Saucony has introduced a completely new addition to its running shoe line-up with the Saucony Paramount Max — a premium max-cushion daily trainer designed to make every mile feel softer, smoother and more energised.
With a huge stack of cushioning, Saucony's high-performance incrediRUN™ foam and a design focused on comfort without sacrificing responsiveness, the Paramount Max is aimed at runners who want plenty of protection underfoot but don't want their max-cushion running shoes to feel flat or sluggish.
If you're looking for a comfortable everyday running shoe, a long-run companion or simply want to experience one of Saucony's most cushioned shoes yet, here's everything you need to know about the Saucony Paramount Max.
What is the Saucony Paramount Max?
The Saucony Paramount Max is a premium max-cushion running shoe designed for everyday training and high-mileage running.
Saucony describes it as delivering its “most cushioned, energised feel ever”, combining a broad-based platform of incrediRUN™ foam with a high-rebound incrediRUN™ sockliner.
Unlike some max-cushion running shoes that focus almost exclusively on softness, the Paramount Max has been designed to provide a noticeable amount of energy return too.
That means you get the protection you'd expect from a highly cushioned daily trainer, combined with a lively feeling underfoot that encourages you to keep moving.
The star of the show: incrediRUN™ foam
The biggest talking point around the Saucony Paramount Max is undoubtedly its incrediRUN™ midsole.
IncrediRUN is a TPEE-based superfoam designed to deliver a combination of cushioning and energy return. Saucony has taken the high-performance foam technology used elsewhere in its range and tuned it specifically for everyday running in the Paramount Max.
The result is a max-cushion running shoe that doesn't simply absorb every step.
Instead, the foam is designed to give something back.
For runners, that translates into a ride that feels:
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Soft
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Cushioned
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Springy
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Responsive
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Protective
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Surprisingly energetic
It's this combination that makes the Paramount Max different from a traditional high-stack daily trainer.
How much cushioning does the Paramount Max have?
The Paramount Max is unmistakably a max-cushion running shoe.
The shoe features a stack height of approximately 43mm at the heel and 37mm at the forefoot, giving it a 6mm heel-to-toe drop.
That substantial amount of foam provides plenty of protection between your feet and the road, making the shoe particularly appealing for runners who enjoy a highly cushioned sensation.
The broad platform also helps give the shoe a stable foundation despite its substantial stack.
And that's important.
Max cushioning doesn't necessarily have to mean unstable cushioning.
The Paramount Max's wide platform, higher sidewalls and segmented midsole are designed to help create a smoother landing and more efficient transition through the stride.
A high-stack shoe that doesn't feel as big as it looks
One of the most interesting things about the Saucony Paramount Max is the contrast between its appearance and its ride.
At first glance, this is a big running shoe.
But the combination of incrediRUN foam and the shoe's geometry means it doesn't necessarily feel cumbersome when you're actually running.
Independent runners have reported that the shoe feels surprisingly light and energetic underfoot despite its substantial size, with the rocker geometry and incrediRUN foam helping to create a forward-moving sensation.
That's a major advantage for runners who love the comfort of max-cushion shoes but don't want to feel like they're running in a traditional heavyweight trainer.
The geometry: smooth transitions from heel to toe
The Paramount Max features a segmented midsole design alongside higher sidewalls and a broad platform.
Rather than creating a completely rigid ride, the segmented construction is designed to help the shoe transition smoothly through the stride.
The result is a shoe that works particularly well when you're settling into a rhythm.
Think:
Land → compress → transition → roll → toe-off
rather than simply sinking into a huge layer of foam.
This makes the Paramount Max particularly appealing for longer runs where maintaining a smooth, consistent stride becomes increasingly important.
Is the Saucony Paramount Max good for long runs?
Absolutely.
Long-distance comfort is arguably where the Paramount Max makes the most sense.
The combination of its substantial cushioning, high energy return and stable platform makes it well suited to runners who want plenty of protection during longer training runs.
It's particularly interesting for:
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Long runs
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Easy runs
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Recovery runs
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High-mileage training
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Marathon training
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Everyday road running
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General aerobic mileage
The shoe isn't necessarily designed to replace a dedicated racing shoe, but it can make an excellent training companion for marathon and half-marathon preparation.
