There has been a lot of excitement around the Saucony Hurricane 26—and after the mixed reaction to the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33, it arrives at an interesting time.
Both are highly cushioned stability shoes designed for people who want plenty of support underneath the foot. However, they create that support in noticeably different ways.
To find out whether the Hurricane 26 deserves the attention, I took it straight out of the box and wore it for more than 12,000 steps. I assessed five areas that matter most in a walking shoe: fit, cushioning, transitions, stability and overall comfort.
The short version is that the Hurricane 26 is lighter, bouncier and smoother than I expected. It also provides substantial pronation control without the obvious arch pressure found in some traditional stability shoes.
However, that support is quite assertive around the inside of the heel. It won’t be the right option for people who use orthotics, tend to roll towards the outside of their feet or simply prefer a neutral-feeling shoe.
Saucony Hurricane 26 specifications
| Specification | Saucony Hurricane 26 |
|---|---|
| Heel stack | 41 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 35 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6 mm |
| Listed weight | 262 g / 9.2 oz (men’s US 9) |
| Main cushioning | incrediLUX foam |
| Support structure | PWRRUN frame and CenterPath geometry |
| Outsole | XT-900 carbon rubber |
| Price at launch | $170 |
| Widths | Standard and wide options |
Compared with the Hurricane 25, Saucony has added approximately 3 millimetres of cushioning underneath both the heel and forefoot. The 6-millimetre drop remains unchanged, but the foam itself is different—and that has a much greater effect on the experience than the extra stack height alone.
Fit and upper: secure without squeezing the big toe
After approximately 2,400 steps, my first impression was that the Hurricane 26 fits extremely well.
There is a secure hold around the heel and through the middle of the foot, so I didn’t experience any obvious slipping or movement inside the shoe. The upper also remained reasonably breathable during a walk in temperatures of around 20°C.
The most important detail is the shape around the ball of the foot and big toe.
The Hurricane 26 feels slightly wider in this area than the Gel-Kayano 33. More importantly, the upper doesn’t taper aggressively along the inside edge towards the big toe.
That gives the toes room to spread without making the entire shoe feel loose. It may also be more comfortable for people who find that tapered running shoes press against an irritated bunion or the inside of the big toe.
This doesn’t necessarily mean everybody with a wide foot should buy the standard version. Saucony offers a dedicated wide fit, and that remains the safer option if you regularly require additional volume. However, the standard shoe has a more accommodating forefoot shape than many modern stability trainers.
One note of caution is the instep. The secure midfoot hold may feel restrictive if you have a particularly high-volume foot, so I would try it before committing if that has caused problems in other shoes.
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Cushioning: lighter and bouncier than the Hurricane 25
The biggest update is underneath the foot.
Saucony has replaced the Hurricane 25’s PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN cushioning combination with its new incrediLUX foam, supported by a PWRRUN frame.
IncrediLUX is an A-TPU-based foam. You don’t need to remember the chemistry, but it helps explain why the Hurricane 26 feels different: it is lighter and springier, with a quicker rebound after the foam compresses.
When my heel contacted the ground, the cushioning compressed around it and absorbed the initial impact well. It then rebounded quickly enough to move me towards the middle and front of the shoe.
It doesn’t feel excessively soft or mushy. Instead, I would place it somewhere between the plush Gel-Kayano 32 and the noticeably firmer Gel-Kayano 33.
That balance is one of the Hurricane 26’s greatest strengths. You receive the protection expected from a max-cushioned shoe, but the foam doesn’t make each step feel slow or laboured.
The new cushioning also helps disguise the size of the shoe. There is a considerable amount of material underneath the foot, yet the Hurricane 26 feels much lighter and more energetic than the Hurricane 25.
Forefoot flexibility and rocker
The Hurricane 26 includes flex grooves through the forefoot, giving it more flexibility than many max-cushioned stability shoes.
That allows the front of the shoe to bend more naturally as you move towards push-off. If you dislike very stiff shoes that force your foot through a prescribed rocking motion, this additional flexibility may make the Hurricane feel more comfortable.
However, it creates a trade-off.
Although there is plenty of cushioning underneath the forefoot, the additional flexibility means it doesn’t provide the rigid protection some people prefer around the ball of the foot. If you have significant sensitivity in this area, a stiffer platform with a stronger rocker may reduce movement more effectively.
