Is this Saucony's BEST trail shoe yet? // SAUCONY XODUS ULTRA // Ginger Runner Review

[@TheGingerRunner]

I'm really loving the new Saucony Xodus Ultra - it's super cushioned, grippy and build to last. I can't believe I'm saying this, but it might unseat the Hoka Speedgoat 5 as my go-to grab so far in 2022! What are your thoughts about the new Xodus Ultra?

[@Ecoroof1986]

I'm selling my Speedgoat 5's as I've just not got on with them like the EVO's. Xodus Ultra ordered today

[@guilletjean-jacques5107]

je suis un adepte des Hoka Speedgoat , j ai dailleur fini l UTMB sans aucuns soucis de pieds grace a cette chaussure , et je cherchais quelque chose de plus solide , de plus durable , j ai regardé votre video , merci a vous , et j ai acheté cette Xodus ultra que je me suis empressé d essayé . j ai a present 30 miles dans cette paire de chaussure , et je peus dire la chose suivante : 20 miles avec la semelle d origine , qui est super confortable , et qui donne un certain dynamisme a la chaussure ........mais qui la rend instable pour moi , je n ais pas aimé mon premier essai avec cette chaussure .......mais il faut dire que je n essais absolument jamais mes nouvelle chaussures avec la semelle d origine , car j ai mes semelle orthopedique . pour le second essai de 20 miles , sur exactement la meme boucle , assez technique je dois dire , j avais mis mes semelle perso et mis des lacets non extenssible , comme peuvent l etre les lacets d origine , et bien la chaussure etait une autre chaussure , completement transfigurée , hyper stable , securisante , et ayant gagné le peu de place qui me manquait a l avant pied , je suis tombé en amour avec cette Xodus ultra , avec ces deux changements mineur , mon pied etait verrouillé a la perfection , mon talon bien encré au fond de la chaussure , rien ne bougeait , j ai perdu un peu de confort , normal vu la semelle interieur comparé a ma semelle orthopedique , mais j y ais gagné bien plus au final , pour ce qui est de l accroche , cela fonctionne bien , meme si sur roche humide , ce n est pas aussi efficace que du vibram !!! Je vais encore mettre pas mal de Km avec cette chaussure , pour savoir si je la valide pour ma course en Aout L' echappee belle , avec un terrain tres tres technique , ou si je continue a faire comfiance a mes Speedgoat 4 , mais je dois avouer que pour le moment je suis tres tres content des Xodus ultra , qui , et je ne l ais pas dis , sont tres tres legere aux pieds pour une chaussure comme ça , et c est tres appreciable , dimanche j ai une sortie sur une grosse boucle test de 22 miles et 2800 vertical meters .....a suivre .

[@cernjan]

I bough a pair and love the shoe, except they dig badly into my ankle! So bad I cannot take them for an ultra. Did you manage to fix this issue? Does it break in? Any ideas how to "fix" or improve this? Return is not an option unfortunately:// Thanks for any ideas!

[@johnmusgrove3802]

@@cernjan I have the same issue and have not found a fix unfortunatly.

[@hmf33]

Speaking more on the fit, do you think going down half a size would help with some of the fit issues? or would that not be necessary in this shoe?

[@jeffpuster8342]

I’ve run in Peregrines for years but was concerned after your review of the 12s. I think I have my answer in these shoes. I really appreciate the comparison with the Peregrines! Your reviews are solid; the only channel I watch for gear reviews.

[@ThatFlowState]

As I wrote on the Peregrine review post, I was/am really looking forward to this one. Last year I used the Xodus 10 for two ultras up to 100k in the Alps and was super happy with the protection they offered. They were a little on the heavy side but given the distance and terrain it was a sacrifice worth making. This update seems to be just what I was hoping for when they were announced. Now I just have to manage to get one in time.

[@TheGingerRunner]

Yeah, from what I remember about the last Xodus, these are so much better. And I much prefer them to the Peregrine. Solid ultra-ready shoe!

[@ScottCraighead]

How did you find the ankle area? I tried these on and could feel them pressing on my ankle bone as the video mentions. Did you feel that too and did it bother you over 100k? Really hoping these could be Peregrine replacements!

[@ThatFlowState]

@@ScottCraighead I haven't had a chance yet to try the Ultras so don't know how they compare there. However when stepping into the Xodus 10 and tying them there is some pressure on the ankle bone (I use heel lock lacing). That said I've never noticed it running even after 18 hours on my feet, it hasn't caused any bruising or tenderness either after my 100k. I hope that will hold true for the Xodus Ultra as well once I can try a pair.

