Saucony Axon 3
Buy Saucony Axon 3 at today's best price (men's/women's)
6 minute read
Overview
The Saucony Axon 3 is a running shoe that stands out for its exceptional value and versatility. Part of the Saucony Axon family, this model is designed with daily training and comfort in mind, making it a solid choice for a wide range of runners.
Key Features:
- Engineered mesh upper: Offers a breathable and comfortable fit, suitable for various foot shapes.
- PWRRUN midsole: Provides a cushioned (soft and supportive) and responsive (quickly returns to its original shape after being compressed) ride, ideal for both short and long runs.
- Updated outsole: Features a thicker carbon rubber material for improved grip (traction) and durability (long-lasting wear), especially on wet surfaces.
The Saucony Axon 3 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a shoe that delivers both performance and value. Its updated features offer a comfortable and secure fit, making it suitable for a range of running activities.
According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 94%. This puts it in the highest rated 10% of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's just above the median price of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the Saucony Axon 3
The Saucony Axon 3 has received praise for its balance of cushioning, responsiveness, and durability. Runners appreciate the shoe's ability to handle various types of runs, from short sprints to longer distances. The updated outsole with thicker carbon rubber has been noted for its improved grip, particularly on wet surfaces, addressing a previous concern with the Axon 2. While the shoe's upper may feel warm during hotter runs, the overall comfort and fit have been well-received. The consensus is that the Axon 3 offers excellent value for money, making it a strong contender against more expensive models. Overall, the Saucony Axon 3 is recommended for its impressive performance as a daily trainer at a competitive price point.
Updates to Saucony Axon 3
The Saucony Axon 3 maintains the core features of its predecessor, the Saucony Axon 2, while introducing a thicker outsole for improved grip and durability. The midsole cushioning remains highly praised, and the shoe's weight has been slightly reduced, enhancing its overall performance.
Comparable Shoes
The New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 is often compared to the Saucony Axon 3 for its similar price point and performance as a daily trainer. While the Propel offers a slightly softer ride, the Axon 3 is noted for its superior grip and durability.
5 Saucony Axon 3 Pros & Cons
3 Pros
2 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Saucony Axon 3 features an engineered mesh upper that is designed to be breathable and flexible, adapting to the movement of the feet. The fit is true to size, with a wide toe box (provides extra space for the toes) that accommodates different foot shapes. While the upper provides a comfortable fit, some runners have noted that it can retain heat during warmer conditions.
Midsole
The midsole of the Saucony Axon 3 is equipped with PWRRUN cushioning, offering a balance between softness and responsiveness. This cushioning is highly praised for its ability to provide a comfortable ride without sacrificing the energy return needed for a dynamic run. The shoe's 4mm heel-to-toe drop (the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot) encourages a more natural running gait, particularly for midfoot and forefoot strikers (runners who land on the middle or front of their foot).
Outsole
An update from the previous model, the outsole of the Saucony Axon 3 now features a thicker carbon rubber material, which significantly enhances the shoe's grip and durability. This improvement has been well-received by runners, especially for its performance on wet surfaces, making the Axon 3 a reliable option in various weather conditions.
Size/fit
The Saucony Axon 3 is reported to have a true-to-size fit, with a secure hold in the midfoot and a comfortable heel collar. The toe box is spacious, providing ample room for toe splay (the ability of the toes to spread out). This accommodating fit makes the Axon 3 suitable for a broad range of runners, including those with wider feet.
Comfort
Comfort is a standout feature of the Saucony Axon 3, with its engineered mesh upper and PWRRUN cushioning combining to offer a plush and supportive experience. The shoe's design ensures comfort over both short and long distances, making it a versatile choice for everyday training.
Cushioning
The Saucony Axon 3 boasts a highly cushioned midsole, which is appreciated by runners for its soft and bouncy feel. The PWRRUN foam provides a balance of cushioning and responsiveness, making the shoe suitable for a variety of running workouts.