The rocker geometry itself hasn’t changed dramatically from the Hurricane 25. The difference is that the incrediLUX foam compresses and rebounds more quickly, helping the existing shape transition more smoothly from heel to toe.
That is particularly noticeable beside the Gel-Kayano 33. The latest Kayano feels flatter and firmer than the Kayano 32, whereas the Hurricane 26 moves through the gait cycle with less effort.
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Stability: strong pronation control without traditional arch support
The Hurricane has always been an unusual stability shoe, and the 26 continues that approach.
Rather than relying on a hard post that presses directly underneath the arch, it combines a broad platform, supportive foam, sidewalls and CenterPath geometry to guide the foot.
The shoe is wide underneath the heel and forefoot, providing a substantial base when you land. There is also firmer cushioning around the outside, while the geometry creates a noticeable medial influence around the inside of the heel.
In practical terms, I could feel the shoe encouraging my heel away from excessive inward movement. The sensation was strongest at the heel and became less obvious through the midfoot, although some guidance remained as I moved towards the forefoot.
This is not subtle support.
I noticed some pressure along the inside of my heel during the walk, particularly because I took the shoes straight out of the box and covered more than 12,000 steps. That sensation may reduce as the materials settle, but it is important to understand that the Hurricane 26 actively influences the position of the foot.
For someone who wants strong pronation control but dislikes a prominent lump underneath the arch, that may be exactly the right combination. It could work particularly well for a relatively rigid flat foot that benefits from guidance but finds traditional arch support uncomfortable.
However, I would be cautious if you wear a corrective orthotic. Combining the shoe’s existing geometry with an orthotic could provide more correction than intended or create uncomfortable pressure. The same applies if your feet naturally roll outwards or you simply don’t need much medial support.
The support also reduces slightly towards push-off. The outsole narrows through the middle, and there is less flare along the inside of the forefoot than I would ideally like. If most of your instability occurs late in the gait cycle as you push away from the ground, another shoe may provide a broader medial platform in that area.
Is the Saucony Hurricane 26 good for walking?
For the right person, yes. The Hurricane 26 is an excellent long-distance walking shoe.
Across more than 12,000 steps, the upper remained secure and breathable, while the cushioning protected the heel without becoming excessively soft. Its rebound and relatively flexible forefoot also helped the shoe feel more natural than its size suggests.
The main question is whether you need this much guidance.
This isn’t simply a neutral max-cushioned shoe with a wide sole. The support around the heel is noticeable, and I wouldn’t recommend choosing it purely because you want soft cushioning.
If you overpronate and want a stable walking shoe that still feels lively, it makes much more sense. It provides considerably more energy return than many traditional stability shoes and avoids the flat sensation that can make longer walks tiring.
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Saucony Hurricane 26 vs ASICS Gel-Kayano 33
The Hurricane 26 and Gel-Kayano 33 are both max-cushioned stability shoes, but the Hurricane feels more energetic and transitions more easily.
| Category | Saucony Hurricane 26 | ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 |
|---|---|---|
| Ride | Bouncier and springier | Firmer and more controlled |
| Transition | Quicker and smoother | Flatter and less rocker-driven |
| Listed men’s weight | 262 g (US 9) | 298 g (US 9) |
| Stack and drop | 41/35 mm; 6 mm drop | 39/31 mm; 8 mm drop |
| Forefoot fit | Slightly broader at the ball of the foot | More tapered and secure |
| Support sensation | More assertive at the medial heel | Firm, broad and more evenly distributed |
| Best suited to | Strong support with a lively ride | A firmer, more traditional stable feel |
The Hurricane 26 is 36 grams lighter based on the brands’ listed men’s sample sizes. That difference is reinforced by the livelier foam, so it feels considerably less cumbersome during walking.
The Saucony also has a less tapered shape around the big toe and a more flexible forefoot. The Kayano feels firmer and flatter, which some walkers may prefer if they prioritise predictability and protection over bounce.
In terms of stability, I found the Hurricane’s medial influence more aggressive around the heel. Neither shoe gives me the same obvious arch support I experienced in the Kayano 32, but both provide substantial guidance through their shape and cushioning.
