When Saucony first debuted IncrediRUN foam in the Endorphin Elite 2, the brand’s high performance racing shoe, this new midsole material took the running world by storm. It offered an incredibly lightweight and airy feel, with a completely unmatched blend of softness and responsiveness.
However, this foam was only present in Saucony’s elite racing line, making it more difficult to enjoy all it had to offer on daily miles and long runs. But that’s all changing with the Paramount Max.
The Paramount Max is a brand new model from Saucony. This non-plated super trainer delivers several elements of the Endorphin Elite – including the renowned midsole foam – in a more accessible package suited for daily miles.
Saucony has been around for over 125 years, but this lasting legacy doesn’t mean the brand rests on its laurels. The Paramount Max brings something unique and different to Saucony’s running shoe lineup, and our Marathon Sports review team couldn’t wait to see how this new model feels and performs.
Our Review Process
Our team has an in-depth review process to ensure we get to know every new running shoe inside and out. We put each new update to the test as it comes through our doors, heading out on a variety of different runs.
After lacing up each new shoe, we hit the roads, trails, treadmill, and track to determine where this shoe really shines. Throughout this review we’ll highlight the shoe’s key features, all our findings, and offer some insight into who might want to consider this shoe vs who should look elsewhere.
Saucony Paramount Max Fast Facts
Running shoe data and specs are our bread-and-butter here at Marathon Sports. So we dove into all the technology and features you can expect to find with the Paramount Max. Here’s what you need to know:
- A brand new max cushion non-plated super trainer
- Stack height: 43 mm in the heel, 37 mm in the toe
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 10.6 oz (M), 8.8 oz (W)
- Midsole made from high-performance IncrediRUN foam for super soft landings
- Broad base and high sidewalls improve stability
- Rocker and segmented midsole design create smooth transitions
- Engineered mesh upper with anatomical molded heel provides a secure fit around the foot with premium step-in comfort
- Fits true-to-size with a roomy, high-volume toe box for extra toe splay
- XT900 rubber outsole improves durability
- Design is fully vegan and made from recycled materials
- Price: $199.95
A Closer Look at the Paramount Max
Now that you know what features are in the Paramount Max, let’s dive into how these features look and play out in Saucony’s newest high cushion shoe.
IncrediRUN Midsole Unit
Saucony refers to the Paramount Max as its “most cushioned shoe ever”, and that’s no exaggeration. The Paramount Max boasts a whopping 43 mm of foam in the heel and 37 mm in the forefoot, providing a max cushioned design that effectively absorbs shock until the very last mile.
And while the sheer amount of foam itself helps absorb impact, the secret to the shoe’s soft and responsive ride lies in the IncrediRUN foam formula. The supercritical TPEE foam leaves you feeling like you’re running on clouds with every step.
The IncrediRUN foam has been upgraded for the Paramount Max and is now 17% firmer than the version used in the Endorphin Elite. While it’s still super soft underfoot, this new stiffer formula creates more stable, responsive, and balanced landings.
Stability Features
The Paramount Max is what’s often referred to as a stable neutral shoe. It doesn’t have any dedicated corrective features for overpronation, but there are specific elements designed to keep you feeling stable and secure with each footfall.
With a shoe as soft as the Paramount Max, something needs to prevent it from feeling too soft, wobbly, and unstable with each landing. High sidewalls help provide inherent stability, keeping the feet in place and preventing any excess side-to-side movement.
The wide platform and flared base also play a key role in stabilizing the foot through every stride. This midsole shape creates more surface area as you land, driving more balance and security.
Shoe Geometry
While the Paramount Max strives to be a soft, stable shoe for long runs, there are also some features that help propel you forward and keep turnover smooth and efficient during faster efforts.
The shoe has a mild forefoot rocker that balances out the high stack height and wide platform. This curved shape helps guide you forward, reducing pressure and propelling you through each stride. This is paired with a segmented midsole design that drives even more spring and efficiency.
Saucony also gave the Paramount Max a lower drop compared to many of its other trainers, with a 6 mm offset between the heel and forefoot. This helps keep the feet in a relatively natural position, creating more groundfeel underfoot despite the higher stack height.
Premium Upper Construction & Fit
The luxurious softness and cushioning isn’t just in the midsole. This premium feel extends around the top of the foot with a breathable engineered mesh upper.
The mesh offers lots of ventilation and air flow, which keeps the feet cool and comfortable over the course of long runs. Another highlight is the anatomical molded heel, which cups the back of the foot and prevents any excess movement or rubbing.
Like many other Saucony shoes, the Paramount Max fits true-to-size in terms of length. However, anyone with wide or high volume feet will be happy to hear that it offers a wide all-around fit. The toe box is spacious and has lots of volume to accommodate all different foot shapes and sizes.
Versatility and Durability
At nearly $200, the Paramount Max has a higher price tag than many standard daily trainers, although it’s right in line with many of the super trainers on the market today. The good news is that, with a resilient XT900 rubber outsole, you can enjoy mile after mile of wear without worrying about early breakdown.
With so much plush cushioning underfoot, the shoe definitely works best as a long run or recovery day shoe. Most runners will likely find it’s too soft and bulky, almost like you’re sinking into the foam, when trying to pick up the pace. However, with a subtle rocker geometry and good blend of energy return and softness, the shoe can also adapt to some shorter, more uptempo efforts.
