Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

The Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 is the maximum-cushioning trail shoe for neutral runners looking for comfort and protection over ultra distances. It competes directly with the Cascadia 19, the Olympus 6 and the Ultra Glide 4 in an increasingly segmented market. The Xodus Ultra 4 is designed for long distances: maximum cushioning, exceptional traction and durability. It is the ideal option for anyone who puts protection and comfort first on outings of many hours, without giving up the performance expected from a Saucony that wants to improve its image in the booming and tempting trail sector.

The heavy-duty technical mesh upper offers robustness and protection against dirt, with reinforcements in the highest-abrasion areas. The fit is secure and wrapping, with a padded tongue that ensures a good fit without pressure points, although that depends on not leaving any creases. The construction includes a semicircular ring to attach gaiters easily, ideal for races on dirty or snowy terrain.

The midsole has more soft, elastic PWRRUN PB foam directly underfoot, built into a high-performance PWRRUN chassis for durability and protection. The 6 mm heel-to-toe drop (36 mm / 30 mm) eases transitions without compromising stability on technical terrain. The big leap in this fourth edition is the full-coverage Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4 mm lugs: at last the Xodus Ultra reaches its full potential, ahead of its lighter counterpart, the Peregrine 16, which keeps a more basic compound designed for shorter distances. If your goal is to complete long distances with maximum comfort and protection, this is your shoe.