool, dry running experience that reduces the risk of blisters and irritation. Through its use of this open construction seamless upper fabric, the stretchable mesh saddle, as well as a moisture-wicking ankle collar, many find the aeration of this shoe to be more than adequate for their needs.
Comfort
The one constant in most reviews is that this shoe is truly comfortable. Even if a runner found a durability issue, s/he continued to purchase this shoe hoping it was a fluke because the comfort was found to be superior to many other shoes. Comfort was found in the plush cushioning and the snug secure fit of the upper. Proper sizing is a key element in the overall determination of comfort however and many suggest sizing up by at least a half size.
Style
Some were quite pleased with the overall look and color combinations available for the Saucony Hurricane ISO 3. Others were not as impressed but felt that the overall performance and comfort outweighed this. With its reflective detailing in the midsole and on the upper, the design is not only aesthetic but also functional as it offers visibility in lowlight conditions for improved safety. Women’s shoes are available in grey/pink/white, blue/light blue, and white/teal. Men can enjoy this shoe in grey/black, blue/red, and blue/white.
Durability
Created with XT-900 durable outsole rubber sporting good traction with no concerning signs of early wear and with impressive moisture control capabilities, the Saucony Hurricane ISO 3 seems to be one that can go the distance…literally. Most were pleased with the lifespan of the Saucony Hurricane ISO 3 but the bulk of the negative feedback does center on the shoe’s construction. Many of the less than stellar reviews were due to issues with the material inside the upper around the heel. Reviewers claim that holes would develop in that lining and the padding would erode. This happened for not only low mileage runners but casual wearers as well. Another heel issue cited that the padding felt “misplaced” and caused slippage during movement. And another large wear concern for one, though it may lend itself more towards a defective shoe, was that the sole detached from the shoe. Aside from the small but not minor issues, most reviewers still said they were otherwise truly pleased with the Hurricane ISO 3 in every other way and were disappointed that these shoes did not work out for them.
Protection
The durable outsole provides a great basis for protecting the foot and the midsole’s EVERUN technology creates a springy platform for reducing impact injury. While most were overall quite satisfied with the shoe’s ability to protect the foot, a handful of reviewers felt that the upper’s fabric didn’t offer enough support on top. Stretchable and breathable, it is impressive for its moisture and temperature control but some felt it created an environment for too much movement. Even with the ISOFIT added saddle mesh to snugly tuck in the foot, some felt it was not enough structure given it is a stability shoe offering arch support.
Responsiveness
One of the selling points of the Saucony Hurricane ISO series continued into the ISO 3, is its consistent providing of maximum energy return. Through the midsole’s EVERUN technology that runs the length of the shoe and the improved heel landing zone, runners can enjoy a faster run with the same effort as before. Creating a more efficient stride and creating less tension at heel strike, most reported feeling that this shoe was quite responsive and efficient. Adding to this is the snug fit of the upper that allows one to feel in control of the motion of the foot for a smoother more “in tune” ride.
Support
As a stability shoe, added support is a given and Saucony accomplishes this in the Hurricane ISO 3 with its incorporation of a medial post as well as arch support. The foot is also locked in place with the upper’s use of the ISOFIT system. With a stackheight of 30mm at the heel and 22 mm at the forefoot, this shoe offers good cushioning and what some consider a plush ride. As a matter of fact, some reviewers were let down by the arch support but so pleased by the cushioning that it was a deciding factor of keeping the shoe. The heel offers better support in its landing zone and the forefoot felt, to many, to have more cushioning than previous installments of the shoe. Some reviewers even pointed out that this shoe’s support was recommended by a physical therapist and that it has helped with ailments such as plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, and knee issues.
Terrain
Introduced as a road running shoe, most find that the Saucony Hurricane ISO 3 delivers best on paved and mostly smooth surfaces like a treadmill or flat, packed cinder. There are some wearers that claim the shoe also lends itself to good grip while hiking but this shoe is without any added lugs or trail-specific sole features. The sticky outsole rubber compound offers great grip while navigating in most conditions, except for slick ones such as ice.
Price
Coming in as one of Saucony’s more expensive shoes and likely top of the range for its stability shoes, the Hurricane ISO 3 still seems to achieve its asking price. While some made mention of the cost, most felt that the performance and comfort of this shoe were important enough that the cost was justified. One wearer did make mention of the heftier price tag but was happy to have finally found a comfortable, flexible, lightweight shoe with support enough for a larger runner. And with the new model due out soon, prices have begun to drop making this premium stability shoe a more affordable option or many other moderately pronating runners.
Drop
With a heel height of 30mm and a toe stackheight of 22mm, the Saucony Hurricane ISO 3 sports an 8mm drop.
Stability
The Hurricane ISO 3 is a stability shoe intended to help correct moderate and severe overpronation issues while running. Saucony employs the use of a medial post in the midfoot and added arch support. Some felt that this shoe was best suited for only moderate stability purposes as the arch support was found to be less than anticipated.
Flexibility
For a stability shoe with a good amount of cushioning, Saucony managed to create a kick that still achieves flexibility that is the basis for quite a few positive reactions among reviewers. Through its use of IBR+(injected blown rubber) and Tri-Flex (flex grooves) technologies in the outsole and the upper’s ISOFIT being able to adapt to the motion of the foot, the Hurricane ISO 3 provides a flexible, responsive ride.
Traction
With a sticky grip courtesy of the combination of hard carbon rubber and its lightweight responsive forefoot injected blown rubber, most feel the Hurricane ISO 3 delivers optimal traction. There were no reported concerns over slipping on terrain and most claimed to be pleased with the grip. Also incorporating Tri-Flex in the outsole, Saucony aims to create better ground contact, along with improved weight distribution and a propelled toe-off.
Bottom Line
With the Hurricane ISO 3, it seems Saucony has brought back all that runners love about previous editions of this well-liked stability line, and then some. With improved responsiveness and energy return, runners are propelled forward faster with the same effort and each footstrike is wrapped in cushiony goodness. Most wearers are not put off by the higher asking price, finding the shoe to be one of the most comfortable they have come across for their overpronating needs. Despite a few concerned reviews over the wear of the heel’s inner collar, less than ideal arch support, the snug fit, and the possibly improper sizing, this shoe overwhelmingly received a good amount of praise. If you are a moderate overpronator looking for a running shoe that can go the distance, go get measured and fitted for the Saucony Hurricane ISO 3.