Road Test Results
No matter what shoe we’re testing out, road tests are always the most fun and exciting part of any review. But this is especially true with brand new models such as the Paramount Max. While we’ve looked into the highlights and details, new shoe models let us go into a road test with a blank slate, without the comparisons to previous iterations of the shoe we have with more established models.
And while we were excited to try out the Paramount Max, our review team also had its concerns. Unboxing the Paramount Max for the first time, it was evident that it was a lot of shoe. They had an ultra soft yet bulky look. Other max cushion shoes can sometimes feel wobbly and unstable, so we were unsure if a shoe with so much soft cushioning would be able to maintain its stability, even with the wide base and raised sidewalls.
Fortunately, our worries were put to rest as soon as we started running. Yes, the Paramount Max has a huge stack of super soft IncrediRUN cushioning underfoot. But the stability elements, along with the low 6 mm drop, all did a fantastic job of balancing out the plush cushioning. We got to enjoy the super soft, bouncy landings without worrying about any unsteadiness or instability.
On long runs or recovery days, there really wasn’t much more we could ask for from these max cushion Saucony shoes. The cushioning felt exceptional underfoot, with a fantastic blend of softness and springiness. The padded upper and molded heel, along with the spacious, high-volume toe box provided maximum comfort through every step. And even as our runs crept towards double digits, the spongy foam kept our feet and legs feeling fresh and well-protected.
As a whole, the Paramount Max shines on slower days when you’re just focused on getting outside and running. However, as a super shoe, we also expect a bit of versatility. So how did the shoes stack up as we tested them on more uptempo runs?
We didn’t have any complaints when we threw some faster intervals into our long runs. The shoe’s bounce, energy return, and performance-focused geometry all came into play, helping us effortlessly kick it into a higher gear.
However, track workouts or all-out efforts were a different story. The Paramount Max is definitely one of the softest shoes we’ve reviewed, and with so much of this soft foam, it did feel a bit too spongy and bulky as a dedicated speed shoe.
At 10.6 oz and 8.8 oz for men’s and women’s shoes respectively, the Paramount Max is on the heavier side, especially compared to other super performance trainers on the market today. While these extra ounces didn’t bother us during longer runs, they do play a role in limiting the shoe’s adaptability and versatility.
After some test runs in the shoe, we likely wouldn’t recommend the Paramount Max for athletes looking for a speedy shoe in their rotation. But for long runs, recovery days, or even varying paces and efforts during daily miles, the Paramount Max excelled. If you’re looking for a single shoe to add to your rotation, or prioritize cushioning and softness in your running shoes, the Paramount Max could be the perfect choice for you.
Paramount Max: Pros and Cons
Unfortunately, there isn’t a single shoe that works for every single runner and walker out there. Everyone’s feet and preferences are different, meaning it’s crucial to consider all the pros and cons to determine if a running shoe is right for you.
While we found a lot of features to love about the Paramount Max, it’s no exception to this rule. Here are some positives, as well as some downsides, to keep in mind if you’re considering adding the Paramount Max to your rotation.
Pros
- IncrediRUN cushioning is a huge standout. It’s been reformulated for everyday runs, giving it a soft yet responsive feel ideal for mile after mile of wear
- Stable features, including a wide base, raised sidewalls, and natural drop, provide extra confidence and security with every step.
- TPEE cushioning is incredibly durable and maintains its bounce and spring for lots of miles. XT900 rubber outsole is paired with this durable foam for even more longevity
- Padded mesh upper with anatomical molded heel improves all-around comfort during any type of run
Cons
- Heavier than comparable performance trainers on the market
- High stack of soft foam results in limited versatility for speed workouts and more uptempo days
Comparable Performance Trainers: How Does the Paramount Max Stack Up?
Super trainers are a relatively recent phenomenon. Even still, in recent years, the category of running shoes has quickly become crowded with energetic and cushioned training shoe options.
After running in the Paramount Max, our team found it to be one of the softest, bounciest shoe models out there. But that isn’t necessarily the best choice for everyone. If you aren’t sure if the Paramount Max is right for you, there are a few other options to consider.
Anyone looking for something firmer and more versatile should check out the Mizuno Neo Vista 3. The shoe is lighter than the Paramount Max, with a glass-infused Wave Plate that makes the shoes feel more responsive and geared towards faster runs.
Just keep in mind that it doesn’t have the same inherent stability elements as the Paramount Max. While this streamlined design gives the Neo Vista more agility and versatility for speed workouts, it can also feel less stable on longer runs.
And if you think you might enjoy a super cushiony feel, you should try out both the Paramount Max and Asics Megablast. Both are non-plated super trainers with lots of soft foam, making them great options for long runs.
The Megablast is slightly firmer underfoot, and also comes with a more premium $225 price point. These are two of the top super trainers around, and you can’t go wrong with either option. The choice ultimately comes down to your budget, individual preferences, and how the shoe fits your feet.
Final Thoughts: Try the Saucony Paramount Max at Marathon Sports
With such a new model, our review team wasn’t quite sure what to expect with the Paramount Max. But the shoe was full of surprises, and it quickly proved itself as one of the softest, bounciest, and most fun super trainers around.
With a $200 price point, some athletes may expect something lighter and more versatile. And it’s true that the shoe wasn’t the best option for dedicated speed work days. But if you value softness, cushioning, shock absorption, and overall comfort, the Paramount Max is top-of-the-line.
We hope this review offers some insight into whether the Paramount Max could be the shoe for you. But the best way to truly know is to stop into your nearest Marathon Sports. Our Right Fit process will help narrow down your options and ensure you find the perfect fit for you and all your running needs.
