Saucony Men's Cortana 3 Running Shoe

Perfect fit, very cushiony for a 5K or more, but extremely stable at the same time. Grabs my foot just right, feels like it becomes apart of my foot when I tie the laces. Also extra holes so that you can lace it nice & close to your ankle, the tongue is long and cushy so that the laces don't cut off circulation! The 4mm heel to toe drop is perfect for proper foot strike to the ground. Also, I am a Crossfitter & have not found a better shoe for multiple workouts. The heel to toe drop helps with my squat as well. The shoe is wide, flat, & stable enough to do Olympic lifts as well! I can do everything in these shoes, great cushioning for box jumps & double unders, these shoes can be used as cross trainers. Way better than other CrossFit shoes cause I can run for longer than 3 miles in them, unlike other "crosstraining" shoes. Although these shoes are not made for it, I can use them for much more than the races I sign up for! Great shoe!

I have gone through about every type of running shoe on the market. I started with the Brooks Glyercin and NB 1080's a couple of years ago, and eventually migrated to the minimalist shoes after some hip issues (hereditary--not caused by the shoes). After I mastered the forefoot and toe strike in minimalist shoes, I went deeper into the natural realm of "barefoot" running with Merrell Road Gloves and other next-to-nothing shoes. Then, however, came the stress fractures. Ouch. It was time for more padding.After waaaaaay too much research. I tried the Newtons. They're ok... but... weird. The had the right cushion, but the sizing was odd, and the foerfoot lug became a distraction. I still occasionally use them, but I don't prefer them. Then I picked up some Saucony Kinvara's. I like them--a lot. But I still needed a little more cushion for long runs (10+ miles).After more research, I discovered that the Saucony Cortana's were Kinvara's... with more cushioning! Perfect! The Kinvara's ran just a tad tight in a size 12, so I ordered the Cortana 3 in a 12.5.After two "short" runs (5 and 8 miles) and two long runs (16 miles each), these are definitely a winner. Lots of cushioning. No "hot spots". Great fit. Look awesome.Not quite as lightweight as the other barefoot and minimalist shoes (including the Kinvara), but definitely lighter than the other shoes in this cushion-class. The rubber on the bottom is much more substantial than the Kinvara's, plus they have the added heel support frame, so I expect these to last a while. I am a neutral runner, but Saucony added a touch of support control to these with the distance runner in mind--that little bit of support really helps in the last two miles when you are feeling a little lazy.I plan on using these for long runs and recovery runs, while keeping the Kinvara's for shorter runs, intervals, and races.

I'm on my third pair of these, and really like them. Previously, I had trouble with my toes with running shoes. These have a lot more room in the toe box and that isn't an issue anymore. The only issues I've had is that when I'm running a trip and soaked with sweat and water, the insoles started to slip out. Ultimately, I glued them in to fix it. Annoying, but not a deal breaker.

FIRST AND FOREMOST - if you have never gone to an ACTUAL running store to have them examine how you run, do not order a pair of shoes online. Actually go to a physical running store (not a big-box, find a smaller local retailer / local chain) and bring in your old running shoes. They will ask you to walk in your running socks while they watch how you move. Then they evaluate your current running shoes to see your pronation (If you're unsure about what that means, check this out - http://www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes/pronation-explained?page=single). They will then recommend specific styles of shoes FOR THE WAY YOU RUN. In doing this I got hooked on the Cortanas. It immediately eliminated my shin-splints and overall helped my form.I've used all 3 Cortana's and I can say that while the materials have changed across the years, the design and looks have changed, the weight has gotten lighter, and quality overall better, they still have the same fit and feel across the years.The size has always run a little big for me. Typically I am a 10.5/11 size, but always have to get the 11.5. If you are uncertain, I would either order the size you currently wear and one larger, or go try them on in the store prior.Overall:- The shoes are very bright and easy to see in the dark which is good for running in the evening in cities.- Comfort is unmatched. I buy these as they were recommended for my running style.- Durable. These are the most durable running shoes I have ever used. Saucony makes quality products.Cons:- The shoe is pricey, but will last at least a year if you're a few times a week runner.

These were expensive running shoes. I do like them and will run them into the ground. They are light and provide good support for longer runs (I've been out up to 16 miles in them). They feel cushy and pillow-y however I think this is also causing my biggest gripe with the shoe. The "heel Lock" is not locking my heel in. I get irritation and small blisters on my Achilles, as well as some Achilles ache. I rotate them with a more minimalist type of shoe and this keeps them usable to me but for the price I paid I wanted these to become my go to shoe and sadly that hasn't happened. I thought briefly about a smaller size but my toes are pretty much up against the front of the shoe. Next time I go shopping for distance runners I will look elsewhere.