Breathability
While the engineered mesh upper of the Saucony Axon 3 is designed to be breathable, some runners have found that it can become warm during hot runs. However, the overall breathability is adequate for most conditions, contributing to the shoe's comfort.
Stability
The Saucony Axon 3 is not specifically designed for stability but offers a secure and balanced ride. The shoe's lower drop and cushioning provide a stable platform for neutral runners (those who do not overpronate or underpronate), making it a reliable choice for daily training.
Durability
Durability is a strong point for the Saucony Axon 3, with its updated outsole material providing excellent wear resistance. The shoe is built to withstand the rigors of regular running, ensuring a long-lasting performance.
Grip
The updated outsole of the Saucony Axon 3 delivers a strong grip on various surfaces, including wet roads and light trails. This improvement has been noted as a significant enhancement over the previous model, providing runners with confidence in the shoe's traction.
Who should buy the Saucony Axon 3?
The Saucony Axon 3 is well-suited for runners looking for a daily trainer that offers a blend of cushioning, responsiveness, and durability without breaking the bank. It's an excellent choice for those who appreciate a shoe that can handle a variety of workouts, from speed training to long-distance runs. The Axon 3 is also a smart pick for runners who prefer a lower heel-to-toe drop and a roomy toe box.
Who should not buy the Saucony Axon 3?
Runners who require a shoe with a higher heel-to-toe drop, particularly extreme heel strikers, may want to consider alternatives such as the Nike Winflo 10. Additionally, those with narrow feet might find the Saucony Axon 3's wider fit less suitable and may benefit from a narrower option like the Brooks Trace 2.
Saucony Axon 3: What's it good for?
The Saucony Axon 3 is a versatile shoe that excels in everyday training, offering a comfortable and responsive ride for a variety of running distances. Its updated outsole makes it good for runs in wet conditions, providing reliable traction. The shoe's cushioning and lower drop also make it suitable for runners who prefer a more natural foot strike.
4 Saucony Axon 3 FAQs
Is the Saucony Axon 3 suitable for long-distance running?
Yes, the Saucony Axon 3 is suitable for long-distance running, thanks to its cushioned PWRRUN midsole and comfortable fit.
Can the Saucony Axon 3 be used for speed training?
While the Saucony Axon 3 is primarily designed for daily training, its responsive cushioning makes it capable of handling speed workouts as well.
How does the Saucony Axon 3 perform in wet conditions?
The updated outsole of the Saucony Axon 3 provides excellent grip in wet conditions, making it a reliable choice for running in the rain.
What type of runner is the Saucony Axon 3 best suited for?
The Saucony Axon 3 is best suited for neutral runners (those who do not overpronate or underpronate) who value a shoe with a comfortable fit, responsive cushioning, and a lower heel-to-toe drop.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
| released | ReleasedFeb 2023 | Jun 2024 | Dec 2023 | Jun 2024 | ||
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 241 g W: 213 g | M: 269 g W: 218 g | M: 261 g W: 221 g | M: 261 g W: 241 g | M: 215 g W: 184 g | |
| Forefoot | Forefoot31 mm | 31 mm | 27 mm | 30 mm | ||
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop4 mm | 6 mm | 8 mm | 5 mm | ||
| Heel | Heel35 mm | 37 mm | 35 mm | 35 mm | ||
| Brand | BrandSaucony | New Balance | New Balance | Brooks | ASICS | ASICS |
| Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeComfortableLightweight | ComfortableMaximalist | ComfortableMaximalist | Comfortable | ComfortableLightweightMaximalist | ComfortableLightweight |
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Carbon fiber plate | Carbon fiber plate | |||||
| Techs | Techs | New Balance FuelCell | New Balance Fresh Foam | ASICS GelOrthoLite | ||
Common characteristicsRoadDaily runningSpeed trainingNeutralNeutral pronationHigh archOrthotic friendlyRemovable insole |
- Feb 2023
- Apr 2022
- Apr 2021
