Saucony Hurricane 14 Named “Best Update” by Runner’s World
OutdoorHub 04.23.12
As Saucony continues to deliver the most innovative performance footwear in the marketplace, the brand today announced that the Hurricane 14, its go-to stability running shoe, has been named “Best Update” by Runner’s World, the worldwide authority on running. Showcasing the brand’s unprecedented Geometry of Strong product platform, which reduces the heel-to-toe offset from the average 12mm to 8mm, the Hurricane 14 was recognized by the publication in the magazine’s Summer Shoe Guide for “the significant improvements made to an exisiting model.” With this recognition, the brand’s groundbreaking Geometry of Strong collection has now been honored by Runner’s World with two prestigious awards during the past four months. The Guide 5 was named “Editor’s Choice” in the publication’s 2012 Spring Shoe Guide.
“When a shoe has been around long enough to boast a double-digit version, any updates are usually minor tweaks,” said the Runner’s World review of the Hurricane 14. “Naturally, you don’t want to turn away the faithful. But Saucony boldly overhauled the Hurricane. The 14 is 1.2 ounces lighter than its predecessor, is more flexible, offers more cushioning and is more stable. And Saucony lowered the heel-to-toe drop. Such dramatic changes could have gone horribly wrong, but Saucony came out with a winner, and wear-testers loved the update,” said Runner’s World.
“This award proves that our continued commitment to innovation is respected throughout the industry and validates our decision to literally challenge the foundation of running footwear by reengineering the lasts of our traditional running shoes from a 12mm to 8mm offset,” said Pat O’Malley, senior vice president of global footwear for Saucony. “The response from runners and retailers for the Geometry of Strong collection has been phenomenal, further establishing Saucony as the leader in performance running innovation.”
The Hurricane 14 features three of the brand’s most advanced technologies: POWERGRID, IBR+ Outsole and SAUC-FIT. The Hurricane 14’s revolutionary heel-to-toe offset positions the foot during impact in a way that creates a greater range of motion for the Gastrocnemius-Soleus-Achilles tendon system, allowing for a more powerful running stride.
POWERGRID, a combination of Saucony’s award-winning GRID technology and the brand’s new proprietary POWERfoam, provides the Hurricane 14 with optimal cushioning and responsiveness with every stride while reducing layers to the midsole. The new Hurricane is lighter, more flexible and provides increased cushioning thanks to its IBR+ Outsole, Saucony’s new injection-blown rubber compound that’s 33 percent lighter in weight than traditional blown rubber and proven to absorb twice as much energy than traditional blown rubber. Securing the foot to the midsole platform is Saucony’s unique SAUC-FIT technology, an advanced fit system in the upper that also keeps the heel secure and comfortable.
Besides the Hurricane 14 and Guide 5, the Geometry of Strong collection also includes the Triumph 9, the brand’s premier neutral cushioned training shoe.
The Hurricane 14, available at participating running specialty retailers, comes in men’s sizes 7-13, 14 and 15 and women’s sizes 5-12. The Hurricane 14 is available in widths. The suggested retail price of the Hurricane 14 is $140.00.
To read the entire Runner’s World 2012 Summer Shoe Guide, check out the June issue of Runner’s World on sale at newsstands May 1, or visit www.runnersworld.com.
