Saucony Breakthru 2
Men's: 8.5oz
Women's: 7.4oz
A model in Saucony's performance series, the second edition of the Breakthru balances its priorities as a lightweight shoe that's durable enough for daily training sessions. It doesn't stand out as disruptive or flashy, but it definitely meets the needs of tempo mileage. The combination of sturdiness and underfoot feel make this shoe one of my top favorites in 2016. Athletes who like the NB Vazee Pace will find the Breakthru familiar and a viable option in the high-performance category.
Upper:
The staple Flexfilm overlays and breathable mesh upper provide a solid combination of fit and feel to hold the foot into the shoe. Though the shoe is a little narrow in the lateral side, this issue can be resolved with a ½-size bump for a fuller fit. Narrow feet, rejoice! You can stay true to size. Since this is a training shoe, you should err on the side of roomy to offer the foot some reprieve from tight racing shoes. The height of the ankle collar and padding hold the foot effectively so its wearers don't need to over-tighten the laces.
Midsole:
Utilizing the older SSL and Powergrid system, the EVA and rubberized EVA combination is balanced, dense and responsive on impact. The shoe's flex feels stable in the heel and snappy in the forefoot.
Outsole:
Providing more high-abrasion rubber than the Kinvara, the Breakthru holds up longer under the stress of mileage. The full foot coverage of XT-900 material saves the EVA from compression, and the rubberized material holds up very well in damp conditions. The flex grooves trap small debris in the shoe.