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The Saucony Hurricane 26 is a max-cushioned stability shoe that aims to offer the last word in comfort and support on the run, and largely succeeds in that aim. It’s one of the best cushioned shoes available and a good update on the Saucony Hurricane 25, with the new Incredilux foam in the midsole making the shoe lighter and improving the ride.
It’s not a versatile shoe, only really being suited for slower runs, but the Hurricane 26 is a great option for anyone seeking a max-stack stability shoe right now. Its main rivals for this role are the Nike Structure Plus and Asics Gel-Kayano 33, while those looking for a more versatile daily trainer with stability would be better off with a shoe like the Hoka Arahi.
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Design & Key Stats
- Price: £170 / $170
- Weight: 274g/9.7oz (men’s UK 9)
- Drop: 6mm (41mm/35mm)
- Upper: Mesh with padding on tongue and collar
- Midsole: IncrediLux core (A-TPU) with PWRRUN (EVA) frame
- Outsole: XT-900 rubber on forefoot and heel
Saucony Hurricane 26 Review
How’s The Fit?
Nick, Tom and Kieran tested out the Saucony Hurricane 26 for our review and found that it fit well in their normal running shoe size. The toe-box is spacious without being too roomy and there’s a lot of padding on the tongue and collar to increase the step-in comfort of the shoe.
The Run Test: Likes
Although we are all neutral runners, the Saucony Hurricane 24 and Hurricane 24 were both hits for us, offering a lot of comfort and stability for easy and long runs. The Hurricane 26 is an improvement on both shoes thanks to the addition of IncrediLux foam to the midsole, which brings a more energetic feel to the ride.
It also makes the shoe lighter, and the Hurricane 26 is actually surprisingly light for such a wide, high-stack shoe. It’s still not a speedster, but this does make the ride better for runs at any pace and increases its versatility a little compared to past models.
Where it truly excels is slow runs though, where the comfortable midsole, supportive ride, and smooth rocker all combine to help the miles tick by. It’s certainly a good option for racking up big miles in marathon training, and will protect your body from the impact of running well if you’re new to the sport.
The Hurricane 26 delivers a stable ride thanks to its wide base and the PWRRUN frame, with is higher on the medial side of the shoe to counter overpronation. Its stability is delivered in a subtle way that means the shoe is still enjoyable for neutral runners too.
The Run Test: Dislikes
The updates to the Hurricane 26 do improve the ride feel and make the shoe lighter, they don’t really make it more versatile, and it’s not a shoe we’d be pulling on for faster efforts. There are stability shoes that are better all-round options, like the Hoka Arahi 8 or the Asics GT-2000 15, or you could use the Hurricane 26 in rotation with dedicated speed shoes.
Some runners might also find the Saucony Hurricane 26 just too much shoe. It has a very wide base and a lot of foam underfoot, and a highly-padded upper, which all make it feel quite big and cumbersome at times.
Verdict And Alternatives
The Saucony Hurricane 26 is a successful update on what was already one of our favourite max-stack stability shoes. It’s not a versatile shoe, but it excels in the job it’s designed for, which is to provide as much comfort and support as possible.
Other top options in this area include the Nike Structure Plus and Asics Gel-Kayano 33. The Nike performs in a similar way to the Hurricane 26 but has a higher drop and a touch more energy return for faster efforts. We prefer the Hurricane 26 to the Kayano though, since it feels a bit softer and bouncier.
Those seeking more of an all-rounder with stability should look at the Hoka Arahi 8 and 9 and Asics GT-2000 15. Neither are as cushioned and comfortable as the Hurricane 26, but they are nimbler shoes that can handle steady and speedy runs more adeptly.