Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
6.9/10
Latest Version
Xodus ISO
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Saucony Xodus 4.0• Vibram XS-Trek outsole• Breathable open mesh upper• PowerGrid heel cup• Toe Shell technology• Anatomical SSL EVA midsole• Vibram 3-angle design• ComforLite molded foam sock liner• Pro-Lock system• Hydra Max lining technology
Upper
These shoes feature a mesh upper that is highly breathable, which is important in keeping your feet cool and dry all the time. They also come with a HydraMax lining for moisture management.;You can expect to have an outstanding midfoot support when wearing these shoes. The Pro-Lock system provides a locked in fit as it is integrated into the lacing system. The system will make sure your feet stay in place regardless of the conditions of the terrain you are running on. The ComforLite EVA sock liner provides extra comfort and good support for the arch by reducing forefoot pressure. The upper provides a great fit and good overall comfort.
Midsole
The Saucony Xodus 4.0 trail running shoes feature an EVA midsole for better shock absorption and comfort. The SSL (Saucony SuperLite) EVA is made of a blend of compounds that maximizes rebound and durability while keeping them light.;These shoes are very responsive thanks to the rebound properties from the SSL EVA. They provide a bouncy feeling, giving you a softer landing and a more energetic takeoff. As the shoes have a low profile heel to toe transition is smooth. A PowerGrid heel insert provides extra cushioning.
Outsole
Definitely, the best feature of these shoes is the excellent traction and grip they have. The Vibram XS-Trek outsole provides great traction on any terrain, including wet and slippery ones. The deep lugs of the shoe grasp the ground and prevent slippage. The technical compound of the Vibram XS-Trek outsole brings an optimal balance of high durability and great traction.;The lugs follow the Vibram 3-angle design providing remarkable multidirectional traction and extra capacity for responsive breaks. The design also gives the outsole self-cleaning properties. The shoes feature a stability lug zone that provides extra comfort and more responsiveness from the outsole. The wide platform provides more stability and some extra traction
Breathability
The Xodus 4.0 breathable mesh upper provides great breathability. Keeping your feet cool and dry is important for having a comfortable run and avoid blister formation. If your feet get wet, the risk of getting blisters and hot spots increases. The Hydra Max lining technology also contributes to the breathability of the shoe. Its moisture-wicking properties keep the sweat away from your feet. Combined with the breathable mesh, the evaporation of moisture from the inside is faster.
Comfort
From the outsole to the upper, these shoes promise to provide a remarkable comfortable experience while having the most demanding runs. Right out of the box, you will notice the extra cushioning and bouncy feeling provided by the SSL EVA midsole. With excellent shock absorption properties from the Vibram outsole and the SSL EVA, you will feel comfortable even on the roughest terrains.;The Pro-Lock system and ComforLite sock liner give the shoe a sock-like feeling and will keep your foot in a comfortable position during your run. Great support and enhanced responsiveness make these shoes very comfortable. Reviewers have said that these shoes provide greater comfort than similar and more expensive shoes. Some reviewers also have said that the Pro-Lock system can generate discomfort sometimes, creating hot spots in the midfoot area. For most of the runners, not using the Pro-Lock system fixed that problem.
Style
The Saucony Xodus 4.0 are stylish shoes. The aggressive look of the outsole makes them look as powerful and protective as they are. There are many color combinations to choose from. The overlays in the upper provide a fresh look to the shoes.
Durability
High-quality materials make these shoes very durable. The rubber compound from the Vibram XS-Trek outsole gives it outstanding traction and extra durability. Vibram outsoles are among the best outsole technologies in the market. The durability is truly remarkable. The SSL EVA midsole is light but provides durable support and comfort. Reviewers with extra weight have stated that the shape, bouncy feeling, and comfort from the midsole does not disappear quickly. The toe shell in the front of the shoe provides protection to the whole front section. It also protects the mesh upper from getting damaged by the debris you may find on trails.
Protection
The highly durable rubber compound from the Vibram XS-Trek outsole will keep your underfoot protected from all kind of terrain. If there are sharp objects on the road, the outsole will keep them away from your foot. The Toe Shell protects the front section of the shoe. Runners that like to run on sandy surfaces have stated that little or no sand at all gets into the shoe. The combination of the Vibram outsole and the SLL EVA midsole provide great protection from the impact in your ankles knees and hips. Great shock absorption properties make the landings very smooth and soft.
Responsiveness
These shoes are highly responsive due to different technologies. The great traction and grip the Vibram XS-Trek outsole bring will allow you to move smoothly on rough terrain. The Vibram 3-angle technology positions the lugs in specific places in order to provide a multidirectional traction.;The SSL EVA midsole provides the cushioning and responsiveness you need by delivering that bouncy feeling. The midsole provides a smooth heel to toe transition and good energy return. The upper incorporates a Pro-Lock system attached to the lacing system which provides a great fit. It also enhances the responsiveness of the shoe by making your foot to stay securely in place during your run. The ComforLite sock liner provides great support and enhances the fit of the shoe as well. Good shock absorption, great traction, and a good fit is a good combination for making any pair of shoes responsive.
Support
The ComforLite molded foam sock liner combined with the SSL EVA midsole provides great support to the arch. The PowerGrid insert will provide the support you need in your heel. The great cushioning of the shoe help providing an overall great support. However, if you under or over pronate, you will need to look for extra support. These shoes have removable insoles you can replace with your orthopedic ones.
Terrain
This shoe can run over virtually any surface. The outsole provides excellent grip and traction. As they are tail running shoes, they will perform their best on trails, mountains, snow and muddy surfaces. The non-marking properties from the XS-Trek technology make them good for indoors training as well.
Price
These shoes were released in 2013, so it’s a bit difficult to find this model for sale. They are no longer sold by the manufacturer, but rather replaced by their latest version. When you can find them, the average price online is $105 USD. The price depends on the size of the shoe and if it’s for men or women. If you can find these, they are worth it.
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 trail running shoes have a 4 mm drop. The heel height for women’s shoes is 27 mm while the forefoot height is 23 mm. For men’s shoes, the heel height is 30 mm and the forefoot height is 26 mm.
Stability
The wide platform, great traction, and good grip make these shoes very stable. Even during the most demanding runs, these shoes won’t slip. The upper and midsole provide a great fit which provides good stability. For extra stability, you can remove the insoles and replace them with custom-made outsoles.
Flexibility
The Xodus 4.0 is not the most flexible shoes. According to reviewers they feel bulky and “beefy”. They are described as slow and heavy. The flexibility of the shoe was sacrificed in exchange for protection and cushioning.
Traction
Traction is what makes these shoes really amazing. The grip and traction of the Vibram XS-Trek technology make these shoes work on any terrain. The Vibram 3-angle technology provides remarkable multidirectional traction for a more responsive change of directions and smooth breaks.
Bottom Line
The Saucony Xodus 4.0 trail running shoes are very special shoes. Their best feature is the Vibram XS-Trek outsole that allows them to go over almost any terrain. Reviewers have also been impressed by the cushioning and comfort they provide. The shoes are very responsive and feature a highly breathable mesh upper. The Xodus 4.0 was launched in 2013, but they are still a favorite among many trail runners, especially women.;Some people have felt discomfort caused by the upper. The Pro-Lock system does not work for everyone. For some people it had caused hot spots and even blisters. These are shoes with a low profile and with non-marking outsoles. You can wear them in the mountains and also during your training in the gym.
