Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
6/10
Latest Version
Xodus 6.0 GTX
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Saucony Xodus 4.0 GTX• Vibram XS-Trek outsole• GoreTex waterproof upper• PowerGrid heel insert• Toe Shell technology• Anatomical SSL EVA midsole• Vibram 3-angle design• ComforLite molded foam sock liner• Pro-Lock system• Hydra Max lining technology
Upper
The thing that makes this shoes different than other shoes is the waterproof properties. The shoes are part of the GoreTex Extended Comfort Footwear, meaning that it comes with top waterproof technology. The durable waterproof lining will keep the water away from your feet. It also allows the perspiration to escape faster from the inside of the shoe. Needless to say, the GoreTex upper brings great waterproof properties and breathability when you need it the most. The non-insulated construction helps to keep a constant heat release creating good climate comfort.;The HydraMax lining used in the inner tongue and collar has moisture wicking properties which help prevent blisters A ComforLite molded foam sock liner provides a great fit. The Pro-Lock midfoot support straps, integrated to the lacing system, provides a locked-in fit. The gusseted tongue helps to cushion the foot. These shoes also come with a Toe Shell in the front. It will keep your toes safer while bringing extra durability to the upper.
Midsole
A combination of an SSL (Saucony SuperLite) EVA midsole and a PowerGrid heel insert make this shoe very comfortable. The components of the SSL EVA maximize the rebound, so you can have softer landings and more powerful takeoffs. The PowerGrid heel inserts cushions your heel when landing, providing extra protection while running on all kinds of terrains. Both technologies are light and highly durable.
Outsole
The Vibram XS-Trek technology from the outsole provides remarkable traction and grip on all kind of surfaces. Icy? Muddy? Rocky? Dusty? The outsole of this shoes will allow you to navigate all kind of terrains with ease, including great grip over wet and slippery surfaces. The technical compound of the outsole is made to last and the wide platform brings extra stability.;This shoe also features a Vibram 3-angle design. Deep lugs allow directional traction. The outsole has self-cleaning properties thanks to the 3-angle design. An External Bedrock Outsole plate positioned in between the outsole and the midsole prevents any sharp objects from getting underfoot.
Breathability
The GoreTex upper makes this shoe waterproof yet breathable. The GoreTex technology promises the maximum breathability and total waterproof properties. It is very important to keep your feet ventilated. Blister formation and hot spots increase when excess of humidity stays inside the shoe. Also, as the human body loses a lot of heat through the feet, keeping your feet cool and dry will improve the overall temperature of your body.;Some reviewers have posted that the breathability of the shoe is not enough when having demanding runs. The Hydra Max lining technology with moisture wicking properties does not help when the shoe starts accumulating sweat.
Comfort
Overall, the shoe is very comfortable. The cushioning is superior and lighter than other cushioning used in similar shoes. Reviewers have said these shoes remain very cushioned for longer than other shoes. The comfort the Xodus 4.0 GTX bring during extended runs is superior to its predecessors. However, as the shoes lack breathability, the Xodus 4.0 tend to have better reviews.;The combination of the SSL EVA midsole and the PowerGrid heel insert to make the shoe extremely comfortable from the bottom up. The protective soft landings are remarkable. The Pro-Lock system promises to bring a sock-like feeling of the shoe. For some customers, it only creates unnecessary friction between the upper foot and the tongue. The ComforLite sock liner does contribute to the comfort of the shoe by keeping your foot locked in tightly into the shoe.
Style
The Saucony Xodus 4.0 GTX look very similar than its previous version. The only noticeable change in the shoe is the upper: it looks and feels heavier. With an aggressive lug pattern and a wide platform, these shoes look protective and powerful. The colors of the shoe really help these to stand out from other trail running shoes.
Durability
Saucony uses high-quality materials for its products, and the Xodus 4.0 GTX is not the exception. Starting with the highly resistant and durable rubber compound from the Vibram outsole, these shoes are made to last. The SSL EVA midsole is really durable, and combined with the PowerGrid heel insert, the midsole of these shoes will last for longer than their competition. The External Bedrock Outsole plate prevents perforations in the outsole that can compromise the shoes or your feet. The GoreTex liner in the upper is made of durable and highly resistant material. Each layer in the upper of this shoe will provide extra protection for some extra miles.