[@jessebutler9352]

I read in an interview that with the PWRRUN PB compresses more than regular PWRRUN so Saucony raised the drop by 2mm on a couple of their shoes that use the new foam to compensate for that. So theoretically the 6mm should feel like the old 4mm drop and if they had kept the same 4mm it would have felt like a very low drop. Anyways, shoe geeking aside, this is the shoe I'm most stoked about this year and am looking forward to getting them on my malleolus.

[@TheGingerRunner]

Yeah, the drop didn't concern me at all. The midsole is such a joy!

[@travymoto1]

Looking forward to trying these out. I actually dig the fluorescent yellow colorway.....however I was in a small local running store today with my wife and was talking to the owner about this shoe. She showed me the dealer catalogue page for this shoe and I can confirm there are a bunch of nice color options for both men and women.

[@TheGingerRunner]

That bright blue looks super cool, lookin forward to what else they have comin

[@mathiasjahl3729]

I also noticed the ankle collar rubbing to some extend and i had the same problem with the Xodus 10. Cutting some material away with the scissors did indeed solve the problem for me, at least with the 10. Did not dare to damage the Xodus Ultra so far.

[@ScottCraighead]

How is the ankle collar working out? I felt it when I tried them out, wondering if it improves when broken in or if you had to cut the collar on the Xodus Ultra in the end.

[@kpark8k]

These look cool! Hope you get a chance to review the bright pink Adam Merry Sauconys in the future!

[@chrisl3856]

So many good things to say, but the "cutting" I'm getting from the ankle collar is a BIG thumbs down. Only happening on one shoe, but with questionable lockdown to start, this really limits how much you can snug things up. I also found on my first run on wet trails in Vermont, that the outsole did NOT do well on wet rocks. Wet bridges were treacherous and some roots, but I can adapt. But they did not handle wet rocks well...

[@kmantriing]

Looks amazing, I’ve been looking for a successor to the Mad River-my fave Saucony shoe that was recently discontinued. I don’t know what magic they put in their Powrtrak outsole, but I’ve never had anything grip so well on wet rocks and roots.

[@jeanyves4220]

That, and the price (under 80 USD), made me buy these little puppies. I agree that Powrtrak is amazing, and it's the Mad Rivers that me discover it.

[@scottcrammond8571]

I'm in the same boat! These might be the next trail shoe when my current Mad River 2s wear out

[@roustabout4fun]

Put on your tights, rain gear, hat, aux towel, wind/sunscreen if needed, toolbelt and an attitude to match these shoes and we have some fire. My older pair just will not die-toughest shoes out there, they are a soldier and got sole.

[@matthiassventoest6800]

always fair with the review.., great stuff

[@beesyspeecer8190]

Great review! Finally took these out today for ~12 miles. Underfoot these felt absolutely amazing! Cushioned but not numbingly so and I can still get some feedback from the trail. The rock plate worked well. The tread bit on everything I put them through today from wet sandstone to mud - I was surprised the grip/compound was that good. The ankle is a slight miss as the cup doesn’t feel deep enough which I think is partially because of the lacing and toe box width. I can’t get a locked in feel with no padding in the tongue without being uncomfortable. The added width in the forefoot exacerbated this issue. It proves to be an issue in tight, off camber faster technical terrain as some foot slipping occurred and I kept losing confidence in the shoe. Better than Pulsar Trails underfoot (both in comfort and grip - by a lot) but for fit they just can’t be trusted. Looking forward to V2 of this shoe!

[@beesyspeecer8190]

After these fully broke in I had to alter the shoe. The sewn through “eyelets” were causing a lot of discomfort on one foot due to the lack of padding in the tongue. I told my solder iron and smoothed out the sowing material. Much more comfortable now.

[@ToddScott]

The ankle collar issue is a fatal flaw for longer ultras. The pain started midway through the Vermont 100 when the trail surface wasn't flat. Had to start choosing lines to minimize the off camber running.

[@azhes77]

My opinion of the speedgoay 5 seems to differ from everyone else. The fit around the ankle is painful on 14+ miles, the tongue slips down, and the laces are extra stretchy. When I purchased the SG5 I was debating between them and the Salamon Ultra glide. In your opinion which do you think is better for those 20+ mile runs? Ultraglide or the Xodus Ultra? Truly enjoyed this review. Keep up the good work, sir.

