Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
6.9/10
Latest Version
Xodus ISO
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Saucony Xodus 5.0• Vibram XS-Trek outsole• External Bedrock Outsole for extra protection• Breathable upper mesh• PowerGrid midsole technology• SSL (Saucony SuperLite) EVA• Molded toe shell• RunDry collar• Pro-lock lacing system• Gaiter compatible
Upper
The upper of the Saucony Xodus 5.0 is highly breathable yet very comfortable. The welded overlays provide a good fit as well as good flexibility. The shoe has a supporting band connected to the lace system for customized fitting. The RunDry collar with moisture-wicking properties will keep you dry. These shoes feature an internal bootie construction that provides better fit and extra protection from debris. There is also a lace pocket to store laces so they do not interfere with your run.;Some reviewers have noted that even when the upper adapts to the movements of your foot when going on easy runs when it faces more technical runs, the upper can cause discomfort when bending and creates friction with your foot.
Midsole
The combination of two top technologies makes the midsole of this shoe a very good one. It features a PowerGrid foam technology which is lighter than other foams and more durable than regular EVA midsoles. The PowerGrid foam brings up to 20% more cushioning than any other outsole. On top of that, the SSL (Saucony SuperLite) EVA is made with a very advanced EVA blend, that is both durable and long lasting. Together, these technologies make a shoe with phenomenal shock absorption. The shoe will keep you protected from the impact of running on uneven surfaces for long periods of time. The combination of technologies, make a shoe that is able to provide very smooth landings and powerful, energetic toe offs.
Outsole
The great versatility of this shoe starts with the remarkable technology of the Vibram XS-Trek outsole. The outsole makes the shoes perform their best even over really tough terrain and under all kinds of conditions. It does not matter if it’s dry, rocky, wet or icy, these shoes will keep providing great traction and grip throughout your entire run. Apart from a sticky rubber compound that gives great grip to the outsole, the multi-directional lugs will make it easier for you to change directions whenever you want without much effort. The lugs from the side of the outsole are more flexible so they can provide the best traction while the ones in the middle of the outsole are harder in order to get the best traction and provide protection to your underfoot.;The outsole of the Saucony Xodus 5.0 comes with an External Bedrock Outsole that provides extra protection from sharp objects. It is a full-length plate positioned in between the outsole and midsole.
Breathability
The upper that the Saucony Xodus 5.0 is highly breathable. That is always important to keep in mind when buying shoes. Having breathable shoes will lower the risk of getting blisters. Also, your body loses a lot of its heat through your feet, so keeping your feet cool and dry will make your body cooler overall. The RunDry collar linen has moisture wicking properties that will also keep your foot cool and dry.
Comfort
The comfort of these shoes is what makes them really special. The super comfortable PowerGrid foam technology from the midsole claims to add 20% more cushioning than other standard midsoles. The great traction and grip that the Vibram XS-Trek bring to the shoe make you run with confidence under the most difficult conditions and over the toughest terrains. The collar and tongue, working together with the internal bootie construction provide a great fit to your foot.;Many shoes have proper cushioning but do not manage to be totally comfortable. These shoes provide the right amount of cushioning in the right areas of the shoe, which is important especially for demanding runs.;Reviewers have said the Xodus 5.0 are shoes that work perfectly for long technical runs. However, some other reviewers have experienced discomfort when running uphill and downhill. They say the upper can create too much friction with your foot.
Style
The shoes have a very unique style and come in different colors. The aggressive lugs make the shoe look and feel very powerful. The wide platform makes them look bigger than they are for some people.
Durability
Saucony has always used high quality, durable materials for their shoes. The Xodus line is no the exception. From the highly reliable Vibram XS-Trek outsole components to the mesh upper, the shoes will provide extended durability. The PowerGrid foam midsole claims to provide up to 30% more durability than other midsoles, and the SSL EVA components make it even more durable. The welded overlays promise to be more durable than the stitched ones, and the Toe Shell will protect the forefoot of the shoe from any debris from the terrain. The shoes will last for quite a while before you need to replace them.
Protection
The shoes make sure to keep you protected from every angle. In between the midsole and the outsole, they feature an External Bedrock Outsole plate that makes sure that nothing sharp gets to your underfoot. It keeps rocks, ice and any other kind of sharp objects away from your feet. The Toe Shell in the front of the shoe will keep your toes protected from any kind of rocks, snow, ice and other objects that can hurt. The Vibram XS-Trek outsole will keep you protected from slipping on a variety of terrain. The RunDry collar and the breathable upper will make sure any moisture coming into the shoes evaporates quickly in order to avoid blister formations.
Responsiveness
The PowerGrid foam midsole technology combined with the SSL EVA components provide great responsiveness. The PowerGrid foam claims to have up to 20% more cushioning than other technologies, making the shoes very bouncy overall. That combined with the very responsive SSL EVA components, make sure you get great energy return during every step of your run.;The outsole with Vibram XS-Trek technology also provide good responsiveness thanks to the excellent grip. You will experience a very smooth heel to toe transitions, very soft landings and explosive takeoffs. The shoes also provide a good, snug fit, making them move more naturally with your foot.
Support
The great cushioning provides you with great support. Your feet will feel very supported especially during the most demanding runs. However, the shoes will not provide any additional support for underpronators or overpronators. The removable insole will allow you to change it for an orthopedic one if needed.
Terrain
These shoes can adapt to any kind of terrain. They are made for offroad runs but can be used on snowy roads to muddy hills to gym training. The great technology brought by the Vibram XS-Trek outsoles make the shoes perform their best in almost any terrain. The outsole features nonmarking technology, so you will be ok wearing these shoes indoors or training in your favorite gym.
Price
The Xodus 5.0 trail running shoes have an average price among similar shoes. Since they are discontinued, you can find them for a much cheaper price. You can find them right now from around $30 USD on the women’s version, up to around $130 USD on the men’s version. The average price varies depending on the line and the size of the shoe. Definitely not a bad price for these shoes. Great value for your money.
Drop
Like many other shoes in the Xodus line, the Saucony Xodus 5.0 has a minimalistic 4 mm drop. Runners who are not used to such a low drop should proceed with caution and take time to adjust to the lower drop as to not get injured.
Stability
The wide surface of the shoes bring extra stability to these already very stable shoes. From the great traction and grip from the outsole to the upper that adapts to the movement of your foot, the shoes are made to bring exceptional stability while running on an uneven and demanding terrain. However, some reviewers stated that the fit of the shoe is not the best thanks to the lacing system, the upper and the overlays. They say the shoes become loose after a certain point when you need to stop and retie the shoelaces.
Flexibility
These shoes are not the most flexible trail running shoes. However, reviewers stated that they are just stiff enough to make you feel super protected from the terrain. Every part of the shoe has been designed and made to be lightweight and flexible from the outsole to the upper. The shoes will adapt to the movement of your feet and will feel more flexible with the time.
Traction
The traction from the Vibram XS-Trek technology is remarkable. The aggressive lug pattern, with harder lugs in the middle of the outsole and softer and more flexible ones on the sides, make sure to provide good traction over loose terrain, slippery surfaces, and rocky trails. The multi-directional lugs will make it easier to go uphill and downhill even over muddy terrains. No doubt, traction is a standout feature of this shoe.
Bottom Line
The 5th version of the Xodus line from Saucony is proving to be a great trail running shoe. The remarkable outsole makes them really special. The extra cushioning from the midsole also makes them some of the favorite shoes for reviewers.