Protection
The External Bedrock Outsole plate that lays between the midsole and the outsole will protect your underfoot from any sharp objects you may find during your runs. As these are trail running shoes, Saucony made sure to put the best protection from the debris. The highly durable compound of the Vibram XS-Trek outsole is very resistant and will keep your underfoot safe.;The Xodus 4.0 GTX comes with a Toe Shell that will keep your toes and the front of the shoe protected from the debris. The GoreTex upper will not only protect you from the water thanks to its amazing waterproof properties but also will keep the debris away from your feet. The cushioning will keep your feet secure providing more stability and responsiveness. The shock absorption qualities from the midsole are really good. The protection from the impact during the landing phase of your gait will keep your ankles, knees, and hips protected regardless of the terrain. The Vibram XS-Trek outsole provides remarkable grip and traction which is an essential feature for a good trail running shoe.
Responsiveness
The combination of a SSL EVA midsole and the PowerGrid heel insert makes the shoe responsive. The bouncy feeling they provide translates into softer landings and more energetic takeoffs. The highly durable outsole provides this shoe with remarkable traction and grip on almost any surface you can imagine. Apart from keeping the outsole clean, the Vibram 3-angle technology provides multidirectional traction. The position and shape of the lugs allow you to run smoothly over all kinds of surfaces.;You can expect a very smooth heel to toe transition and high energy return from these shoes. The Pro-Lock system and the ComforLite sock liner provide a locked-in fit. Your feet won’t move inside your shoes which provides a more responsive feeling overall.
Support
Whether you under pronate or over pronate, these shoes are definitely ones to consider. The SSL EVA midsole and the PowerGrid heel insert do a great job together. These shoes also come with a removable insole, so you are able to insert an insole of your choice if necessary.
Terrain
The Saucony Xodus 4.0 GTX will allow you to run over almost any terrain you can imagine. The great traction and grip from the Vibram outsole will help you to conquer hills and all types of trails. The GoreTex makes these excellent trail running shoes for the winter. Snow and mud are not a problem for this shoe. As the Vibram XS-Trek outsole has non-marking properties, you can even wear them at the gym.
Price
These shoes were released in 2013, so it may be more difficult to find a pair. You can find them online for around $115 USD if you really look around. The price depends on the size of the shoe and if it’s for men or women. If you can find your size, it’s a good investment.
Drop
The drop of a shoe is the difference between the height of the heel and the height of the toe. The Saucony Xodus 4.0 GTX trail running shoes have a 4 mm drop. They are considered a neutral trail running shoes.
Stability
The wide platform of the shoe will naturally provide good stability overall. The traction and grip that the Vibram XS-Trek outsole provide make them even more stable on the road. Demanding terrain and long runs are obstacles these shoes will achieve with ease. You won’t slip, you won’t lose traction, and you won’t feel unstable wearing these shoes. The sock-like feeling that the ComforLite sock liner and the Pro-Lock system provide great overall stability. If you are looking for even more stability remember these shoes come with a removable insole if you need to replace it with the insole of your choice
Flexibility
The Xodus 4.0 GTX feel heavy and have been described as “lazy shoes”. They are heavy and slow at first, but once they are broken in, you will feel the amazing responsiveness. Saucony priority was to provide extra protection and cushioning in this shoe.
Traction
Something that truly makes these shoes great is the remarkable traction and grip. The Vibram XS-Trek compound used in the outsole makes this shoe a must-have for trail runners. The Vibram 3-angle technology provides multidirectional lugs so you can turn in any direction you want whenever you want and you won’t lose any traction. Great shoes for snowy, icy and muddy conditions.
Bottom Line
These shoes were originally launched in 2013. There is a good reason for them still being around. They provide remarkable traction and grip, great responsiveness and protection, and they are waterproof. They are affordable, durable and will take you to any imaginable terrain with ease and comfort. The lack of breathability makes them less favorite among other Saucony trail running shoes. However, these shoes are really good as winter trail running shoes. There are a few left, so get yours soon.