So, is the Hurricane 26 better than the Kayano 33? For my preferences, yes. It feels lighter, bouncier and easier to walk in. However, the Kayano may still suit someone who wants a firmer ride and less of that concentrated pressure around the inside of the heel.
You can read my full ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 review for a closer look at its updated cushioning and stability system.
Saucony Hurricane 26 vs Hurricane 25
The Hurricane 26 is not a minor update.
It has 3 millimetres more cushioning underneath the heel and forefoot, while retaining the same 6-millimetre drop. More importantly, the new incrediLUX cushioning makes it feel lighter, springier and faster through the transition.
The Hurricane 25 felt softer and slightly more relaxed underneath the foot. The 26 has a more energetic rebound and feels less bulky, despite its greater stack height.
If you liked the supportive character of the Hurricane 25 but wanted less weight and more energy return, the 26 is a meaningful improvement. If you specifically enjoyed the softer sensation of the previous shoe, the change may feel less straightforward.
Who should buy the Saucony Hurricane 26?
The Hurricane 26 should work particularly well if you:
- Want a max-cushioned shoe with strong pronation control
- Prefer bounce and energy return over very soft, sinking cushioning
- Dislike traditional stability shoes that press directly into the arch
- Want a secure fit with reasonable space around the ball of the foot and big toe
- Need a supportive shoe for long walks, standing or easy running
I would look elsewhere if you:
- Use orthotics that already provide substantial correction
- Tend to roll towards the outside of your feet
- Have a high instep and struggle with secure midfoot uppers
- Need a stiff forefoot to reduce movement around the ball of the foot
- Prefer an aggressive rocker or a neutral-feeling ride
- Need most of your support underneath the inside of the forefoot during push-off
If you want a lighter shoe with milder medial support that can handle both walking and running, the ASICS GT-2000 15 may be the better option. It remains one of the most enjoyable stability shoes I have tested this year.
Final verdict
The Saucony Hurricane 26 is one of the most interesting max-cushioned stability shoes I have tested recently.
It combines substantial cushioning and strong pronation control with a surprisingly light, bouncy ride. The new incrediLUX foam makes the shoe feel smoother and more energetic than the Hurricane 25, while the wider forefoot shape and added flexibility make it comfortable over longer walks.
I also prefer its overall walking experience to the Gel-Kayano 33. The Hurricane transitions more quickly, feels less cumbersome and provides more rebound underneath the foot.
However, the support is assertive. The medial heel pressure was noticeable during my 12,000-step test, and this isn’t a shoe I would automatically combine with an orthotic or recommend to someone who doesn’t need pronation control.
If you want maximum stability without mushy cushioning, the Hurricane 26 is an excellent option. It won’t suit everybody, but for the right foot it provides an unusually effective balance of cushioning, support and energy return.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Saucony Hurricane 26 true to size?
It fitted true to size for me, with secure heel and midfoot lockdown. The forefoot feels reasonably accommodating and doesn’t taper aggressively along the inside of the big toe. A dedicated wide version is also available.
Is the Saucony Hurricane 26 good for overpronation?
Yes. It provides strong guidance through its broad base, supportive PWRRUN frame and CenterPath geometry. I found the medial influence particularly noticeable around the heel, so it is better suited to people who genuinely want pronation control.
Can you wear orthotics in the Saucony Hurricane 26?
You may be able to fit an orthotic inside it, but I would be cautious. The shoe already provides assertive guidance, and adding a corrective insole may result in excessive correction or unwanted pressure. Ask the clinician who prescribed your orthotics if you are unsure.
Is the Hurricane 26 better than the Hurricane 25?
The 26 is lighter and feels more energetic, with an additional 3 millimetres of cushioning throughout the shoe. It is the better option if you want bounce and a quicker transition, while some people may still prefer the softer sensation of the Hurricane 25.
Is the Saucony Hurricane 26 better than the Gel-Kayano 33?
I preferred the Hurricane 26 for walking because it felt lighter, bouncier and smoother through the transition. The Kayano 33 may still be preferable if you want a firmer, flatter and more controlled ride.
This review reflects my personal experience and is intended as general footwear information, not individual medical advice. Footwear needs vary, particularly when pain, injury or prescribed orthotics are involved.
