Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
6/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Maximalist
Key Features
• Saucony Exodus ISO Runshield• Saucony PWRTRAC outsole• Internal gusset construction• Molded ComforLite sock liner• ISOFIT system• RunDry collar• Molded Toe Shell• FlexFilm technology• Saucony Everun midsole• TriFlex technology in the outsole
Upper
The upper of the ISO Runshield is one of the best characteristics of the shoe. The FlexShell protects your foot, while the DWR material on the entire upper makes it water resistant. However, keep in mind these are not waterproof shoes. They will keep water out when it is raining and when you are running over wet surfaces, but they will not protect you when your foot is submerged in a puddle or river. The FlexShell upper is very breathable. Reviewers note that the ISO Runshield has a great combination of protection and breathability.;The ISOFIT dynamic system adapts to the natural movement of your foot. Reviewers have said it provides a really good sock-like feel. The overlays in the upper are made of FlexFilm material which is welded rather than sewn. Both, the FlexShell and the FlexFilm layers are seamless, lightweight and highly flexible. The shoe also has a RunDry lining to keep feet dry. The gusseted tongue keeps the debris out from the shoe. A toe shell provides extra protection to your forefoot as well as added durability to the upper.
Midsole
The Runshield’s midsole in the has been updated. The Everun midsole was designed and built by Saucony and promises to provide plush cushioning and great responsiveness. The Everun foam goes on top of a regular EVA foam providing dynamic responsiveness throughout the full length of the shoe. The transition from heel to toe is very smooth regardless of the conditions of the terrain. The sock absorption properties are really good and the energy return is outstanding as well. A ComforLite sock liner brings extra cushioning as well as impact protection.
Outsole
The Xodus ISO Runshield features a totally new outsole from the previous Xodus. Saucony swapped out the Vibram X-Trek outsole for Saucony’s PWRTRAC outsole. The highly durable rubber compound from the new outsole can get three times more traction than regular outsoles. These shoes perform well on a variety of terrain. The new outsoles provide excellent traction and are abrasion resistant. The lugs have a hexagonal shape that helps provide additional traction when running over loose rocks or dirt. The rubber material is also very tacky, so you can run over wet surfaces with ease. Some reviewers have experienced reduced grip over time and claim that small rocks get stuck in between the lugs causing discomfort and reduced traction.
Breathability
The FlexShell upper is a good combination of breathability and protection. The breathable upper makes the shoe comfortable. The RunDry lining inside the shoe has moisture wicking properties that also help keep the foot cool and dry as well as prevent blisters. Your feet will feel cool and dry overall regardless of the extension of your runs. The human body loses a lot of heat through the feet. Keeping your feet cool will keep your body cool. Luckily, these shoes do just that.
Comfort
Plush cushioning, great fit, soft landings and smooth heel to toe transitions make these shoe a favorite for most reviewers. The remarkable responsiveness of the outsole is because of the full-length EVA covered with the Everun foam. The ISOFIT system morphs to the foot provides a custom-like fit and natural flexibility for extra comfort and responsiveness.;The seamless, water-resistant FlexShell and FlexFilm layers from the upper prevent any hot spots and blisters. The gusseted tongue does prevent any debris from getting into the shoe. The PWRTRAC outsole is very flexible and provides remarkable traction for a better comfort. All of these features come together to provide a very comfortable ride.
Style
The Saucony Xodus ISO Runshield is a stylish shoe. The upper design and construction, including the overlays of the FlexShell and the FlexFilm systems, make them look sleek yet protective and strong. The outsole with thick lugs and the aggressive pattern look just like it feels: very strong. The only downside is that it comes in only one color for men and one for women. For women, you have the combination Black/Citron/Berry and for men Black/Slime/Vizipro.
Durability
These shoes are very durable. Each component of the shoe is made to last. The durable rubber compound from the PWRTRAC outsole does not wear even through consistent use on harsh terrain. The Everun foam and EVA midsole are highly durable and long lasting. The updated FlexShell upper is even protective than previous versions and is made to last.
