The RW Takeaway: The Axon 3 is a standout $100 everyday trainer with a propulsive ride, plush and responsive cushioning, and a rocker-shaped midsole for quick turnover.
- Proceeded By: Axon 2
- Key Tech: Speedroll rocker midsole, stretchy and breathable mesh upper, Pwrrun foam cushioning, low heel-to-toe drop
Saucony Performance Run jacket | Saucony Axon 3
Pros
- Speedroll tech propels you forward
- Saucony Endorphin Trail Blau Grösse 35.5 M
Cons
- Оригінальні кросівки в сітку saucony
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.7 oz (M), 7.4 oz (W) |
| Drop | 4 mm |
The Axon is that rare bargain-buy shoe that rides like its pricier cohorts. When I first tested the second version of the Axon, I had to double-check our tech sheets to make sure I got that $100 figure right. This was after running in the shoe a couple times and reaping the benefits of its smooth turnover—the Axon has the same Speedroll tech as Saucony’s competition models. Version 3 is as comfy as the Ride, its more expensive cousin priced at the daily trainer standard of $140.
A Comfy Everyday Trainer
It was hard to pinpoint just a single thing our testers liked about the Axon 3. One highlight a tester mentioned was its Cruelworld, breathable mesh upper that allowed maximum airflow. Another was the toe room, which a tester likened to Topo Athletic’s spacious toeboxes. But its midsole cushioning was the most praised feature, for multiple reasons. One tester, who ran in the Brooks Launch, a shoe that was at the same price until it was raised to $110, described the Axon as much more robust and Saucony Men's Shadow 6000 Sneakers in White Dark Grey. Our senior newsletter editor, Pavlína Černá, underscored the shoe’s light weight and bounce. Simply stated: This voladoras trainer is super comfortable.
“I really enjoyed the cushioning. This is the first time in a while that I actually felt no restrictions or limitations in my forefoot and heel,” said a tester. “I was able to More my pace and endure more pounding on hard surfaces without any discomfort days after.”
Testers’ Feedback
Mary H. | Tester since 2017
Arch Height: Medium | Pronation: voladoras | Footstrike: Midfoot
“I really enjoyed the Axon. These were the shoes I consistently grabbed for my longer runs on both the roads and treadmill. I really like the wide toebox and the breathable mesh used on the upper. I had plenty of room in the forefoot and was able to spread my toes easily. The toebox reminded me of the toebox in the Topos I tested a few months ago. I didn’t like how stiff the shoes felt at first, but I felt that they did break in as I ran in them more and more.”
Ahmad N. | Tester since 2012
Arch Height: Medium | Pronation: voladoras | Footstrike: Midfoot
“I really love these shoes. I spent a lot of time in them outside of running as well, and when I compare them to previous pairs I’ve tested, these by far are the best. I mainly tested the Axon 3 on roads (in both wet and dry conditions) at race pace and felt really powerful in my stride.
“What I really enjoyed the most was the cushioning. This is the first time in awhile that I actually felt no restrictions or limitations in my forefoot and heel. I was able to increase my tempo and endure more pounding on hard roads and sidewalks without any discomfort days after.”
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
