Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

Offering reliable grip and on-trail protection, the men's Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 Trail-Running Shoes have max cushioning and superior comfort so you'll feel ready for the long haul.
Imported.
View all Saucony Men's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
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Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 6 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 36 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 30 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Recycled polyester |
Lining | Recycled polyester |
Midsole | PWRRUN PB/PWRRUN |
Outsole | Rubber |
Rock Plate | No |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 5 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | |
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U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
U.S. Women's | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14.5 | |||
UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
EU | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 |
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I was excited to see the incorporation of the Vibram sole on the 4s and the traction is perfect for all conditions. I don't find any issues with the fit as others have pointed out. However, the fabric in the ankle/heel area is sub-par. My shoes have multiple large holes with less than 200mi of running. My previous versions of Xodus Ultras all have well over 300mi each with no signs of wear in the ankle/heel area. I do have to say that the Xodus Ultra 4s provide an awesome feel that I could run in all day. Please fix the fabric issues in the next model.
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Epic trail shoe, took it on a multi hour run through Acadia on some crazy steep and technical climbs. Fit was dialed the whole time never had to change the laces once, grip held on everything from mud to soft pine needles to exposed granite both wet and dry. Feet were comfortable and the cushioning never bottomed out. 10/10 shoe
Thanks Zach!
I bought these after my Speedgoats cost me a toe nail on my first 20 mile+ trail event in June. Then I ran an extremely technical 50K, 6K feet in the Appalachian Mountains with Xodus Ultra, and the shoes performed extremely well. It was only the second wearing for them as they just came out. The shoe was comfortable. It handled technical rocks, slippery moss, and mud all extremely well. The shoe was submerged several times and went through a 50 minute thunderstorm. It drained well. And most importantly for me, no toe nail issues, no problems with my feet the day after. They feel mildly fatigued. My only nitpick is the laces became untied early and then late in the event. I did use a runner's knot with a double tie, so...? New shoe laces maybe?
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I didn't expect to like these as much as I do, but I felt strongly enough about it to write a review. The comfort factor of these shoes is insane, plus a nice grippy tread - love it. Incredible blend of breathability and durability. I normally have a bit of an issue with size because I'm not quite a legit 12, and not quite a wide, so I usually struggle to find the perfect fit, but these feel like they were made for me personally. Saucony NAILED this one. Thank you, design team, for making me these shoes!
I bought the Xodus Ultra 4s to replace a pair of Merrell Nova 3s about three months ago. Big fan so far. Great traction and cushioning (I'm 6'4, 235) and the toe-box is really well protected, particularly with an extension of the tread. They're true "trail" shoes, in that they provide a lot of stability on muddy/rocky terrain. Runners looking for something that's more road-friendly might find them heavy. That said, they're sharp-looking and I've been wearing them casually, too.
One trail run in ( 8 miles) and I have mixed feelings about the shoes. I think the issue might be more geared towards my anatomy versus anything else. I've had a similar issue with a previous peregrine model however the shoe is more narrow from my Xodus 2 and so with lacing I am getting the dreaded big toe numbness. I will try one more run and adjust the lacing to see how it feels. The only other negative and this is minor, the shoe does feel slightly heavier on food. I am assuming in part due to the Vibram outsole. No rock plate - no problem. I did not experience any sharp penetrations from the terrain. Actually the loss of the rock plate adds more flexibility which = faster uphill movements. Good stability Great traction and Great heel lock going down. No foot movement whatsoever. I am very happy that they went with the Vibram outsole. My Xodus 2 while comfortable and easy to live with did have some poor grip and lug breakdown early on. I think the shoe is awesome and if I can get the lacing system down then its an easy 5/5.
Amazing shoe, very well constructed, I love the fit and the upper, really snug to my feet. Excellent support, traction (go Vibram!) and stability. I owned Xodus 6, still own Xodus 10, tried Endorphin Edge (could not get lock down with loose upper). Xodus 4 went back to the best fit and comfort possible 2 high tech foams in a high stack shoe that is so stable! The only thing I would beg Sauciony is to keep the drop at 4 MM just like the old Xodus. More natural, More stable.
I had to return these as the pair I recieved were at least a whole half-size larger than normal. Not sure if it was a defect, but not really willing to ship back and forth to try on shoes. I always wear the same size and was surprised to see they ran so large. The quality of materials and plush fit was really supreme. Hope to go in the store and try on another pair to find one that fits. These look like they’ll take a lot of miles with the exception of the heal collar.
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Have had many pair ever since they started with the xodus ultra. The ultra 4 is very disappointing. Foot is cramped. Toe box used to be why I bought the original, 2's and 3's. Now I needed to go up a 1/2 size and still to tight. I'm an avid trail ultra runner and have always used saucony. But I have started shopping other brands. Sad day because I could always order online and I could trust they would always fit out of the box.
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Bought a pair of the new Exodus 4's the first week they came out and have had them in my rotation ever since. Very nice update to the 3's. Fit is exactly what you would want from a trail shoe that is for longer efforts, not to roomy, not too snug. A nice update to the 3's which were on the tighter side. New Vibram outsole is, as you'd expect, near perfect. Great traction in any conditions. The cushion level has increased and is a nice combination of plush and energy return. Again just what you'd want from a shoe that will most likely be a workhorse for longer efforts, including 100miles. Some downsides to all this, weight. They are heavier that previous versions and on longer runs with water and dirt/mud, you can feel it. But, don't let that be a deal breaker. Price, fit, cushion level and traction make this a true Ultra shoe that will give you lots of comfortable miles.
Thanks for the awesome 5-stars!