ARE THEY WORTH THE UPGRADE? | Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 Initial Review | Run4Adventure

Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 review - first run and first impressions. It’s a well know documented fact that I was a massive fan of the original Saucony Xodus Ultra and the Xodus Ultra 2. This popular trail shoe has gone through quite a few changes this time round and is pretty much a brand new shoe from the ground up. I always cross my fingers tightly when running brands update a shoe that I’ve really enjoyed running in because you never know how they’re going to feel after the changes have been made. I guess there’s only one way to find out, let’s lace them up and take the all new Xodus Ultra 3 out for their first run.
Thanks for watching, we'll see you in the next video and as always - stay safe and keep on running!
0:00 Intro
1:56 Facts & Figures
2:26 Midsole
3:49 Upper
4:35 Outsole
5:28 Test run
10:13 How the shoes performed
#saucony #xodusultra3 #besttrailrunningshoes
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[@domtoa]

I stocked up on the XU1 when they went on sale for $70 CAD. Still my go to shoes for ultras. Nothing has come close to perfect toe box to cushioning technology. Still extremely happy with them every run

[@tregonningtrails1101]

For me - and obviously it’s all down to the individual - these are the perfect distance shoe. Have got through two pairs of XU1s and I totally love that shoe, and will continue to use it. But for longer stuff the XU3 works perfectly, more protection and I feel much more secure - my foot feels ‘in’ the shoe rather than on it, so technical terrain feels really good, and the tweak to the firmness and amount of midsole really works - a little bit firmer but it’s also more protective and responsive. The wider outsole is great too - that works for me, in our dear leader’s terminology I feel really planted. It’s great for me, it’s the shoe I’ve wanted for a long time. If there’s any fellow hallux limitus sufferers out there I can vouch for the midsole and rock-plate being perhaps more effective than a rocker in terms of easing toe pain, although perhaps there's a bit of forward role in the XU3 compared to my XU1s. Loyd, as ever, brilliant work, and congrats on the big 50(.5)K - amazing!!!

[@adelesparke9516]

As always, a great review. Thanks 👍🏻

[@manfredmueller1125]

I’m running in them for six weeks now and have to say, that they are a really comfortable ride. Will surely use them for coming ultra distances, where my Peregrine don’t offer the comfort I want to have. They perform well on nearly any surface and the rockplate is as reliable as ever. But don’t take them in the mud! They simply aren't aggressive enough as a 5 mm lug shoe with a more negative profile. They have seen 130k now, many of them muddy, and where I bomb downhills in the Peregrine, I prefer more cautious descending in these, because they start to slide very early. Apart of this they are really great and I already love them.

[@jeffloflin6316]

Love the updates!

[@TrailRunnerReviews]

Great vid Lloyd! Can’t wait for these but also will be trying out the Tomir 2 as it might be a great companion to this shoe. Maybe Tomir 2 for more muddy conditions, shorter tech distances.

[@tonypotter9578]

Great review Loyd. I also still fancy the first version. Saying that I bought two pairs after your initial review and the first pair is still going strong!👍

[@mojcakapun4104]

Thanks for the tip for xodus 2. They serve me really well.

[@PhilBerry83]

Brilliant video as always I’m still in the first ones because you can’t kill the hem but im looking forward to trying these 😃

[@richardfranklin2913]

Thanks Loyd, another great review. I still love the V1s and, on the back of this, have ordered another 3 heavily discounted pairs! I really haven't had too many problems with the mud with the V1s and there's been a lot of it this year. The only challenge I have had was lack of grip on wet granite on the coast path.

[@slowasadonkey736]

Love the editing in the beginning section 👌🏻 great work mate 🤠

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed and thanks for commenting 👍🙂

[@SeeChadRun]

That was some serious movie magic when you swapped the shoes then disappeared yourself! Great review as always. You're setting the bar high for the rest of us RunTubers ;-) Keep it up!!!

[@Acconda]

Enjoying mine 👍🏼 thanks for the review., i prefer the styling in the 3 over the previous one, but that’s just a personal choice. I know a lot of folk had the uppers tear in the ultra 2’s

[@Manuel_712]

Good job, Loyd. ¡¡¡¡Saucony for ever!!!. Here is my Like. Cheers.