[@TheGingerRunner]

I didn’t have much luck with the ultra glide, being a bigger dude, but know many who love it. This, however, has been super fun and hasn’t flattened out like the ultra glide did for me

[@johns.outside]

Old Bay Potato Chips! If you know, you know. Great review 🤘

[@TheGingerRunner]

Just for you guys :)

[@jonh1958]

Very helpful review, was great to get the comparison with the Peregrine as that is the other shoe I'm considering.

[@robertmorano2372]

LET'S GO RANGERS!!! 👏👏-👏👏👏

[@jansommerlund5497]

Maybe because of the hype and my own massive expectations, the disappointment was huge. There's something wrong with the upper or the laces. Its too elastic and makes it very difficult to get a good hold across the midfoot. But the biggest issue fo me is the pressure on the lateral side of the foot. And it feels like the shoe wants to roll to the lateral side too. Im pretty sure i would sprain my ankle if I continued running in the shoe.The first run was very painful and I had to quit after 6 km on a very rugged and buff offtrail run. Something i normally only experience in Salomon and other narrow shoes. So I have to return the shoes cause I can't run in them. Grip seemed to be fine. The midsole not nearly as bouncy and soft as expected. The Xodus10 was for me a much much better shoe.

[@Ianshrew]

Great review as always - how does it stack up v the Tecton X? Looks an exciting shoe for sure

[@ThatRunningGuy]

Previously only used Nikes for years but now loving Saucony…what have i been missing

[@JAHinHK]

13 versions of the Kinvara and 9 Fastwitch! They make great shoes at very reasonable prices. Go find older versions of the Kinvara for $50 or $60 - you'll never go back.

[@TheGingerRunner]

These remind me a LOT of the recent Wildhorse, but with better grip and lockdown. You'll feel right at home!

[@ThatRunningGuy]

@@TheGingerRunner the grip in slippery mud is shocking. Remember ended up on my ass twice on a trail run

[@ThatRunningGuy]

@@JAHinHK will do, thanks 👍 I’ve always been one to buy last year’s models, save sooooo much!

[@ifonly4486]

Or you can do what i did in my wave rider 25. Get a 2 or 3 mm super light volume reducer that you stick under the insole........

[@fynthemtns]

Looking like an Endorphin Speed for the trail. Love it!

[@TheGingerRunner]

They had the endorphin trail last season but actually recalled it (it was a terrible shoe). This is MUCH improved!

[@bastianchapman9774]

@@TheGingerRunner and why it was a terrible shoe…? 🧐

[@jaredjared5487]

Been waiting for this one

[@jonathanlacerte2473]

I’m really looking forward to trying this shoe, as I have been loving the Peregrine series (minus the 8 and 9/ISO). I am hoarding 2 pairs of the Peregrine 11 as I see the new updates for the 12 to that shoe are causing problems.

[@jenniel6955]

I don't disagree about the 8, but am curious to hear what you didn't like about the ISO - if you don't mind sharing! I find the traction and cushion pretty decent, even if they're terrible in mud and lacking a toe guard.

[@1trentsmom]

Do we know when this shoe will drop on RW? Finally excited about a Saucony trail shoe. 👣

[@Run_Paul_Run]

Looking forward to the Endorphin Edge

[@cristianfcao]

The shoe seems really promising, but that lacing system... it makes me nervous! Looks bound to break at some point.

[@dcdc4312]

Hi @thegingerrunner. I was wondering, do you think the outsole of this shoe can survive the cement/pavements? I go on trail running but have to go on a fairly long walks on roads before I can get in the trail area.

[@johndoeatr]

Greetings from Greece, great video as usual!!!!🤘🤘💪💪👍👍 I was excited with the exodus Ultra, the cushioning was very pleasant, BUT I had a major problem with the durability of the outsole. I don't know if I had a defective pair or that's the case with that shoe but after 2 runs (13km, 8mi) in very technical routes, whole lugs from the outsole were missing. Do you have any similar problem with the exodus?

[@raisedbycarnies]

when is this shoe available?

[@jonathansale7138]

I had the peregrines 12 and loved them but had ankle bite at the bottom of my ankle Is the heel cup the same or different in this shoe?

[@DouglasJerome]

I think I'm running into that ankle collar rubbing issue (32mi on them). You think it softens/improves with some break-in? Thanks for your informative review!