Protection
The ISO Runshield features the new FlexShell upper that provides extra protection from the elements. The FlexShell upper is coated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) that sheds of water yet allows great breathability. The shoes are not waterproof. They are water resistant. The PWRTRAC with its aggressive lug pattern and tacky properties will prevent you from slipping. The hard and durable rubber compound from the outsole also protects you from any sharp objects or debris.;The Everun foam on top of a full-length EVA is a great combination to keep you protected from the impact of the landings. The dispersion and absorption of the shock are very good thanks to the outsole and the midsole. A molded toe shell will protect your toes from any rocks or other hard objects you may kick during your run. The gusseted tongue will stop any debris from coming inside the shoe. Reviewers have said that not even sand can get in when running on the beach.
Responsiveness
The Xodus ISO Runshield is a highly responsive shoe. The combination of the midsole and the outsole make this shoe stand out in terms of responsiveness. On top of that, the FlexShell and FlexFilm provide a secure fit that allows the shoe to move with your foot. The ISOFIT system ensures a solid fit regardless of the terrain you are running on.
Support
These shoes are known for their remarkable cushioning and support. Some reviewers have nominated them as an optimal shoes for running an ultra marathon. It’s true that these shoes have incredible cushioning thanks to the Everun foam and flexible full-length EVA in the midsole. The ComforLite sock liner also does a great job in cushioning and protecting you from the impacts. However, this shoe does not address any specific pronation issue. The insole in the Xodus ISO Runshield is removable, so if you over pronate or under pronate, we suggest you get insoles that will provide the right support for you.
Terrain
The Runshield is great for virtually any terrain. The PWRTRAC outsole provides good traction on almost any terrain. Some reviewers have pointed out that when running over loose rocky terrain, the small rocks get stuck in between the lugs creating discomfort. The Xodus ISO Runshield can be worn during the winter season as well. The water-resistant properties will keep you dry, and the traction when running in snowy conditions is good. The lug pattern makes this shoe ideal for any offroad adventure.
Price
The average price online is around $135, putting these shoes on the higher end. There are some very good trail running shoes out around the same price, or less. The true value comes from what you really need in specifics. These are very durable with a maximalist approach. If that is what you’re on the market for, these may be for you.
Drop
The Saucony Xodus ISO Runshield has a 4mm drop, making it more of a minimalistic shoe. They have a higher offset than the Xodus ISO, but that does not affect the stability, responsiveness and overall great feeling and performance of the shoe.
Stability
The seamless components of the upper make the shoe very stable and comfortable. The ISOFIT system brings more stability than other technologies used by Saucony in previous shoes. The great combination of the PRWTRAC outsole and the Everun midsole make these shoe a very stable one. The TriFlex technology is a combination of the Everun technology and the PWRTRAC outsole increasing the dispersion over a wider surface for better traction and control which in turn provides good stability.
Flexibility
The ISO Runshield is more flexible than many other trail running shoes. They don’t have an External Bedrock Outsole plate making them way more flexible than the usual Saucony trail running shoes. Even with the excellent cushion, this is still a flexible shoe. The FlexShell upper adapts to the natural movements of your feet providing a socklike feeling. The FlexFilm overlay and the ISOFIT technology make this shoes very comfortable and flexible.
Traction
The rubber component of the PWRTRAC outsole provides great traction and grip over any surface. The TriFlex technology combined with the Everun technology increase the dispersion over a wider surface for better traction and control. Going uphill and downhill is easier when wearing the Xodus ISO Runshield. The outsole has two sections of lugs: half of them are facing forward and half of them are facing backward. This makes for great traction when going up and incredible responsiveness when slowing down, breaking and going downhill.;The rubber compound is very durable and tacky. Running over abrasive surfaces will not wear down the tacky properties. The grip is remarkable when running on icy roads, climbing on wet rocks and running downhill on grassy paths. Some reviewers prefer the Vibram outsole in the previous versions in the Xodus line, but overall, the PWRTRAC provides just as good, if not better traction.
Bottom Line
Saucony Xodus ISO Runshield are great shoes, especially if you run in the rain frequently. These shoes are not waterproof but are highly resistant to water thanks to the FlexShell upper coated with DWR technology. The rubber compound in the PWRTRAC outsole will provide incredible traction on any terrain. The seamless upper featuring ISOFIT and the FlexFilm technologies prevent any hotspots or blisters from forming. The great design of the shoe will provide a good fit for a wide variety of foot shapes. The great cushioning, responsiveness and support will keep trail runners happy, even during their toughest runs.
