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Saucony

Zealot ISO 3

Zealot ISO 3
Daily trainer · Neutral · Road
Good (67/100)

Shoe details

Weight
8.6 oz
Release
2017 Q2
MSRP
$130
Drop Height
4mm

Ratings & Reviews

Good (67/100)

Better than about 23% of shoes

Based on product-line history, external ratings, and runner reviews.
?

This score rates worse than 77% of shoes.

Our ratings use detailed reviews from knowledgeable runners, ratings for shoes in the same product line, and reliable product information from trusted retailers.

Rating breakdown

Better Shoes score out of 100. Shading shows the expected rating range.
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Rankings combine runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, direct comparisons to other shoes, related product-line performance, and trusted external ratings.

The darker band shows the central score range. The lighter band shows a wider range of reasonable outcomes. More reviews for this shoe usually narrow both bands.

Overall

Good (67/100)

Overall ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Good (67/100)

Rank

Ranks above 23% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

Durability

Above average (81/100)

Durability ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Above average (81/100)

Rank

Ranks above 64% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

Comfort

Good (77/100)

Comfort ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Good (77/100)

Rank

Ranks above 53% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

Cushioning

Good (76/100)

Cushioning ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Good (76/100)

Rank

Ranks above 53% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

Value

Below average (65/100)

Value ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Below average (65/100)

Rank

Ranks above 18% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

Appearance

Below average (51/100)

Appearance ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Below average (51/100)

Rank

Ranks above 1% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

38%

3/8

Prefer this shoe over another.

Reviewers said this shoe was better than another shoe they ran in.

All Running Shoes

Worse than 77% of 2,526 running shoes ranked.

Good (67/100)

Daily Trainers

Worse than 75% of 1,834 daily trainers ranked.

25%

Saucony

Worse than 81% of 206 Saucony shoes ranked.

19%

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Rated above average on comfort.
  • Rated among the top 25% of shoes on cushioning.
  • Rated above average on durability.

Cons

  • Several of reviewers reported getting injured in this shoe.
  • Rated below average overall.

Compared to other shoes

See how this shoe compares to others like it.

Saucony Zealot ISO 3
Saucony Zealot ISO 2
HOKA Clifton 9
Zealot ISO 3
Zealot ISO 2
Clifton 9
Current shoe
Reference shoe
Lightest / Newest / Best overall
Shoe properties
Type
Daily trainer
Daily trainer
Daily trainer
Pronation
Neutral
Neutral (Moderate)
Neutral
Weight
8.6 oz M
8.6 oz M
8.5 oz M Lightest
Stack
—
27/23mm
40/35mm
Drop
4mm
4mm
5mm
Release
2017 Q2
2017 Q3
2023 Q1 Newest
MSRP
$130
$130
$165
Best price
—
—
$164.99
Ratings
Overall
Below average (23%)
Bottom tier (11%)
Exceptional (>99%) Best overall
Comfort
Average (53%)
Below average (38%)
Exceptional (>99%) Best comfort
Cushioning
Average (53%)
Average (41%)
Exceptional (>99%) Best cushioning
Durability
Above average (64%)
Average (50%)
Good (80%) Best durability
Appearance
Bottom tier (1%)
Bottom tier (1%)
Very good (81%) Best appearance
Value
Bottom tier (18%)
Bottom tier (1%)
Good (74%) Best value
Specific shoe

Search for the exact model to add to this comparison.

Where to buy

No offers available

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Reader Ratings

6 reader ratings

Review a shoe

Showing 1–5 of 6 written reviews

Saucony Men's Zealot ISO 3 Running Shoe

Anonymous runner · Aug 12, 2019

4/5

Overall

Ive been a big fan of Saucony for a while and for someone on a budget, but doing low milage (50 MPW), they are great. Definitely some wear and tear after a few months, but you get what you pay for with this one.
Comfort
4/5
Cushioning
4/5
Durability
3/5
Appearance
3/5
Value
5/5

My go to’s

Anonymous runner · Jul 9, 2019

4/5

Overall

I had one pair of the Kinvara’s (18mm forefoot, 22mm heel) and I liked everything about them except that there’s wasn’t enough cushion. This is pretty much the exact same feel except that it’s 4mm more cushion in front and back. A few durability problems in the upper with the previous model, but the 3 gets it right. Great cushion for long runs, good bounce for fast repeats, and awesome for everything in between. This neutral shoe meets a nice balance between plush cushioning and responsiveness.
Comfort
4/5
Cushioning
4/5
Durability
4/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
5/5

Saucony makes some great shoes

thedub · Jan 20, 2019

5/5

Overall

I have been training in the Kinvaras for the last 3-4 years but decided to try out the Zealots just for some change. I initially did not care for them because I was so used to the kinvaras, but over time I have come to love them. They are quick as far as trainers are concerned, yet extremely durable. I have logged over 700 miles on my pair and intend to keep using them, although admittedly the tread on the soles have worn off quite a bit. Nonetheless, I recommend these to anyone.
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
4/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
5/5

Reader review

Lucash16 · Jul 13, 2018

5/5

Overall

The cushioning on this shoe is amazing. Only problem I've ever had is that the tongue material near the laces wears down quickly, so the laces can eventually start digging into the top of your feet.
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
3/5
Value
4/5

Great all-round shoe, sad to see it discontinued

Anonymous runner · Feb 14, 2018

5/5

Overall

The Zealot ISO 3 was a huge improvement on an otherwise lackluster shoe. Barring durability, it was surpassed by the Kinvara (and other competitors) in many ways. With the current model, you get a decent fitting upper with a little wiggle room clamping your midfoot and heel onto a responsive and protective stack of foam. The 4mm offset and blown rubber IBR forefoot maintain a good balance, with enough cushion for long miles, yet with a decent enough pop to the transition. Not a snappy racer, nor a sluggish and heavy trainer from years past (only about 8oz or so!), these lasted me approx. 550-600 miles for my first pair and second are going strong. Why oh why have Saucony dropped this shoe?! I'll be going back to a Kinvara or similar for recovery runs, paired with racing flats for most miles. Highly recommend picking up a pair or two on clearout if you're a serious runner wanting cushion and durability without the weight or huge heel wedge.
Comfort
4/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
3/5