Saucony BlazeTR review — forest runs and Tatra trails

I tested the Saucony BlazeTR from Pilsko to the Tatras: fit, a measured 289 g in EU 44.5, grip, cushioning, and how the light upper looked after a trail run.

Saucony BlazeTR review from my forest and mountain runs. Comfortable from the first fitting, 289 g on my scale, and plenty of fun on the trails. Here is what I tested, what worked for me, and what remains unanswered.

This is an English edition of my Polish review published on 4 November 2024. The running impressions and roughly two-month ownership period refer to that original test, rather than a new test in 2026.

Saucony BlazeTR: what kind of shoe is it?

Front view of a pair of white Saucony BlazeTR shoes

After road shoes, it was time to hit the trails. I tested the Saucony BlazeTR on forest paths and mountain routes, from Pilsko to Jarząbczy Wierch in the Tatras. My question was simple: could a more affordable model be as enjoyable to run in as my favourite trail shoes?

The BlazeTR is a neutral trail shoe. Saucony’s specifications list PWRRUN cushioning, a mesh upper and an 8 mm drop, with a stack height of 35.5 mm at the heel and 27.5 mm at the forefoot. Those are manufacturer specifications; the running impressions below are my own.

Weight: 289 g in EU 44.5

My EU 44.5 shoe weighed 289 g for one shoe. That is less than the 319 g I recorded for the On Cloudvista in my earlier review (Polish). This compares individual shoes from my tests, rather than ranking every trail shoe on the market.

Saucony lists a men’s weight of 269 g. I do not compare that figure directly with my measurement: the product page does not identify the reference size, while my own measurement is specifically for EU 44.5.

Saucony BlazeTR on a scale reading 289 g

First impressions and sizing

Runner in a red top on a steep forest slope

We got along from the first run. The shoe felt comfortable on my foot, and EU 44.5 was right for me. For context, I wear EU 45 in many of my On shoes. That is a personal fitting observation, rather than a universal sizing conversion.

The ride reminded me of my old favourite Reebok All Terrain Craze (Polish review): a combination of comfort, ground feel and a natural running sensation on forest trails.

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Outsole and grip on the trails

The tread noticeably bites into the ground. On forest paths, gravel, stones and leaves, I felt that the shoe held the surface well. In the conditions I encountered, I was comfortable on both dry and slippery ground.

On paved sections, I noticed a slightly “sticky” sensation, similar to my experience with the Hoka Mafate Speed 3 (Polish review). This is a subjective impression, not a traction measurement. Positive experiences on my routes do not guarantee grip on every wet rock or in every kind of mud. My Merrell ProMorph review focuses specifically on mixed surfaces. For a different cushioned trail design, see the On Cloudultra 2 review.

Underside of the Saucony BlazeTR showing the outsole tread

Cushioning and ground feel

Saucony BlazeTR shoes worn by a runner standing on rocks

There was enough cushioning for me, yet I could still feel stones and uneven ground. That balance was the main attraction: the shoe softened impacts without cutting me off from the trail.

Compared with my memories of the On Cloudultra (Polish review), the BlazeTR felt less firm. To me, cushioning and stability worked well together. This describes comfort on my own feet, rather than a laboratory measurement of foam hardness.

Useful details: rear pull tab and front attachment

The large rear loop helped me pull the shoe on. There is also a small attachment at the front, which I described in the original review as a possible anchor for short gaiters. The photograph shows the detail, but the test did not establish compatibility with a specific gaiter model.

Before a longer outing, I would check the complete setup on a shorter route: shoes, socks and any gaiters. A comfortable first fitting is useful, but it does not replace trying the combination before race day.

Close-ups of the rear pull tab and front attachment on the Saucony BlazeTR

The drawback: light uppers show mud quickly

Mud on the light-coloured Saucony BlazeTR upper after a run

The white colourway looked great out of the box. The photograph shows what happened after my first trail run, even though I was still trying to keep the new pair clean. I had the same small complaint about my light-coloured Cloudultra.

That did not affect how I rated the ride: running shoes are there to be used. I still liked the colour, including after the mud had dried. If keeping a fresh-out-of-the-box appearance matters to you, this colourway may need more attention.

Upper: ventilation and water

On warmer days, my feet did not feel overheated. Water entered fairly quickly when I stepped into a deep puddle, but the shoes also seemed to release moisture fairly quickly in my conditions. I did not time the drying process, so this remains a practical impression.

Saucony states that the model contains recycled materials. The linked product page does not give a percentage, so I do not describe the entire shoe as being made from recycled material.

Side view of a white Saucony BlazeTR against the mountains
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Browse all my reviews in the running shoe testing library, grouped by roads, trails and other uses.

Saucony BlazeTR: my verdict

Runner on a mountain trail beneath a Tatra ridge

When I wrote the original review, I had owned the BlazeTR for around two months and had several other trail pairs in my running cupboard. Yet whenever I headed to the forest, these were usually the shoes I picked. That says a lot about how well they worked for me.

The standouts were comfort, the relatively low weight of my particular shoe, and the balance between cushioning and ground feel. My main reservation was the light upper showing dirt so quickly.

Long-term durability remains unanswered. The source review contains neither a final mileage figure nor an account of wear over the shoes’ full life. I have therefore not added a long-term test result. If this style of trail shoe appeals to you, the BlazeTR is worth trying on: it worked very well for me.

Saucony BlazeTR FAQ

How much does the Saucony BlazeTR weigh?

My EU 44.5 shoe weighed 289 g. Saucony’s listed men’s weight of 269 g is a separate specification, with no reference size identified on the linked page.

Can you use the BlazeTR in the mountains?

I ran in it from Pilsko to the Tatras and liked the ride and ground feel. That is my experience on particular routes, rather than a promise of grip in all conditions.

Which size did I wear?

EU 44.5 fitted my foot, while I wear EU 45 in many On shoes. Personal fitting is still the best way to check.

What about durability?

The original review includes no final mileage or end-of-life test result. It does not establish how many kilometres the pair will last.

Sources and scope

Running impressions, the 289 g measurement and fit: my original 2024 test. Construction specifications: Saucony’s official Blaze TR product page, checked on 26 October 2026. Links to other reviews provide context for my own experiences; the linked reviews are in Polish. Partner banners are advertising.

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