Saucony BreakThru Review

Back in January I purchased a pair of BreakThru's on a whim while returning a pair Mizuno Musha's at my LRS.  I noticed one of the associates rocking a gold pair which were on Fleek.  The BreakThru's were so appealing I picked up them up without doing any research.  Saucony has been busy dropping new kicks like Jay-Z was releasing monster albums back in the 90's and racking up the Grammy equivalent awards in the process-you gotta love it.  

So wait, why would Saucony introduce the BreakThru and the Zealot and what role will they play in their line up?  Good questions, I don't have a definitive answer but, I do know if you're standing still and not evolving in this industry you'll get left behind.  

BreakThru Color way on Fleek

The BreakThru is one of Saucony's lightest daily trainers at 8.6oz with a 8mm drop compared to 9.3oz of their award winning Ride 7.  The BreakThru has a lower ground feel and firmer more responsive ride.  It seems like the BreakThru is trying to find a sweet spot between the  A6, Kinvara and Zealot.  

INFOGRAPH Comparison 

The Upper

The BreakThru is on the snug side so its recommended that you go up a 1/2 size, the upper is has a racing inspired sublimed print with minimal seams.  The uppers on the BreakThru were a better fit for me compared to Zealot.  I loved the ISO FIT on the Triumph-(see my review here)  not so much on the Zealot-for me it was a combination of the material used and the size of the toe box.  If you have a higher volume foot you'll appreciate the condo the Zealot offers for your toes to splay and play.  

8.6 oz with an 8mm Drop 

Fit and Feel

Once I sized up I didn't have any issues with the BreakThru, the fit and feel of the upper is superior to the Zealot in my opinion particularly across the top and along the heel counter.  My buddy Pete at runblogger.com called them comfy-(see his review here). 

Heel-to-toe POWERGRID provides a responsive and cushioned ride

Details

OVERVIEW

• Lightest 8mm everyday trainer
• The platform featuring heel-to-toe POWERGRID provides a versatile blend of cushioning and responsive 
• The purposeful upper design with minimal overlays enhances comfort while minimizing weight
• Eye-catching sublimated print draws inspiration from our racing line

SPECS

• Shoe Category: Neutral
• Pronation: Neutral
• Cushion: Responsive
• Construction Type: Neutral
• Surface: Road, Track
• Arch: High, Normal (Mid)
• Water Resistant: No
• Waterproof: No
• Offset: 8mm
• Heel Stack Height: 23mm
• Forefoot Stack Height: 15mm

SSL™ midsole material that maximizes durability while minimizing weight

The Sole

If you're an efficient speed demon you'll probably lean toward the A6 or Fastwitch but, if you're a middle of the pack runner like me needing a bit of cushion underfoot the BreakThru might be an awesome fit for you.  Saucony built the sole with their SSL™ midsole material that maximizes durability while minimizing weight.  Learning from their past mishaps with exposed eva Saucony didn't take any chances, the BreakThru comes equipped Ultra durable XT 900™ carbon rubber in high wear areas of the outsole.

Ultra durable XT 900™ carbon rubber in high wear areas of the outsole

I've take the BreakThru's on several runs on the asphalt, treadmill and indoor track and compared them to few shoes in my running shoe library specifically the Launch 2 and Zealot, hands down the L2 had the best fitting upper.  During my speed work intervals today I put all of them to the test and spent most of my time in the Zealot's.  The Zealots just felt better underfoot especially as I rounded the corners and picked up the speed on the straight aways.  If you prefer a flat firm ride with a nice blend of cushion the BreakThru is worth taking a look at especially at a buck.  Go find your strong!!  My Buddy Steve at Run Bull Dog Run shared his initial thoughts on the BreakThru-(check out his review here)

RunR4Lyfe