[@sydneyACE]

I've got a pair of Xodus 10s that I really like. I use them primarily as an everyday shoe, and for hiking. I don't run in them very often, but do occasionally. With that, my primary concerns are comfort (cushion), durability, and traction. Lightweight is a nice bonus, but not a primary concern as I don't run in them often. With those factors in mind, is the Xodus Ultra a good purchase for me? Or would I be better off finding a pair of Xodus 10s or 11s. I.e., The Ultra is a great shoe for running, but does the weight reduction come at the cost of comfort and durability?

[@davidzlotnick1899]

Hi watched both this and your review of the edge. Thanks how would you compare these 2 for trail runs - about 15-40K not super technical terrain thanks

[@giovanbattistafichera8439]

about the malleolus you can try adding another insole to raise the position of the foot and see if that works.

[@hmf33]

Would you say this is a decent road-to-trail shoe?

[@thomasgerman8825]

Very disappointed. These are unstable for me unless I crank the laces down. I've seen other reviews also mention these as ankle breakers. That usually isn't an issue for me so it stood out. Agree that ankle collar too high and grip on wet surfaces is appalling. I've been wearing my ragged out Asics Trabucos while searching for the next trail shoe

[@TheNor38]

I'm consider buying a pair, but what you write sort of confirm my reservations this far.. Have you tried to replace the laces? Read several reviews noting the laces are too stretchy, so you dont get a good lock-down in technical terrain. This is escpecially important if you're a heavy/large runner.

[@a.e.3323]

I tried this model last year. Couldn't get the right fit. What I found worse was that the space under the insole wasn't seamless. Meaning there is a deeper border around the upper and where one puts an insole. So you could feel you pinky toe diving down in a gap through the insole. Super uncomfortable. Plus found the craftsmanship to be pretty shoddy in that department. Some shoes had a wider gap there than others.

[@thesii213]

I think that was a different model? The Ultra is their new update on the Xodus line

[@TheGingerRunner]

My guess is you're referring to the Xodus and not the Xodus Ultra? Very different build.

[@a.e.3323]

@@TheGingerRunner Xodus 11, indeed.

[@a.e.3323]

@@thesii213 Thanks for letting me know. :)

[@JamieAsareZiegler]

Every single time you do those little demo runs over that same section of trail, I worry that you're going to punt the heck out of that protruding root, but it just hasn't happened yet. Nope. Not yet.

[@TheGingerRunner]

Gave it the good ol stomp this time round :)

[@khoale9292]

Could anyone compare these to the olympus 4?

[@MattRunsColorado]

When does this shoe release? The link doesn't take me to them.

[@ThatFlowState]

According to RaodTrailRun in mid- to late June🤞

[@thesii213]

I get the ankle collar thing on both running and climbing shoes, and find that this often breaks in as the fabric softens? Still, you might be well beyond that break-in period at this point!

[@TheGingerRunner]

I wore em for 16 again today and confirmed it's still a pain in the malleolus, haha. Might have to break out the box knife!

[@thesii213]

@@TheGingerRunner Alas! I have no ideas beyond some really excessive wiggling of the fabric there. But yep, happens to me a lot too! And if the box knife goes well... you're halfway to your own speedhacks!

[@mistersmith3986]

I would appreciate if you could give me a little more info on the toe box of the shoe. Like how does the width and height feel. Thanks for the video my Brother 👍 ⚔️ ✝️ 🇺🇲

[@georgibg]

I can give you my take after 126km on UTMB. The outsole is stellar - grippy, cushioned and bouncy. However, my right foot was sliding forward on descents resulting in pain in my toenail. I will change the laces and try to get a better midfoot grip as the original ones are too elastic and short when laced through the last eyelet.

[@ryang4492]

Man I want these. But I live in south Florida with almost no trails. Also I like the womens colorways more than the mens…

[@adamsheret149]

What's your favourite trail shoe?

[@comodice905]

Bloke is it wurf dah wadd...of...quid

[@gasbike100mpg]

very narrow shoe, dont do it

[@joshchace]

I'm just here for the slow motion bouncing that we've become accustomed to seeing during GR shoe reviews!

[@backpacker778]

O.k 10 years and more I use the Xodus family . I am the most familiar person with the Xodus alterations over time. What the make better ? To return to firm rubbery external sole . The outer sole has become more and more mushy which is a shame . Solomon do their field running shoes with mushy soft rubber which is unstable and a bad thing. I wish secouny wil make external rubber soles that are on the firm side to isolate from the ground and a bouncy middle sole . Together you get the best shoes ever . The first Xodus did it with firm rubbery vibram outer soles. So outer layer should isolate and be thick rubbery and firm not mushy and then the middle sole should be bouncy taking vibrations out . And you get the best shoes ever.

