Weight 371g
Evaluation Saucony’s GRID Hammer never found a large following with overpronators in its short shelf life. The Courageous is its very similar replacement. Its upper is new, the size of the rearfoot cushioning GRID has been increased, and the shoe has has a slightly more stable shape, but the firm midsole is essentially the same. Unfortunately, the Courageous flexes too far forward (in front of the ball of the foot) and weartesters were quick to notice the resulting heel slippage. Some weartesters, however, especially the bigger ones, did appreciate the added medial stability (the medial side has been filled in) and the broader base of support.
In short Big runners will appreciate the added support of the Courageous – and may be able to make it flex naturally in the forefoot – but it is not a significant improvement to the shoe it replaces, the less expensive Hammer. For all but the heaviest runners and most extreme overpronators, Saucony’s best overpronation shoe remains the GRID Stabil.
Try it if you liked Saucony GRID Hammer (£75);
Brooks Beast (£85);
Asics Gel MC+ (£75)
