Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 Complete Review

The Saucony Xodus Ultra line has always been a bit of a cult favorite among trail runners, known for its grit and endurance. With the release of the Xodus Ultra 4, Saucony is clearly aiming to take that reputation to the next level. This shoe is built like a tank, but surprisingly, it doesn't feel like one on the foot. It’s designed for those long, grueling days on technical terrain where comfort, stability, and grip are non-negotiable.

Quick Take

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Best For: Ultra-distance running, daily trail runs, hiking

Key Strengths: Exceptional comfort, outstanding grip on wet and dry surfaces, enhanced durability, and a stable ride.

Notable Limitations: Can run warm in hot weather, and it's on the heavier side for a trail shoe.

Visual Snapshot Summary

What Makes The Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 Stand Out?

So, what’s the big deal with this shoe? It's all about the blend of plush cushioning and rugged capability. The secret sauce is in the midsole. Saucony has used a dual-density design, which is just a fancy way of saying it has two types of foam. There’s a soft, bouncy core made of their premium PWRRUN PB foam (they’ve even added 8% more of it in this version) right under your foot. This gives you that cushioned, responsive feel. But to stop it from feeling mushy or unstable on uneven trails, they’ve wrapped that soft core in a firmer, more durable PWRRUN EVA frame. It’s like having a high-performance engine inside a protective chassis.

This design really targets the needs of long-distance runners. When you’re 50 miles into a 100-miler, you’ll appreciate that supportive, yet forgiving, ride. As one reviewer put it, this shoe is a "perfect all-day shoe or even a multi-day shoe... it's just so comfortable and so capable". Add in the new full-length Vibram Megagrip outsole, and you’ve got a shoe that’s built to go the distance, no matter what the trail throws at you.

Real Customer Experiences

Across the board, the sentiment for the Xodus Ultra 4 is positive, especially regarding its grip and improved durability.

• Grip is a game-changer: Many users rave about the upgrade to the Vibram Megagrip outsole. It provides "outstanding grip on wet, dry, and technical surfaces", a significant improvement over previous models.
• Comfort for the long haul: The dual-density midsole is frequently praised. One runner mentioned it's their "go-to long run shoe," highlighting its comfort over many miles.
• Fit and Feel: The fit seems to be a winner for most, with a "nice roomy toe box" that allows for natural foot splay, which is crucial as feet swell during long runs.

From the runners themselves:

"I love the new sole on the Xodus Ultra 4. It’s been great on wet and sloppy trails. My feet stay dry and I’m not slipping around. Great update!"

"The extra cushioning in the forefoot is noticeable and much appreciated on longer runs. It’s a very comfortable shoe."

Design and Build Quality

Upper: The shoe features a new high-strength engineered mesh upper. It's designed to be more durable and protective than its predecessors, which had some reported issues with tearing. This new mesh is tough and does a great job of keeping trail debris out, thanks in part to a well-integrated gusseted tongue. It also includes a solid toe bumper for protection against rocks and roots. However, this durability comes at a small cost: some users note the shoe runs warm, making it less than ideal for very hot summer days.

Midsole: This is where the magic happens. The Xodus Ultra 4 uses a dual-density midsole.

1. PWRRUN PB Core: A high-energy return foam that provides a soft, responsive feel underfoot. This version has 8% more of it than the previous model.
2. PWRRUN Frame: A firmer EVA-based foam that encases the core. This gives the shoe stability and prevents that "mushy" feeling you can get from some max-cushion shoes. It also includes a plush PWRRUN+ sockliner for initial step-in comfort. The shoe has a 36mm stack height at the heel and 30mm at the forefoot, resulting in a 6mm drop that feels natural for midfoot and heel strikers alike.

Outsole: This is arguably the biggest upgrade. Saucony has moved to a full-length Vibram Megagrip outsole. This is widely considered the gold standard for trail running, offering exceptional traction on wet rocks, roots, and loose dirt. The 4mm lugs are aggressive enough to handle technical terrain but spaced well to avoid clogging with mud.

Weight: This isn't a lightweight racing flat. The Xodus Ultra 4 comes in at approximately 10.9 oz (309g) for a men's size 9. While this is on the heavier side, most runners find the weight justifiable given the shoe's cushioning, protection, and durability.

Comfort and Fit

For a long-distance shoe, comfort is king, and the Xodus Ultra 4 delivers. It's designed to be a shoe you can "forget about while running," which is high praise.

• Sizing: The consensus is that the Xodus Ultra 4 runs true to size.
• Fit: It features a secure, locked-in heel and midfoot, but the real star is the toebox. It's described as "accommodating" and "roomy," allowing for natural toe splay without feeling sloppy. This is a massive benefit on ultra-marathons where feet can swell significantly.
• Break-in: Most users report a minimal to non-existent break-in period. They feel comfortable right out of the box.

As one wearer stated:

"The fit is dialed in. Snug in the heel and midfoot, but with plenty of room in the toebox for my toes to spread out. It’s exactly what I want for a long-distance trail shoe."

Style and Versatility

Let's be honest, trail shoes often prioritize function over form, but the Xodus Ultra 4 manages to look both rugged and modern. It has a "burly trail shoe" aesthetic that clearly communicates its purpose. While some colorways are bright and sporty, others are more subdued and could easily double for hiking or even casual wear, especially in less-than-ideal weather. The 4mm lugs might be a bit much for everyday pavement pounding, but for anything from a technical trail run to a day hike or just running errands on a rainy day, it's a solid choice.

Quality and Durability

Durability was a sticking point with some previous versions of the Xodus, but Saucony appears to have addressed this head-on. The new engineered mesh upper is much more robust and resistant to abrasion. The full-length Vibram Megagrip outsole isn't just for grip; it's also incredibly durable and should last for many miles.

While the overwhelming feedback is positive, a few users have reported early wear. One reviewer noted:

"I had the tread start to wear after about 50 miles, which was a bit disappointing."

This seems to be an isolated incident rather than a widespread problem, as most users praise the shoe's "solid" and "reliable" construction. Overall, the shoe feels built to last, a true "workhorse" that justifies its price tag.

Decision Matrix

Legend: ✓ = Good / ○ = Average / ✕ = Poor

Further Reading

1. The Ultimate Guide to Saucony Running Shoes: Reviews, Tech & Buyer’s Guide.
2. Saucony Running Shoe Technologies Explained: PWRRUN, Speedroll, FORMFIT
3. Saucony Triumph 22 Review
4. Saucony Kinvara 16 Review
5. Saucony Hurricane 24 Review