Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 Review | Cushion with Max Traction

The Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 has leveled up.  A Vibram outsole and a max cushioned shoe that doesn’t look like the mega-cushioned shoes, it’s hard to beat for anyone who wants comfort and security in a trail shoe.

Hearing that this was a max cushioned shoe even before opening the box I already had my ideas of what it was going to look like and was preparing for a chunky shoe. 

I opened the box to find what looked like a pretty standard cushioning and then had my doubts about this max cushioning statement.  But in this case, I am happy to be wrong, it’s a cushioned shoe without all the bulk.  

The next question for me was naturally, what can these shoes do?  So I tried every trail I could to max out the ability of these shoes and I haven’t found that limit (yet). 

While I can’t say I’ve done every type of trail and run in these, I’ve tried – soft dirt, rain/mud, heavily rocky and gnarled roots, pine needles, 19% grade (up and down), mile repeats, minute intervals, easy runs, hairpin switchbacks. 

It’s almost a goal to try to break this shoe now.

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 Overview

Straight out of the box the Vibram Mega-Grip outsole pops out, an upgrade from the Xodus Ultra 3.  It’s hard to remember the last Saucony-Vibram shoe I’ve run in and I am here for this upgrade.  This is entirely personal preference, but I would pick a Vibram sole over a rock plate any day.The Xodus Ultra 4 adds more of the PWRRUN PB underfoot wrapped with PWRRUN for durability and protection as compared to the Xodus Ultra 3.  The responsive springiness is noticeable as a result of the PWRRUN PB and it’s holding up well through all my runs so far. 

I am usually skeptical about a max cushioned shoe’s ability to handle a steep down and switchbacks.  There’s generally too much bulk on the side for me to feel comfortable dodging rocks and turning on the banked edge, but the Xodus Ultra 4’s slimmer sidewalls helped me keep an awareness of my feet. 

One quirk I feel like the Xodus Ultra 4 has is this ribbon that runs the full length of the tongue. 

At the bottom of the tongue it’s great, the laces run under it keeping everything from shifting.  At the top I don’t know if I am supposed to try to lace under it or over it. 

I currently have one shoe laced over and one shoe laced under with no performance difference noticed, so I guess ultimately it’s a non-issue.The 4mm lug depth and spacing on the Vibram Mega-Grip outsole provides a grip that can handle any condition.  With the D-ring for gaiters rocks aren’t going to be an issue. 

The Xodus Ultra 4 comes in over an ounce heavier than the Xodus Ultra 3, but the improved grip with Vibram Mega-Grip outsole is worth the weight.

The ripstop and the full thickness lugs on the toes gave that little extra protection for technical, rocky trails that I appreciated. 

As an added bonus, this shoe is vegan and contains recycled materials. This is something we’re continually excited to see in shoes we recommend.

I love how this max cushioned shoe does not look bulky or unbalanced.  It’s another one that we would easily recommend to those heading out for a hike. It’s going to handle well and fell good underfoot for those long hours.

It is interesting that they removed the rock plate and yet the weight went up…we aren’t in love with that, but the traction makes up for it.

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 Fit

The Xodus Ultra 4 is the typical Saucony fit, true to size and slightly narrow.  The toebox is not wide, but there is plenty of room for your toes and slightly wider than the Saucony Peregrine’s toebox.  The mesh on the mid-foot is flexible enough if you need the fit to be a little less snug.

The heel is sufficiently snug, helping with the connection to the trail and maintaining control on the downhills even with a 36 mm stack height. 

The padding in the ankle and fully padded, fully attached tongue keeps this shoe comfortable after miles on the trails. 

Although I needed to wear a sock slightly taller than a no show to keep from losing my socks at the heel and as a runner of a certain generation I was not thrilled.  

The Vibram Mega-Grip sole flexes for fluid movement but is still stiff enough to not collapse when hitting a rock point or going over a root.  

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 Feel

Bottom line, the Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 feels good. 

It’s an easy shoe to slip into if you are looking for cushion.  There is plenty of padding in all the spots you want padding.  The Xodus Ultra reminded me of the Hoka Speed Goat cushioning with the narrowness and heel cradling of the Saucony Peregrine.  

The mesh is breathable.  This shoe is not waterproof, your socks will get wet, but they will also dry quickly. 

The 4 mm lugs did cake with the Colorado clay/mud mix after the rain, but this wasn’t worse or better than other trail shoes with similar lug depth.

The laces are long enough for a heel lock lacing.  While this seems like a minor point, you definitely notice when they are not long enough.    

The PWRRUN PB is cushioned for the long miles but still firm and responsive enough to get some speed going.  There is also enough firmness to maintain that connection with the trail, this is not a floating on air shoe, in a good way.

This shoe has become a contender for the long portion of a two day trail race I have later in the summer when I think my legs will need that extra bit of cushioning and stability.

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