Saucony Hurricane 26 First Run Review: A Comfortable Stability Update

Introduction

The Hurricane 26 is the latest version of Saucony’s top stability running shoe, and the stable counterpart to the Triumph 24. Like that shoe, it has had something of a glow-up this year thanks to an all-new midsole foam that replaces the PWRRUN PB used in the Hurricane 25.

The headline numbers are impressive for a max cushion stability shoe. It weighs in at 274 grams or 9.7 oz in a UK size 9 (US 10), which is remarkably light for such a big, wide, comfort-first platform. Stack height sits at 41mm at the heel and 35mm at the forefoot for a 6mm drop, and pricing starts at 170 pounds or 170 dollars.

Who This Shoe Is For

This is a shoe built for comfort and support over speed. It suits runners who want a highly cushioned, highly supportive platform for easy miles, recovery runs, and high-volume training. Even neutral runners who simply want an extra level of support on tired days will find something to like here, because the wide base and high foam sidewalls make the ride feel grounded and secure from the first step.

Main Strengths

The upper is a classic mesh material with a little reinforcement around the toe box, plus generous padding on the tongue and around the heel. It is very much an upper built for comfort rather than stripped-back speed, and it delivers plenty of step-in comfort. It may run a touch warmer than more minimal uppers as a result. The heel counter is not overly stiff, but it is firm enough to provide solid support at the back of the shoe.

The midsole uses two foams. The core top layer is the new aliphatic TPU foam carried over from the Triumph 24, a lightweight material designed for good energy return. Around it sits a firmer EVA frame that provides stability, along with high sidewalls of foam, especially on the medial side, to counter overpronation. The outsole is a thick layer of XT-900 rubber covering much of the forefoot and heel, which should stand up well to daily mileage.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The upper is heavily padded, which is great for comfort but can feel warm in consistently hot conditions. The fit is true to size for most runners, with good toe room and a secure heel and midfoot hold, though runners who prefer more stripped-back uppers may find it a little less flexible than they would like.

How It Rides on Easy Miles

On a first easy run of just over five miles through the local forest, the shoe ticked over smoothly. The new foam gives a soft, forgiving first point of contact that is not crazy soft, then you meet the firmer frame underneath, so there is not a huge amount of bounce back. This is still a big shoe focused on soaking up impact, and it does that really well.

The wide base means a lot of ground contact, so despite the light weight, it does not pick up quickly for faster running. Neither this shoe nor its predecessor is built for rapid turnover. But at easy paces, which is where most of your running in this shoe will happen, the foam comes back quickly enough to avoid getting lost in the midsole, and tired, niggly legs were taken care of nicely with all that support and cushioning.

Versus the Hurricane 25

Running one foot in each shoe made the difference more striking than expected. The Hurricane 26 feels softer and lighter, and it almost feels broader at the heel, cushioning the foot strike well for heel strikers. The ride feel has genuinely improved, even at easy paces, with a little more liveliness from the new foam. It is arguably a touch more versatile, but it will not dramatically change how the shoe fits into your lineup. It remains a comfort-focused stability shoe through and through.

Buying Advice

If you are a stability runner doing a lot of easy miles, the Hurricane 26 is an easy recommendation. The new midsole is essentially a strict upgrade over the Hurricane 25, adding a little more fun factor to a shoe you can expect to spend many miles in. Stick with your normal running shoe size, and if you favour lighter, nimbler shoes for faster sessions, keep those in the rotation, because this shoe is happiest when the pace is relaxed and the miles are steady.

Conclusion

The Hurricane 26 refines an already successful formula. It keeps the wide, stable, highly cushioned platform that defines the line, and the new midsole foam makes the whole package lighter and slightly softer without sacrificing support. For runners who value comfort and stability above all else, this looks like one of the most well-rounded stability updates of the year.