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
Pros
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- The Saucony Axon 3 Provides a Cushioned Ride and Keeps Your Wallet Thick
Cons
- What to Wear Running the 2024 NYC Marathon
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.7 oz (M), 7.4 oz (W) |
| Drop | 4 mm |
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article 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 sleek, 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 The Saucony Axon 3 Provides a Cushioned Ride and Keeps Your Wallet Thick. Our senior newsletter editor, Pavlína Černá, underscored the shoe’s light weight and bounce. Simply stated: This neutral 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 quicken 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: Neutral | 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: Neutral | 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.
