Saucony Hurricane 24 – tried, tested and reviewed
Weight: 302g (M), 279g (W)
Stack height: 38mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot)
Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
Best for: Daily runs/Long runs/Casual movement
The shoe
Stability running shoes have historically received a bad rap for being clunky and restrictive, but thankfully the choice for overpronators has come on leaps and bounds in recent years as brands move to more modern, unobtrusive guidance systems. And one stability shoe that's making its comeback in 2024 is the max-cushioned Saucony Hurricane.
For those unfamiliar with the Hurricane, it ran for 23 iterations before Saucony announced that it would be discontinuing it two years ago. In its place came the Tempus, but it wasn't exactly a like-for-like comparison – especially given the Hurricane had proved fairly unique in its ability to combine cushioning, bounce and stability.
So, good news for Hurricane fans – the shoe is back, although Saucony claims that it's been 'transformed from the ground up'. It features a new dual density midsole foam, combining the soft and bouncy PWRUN PB underfoot with the firmer and more responsive PRWRUN below that. Stability now comes in the form of Saucony’s CenterPath Technology, which ditches traditional medial posts in favour of less obtrusive guidance.
So, is the Hurricane a storming success after it's brief hiatus? Here's what you need to know.
How does the Saucony Hurricane 24 fit?
Before we get onto the fit of the shoe, let's take a moment to appreciate its aesthetic. This is a very nice shoe. I received the 'triple white' colourway and — while admittedly not the most practical — it's so sleek and clean I wouldn't mind wearing it for casual activities as well as running. Reflective details are subtly integrated, too. Overall, the Hurricane 24 scores a 10/10 on appearance from me.
In terms of fit, true to size is the verdict here – the Hurricane should work well for most runners and feels like a finely-tuned blend of comfort, support and adaptability. It requires little to no break-in period and is comfortable to run in straight out of the box.
The engineered mesh upper is both breathable and snug, hugging the foot in all the right places while retaining just enough give to prevent any pinching or pressure points.
The heel cup is comfortably snug, too, providing a locked-in feel without being overly rigid. For runners who need additional ankle support, this will be appreciated.
The midfoot support is another strong point – it's firm and responsive, giving you confidence with every step, whether you're tackling a tempo run or a steady long distance session. A moderately padded – bordering on plush – tongue completes the package, and even though it's not gusseted, it stays firmly in place.
What's the Saucony Hurricane 24 like to run in?
As mentioned, the Hurricane's dual cushioning approach combines the responsive PWRRUN PB foam from the Endorphin series (fine-tuned for the Hurricane) directly underfoot for comfort, with a broad base of PWRRUN foam surrounding and cradling the foot. The result is plush, fairly responsive cushioning that feels soft underfoot without being too squishy.
The ride is also smooth and consistent. The shoe transitions well from heel to toe, thanks in part to the bevelled heel and the slightly curved sole design, which encourage a natural forward motion. While it isn't the most aggressive shoe in terms of responsiveness, it still provides a decent amount of energy return, making it versatile enough for easy recovery days to moderate tempo runs. It's not responsive enough for speedier efforts, however, and there's no getting away from the fact that it's a pretty heavy shoe. That said, this seems to be a reasonable trade-off for the stability and cushioning provided. And not every shoe needs to do it all.
Onto that stability, Saucony's CenterPath Technology provides comfort and protection with a broader platform, higher sidewalls, an asymmetric profile and a rocker shape that guides the stride from impact to toe-off. It's subtle but effective.
So, any cons? Well, all that plushy cushioning does make the shoe a bit stuffy. British summertime hasn't exactly been a scorcher this year, but I have found my feet getting a bit hot while wearing these for longer runs.
RW verdict
In the Hurricane 24, Saucony has managed to create a max-cushioned shoe that offers robust stability without any of the bulk or rigidity that typically comes with it. At £165, it's definitely positioned as a premium stability shoe. However, its comfort, performance and durability help to justify the cost. And while it might not be your go-to for speed sessions, it excels as a stacked daily trainer, offering a reliable, comfortable experience for many miles.
Alternatives
With its plush cushioning, the Hurricane 24 offers a softer, more luxurious feel underfoot. For a slightly firmer, more responsive ride with a bit more ground feel, you may want to look to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23. It's also slightly lighter than the Hurricane.
The Asics Gel-Kayano 31 is another premium stability shoe, which again features a slightly firmer ride than the Hurricane. The Gel technology in the heel and forefoot also adds to the overall shock absorption, making it particularly effective for heel strikers.
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