SHOE REVIEW: Saucony Canyon TR

One of Saucony‘s newest trail shoes, the Canyon TR, was released in mid-August, joining the company’s other summer releases — the Switchback 2 and the Mad River TR 2. The Canyon TR is a brand new model, and it’s a cool-looking shoe. Its bright colours catch the eye initially, and its versatility as what Saucony calls a “road to trail and back again” shoe will keep runners satisfied as they take it out for workouts. The Canyon TR is heavier than the company’s other new trail releases, but it still provides a smooth ride, wherever that may be, and it’s worth adding to the shortlist in your search for your next trail shoe. 

Category: Neutral

Stack height: 34 mm heel, 26 mm forefoot (8 mm offset)

Weight: Men 312 g (11.0 oz.), Women 275 g (9.7 oz.)

Sizes: Men 7-14, Women 5-12

Available: Now

MSRP: $149.95 

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The upper

The Canyon’s upper is quite tight, and while a secure and locked-in fit is a welcome feature in a trail shoe, this model is better suited for narrow-footed runners. If you’re a runner with a wider foot, the Saucony Switchback 2 or Mad River TR 2 are probably better bets for a comfortable fit. The upper also isn’t very breathable, which can be an issue on hot and muggy summer runs. Its sleek design includes a thin and flexible 3D-printed film that adds protection and durability from mud and debris on the trails.

The midsole 

The midsole features Saucony’s PWRRUN cushioning. This is an everyday version of  the company’s PWRRUN+ foam (Saucony’s performance foam that can be found in the Switchback 2), and it is a comfortable and well-designed cushioning system. The PWRRUN replaced Saucony’s EVERUN, and it is 25 per cent lighter than the midsole that predated it. The PWRRUN is a TPU foam that’s made of beads, and it’s used in the Kinvara 11, a Saucony trainer, and the Peregrine 10, another one of the company’s trail shoes. The midsole makes for a soft run but still provides enough bounce to help you power forward on any terrain. The ample cushioning makes the Canyon TR a great option for longer runs on the trails and roads. 

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The outsole  

The shoe’s bright PWRTRAC outsole offers decent grip on dirt trails and loose gravel, and its low-profile lugs help to make the transition between trails and roads seamless and smooth. Additionally, these lugs are small enough and spaced far enough apart to avoid catching stones and other debris as you truck along the trails. If conditions are wet, the Canyon might be a little less reliable, but for dry runs on solid ground, this is a great shoe to wear. 

Final thoughts

Overall, the Canyon TR is a good trail shoe. While its narrow build can be a tad uncomfortable for a wider-footed runner, athletes with more narrow feet shouldn’t have any complaints regarding the fit. It may be heavier than Saucony’s other shoes, but it’s well-cushioned, and for the most part, you’ll feel in control on your runs (stick with the Switchback 2 if you tend to go for muddy and wet runs). As a bonus, the shoe looks slick, and its colour scheme, which Saucony describes as “moonrock” and “mutant” (or muted grey with accents of teal, green and orange, in normal terms), will turn some heads as you fly by fellow runners. 

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