[@rolls1392]

I have the original version. I found I had to run around 30miles or so to bed then in. Now they are really good to run in anywhere. Great test Loyd. Thanks

[@jasonbaker6842]

Loved the Exodus 2 thanks to your recommendation.

[@Run4Adventure]

That’s great to hear Jason and thanks for the support 🙏🙂

[@mikehall6433]

Great review as always. My v1 have been brilliant apart from being very slippery on wet rocks and roots. 600 miles in them now and starting to get holes. Would love a review of the new Nnormal Tomir v2 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@ajmartinez1906]

When you first introduced the Xodus Ultra 1, I was impressed with your review that I invested in a pair of the Winter version. Then came version 2, I was not sure but then you reviewed the Agility Peak 5's and I was sold. I found my Hoka SG5'S replacement. Still love the Xodus Ultra 1.

[@paulmulks]

I luv the out takes 😂

[@Zapruderfilm1963]

A fantastic choice for thru hiking the Appalachian Trail!!🔥👍

[@briani642]

I was thinking that wide platform could potentially be great for backpacking

[@TahoeRnnr]

Been waiting for this one. XU one of my favs. You didn't compare weights to the other two versions

[@pedromacd]

Great to see they've got rid of the lace loops from the previous versions. Xodus 2 is the best running shoe i've ever used.

[@paulsummerly8203]

A really great video.

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video 🙏🙂

[@kevinlemanquais2006]

I'm looking forward to the wider base and protection for the midfoot. I had issues with brusing the sides of my feet in rocky terrain with the first version.

[@grantwallace1882]

Great looking shoes - better looking than the new Speedgoat. Very interested in these, but currently in a fairly new pair of Peregrines.

[@shawn6132]

I have and enjoy the XU1. A lot of reviews suggest the toe box of the XU2 was changed...lower volume or narrower or pointy shape, etc. Is the XU3 toe box more like the XU1 or XU2?

[@RE71476AD]

Seems to be true. I ran in the XU1 on some marathons and 50ks and long training runs with no issues. Brilliant. Upgraded to XU2, broke them in for around 30 miles, then ran a 50m in them and experienced blisters due to the narrower and smaller height of the toe box with my big toe rubbing against the top. Need to know about XU3...

[@billhakk5241]

The new version is a looker! Previous 2 versions were (for me at least) boring looking. But what I cannot understand is how the hell you managed that almost seamless transition between v2 and v3 in the intro... Nice work there!

[@paulmark8873]

Great vid! Will you be using them for your South Downs Way 100?

[@Run4Adventure]

No Paul, I’ve got another shoe lined up for that race 👍

[@jumpyl.h.8230]

I was waiting this first review..... I have listened to every single word and every single one of your comments.. This cause I would like to buy a Xodus Ultra but I am very undecided between the first, the second and this last one model.... I cannot ask you specifically which of the three versions you would recommend me to buy.....I have to come to understand it myself....🤔🤔🤔

[@Blank-Knight]

LOL I just wondered when you will test the Xodus 3, see this video and a "3 minutes ago" time stamp. Looking forward to your review, I find them to have a different ride to the Xodus Ultra 2 but overall likes them better. And now let's see what you think... (starts watching).

[@Blank-Knight]

I never had the Xodus Ultra 1 but the 2, I like upper and padding better but yeah, some agility got lost.

[@ianlowe4126]

Hi Loyd thanks for another great review. I really liked the V1 except for one thing - the ankle side walls came up a bit too high for me which meant I had some discomfort on the ankle bone , you’ve not mentioned this so assume you’ve not experienced it ? I switched to the Merrell agility peak 5 which I believe to be a better shoe all round. 👍

[@Run4Adventure]

I heard a few runners mentioning ankle issues in the original version? I have never had any rubbing issues in them, like I said in the video the original Xodus Ultra has never given me any hot spots or blisters 👍

[@clivepreston2228]

Thanks for the review. The 1s were amazing, the 2s felt great but the toe box was shallow and the uppers lasted no more than 100k. Saucony refunded me both times. Not sure about these changes. I have bought another pair of 1s

[@robsbeenrunning]

Looking forward to trying these out. i thought the 2nd version was not as good as the V1, upper seemed to breakdown quickly. I'll be interested on the durability performance of this one.

