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The Saucony Paramount Max is a max-cushion daily trainer using Saucony’s IncrediRUN foam, designed to deliver a soft, highly cushioned and energetic ride for easy miles and long-run comfort.
It sits in the increasingly crowded super trainer category alongside shoes like the ASICS Superblast 3, Hoka Skyward X 2 and Adidas Evo SL, and at £200 it’s clearly aiming to be a premium everyday max-cushion option.
In this review, we’ve put the Paramount Max through easy runs, longer efforts and some faster-paced sessions to see how it performs against our current list of best running shoes.
Design & Key Stats
- Price: £200 / $200
- Weight: 279g / 9.8oz (UK 8)
- Drop: 6mm
- Midsole: IncrediRUN
- Upper: Engineered mesh
- Outsole: Thick ruber
- Release: July
Saucony Paramount Max Review
How’s The Fit
The Paramount Max is a roomy shoe, particularly in the forefoot. There’s plenty of width and volume through the toe box, which makes it feel very comfortable on easy and longer runs.
Length-wise, the shoe runs close to true to size for most testers, although there is quite a lot of space up front, and some runners may find it slightly long. The midfoot is more average in width and offers a reasonably secure hold once the laces are locked in.
Comfort is a strong point overall. The padded tongue adds to the step-in feel, and the upper has a soft, forgiving construction that works well for longer efforts. The heel collar, however, is quite minimal. It’s flexible and lightly padded, but doesn’t offer a huge amount of structure, and some runners may notice a slightly low or loose-feeling heel hold.
Overall, it’s a comfortable, spacious fit that will suit runners who prefer a more relaxed, less restrictive feel.
Check out more of the best Saucony running shoes.
The Run Test: Likes
The biggest strength of the Paramount Max is its comfort and cushioning. The IncrediRUN foam delivers a soft, bouncy ride that feels protective and enjoyable over easy and steady miles. There’s a noticeable sense of bounce when you land, and the rocker geometry helps guide you forward without feeling forced.
It works best at relaxed paces where you can let the shoe do the work. The transitions feel smooth, and the wide platform gives a reassuring base underfoot, especially for longer runs where fatigue starts to set in.
The outsole is another highlight. Grip is strong in both dry and wet conditions, and durability looks solid after early testing, with very little visible wear.
The upper comfort also stands out. The roomy forefoot makes it a good option for runners who dislike tight-fitting shoes, and overall step-in comfort is excellent.
The Run Test: Dislikes
The main drawback is weight and overall size. The Paramount Max feels like a big shoe on foot, and that becomes more noticeable when the pace increases. While it can handle faster running, it doesn’t feel particularly nimble or efficient when you try to pick things up.
There’s also a limit to its versatility with the shoe best suited to easy and long, relaxed running. Once you move into tempo or threshold efforts, the shoe starts to feel like it’s working against you rather than with you.
Despite the wide base, there is still a slight sense of instability due to the softness and depth of the foam. It’s controlled, but not especially precise.
The heel collar is another minor issue, offering less structure than you might expect at this price point.
Verdict And Alternatives
The Saucony Paramount Max is a highly cushioned, comfort-focused super trainer that delivers exactly what it sets out to do: provide a soft, bouncy and protective ride for easy and long-distance running.
It excels when you stay in that lane. Easy runs, recovery miles and relaxed long runs feel smooth and enjoyable, with plenty of cushioning and a fun, rolling sensation from the rocker geometry. The fit is also a strong point, especially for runners who like a more spacious toe box.
However, it’s not a highly versatile trainer. The weight, softness and overall size limit its performance at faster paces, and runners looking for a do-it-all super trainer will likely find better options elsewhere.
Alternatives to consider:
- Adidas Evo SL: a lighter, more versatile daily super trainer that skews more towards the faster side of training.
- ASICS Superblast 3: a more balanced long-run and tempo option that can handle faster efforts better.
- Hoka Skyward X: similarly max-cushioned but with a more structured ride.
Overall, the Paramount Max is best seen as a fun, max-cushion cruiser rather than a performance-focused super trainer.