Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
6.9/10
Latest Version
Xodus ISO
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Saucony Xodus 2.0• Vibram outsole• Nylon mesh upper• ProGrid heel insert• SSL EVA midsole• ComfortRide sock liner• Arch-Lock system• Nylon lining with moisture control properties• SRC component for extra cushioning and responsiveness
Upper
The upper of this shoe consists of lightweight nylon mesh uppers and synthetic leather overlays. The nylon mesh upper maximizes the breathability of the shoe and the overlays bring structure to the shoe. Both components make the shoe durable. The upper will also keep your feet feeling cool and dry as well as protected while running. The Arch-Lock technology from Saucony consists of a stretch material in the arch of the shoe that extends to the top, providing a snug midfoot fit.;In the front of the shoe, a toe cap provides extra protection. The gusseted tongue helps to provide a better fit as well as prevent debris from getting into the shoe. The laces of the shoe are made of recycled polyester. The nylon lining is highly breathable and has moisture wicking properties.
Midsole
The midsole is what makes this shoe special and acclaimed by some reviewers. The comfort is outstanding. The Xodus 2.0 features an SLL (Saucony SuperLite) EVA midsole that provides great lightweight cushioning. It is also designed to provide extra durability. Apart from a durable and bouncy midsole, these shoes feature Super Rebound Compound (SRC) in high impact zones as well as the forefoot. The SRC is an upgraded EVA that provides 15% more resilience and 10% more durability. That means the shoe will last longer and have better responsiveness. The SRC gives the shoe superior cushioning and great shock attenuation for a better heel to toe transition. This shoe also features a ProGrid insert in the heel area that absorbs impact by effectively reducing the shock from landing. It absorbs the energy from the landings and transforms it into a powerful take offs.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe is made out of 30% recycled material. The XT-900 Vibram carbon rubber outsole offers great traction and extended durability. These shoes were made to run over technical terrain. The lug pattern on the edges of the outsole helps the shoe to gain traction in the most difficult surfaces. The compound used in that section is more flexible in order to gain better grip. The multi-directional lugs located in the middle of the outsole. help the shoe gets more traction on loose terrains. Strategically placed molded thermoplastic urethane plates between the outsole and the midsole protects your underfoot from any sharp objects.
Breathability
The nylon mesh upper maximizes the breathability of the shoe. The Xodus 2.0 is sure to keep you cool and dry regardless of the distance, difficulty or weather. While wearing these shoes, you will not have to worry about excess moisture that can cause blisters and hot spots. The moisture-wicking properties of the nylon lining and the breathable sock liner allow your sweat to evaporate quicker, keeping your feet dry and cool.
Comfort
The Saucony Xodus 2.0 is a very comfortable trail running shoe. The cushioning is remarkable and the responsiveness is outstanding. The control you get from the shoe makes them really comfortable shoes. Reviewers say these shoes perform great during long runs over uneven terrain. The Super Rebound Compound (SRC) placed in the high impact zones of the midsole, provide 15% more adaptable cushioning. The superior cushioning is accompanied by great shock absorption properties. The landings will feel softer for longer. The SRC is 10% more durable than other technologies. The bouncy SSL EVA midsole provides really good shock absorption properties and great responsiveness.;The ProGrid insert in the heel area will convert the energy of landings into explosive energy during takeoffs. That means softer landings and smoother heel to toe transitions. The Arch-Lock system and the lacing system provide a great fit, and together with the sockliner, they hug your feet tightly enhancing better control and superior comfort.
Style
The style of the shoe is a bit outdated. If you are into a “retro” look, then these shoes will do great. The colors available at the moment are very limited as Saucony stopped producing them a few years ago. The outsole looks protective and the synthetic overlays give the shoe a strong character.
Durability
According to the reviewers, these shoes last a while. In terms of durability, the Xodus 2.0 have better reviews than the newer version in the Xodus line. The overlays do a good job of keeping the upper protected. The Vibram rubber outsole provides extended durability on the bottom and the molded thermoplastic urethane plates protect your feet from the elements. The SSL EVA midsole and the SRC components provide 10% more than similar shoes.
Protection
The rubber compound from the Vibram outsole will keep you protected from the terrain. In case of rougher terrain with sharp rocks on the road, the molded thermoplastic urethane plates will make sure to keep your underfoot protected. The shock absorption properties from the SSL EVA midsole, the SRC compound, and the ProGrid heel insert will absorb impact from the landings on any type of terrain. Your ankles, knees and hips will thank the Xodus 2.0 for keeping them protected. The shoes also have a toe cap that will keep your toes safe from the debris. The gusseted tongue will keep the rest of the debris out of the shoe.;The solid breathability will help prevent blisters or hot spots. The moisture control in the nylon liner and the highly breathable nylon mesh keeps your foot cool and dry.
Responsiveness
These shoes are very responsive. Even though the Xodus 2.0 has been out for a while now, compared to recent shoes they have just as good, if not better responsiveness. The combination of highly responsive midsole elements makes these shoes a winner. The SRC compound, the ProGrid heel inserts, and the SSL EVA maximize the bouncy feeling that transforms soft landings into energetic takeoffs. The fit that the Arch-Lock system provides enhanced the control and responsiveness of the shoe by locking your foot in place. The Arch-Lock combined with the great cushioning and the ComfortRide sock liner secure your foot in a comfortable way. The outsole provides good traction and makes the shoe highly responsive regardless of the terrain you are running over.
Support
The cushioning and the Arch-Lock system provide great support during long and demanding runs. However, these shoes do not provide support for over pronators and under-pronators. The good news is that the insole is removable, so you can replace them with your own insoles.
Terrain
This shoe is a trail running shoe. The outsole provides good traction on most terrains. However, the grip on wet surfaces is not ideal. The lugs will keep you running safely on loose rock and dirt surfaces.
Price
These shoes were released in 2010, so availability is limited. The price on Amazon is $50 USD. That is an amazing price for the shoes. If you can find your size, it is a great value for your money.
Drop
The drop of the Saucony Xodus 2.0 is 4 mm. They are a neutral trail running shoes. The lower drop enhances the stability and responsiveness of the shoe by keeping you closer to the ground in a more natural position.
Stability
These shoes are very stable. The design, components, and materials the Xodus 2.0 feature make this shoe a very solid one. The Arch-Lock system provides a good fit, while the cushioning and the SRC compound provide great comfort. The synthetic leather overlays help provide stability not only to the upper but to the entire shoe. The Vibram outsole also gives solid stability, especially when running over loose surfaces.
Flexibility
This shoe is not very flexible. The Xodus 2.0 provides protection, great cushioning and extended durability. The molded thermoplastic urethane plates make it stiff enough to provide good responsiveness yet the best protection from the terrain. Unfortunately, flexibility was sacrificed for more cushioning and extra protection. However, reviewers have said that after a few runs, the shoe feels lighter and more flexible.
Traction
The lug distribution and the traction of the rubber compound from the Vibram outsole give these shoes outstanding traction, especially when compared to other trail running shoes. The outsole’s best performance is when running on dry trails. Unfortunately, the traction isn’t great on wet or icy surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Xodus 2.0 shoes, launched in 2010, are still considered a good trail running shoes. The traction is very good on dry surfaces, the comfort is comparable with newer shoes, the responsiveness has nothing to envy from more recent models, the breathability is outstanding, and the price is unbeatable. For $50 USD, it’s worth getting a pair, if you can find your size. The style is outdated and the colors are limited by the lack of stock. However, if you are looking to get great value for your money, definitely consider the Saucony Xodus 2.0.