[@alanwetherelt7155]

Looks like a great shoe , if I wear out my ultra 2s …the 2s ran great for me at Godrevy

[@stephencsaplar6382]

The original still my favorite trail shoe. 👍

[@Shipwreckruns]

The 2024 version of PB seems firmer than the last versions. I noticed it in the speed 4s and I’ve heard the triumph 22 is the same. For what it’s worth, it softened up quite a bit after 30mes or so

[@richies6898]

I just hope the upper is more durable. My Exodus 2's lasted only 118 miles before the upper mesh started fraying and tearing across the toe box. A fantasticly comfortable shoe though, that really looked after the feet

[@MegaDizzla]

Thanks for the video ! Enough protection for technical race such as the TDS ?

[@Run4Adventure]

Definitely enough protection for TDS, I actually ran the TDS in 2022 in the original Xodus Ultra and it performed well 👍

[@JamesBlythe-nj8vr]

This feels like a response from Saucony to the ASICS Trabuco Max which has gone under the radar as a very good high stack long distance trail shoe. They’re also 70g lighter

[@goingtheextramile]

Glad it isn't just me that feels like they've lost their magic. I've had mine for a few weeks now, and maybe they need to bed in, but they feel noticeably more 'dull' compared to the 1s and 2s. They feel like they've taken the worst bits of my Triumph 19s and Peregrine 13s and put them together - they feel large and clumpy like the Triumphs, but without the cushioning, and the foam feels a bit dead like the Pergrines, but without the nimble feel. They just feel a bit 'flat' when I run in them, like they've lost the bounce and quick transition the previous models had.

[@iaintwaddle236]

The wider sole and raised side walls, looks like a trail Saucony Guide.

[@airbromez]

These and the Zegama 2s are my 2 most anticipated trail shoes. I had issues with the v1s because of how the ankle collar rubbed against my ankle bone. I couldn’t do runs over 1.5 to 2 hours max in them. Hopefully that’s not an issue with this iteration

[@Damo_GingerMarmot]

I prefer the look of the xodus 2. I went down a half size in the first version. Most have well over 500 miles in this version and mid sole is still going strong, heel cup is beginning to deteriorate though. Hope to pick up a deal on xodus 2

[@MrWozzamills]

Thanks for a great 1st impression review Loyd! Do you think Saucony has improved the upper and made it more durable? I think this was the main issue with the V2’s.

[@Acconda]

They definitely feel more rugged to me that v2

[@Run4Adventure]

They definitely look like they’d be more durable but I guess only time will tell? 🤔

[@grahmdoughty]

Initial impressions vs. the Zegama 2? Why would you choose one or the other?

[@si.babiganas]

Glad you still ate those lentils chilli 😊

[@Run4Adventure]

It was tasty 😋😁

[@tomelliott889]

Love it Lloyd. So big question - do I stick with the XU line or move to the Merrill Agility Peaks?

[@Run4Adventure]

That’s a tricky one because they are both good trail shoes, I need more time in the new Xodus Ultra 3’s before I can answer that one 🤔

[@seanconlon8406]

I regretted my move to MAP5's. Thought they were great at first but the more I run in then the worse they seem to get. Terrible grip in any incline with mud or grass, stacked but not really feeling the benefit of cushioning and weirdly they get less & less comfy every run, they seem to bed out 😂. Can't wait for them to die so I can go back to Saucony, although I'll be going to the 2's as not sure I like the look of the stack height on these

[@Ruffnreddyrunner]

Wonder if the edge and rift will have an update or they going to discontinue then lines as xodus does it all

[@toddboucher3302]

I also love version one I thought it was nimble protective responsive cushioned. Everything version two came out felt like I returned my felt like it was like a four-wheel-drive truck instead of like a nimble something and I was talking to a guy at a running store and he said well you won’t like these he said but, he said they got a lot more than ever and everybody else can go to that and the people who want more cushioning and more built up this can go here. I still can find one brand new eBay so go grab a couple pairs for style. they were the best I’m just rumors.

[@marct8263]

I couldn't see in the video but do those have a little elastic or pocket to tuck the laces into?

[@Grantmi1_trailrun]

Where do you stand currently on your opinion between the Xodus Ultra 2 or 3 compared to Merrell Agility Peak 5? You still prefer the Agility Peak or does it depend on terrain? I have both shoes and I am wanting your insight.

