Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Xodus ISO
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Saucony Xodus 5.0 GTX• Vibram XS-Trek outsole• External Bedrock Outsole for extra protection• GoreTex Waterproof upper technology• PowerGrid midsole technology• SSL (Saucony SuperLite) EVA• Molded toe shell• Pro-lock lacing system• Gaiter compatible• Lace pocket on tongue
Upper
With a GoreTex waterproof upper, these shoes are ready to rock over almost any kind of terrain which makes them especially good if you are looking for a great trail running winter shoes. The upper is very responsive to the movements of your foot while still keeping you protected from the debris as well as water and snow. The waterproof properties brought by the GoreTex upper make the shoes slightly less breathable than what you would expect. However, the Xodus 5.0 GTX is part for the GoreTex Extended Comfort Footwear meaning that they have a non-insulated construction that allows heat release to provide climate comfort. They claim to optimize breathability while providing waterproof properties.;A gusseted internal bootie construction provides extra protection from the debris you may find on your run. The Pro-Lock lain system provides a locked-in midfoot fit. That combined with the overlays placed on the upper, make these shoes to fit very tightly to your feet. As part of the Pro-Lock system, they come with a lace pocket in the tongue to keep your laces secured.
Midsole
The Saucony Xodus 5.0 GTX features the PowerGrid foam technology and the SSL (Saucony Super Lite) EVA midsole. The PowerGrid foam claims to be 15% lighter and 30% more durable than other midsole foams. It also can bring up to 20% more durable cushioning than other midsoles. The SSL EVA blends components to maximize the rebound and durability of the midsole overall. These technologies allow the shoes to provide very soft landings and explosive take offs.
Outsole
These shoes have the same traction and grip that you can get from a good pair of hiking boots. The Vibram XS-Trek technology used in the midsole provides outstanding traction thanks to the very sticky rubber components. Multidirectional aggressive lugs are placed strategically along the outsole so you can get the responsiveness you need. The lugs placed in the middle provide protection and traction thanks to their hard composition, while the lugs on the sides of the outsole, which are softer and more flexible, allow the best grip on wet, muddy and snowy conditions. The combination of both types of lugs and materials, make these shoes perform great in almost all kind of terrains.
Breathability
Shoes engineered with the GoreTex technology are designed to be waterproof while having optimized breathability. These shoes claim to let perspiration escape easily from the inside while letting the water from the outside never get in. Some reviewers have said that the breathability isn’t very good on demanding runs.
Comfort
Reviewers have pointed out that the comfort that the shoes provide to your feet, even during the harder technical runs, is really good. The fact that the PowerGrid foam technology brings up to 20% more cushioning than other midsole foams is something that reviewers noticed since the very first time they tried these shoes. The internal bootie construction keeps debris away from your feet. It also provides a good fit, making the shoes more responsive and comfortable.;Distance trail runners will be really happy with these shoes. They have more rebound than other shoes in the same category. The Pro-Lock lacing system keeps your foot secured to the shoe even while running over muddy conditions. The cushioning from these shoes is strategically placed along the shoe to make them not only pleasantly cushioned but really comfortable overall.
Style
These shoes have their own style. The colors you can choose are not many but the design of the shoe, including the aggressive lugs and overlay design, is very attractive. One of the greatest things about these shoes is that if they get really dirty you can hose them!
Durability
From the design to the construction of these shoes, Saucony has used high-quality materials in every part of the shoe. The waterproof upper is very durable and the waterproof properties are long-lasting. The PowerGrid foam is 30% more durable than other midsole foams, and the SSL EVA components blend make the midsole even more durable. The Toe Shell brings extra durability to the tip of the shoes by protecting your toes from trail debris. The External Bedrock Outsole plate will make sure sharp objects don’t perforate the outsole.
Protection
You will definitely feel protected when wearing these shoes. They guard your feet from almost any kind of debris you may find during your trail runs. The External Bedrock Outsole will provide protection of the underfoot from sharp objects. The Vibram XS-Trek technology from the outsole will always keep you standing thanks to its remarkable traction and grip on all kind of conditions. The Toe Shell provide protection for the toes from any debris. The gusseted bootie construction will also provide protection from the debris.;Last but not least, the extraordinary GoreTex upper will keep the water away from your feet. You can run over snowy and muddy terrain and not get your feet wet. The same technology will protect you also from getting your feet wet from the inside. It allows the perspiration to escape easily preventing blisters and discomfort.
Responsiveness
Highly responsive shoes will allow you to run over the hardest terrain under extraordinary conditions. That is exactly what these shoes provide. The highly responsive combination of the PowerGrid and the SSL EVA create an outstanding midsole technology. The great Vibram XS-Trek technology will provide the best grip and traction to your runs. The shoes will take you where you want to go when you want it to happen. The low offset of the shoes makes them more responsive as well.
Support
The cushioning of these shoes is very good. They bring great support and work really well for long runs on technical terrain. According to reviewers, the arches feel higher than other trail running shoes. You may want to try the first before you buy them so you can be sure they have the right shape for you. The Saucony Xodus 5.0 GTX is not meant to provide extra support for under or overpronators. The insoles are removable so you can replace it with your own orthopedic insoles if necessary.
Terrain
Snow, mud, rocks, gravel, and pavement are all possible with Xodus 5.0 GTX. As these shoes feature a waterproofed upper, they are especially good during winter.
Price
The Saucony Xodus 5.0 GTX start at $100 USD and go up to $150 USD, depending on where you’re looking. As they were launched originally in 2014, the price gets lower with the time, but it might be harder to find your size. However, these shoes are a good investment.
Drop
These trail running shoes have a 4 mm drop. The heel height is 30 mm and the forefoot height is 26 for both men and women. The low offset makes the shoes more responsive as well.
Stability
One of the great advantages of this shoe is that it has a wider surface than other trail running shoes which gives the shoe good stability. The midsoles extra cushioning also provides extra stability. The gusseted internal bootie construction and the Pro-Lock lacing system enhance a sock-like feeling and snug fit.
Flexibility
The extra protection the Xodus 5.0 GTX provide make the shoes heavier and less flexible. However, every single component of these shoes has been designed and built to be the most flexible and light. Reviewers have said that once you break up the shoes, you will experience better flexibility.
Traction
Great grip and traction is something that you will definitely feel once you wear these shoes. The Vibram XS-Trek technology from the outsole provides one of the best experiences you can have from a trail running shoe. Reviewers have said they are the equivalent to great hiking boots. These shoes have harder lugs in the middle for protection and better traction over loose terrain, and more flexible lugs in the exterior of the outsole will provide amazing grip and traction on almost every surface.
Bottom Line
This waterproofed version of the Xodus 5.0 is a great upgrade. These shoes are really good for running during winter. The great traction and grip from the Vibram outsole make this shoe the perfect companion in every terrain. Good fit, good price and outstanding comfort is something you can expect from these shoes.
