Released in 2013, the Saucony Cortana 3 was once a go-to for neutral runners craving a lightweight, cushioned ride. At 264g for men and 224g for women, it blends minimalist vibes with durable support—a rare combo even today.
But with newer Saucony models like the Kinvara or Endorphin series dominating the market, does this decade-old shoe still deserve a spot in your rotation? I ran over 400km in it to find out. Here’s my review, updated for 2025.
Key Features of the Saucony Cortana 3
Lightweight Design
Saucony shaved weight off the Cortana 3 without skimping on durability. The FlexFilmTM overlays on the upper—a thin, adaptive material—wrap your foot for a seamless, snug fit. At under 10oz, it’s still competitive with many modern lightweight shoes, making it ideal for runners who hate feeling bogged down.
Cushioning and Support
The PowerGrid midsole pairs with an expanded iBR+ outsole (33% more cushioning than standard blown rubber, per Saucony) for a responsive, plush ride. A 4mm heel-to-toe drop keeps it low-profile, while the XT-900 carbon rubber adds traction on wet roads or gravel. It’s not a stability shoe, but the medial post offers mild support for neutral runners.
Breathable Upper
The air mesh upper, combined with the HydraMAX collar lining, wicks moisture and cups the heel comfortably. After sweaty 10km runs, my feet stayed dry—no small feat for a shoe this old.
My Experience Testing the Cortana 3
First Impressions
Out of the box, the Cortana 3 looks simple—almost understated. Its minimalist design won me over instantly; I’m not a fan of flashy shoes. The fit felt snug (a tad narrow for my wider forefoot), but after a 5km break-in, it molded nicely. At 8-minute miles, the cushioning felt soft yet springy, and the 4mm drop encouraged a natural stride.
After 400km
I logged over 400km across roads and light gravel, averaging 50km weekly. The cushioning held up well, though it stiffened slightly past 300km—normal wear for any shoe. The XT-900 outsole showed minimal scuffing, a testament to its durability. No injuries, no blisters—just consistent comfort. I retired it at 400km for safety (a common threshold for cushioning breakdown) and grabbed a second pair off eBay for $60.
Standout Moment
On a rainy 15km run, the traction gripped slick pavement like a champ. The lightweight build kept me nimble, and the PowerGrid absorbed every landing. It’s not a trail shoe, but it handles mixed surfaces better than expected.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight: 264g (men), 224g (women)—easy on the legs for long runs.
- Great Traction: XT-900 rubber shines on wet roads or light gravel.
- Cushioned Ride: PowerGrid and iBR+ deliver plush, responsive support.
- Affordable Now: Often found for $50-$80 secondhand in 2025.
Cons
- Narrow Fit: Wide-footed runners may need a break-in period or a half-size up.
- Aging Tech: Newer shoes (e.g., Saucony Endorphin Speed) outpace it in responsiveness.
- Limited Availability: No longer in production, so stock is hit-or-miss.
How It Holds Up in 2025
The Cortana 3 isn’t cutting-edge anymore. Modern alternatives like the Saucony Kinvara 14 (with a lighter 3mm drop) or Hoka Clifton 9 (plusher cushioning) boast updated tech and wider fits.
Yet, at a fraction of their $120-$150 price tags, the Cortana 3 remains a steal for budget runners or minimalism fans. Its 4mm drop and PowerGrid still feel relevant, especially if you snag a well-preserved pair online.
Here’s a quick comparison:
|
Shoe
|
Weight (Men)
|
Drop
|
Price (2025)
|
Best For
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Saucony Cortana 3
|
264g
|
4mm
|
$50-$80 (used)
|
Budget long runs
|
|
Saucony Kinvara 14
|
200g
|
3mm
|
$120
|
Speedwork, light feel
|
|
Hoka Clifton 9
|
248g
|
5mm
|
$145
|
Max cushioning
|
Who Should Buy the Saucony Cortana 3?
Ideal Runners
- Neutral Runners: Perfect for those with high arches or minimal pronation.
- Daily Trainers: Great for 5-15km road runs or light gravel.
- Budget Shoppers: A premium shoe at a discount if you hunt for deals.
Skip It If
- You need stability (try the Saucony Guide instead).
- You run rugged trails (opt for a trail shoe like the Peregrine).
- You want the latest tech (go for 2025 releases).
Specs at a Glance
- Price: $80-$150 (original); $50-$80 (used in 2025)
- Weight: 264g (men), 224g (women)
- Drop: 6mm (men), 4mm (women)
- Heel Height: 29.7mm (men), 23.7mm (women)
- Terrain: Road, gravel, track (not trails)
Final Thoughts
The Saucony Cortana 3 isn’t the flashiest or newest running shoe in 2025, but it’s a reliable workhorse. Its lightweight build, solid cushioning, and durable traction make it a hidden gem for neutral runners on a budget. After 400km, I’d still recommend it for daily training—if you can find it. Pair it with a fresh insole, and it’s a steal under $80.
Have you tried the Cortana 3? Let me know your thoughts below, or check out our guide to neutral running shoes (#) for more options.