[@soyanchd5439]

Could you do a video comparing it to the cascadia 16 please?

[@Run4Adventure]

I’ll see what I can do 👍🙂

[@YanNoun]

Looking at the video, the trails on which this shoe has been tested, seems so smooth that you wouldn't need a trail shoe, so I'm not sure how relevant is this test regarding the trail abilities of this shoe.

[@Mumrik597]

I've had some issues recently with Saucony Ride 17 and Endorphin speed 4. Ride have been absolutely butchered in the heel caps, causing blisters in the process, and the Endorphin is starting to cause the same issues now at about 200km. I really hope I can use these, they look very nice. But I might just wait for Speedgoat 6. Hoka always work well for me. I don't know. Who cares? 😅

[@mistersmith3986]

How is the toe box width and height? Thanks for the video my Running Brother!!!

[@Run4Adventure]

I did mention in the video that the toe box width and height is very similar to the previous two versions of Xodus Ultras 👍

[@JaySizz]

This is my most anticipated trail shoe of the year so far. Version 1 had an outsole that split apart and peeled off the midsole, and Saucony replaced them with a pair of the 2s. I got the weird purple color way which ended up having a "special" upper that is different than the standard.. good for cold weather, and as they were free, I didn't complain. The midsole however is super f***in' firm compared with the 1, and I feel Saucony did something odd there that, along with the upper, doesn't jive with their "standard" Xodus Ultra 2.... All that, just to say, there is no way this midsole will be firmer than the 2, at least in my case. I'm pretty sure of that.

[@gametuber9017]

hi, why didn't you ran your latest ultra in these new Merrell Agility Peak 5? They had beaten the Xodus 2 like we saw in one of your reviews. Will you use them in the future maybe?

[@Run4Adventure]

I knew I was going to be testing the new Xodus Ultra 3 so I wanted to spend some time in the Xodus Ultra 2’s 👍

[@travymoto1]

Saucony claim that the 3 has more Power Run PB... so I was hoping the ride would have more softness and bounce.

[@leighweston2695]

Less than 30km and my XU3 developed an annoying creaking on the left shoe, assuming the internal rock guard has failed 💩

[@SileDevil]

i dont lie these trend in shoe makers where they keep adding stack height

[@GlasDevGuy]

The Hoka Clifton look.

[@Run4Adventure]

It does look like a Hoka running shoe! 👍

[@runhanrunnl]

Is the ankle cut-out a little deeper/lower then the version 2? It rubbed against my ankles too much. Hda to add an extra inlay to avoid it.

[@Run4Adventure]

I didn’t have any issues with the ankle on the Xodus Ultra 2 so it’s hard to say? 🤔

[@dan-zo4eb]

Is the outsole rubber better in the wet than the previous model ? Wet Hard surfaces were very slippery

[@Run4Adventure]

Saucony claim that they’ve changed the rubber blend so that it performs better in wet conditions. To be honest I’ve never had any issues in the wet with the Xodus Ultra 🤔

[@michaelalbrecht3395]

I’m curious how there going to stack up against the speedgoat 6

[@Run4Adventure]

Well hopefully be testing out the new Speedgoats on the channel when they launch 👍🙂

[@seanwise7464]

Are they still putting that really thick and annoying PB type sock liner in them?

[@johnkinnee3975]

I wear the Ultra Ridge GTX in a 10 and they run very short. Curious how the fit on these compare.

[@Run4Adventure]

I’ve never used the Ultra Ridge GTX so it’s hard to say but Sauconys sizing is normally pretty consistent 👍🙂

[@krisweston9732]

I'm torn between these and the asics trabuco max 3 for this years lakeland50

[@Run4Adventure]

I haven’t run in the asics Trabuco MAX but I’m sure either of them would work for Lakeland 👍

[@camgrice]

Just picked up XU2 for half price 🙌🏻

[@nickkennedy6457]

where? I've been waiting for the 3's to launch so that the 2's come on sale :D

[@Run4Adventure]

Nice one! 👏

[@javierinigomoreno]

So Xodus Ultra 3, do we stick to the 2s, or the Zegama 2?? 😮

[@Run4Adventure]

I personally prefer the Xodus 2 & 3 👍

[@petersavage9938]

Did I miss you saying if they're true to size or do we need to go up?

