Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Saucony Xodus ISO• PWRTRAC outsole• Breathable Upper• Everun midsole• ISOFIT system• RunDry collar• Internal gusset construction• Molded Toe Shell
Upper
The ISOFIT dynamic system in the upper allows the shoe to adapt to the movements of your feet in a natural way. The upper technology provides a sock-like feeling while providing good protection. The breathable upper features a gusseted tongue that keeps out any debris. Even when running over sand, these shoes manage to keep it away from the inside of the shoe. The ISOFIT is highly stretchable, making the shoes extra comfortable. A RunDry lining with anti-moisture properties covers the collar of the shoe. It will keep the sweat away from your feet while it evaporates through the breathable upper.;The welded overlays are part of the ISOFIT technology. They bring extra support to the shoe as they are integrated with the lacing system. Reviewers have pointed out that the laces may be too short, making it difficult to tie. A molded Toe Shell protects your foot from any debris you may find during your runs. Your toes will be safe when bumping into rocks.
Midsole
The midsole of the shoe is a unique Saucony technology. The Everun midsole has been used in other models of road running shoes. The Everun claims to be a breakthrough cushioning technology. The dynamic responsiveness provided by the midsole transform very soft landings to stronger takeoffs. The highly efficient energy return properties form the Everun make these shoe very responsive regardless of the terrain you are running on. A molded ComforLite sock liner provides extra cushioning throughout the full length of the shoe. It also brings extra arch support and great heel cushioning.
Outsole
The outsole technology is one of the biggest changes to this model. The previous Xodus models integrated a Vibram outsole. For the Xodus ISO, Saucony has implemented its own outsole technology, the PWRTRAC. The traction and grip of the outsole are just as good, if not better than many other outsole technologies. These shoes can take you virtually everywhere. The durable rubber compound provides extraordinary traction and abrasion resistance. The hexagonal pattern of the lugs provides extra traction on the most demanding terrain. The rubber compound is tacky, which gives the outsole good grip on wet and muddy surfaces.
Breathability
The highly breathable upper maximizes ventilation to the shoe. Most of the shoe is covered by mesh, so you won’t have any problems keeping your feet cool and dry. The excellent breathability allows your sweat to evaporate quicker reducing the risk of getting blisters and hot spots while you run. As your body temperature control is closely related to the temperature of your feet, keeping them cool will contribute in keeping your whole body cool. The RunDry collar contributes to the breathability of these shoes. The moisture management technology will keep your sweat evaporating faster.
Comfort
The combination of a great outsole, a remarkable midsole, and a top end upper make this shoe very comfortable. Reviewers have said that the comfort Xodus ISO provide is among the best you can find for trail running shoes. The PWRTRAC outsole is flexibility and lightweight. The Everun midsole incorporates a heel pad and an extra layer of cushioning placed closer to the foot, making it extremely comfortable. The ISOFIT system from the upper provides very natural flexibility to the shoe and adaptability to your foot. Great cushioning, good rebound properties and smooth heel to toe transition make these shoes stand out.
Style
The Xodus ISO looks very sleek. The great patterns on the upper, the welded overlays from the ISOFIT system, and the shape and design of the shoe make this shoe stylish. The aggressive lug pattern definitely makes them look as powerful as they feel. They come in three colors for men and three colors for women. All of them are great!
Durability
The technology Saucony uses makes these shoe very durable. Reviewers say these shoes last longer than other shoes. The rubber compound in the PWRTRAC outsole provides a combination of extended durability and great traction. The tacky properties of the lugs stay even when high abrasion “has eaten” up the outsole. The Everun midsole adds cushioning in a heel pad and an extra foam layer that lasts for long. These shoes are are going to last a long time.
Protection
Compared to the previous Xodus models, the protection has decreased in the Xodus ISO. The External Bedrock Outsole plate is no longer present, but Saucony claims that the PWRTRAC rubber compound is hard enough to protect you from all the sharp objects you may find running. A molded Toe Shell will protect your forefoot from debris. The gusseted tongue is also designed to protect you from the debris. Not even sand can get into your shoes!;Last but not least, the excellent shock absorption properties from the midsole will keep your ankles, knees and hips happy. You can expect softer landings because of the highly cushioned Everun midsole. The heel pad incorporated in the midsole will reduce impact. The breathable upper will reduce moisture. Your feet will stay cool, dry and highly cushioned while wearing these shoes.
Responsiveness
The responsiveness of a shoe is an important feature, especially for trail running shoes. These shoes provide a high energy return making them very responsive. Transforming the energy from landings into explosive takeoffs is what makes this shoe a favorite. The Everun midsole enhances a very smooth heel to toe transition while creating a cushioned environment for extra comfort. The ISOFIT system gives the shoe a snug fit while the upper moves and adapts to your foot. The Xodus ISO fit like your favorite pair of slippers but are extremely responsive. The control that the sock-like fit is remarkable. The PRWTRAC outsole provides outstanding traction and grip. These shoes move with your feet with ease while providing superior comfort.
Support
These shoes provide excellent cushioning and comfort. The Everun midsole has an extra layer of foam for extra comfort and support. The molded ComforLite sock liner provides extra arch and heel support. However, these neutral trail running shoes do not provide enough support for under pronators and overpronators. If you need extra orthopedic support, consider getting insoles made specifically for your pronation. The Xodus Iso has a removable insole, so you can replace it with your own if necessary.
Terrain
These shoes are designed and made to tackle almost any terrain, but they work best on trails. The great traction and grip from the PWRTRAC outsole can even take on icy surfaces and wet rocks.
Price
These shoes were released in 2016, so they are still relatively new. That being said, you will be paying full price for them, and these shoes are not cheap. You can find these shoes going for around $115 USD. The price varies depending on the size of the shoe and if it’s for women or men. However, it’s a solid shoe and would make a good investment.
Drop
The drop of the Saucony Xodus ISO is 4 mm. The heel height is 24 mm and the fore for height is 20 mm. They are a neutral trail running shoe. The low heel to toe offset enhances the stability and responsiveness of the shoe by keeping you closer to the ground and in a more natural position.
Stability
All the components of this shoe have been designed to provide the best stability. Starting with the remarkable traction and grip from the PWRTRAC, moving to the highly responsive and comfortably cushioned Everun midsole, and ending up with a tight lock in adaptable upper thanks to the ISOFIT system, these shoes can take you on very technical and demanding runs and still provide excellent stability. Reviewers stated that they can feel all the components of the shoe working together to bring you the best ride imaginable.
Flexibility
The Xodus ISO is very flexible, even more than any of its predecessors. It is still stiff, as most trail running shoes are in order to protect you from rough terrain. By removing the External Bedrock Outsole, the Xodus ISO is more flexible. Especially considering the great cushioning they feature, the flexibility is good.
Traction
The overall traction of these shoes is excellent. The PWRTRAC outsole has remarkable traction. The hexagonal lugs also provide great traction on all kinds of terrain. The tacky rubber also provides great grip over icy and muddy conditions. The rubber compound used in these shoes claims to provide three times more traction than standard rubber.
Bottom Line
The Saucony Xodus trail running shoes are responsive and have great cushioning. Saucony kept trail runners in mind when designing the Xodus ISO. The low drop of the shoe makes it a neutral trail running shoe, which is something reviewers see as an improvement when compared to other similar shoes. The excellent traction of the PWRTRAC outsole can virtually take you on any imaginable terrain. The breathability of the upper makes the shoes very popular among their users as they allow a cool and dry run, no matter how demanding the run. The price is a little on the high side and the laces are too short. But overall, they are a solid, durable trail running shoe.