[@jeffhallman676]

I click on the link for these shoes and it takes me to the clearance of the Xodus 11? Can’t seem to find the Ultra. 🤷‍♂️

[@gsabella4]

The Xodus Ultra is not available though??? Not on Runner Warehouse or Saucony website.

[@robsbeenrunning]

Thanks Ethan. i have been running in the Xodus 11 for some time now and it has been a great long distance shoe. I am looking forward to getting my hands on the Ultra when it is available.

[@SG-qx1fg]

Notification squad!!!! I’ve been very curious about this - gotta check it out!

[@davidcallan7844]

Nice upgrade on the Xodus 11, at least on the midsole and outsole. I really liked the upper on the 11 though 🤷‍♂️.🤘😎🏃‍♂️

[@toddboucher3302]

Great video, I ran my new pair of Salomon ultra glide and feels like a 0-4 drop. If form is good up to 8 may not be a big deal, as I once thought

[@sbrenden]

Waiting for it to arrive in the norwegian market. Sounds like a solid buy to me :) Thanks for your review on this one, much appreciated :)

[@TheGingerRunner]

You'll love em!

[@flegadegaweg]

Howdy. How sure are you about the ultra having deeper lug depth than the peregrine? Did a little googling that suggests 4 or 4.5 mm depth on the ultra and 4.6 or 5 mm depth on the peregrine 12. Picky, I know, but I'm curious.

[@johnmusgrove3802]

Hi, I purchased a pair of these shoes after watching many reviews. Unfortunately, I have also experiencing the rubbing you reported on the lateral malleolus!. I have about 70 miles in these and it doesn't seem to be improving. After putting more miles in the shoes did your issue settle or get worse. If it improved, was it just a matter of more miles and as you said being patient or did you have to resort to something more dramatic?

[@backpacker778]

O.k 10 years and more I use the Xodus family . I am the most familiar person with the Xodus alterations over time. What the make better ? To return to firm rubbery external sole . The outer sole has become more and more mushy which is a shame . Solomon do their field running shoes with mushy soft rubber which is unstable and a bad thing. I wish secouny wil make external rubber soles that are on the firm side to isolate from the ground and a bouncy middle sole . Together you get the best shoes ever . The first Xodus did it with firm rubbery vibram outer soles. So outer layer should isolate and be thick rubbery and firm not mushy and then the middle sole should be bouncy taking vibrations out . And you get the best shoes ever.

[@undeadly1103]

late to the game on this one but the ankle rubbing was very apparent just walking around the house in them. sending them back. trail shoe search continues ☹️

[@ant2464]

So basically they don't make anymore. Lol

[@ryranpatrickjordan]

These or the inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300?

[@brit1259]

Did the width widen a bit as it broke in? I wish this came in a wide version.

[@dewknow1315]

That not saying much IMO

[@Joex3Mr]

Thanks for the review

[@ifonly4486]

Let's dive ieuiein.....

[@jasonwhitaker2726]

where can I get these? I cannot find them for sale anywhere, yet!!??!!??!

[@TheGingerRunner]

Looks like delayed until late June or July, ugh!

[@pauldelaney4186]

Better than Hoka x?

[@TheGingerRunner]

I might prefer this, yup!

[@jenniel6955]

Thanks for the review! I'm a long-time Saucony lover and never thought there'd be a viable trail option after trying the Xodus ISO 3 and...hating it. It was heavy (I not-so-lovingly refer to them as my ankle weights) and had terrible traction on wet surfaces. It was good in muddy conditions, but would trap all that mud in the shoe if you stepped in too deep. I went back to Peregrines after a few runs and have stayed with them since. I hadn't even considered trying the Xodus Ultras, but based on what you're saying here, it sounds like a totally different shoe than some of the prior iterations of Xoduses. Will definitely give them a try and buy when my current Peregrines die!

[@BMEvans33]

Do you know when this shoe will release?! I have a muddy non-technical 50 miler July 2nd and I am thinking this would be the perfect shoe. Thanks!!!

[@TheGingerRunner]

Looks like delayed until late June or July

[@J0553]

Calling Florian / thatFlowState! GET IN HERE!!

[@ThatFlowState]

I'm excited!😅 This is pretty much what I was hoping to hear. Now if Saucony can only get their supply chain in order so I can get these on my feet in time for my goal race in August.🤞