The Experience

Last year I was introduced to the Cortana. I reviewed this high-end performance shoe and was very impressed with every aspect of the shoe. Top to bottom this shoe felt like it was made custom just for me. I wore them running a lot and to shows where I was walking all over convention floors. The shoe was amazing.

One thing that Saucony does very well is to enhance a product, make subtle changes and make it a sequel. I have a tremendous amount of confidence in the way Saucony has done these upgrades.   I have seen other sequels including the Peregrine, and Peregrine 2 (I can’t wait for the 3). The Kinvara 1, 2, and 3.  

So I received the Saucony Cortana 2 a day before a half marathon last month. I looked at the shoe, tried it on, and said,  "Here we go!"  I raced in the shoe without ever running in it. I know what you are thinking, “This guy is a complete idiot”. I do not recommend doing this but I am lucky that my feet can wear and test varieties of different shoes without worry. I was so confident about this shoe that I took it to a race the first time I ran in it.  

It was the inaugural Porter’s Half . It was great weather and I set a new PR in the Saucony Cortana 2. Things went very well and this shoe helped me go faster. I really like this shoe- from the look all the way to how it feels inside.  I have never found a shoe that fits and feels this good from mile 1 to mile 20. You may pay a bit more, but it is worth every penny.  

The Details

On a scale of 1 to 5 this is a 5. The Cortana is made of breathable mesh. The toe has a nice soft rim that wraps on the front of the shoe and blends nicely into the upper. The re-crafted upper, shaves over an ounce off the original Cortana. Weights are estimated at just 9.8 oz (Men’s size 9) and 8.6 oz (Women’s size 8).   The platform remains from the original design, proving once again that Saucony has the experience and wisdom to know what to change and what to leave the same. This means, you get the same sturdy shoe with enough cushioning to ensure your joints will last for a nice long run.

Sauc-Fit is the magic to this shoe. Like many other Saucony shoes, they include this proprietary inside that makes the fit of the shoe very comfortable, without any pressure points for rubbing. With a 4mm off-set this new offering once again offers minimal drop. The Cortana 2 will be available in just a couple weeks; October 2012, and will come in Men's and Women's styles, with two colors options available in each line.   MSRP is $150.  

For more information about Saucony products go to: www.saucony.com