[@Run4Adventure]

I did say they are true to size in the video Peter, they fit very similar to the previous two versions of Xodus Ultra 👍🙂

[@ben_mapplebeck]

I found these a fair bit firmer than in previous versions and not as energetic/fun. Also the rear lugs started peeling away on the top bits after barley a mile of tarmac before the trails. Not as good as I expected at all 👎

[@danoott9694]

Looking a lot like the Asics Trabuco Max 2.

[@keolatage]

I had the same thought. Recently did a 100 in the Trabuco. Performed great on everything but the most technical mountain terrain

[@danoott9694]

@@keolatage Yeah, I really like them too. Asics have done well with these. Seem to plough through everything whilst still feeling relatively responsive and cushioned. I wore them for the ARC50 this year.

[@Blank-Knight]

Has nothing in common with the Trabuco Max 2. I didn't like the Max2 while I like the non max Trabuco. The Rocker of the Xodus Ultra 3 works way better for me and the upper is softer and more breathable, doesn't run warm.

[@Run4Adventure]

I’m not sure they run like the Trabuco Max 2, surely that’s got a lot more soft cushioning than the new Xodus Ultra 3 🤷‍♂️

[@danoott9694]

@@Run4Adventure Although cushioned and loads of foam the Trabuco Max is still relatively firm. Not as soft as you'd imagine looking at them. I think ASCIS have done a great job with them. Would be good to see a review of the recently released Trabuco Max 3 if possible Loyd? Be interested to hear your thoughts. Ideal shoe for the SWCP.

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

I wish Saucony Pwrtrack would get as much flak as Nike.

[@pbnotj1]

Agreed my xodus ultra 2 winter version has good traction if nothing is wet or slippery. Similar to older Nike trail models. Hopefully they are fixing that issue.

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

@@pbnotj1 Ye, my Endorphin Rift has terrible wet grip especially with the tall lugs and low contact area. Was very surprised as noone was talking about it (unlike Nike).

[@bikerdude6119]

​@@RowOfMushyTiT i find that saucony trail shoes dont handle well on wet rocks or smooth stones. Altras handle way better because of the vibram grip but they arent has cushioned

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

@@bikerdude6119 Zegama 2 now has ZoomX and Vibram ;D

[@OrdMandrell1]

We runners are a weird bunch. The very things that made this shoe less exciting for you are the very changes I was hoping would be made to the shoe to make it more attractive to me (wider base, deeper cushion and plushier upper).

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

Problem is there are too many shoes trending in this direction.

[@OrdMandrell1]

@@RowOfMushyTiT Hmmmm. I can't really disagree with you there.

[@alanwetherelt7155]

Look a very nice shoe , if I wear out my ul

[@Ruffnreddyrunner]

How where can I buy?

[@Run4Adventure]

They should be available to buy in the UK very soon 👍

[@mebdev]

What kind of distance did you do on your Xodus Ultras (1s) before you retired them? I'm at a little over 800km in mine and today they felt a little 'flat' which is generally my cue to start looking for replacement shoes but don't want to jump the gun as aside from that they feel like they are in good nick.

[@nickpocock8081]

Really disappointed with the update. My heel slips on any inclines. Thankfully i’ve got a pair of the orginals to get me through the Ultra Marin Raid 100k this summer.

[@georgibg]

Xodus Ultra 1's lacing was the worst for me.

[@Run4Adventure]

In what way? I never had an issue 🤔

[@stingel1981]

Durability problems with the Ultra 2.

[@Run4Adventure]

My Xodus Ultra 2’s are still going strong at the moment. I’ve run just over 200 miles in them and they look ok. I have heard other runners saying they’ve had so issues with the upper breaking down 🤔

[@fireman3857]

Scotland video? 😢

[@Run4Adventure]

The Scotland videos are coming soon. We captured lots of footage over the weekend and race day video always take a bit longer to put together 👍

[@hawaiifranke7637]

"Firmer" than he previous versions? That's not what I wanted to hear ... 🤔

[@Run4Adventure]

I hoping they will bed in a bit and get softer 🤞🤞

[@jumpyl.h.8230]

First.1°

[@pollodepollis]

Soucony xodus ultra 2 durability was embarrassing, less than 200km and the upper broke near the big toe, in both in the left than the right shoe. bye bye Saucony

[@boazsides]

This midsole is ugly :/