- The Saucony Cohesion 18, the brand’s affordable entry-level trainer, boasts a price tag of $70.
- The low price comes with some sacrifices, especially with regard to comfort and fit.
- Testers noted the shoe is fairly responsive and performs best during short interval workouts.
We’re lucky enough to live in a golden age of running shoes, where new technology is making shoes faster and more comfortable than ever. But not everyone is willing to shell out hundreds of dollars for a single pair—for many, wallet-friendly options like the Saucony Cohesion 18 are a more palatable investment with its $70 price tag, especially for those just getting started running.
As one of those beginners whose first pair of running shoes was the Cohesion over a decade ago, testing this shoe was a full-circle moment for me. The shoe is undoubtedly entry-level, and more seasoned runners should opt for more comfortable and durable models. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t others like me who can use this shoe to fall in love with running.
Saucony Cohesion 18
Pros
- Accessible price point
- Responsive cushioning
Cons
- Low shock absorption
- Awkward fit
- Lacking support
| Best for | Daily training, short speedwork |
| Weight | 10.2 oz (M), 8.6 oz (W) |
| Stack Height | 33 mm |
| Drop | 12 mm |
Obstacles, Not Roadblocks
I won’t mince words: The Cohesion 18 feels rough right out of the box. The upper starts out stiff, and the lack of support becomes evident right away. The shape of the shoe almost makes it seem like your forefoot is forced to splay out wide, resulting in some pressure on the pinky toe. And combined with the 12mm drop, the 33mm stack height brings the shoe out of max-cushioned territory. After trying them on for the first time, I wrote in my notes that it felt like walking on a slab of wood.
My rocky start wasn’t unique. “Testing the Cohesion 18 as a gear editor who tests hundreds of shoes a year was a humbling experience,” said Running Reviews Editor Amanda Furrer. “The fit right away was uncomfortable, and running in them definitely required effort in this stretch of testing when the heat was stifling.”
It turns out a little patience is key. The EVA-based VersaRun foam softened a bit after the first couple of runs, and the stiff fit faded as I logged more miles. However, the low cushioning and awkward shape could still be an issue for some runners—my runs maxed out at five miles before the lack of shock absorption became too much for my knees to handle.
The Cohesion 18s have enough responsiveness to make them adequate for shorter interval workouts. The shoes felt solid for me when I ripped through the closing 100s in a set of broken 400s. Furrer likened them to a track flat and reported they felt faster than the twice-as-expensive Saucony Echelon 10 she was testing concurrently.
Though the low price point of budget shoes often comes at the expense of durability, my original pair of Cohesion 7s survived a year’s worth of running without any damage. The tough XT-900 rubber outsole and toe sweep protecting part of the mesh upper on the Cohesion 18 point to the same level of longevity.
However, if you run high-mileage weeks or have aggressive turnover, the midsole foam will likely lose the little support it has quicker than the other elements, meaning a replacement pair would need to be bought sooner to avoid injury. Runners might save money on the initial purchase but may go through pairs faster than if they ran in more expensive models.
Worth the Purchase?
High school runners who are looking for a cheap alternative to knock out quick daily runs or short interval workouts could benefit from adding the Cohesion 18 to their rotation. “Maybe if you’re younger, lighter, or more efficient with your form, you can alternate with the Cohesion 18 as a daily trainer with a more cushioned shoe for long run days,” said Furrer.
The main reason runners will gravitate to the Cohesion 18 is because of its price point. After all, it became my first pair of running shoes because it was the only one I could afford. As a short-distance high school runner, I was lucky enough to be in a position where the shoe would work for my needs; now, as someone who is lucky enough to test dozens of shoes as part of my job, it can’t compare to some of the top-of-the-line models I’ve grown used to wearing.
But as an entry-level shoe, that’s the whole point. Beginners don’t necessarily need access to IncrediRun foam and a Speedroll rocker right away (though an improved shape to increase the comfort would be a nice touch). Though it pales in comparison to premium models, the Cohesion is an accessible option for newer, younger runners to get their start—something that 14-year-old me can attest to as well.
Shop Men’s at saucony.com | Shop Women’s at saucony.com
Affordable Shoes We Recommend
Michael McDonough joined Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, and Bicycling in November 2024. He loves the variety of subject matters that comes with his work—as a former contributor to Encyclopedia Britannica, he’s previously written about topics in statistics, psychology, and more. A former sprinter, he’s currently working his way up to longer distances with the encouragement of his coworkers.