For runners putting significant mileage into their training week, having a shoe that reduces the sensation of impact and keeps your legs feeling comfortable can be incredibly valuable.
Is the Paramount Max a fast running shoe?
This is where things get interesting.
The Paramount Max isn't a racing shoe, and that's not what Saucony has designed it to be.
However, incrediRUN™ gives the shoe considerably more energy than you might expect from a max-cushion trainer.
Saucony specifically describes the shoe around maximum energy return and an energised feel, rather than simply maximum softness.
That means the Paramount Max can comfortably handle moderate-paced running and faster everyday miles.
Independent testing has also found the shoe capable of maintaining surprisingly quick paces, with testers noting the combination of the foam and rocker geometry encourages forward momentum.
For dedicated intervals or racing, there are better options within Saucony's range.
But for comfortable, moderately paced running where you still want some bounce, the Paramount Max is particularly compelling.
Saucony Paramount Max vs Saucony Triumph
One of the obvious questions is how the Paramount Max fits alongside the Saucony Triumph.
Both are highly cushioned daily trainers, but they have slightly different personalities.
Saucony Paramount Max
Maximum cushioning + maximum energy
The Paramount Max is the more extreme option, with a substantially higher stack and the energetic feel of incrediRUN™ foam.
Choose it if you want:
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Maximum cushioning
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Maximum underfoot protection
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A highly energetic ride
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Long-run comfort
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A large, stable platform
Saucony Triumph
The Triumph remains one of Saucony's versatile premium daily trainers, designed to balance cushioning, comfort and everyday versatility.
Saucony itself positions the Triumph as a premium cushioned daily trainer and the Paramount Max as the option for runners wanting a more max-cushioned, energised experience.
In simple terms:
Triumph = premium daily trainer
Paramount Max = maximum cushioning + maximum bounce
Who should buy the Saucony Paramount Max?
The Paramount Max is particularly well suited to runners who prioritise comfort and cushioning but still want an energetic ride.
It's worth considering if you:
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Love highly cushioned running shoes
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Want maximum protection for everyday mileage
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Run regularly on roads
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Enjoy long-distance running
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Are training for a marathon or half marathon
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Want a comfortable recovery-day shoe
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Prefer a stable, broad platform
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Want cushioning without a completely dead feeling
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Put significant mileage through your running shoes
It's also an interesting option for runners who simply love the feeling of lots of foam underfoot.
Who might prefer something else?
Despite its versatility, the Paramount Max won't be the perfect shoe for everyone.
If you prefer a lower-profile, more natural feeling shoe, its substantial stack may feel excessive.
Similarly, if your priority is lightweight speed and race-day performance, a dedicated Saucony Endorphin model will likely be more appropriate.
And if you want a traditional daily trainer rather than a max-cushion shoe, the Triumph remains a more conventional choice.
The Paramount Max knows what it wants to be:
BIG cushioning. BIG comfort. BIG energy.
Saucony Paramount Max: Key Specifications
| Feature | Saucony Paramount Max |
|---|---|
| Category | Max-cushion daily trainer |
| Terrain | Road |
| Midsole | incrediRUN™ |
| Foam | TPEE superfoam |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Heel stack | Approx. 43mm |
| Forefoot stack | Approx. 37mm |
| Support | Neutral |
| Best for | Daily running & long runs |
| Cushioning | Maximum |
| Ride | Cushioned & energetic |
Saucony currently describes the Paramount Max as a max-cushion daily trainer featuring incrediRUN™ foam and a high-rebound sockliner.
The verdict: Is the Saucony Paramount Max worth it?
The Saucony Paramount Max is an exciting addition to the max-cushion running shoe market.
Rather than simply making the shoe softer and adding more foam, Saucony has focused on creating a combination of maximum cushioning and energy return.
The result is a running shoe designed to make everyday miles feel comfortable without sacrificing that satisfying, springy sensation many runners are now looking for.
For long runs, easy miles, recovery sessions and high-mileage training, the Paramount Max could become one of those shoes you reach for when you simply want your legs to feel good.
Looking for your next pair of Saucony running shoes?
Whether you're searching for a max-cushion running shoe for long runs, a versatile daily trainer or a dedicated race-day shoe, the Running Bear team can help you find the right model for your running style.