Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
7.1/10
Latest Version
Xodus ISO
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Saucony Xodus 3.0• VIbram outsole• Air upper mesh• ProGrid Foam technology• Anatomical SSL EVA midsole• Multidirectional lugs• ComforLite molded foam sock liner• Arch-Lock system• Hydra Max lining technology• HRC strobel board• Gaiter compatible
Upper
The air upper mesh is loosely weaved to enhance the breathability of the shoe. The upper of these shoes will keep your feet cool and dry. The Arch-Lock technology and lacing system work together to provide support and a good fit. The Arch-Lock construction method in the midfoot area of the upper wraps the foot and connects it with the midsole, providing amazing responsiveness and support. The HydraMax lining used in the collar has moisture wicking properties. The toe box is wide and features a toe cap that protects your toes from trail debris.
Midsole
The Saucony Xodus 3.0 features a ProGrid foam with Respon-tek technology. A combination of rubber and polymer provide great cushioning and a really smooth heel to toe transition. The full-length ProGrid foam provides extra cushioning and maximizes rebound on the forefoot enhancing a flexible and powerful take-off. In the midfoot area, the ProGrid foam gives you a smooth transition through the mid-stance phase. ProGrid in the heel also absorbs the impact, setting up for a smooth transition.;Below the ProGrid layer, an EVA midsole maximizes the rebound and contributes to landing softly and strong launches. The HRC strobel board technology, used only by Saucony, provides cushioning and overall comfort. The combination of those technologies and materials make these shoes very comfortable.
Outsole
These shoes feature Vibram technology in their outsoles. The rubber compound provides remarkable traction and grip when running on technical terrain. Reviewers have stated that these shoes are great for mountain climbing and hiking. The rubber compound is highly durable as well. An External Bedrock Outsole plate is strategically placed in between the midsole and the outsole to protect your underfoot from any sharp object that you may encounter. The grip of the outsole does not provide good traction on wet surfaces. The rectangular lugs in the external edges of the outsole manage to provide extra traction when you need it the most. The interior of the outsole is covered with triangular lugs that provide multidirectional traction and self-cleaning properties.
Breathability
The air upper mesh has been designed to maximize breathability. These shoes will keep your feet dry, cool, and comfortable, even on the most demanding runs. The improved breathability will lower the chances of getting hot spots and blisters. The humidity produced inside of the shoe by your seat will easily evaporate and escape, keeping you cool and dry. The Hydra Max lining technology in the collar has moisture wicking properties. When your feet feel hot, you feel hot, so keeping them cool will lower the temperature of your body.
Comfort
The overall comfort is very good. The cushioning is better than many similar shoes. The responsive cushioning and comfort last longer keeping you running smoothly for miles.;The comfort comes from the great combination of technologies in the midsole area. The full-length ProGrid technology combined with the SSL EVA midsole unit create a responsive environment. These shoes provide really good shock distribution in the heel area, smooth heel to toe transitioning and highly energetic forefoot takeoffs. The HRC board provides additional cushioning and comfort in the midsole area.;The good breathability of the Xodus 3.0 adds up to the overall comfort feeling. The shock absorbing properties of the midsole will provide very soft landings. These shoes will keep you comfortable during your runs as well as provide good protection to your ankles, knees, and hips. The Arch-Lock system and the ComforLite sock liner provide a great sock-like feeling. The shoes hold your feet tightly, which in turn gives you better responsiveness and control.
Style
These shoes were launched a few years ago, so they have a bit of a “retro” look. The colors of these shoes are limited by the lack of inventory. As they have been in the market for a while and Saucony stopped producing them, you have a narrow selection of colors to choose from.
Durability
Saucony trail shoes have always been made out of highly durable components and high-quality materials. The Xodus 3.0 is not an exception. Reviewers thinks these shoes are more durable than the Xodus 4.0. Responsive cushioning and Vibram outsole contribute to durability over a variety of terrain.;The SSL EVA midsole components are very durable, and the full-length ProGrid foam is made to last for longer standard midsoles. The External Bedrock Outsole provides extra durability not only to the outsole but also the midsole. It prevents sharp objects from penetrating the shoe. The overlays extend the life of the upper mesh.
Protection
These shoes will provide good protection regardless of the terrain you are running over. The rock plate and Vibram outsole protect your foot from trail debris. The wide platform of the shoe will make sure to provide enough safe space between the edge of the outsole and your foot.;The SLL EVA midsole in combination with the ProGrid foam and the HRC strobel board will absorb and dispute the shock from the impact fro every landing. That will keep your ankles, knees, and hips protected from the hardest runs. The toe cap will protect your toes from any objects in the ground that can hurt you. The air mesh upper, secured by strong overlays, will keep away most of the debris. As the breathability of the shoe is good, you won’t have problems getting blisters or hot spots. These shoes are gaiter compatible for extra protection.
Responsiveness
Reviewers said these shoes are highly responsive thanks to the great control you get from the secure fit. The sock-like feeling is more than a feeling, it’s a combination of a great design that secures your foot in an optimal position for better control. The cushioning of the shoe adapts to your foot shape while the ComforLine sock liner gives you control and responsiveness.;The SSL EVA, the ProGrid foam, and the HRC strobel board give you good energy return from a trail running shoe. The heel to toe transition is very smooth thanks to the full-length ProGrid technology. The excellent traction of the outsole is a great component for enhancing the responsiveness of the shoe as well. With a wide surface, the outsole is capable of providing maximum traction.
Support
The responsive cushioning and an Arch-Lock system provide overall support. However, the Xodus 3.0 does not provide extra support for overpronators and underpronators. The insole of this shoe is removable in order to put in an insole of your choice.;Knowing your pronation is important. Under and over pronation can negatively affect your performance if you do not wear the correct shoes. However, insoles can also help provide support depending on your pronation.
Terrain
When it comes to trail running, these shoes can tackle almost any obstacle. The multi-directional lugs make the shoe extremely responsive to the conditions of the terrain. You can run with ease on technical trails, mountains and dirt roads. Overall, the Saucony Xodus 3.0 are good trail running shoes.
Price
These shoes were released a few years ago, so the price is lower than similar shoes. The average price online is around $90 USD. The price depends on the size of the shoe and if it’s for men or women. There are only a few of them out there left. Get yours soon if this shoe fits your needs and budget.
Drop
The drop of a shoe is the difference between the height of the heel and the height of the toe. The Saucony Xodus 3.0 have a 4 mm drop. They are considered a neutral trail running shoes. Neutral shoes usually provide more stability during long runs.
Stability
The overlays in the upper and the Arch-Lock system provide a secure fit. The wide platform of the shoe increases its stability. The great traction will also keep you stable on your run.;The overall stability of this shoe is great. When it comes to running on wet conditions, the stability decreases substantially as the grip of the outsole one wet terrain is not great. If you’re looking for shoes that complete your winter gear, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Flexibility
One of the major flaws of this shoe is the lack of flexibility. The materials used in its construction are lightweight and flexible from the design, but when combined with the other components of the shoe, they do not provide good flexibility. Reviewers have described this shoe as heavy and beefy.
Traction
The multi-directional lugs from the Vibram outsole provide good traction. Grip and traction are very important for your protection while running. However, the grip over wet surfaces is not ideal. The outsole works best on dry surfaces. Reviewers have specifically stated that these shoes have a poor grip over wet rocks and icy surfaces.
Bottom Line
Launched in 2012, these shoes are starting to get old. There are a few of them still out there. If you are looking for trail running shoes with good traction, remarkable cushioning and great responsiveness, please rush and get one of the last pair available. The price is relatively low and the quality is great, making it a great investment.
