Saucony Xodus Ultra 4
Pros
- Amazing bounce from PWRRUN PB foam
- First Xodus Ultra with a Vibram outsole
- Stable platform underfoot
- Premium PWRRUN+ insole
- Works well for hiking too
- Full-length outsole coverage
- Excellent for ultras
- Fantastic traction on easy terrain
Cons
- Weight is becoming a real problem
- Tapered toebox fit
- Small price increase
- Weak heel padding durability
Key Features
- Max Cushioning: Features PWRRUN PB foam, providing a soft and bouncy feel underfoot for enhanced comfort.
- Durability: The chassis made from responsive PWRRUN ensures long-lasting performance and protection.
- Traction: Equipped with a full coverage Vibram Mega-Grip outsole, this shoe offers reliable traction on various surfaces.
- Protection: The high-strength engineered mesh protects against dirt and debris while remaining lightweight in high-abrasion areas.
- Gaiter Compatibility: Includes a D-Ring that allows for easy attachment of gaiters, enhancing your running experience in challenging environments.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 is designed for trail runners seeking a reliable and cushioned experience during off-road adventures. It offers significant ground-muting cushioning combined with an energy boost, making long distances feel less strenuous. With a wide base and the dependable Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole, it provides enhanced control and stability on various terrains.
The midsole of the Xodus Ultra 4 measures 37.6/31.1 mm, making it suitable for endurance runs. It features plush PWRRUN PB foam, which contributes to excellent shock absorption, with both the heel and forefoot scoring 127 SA. The shoe also exhibits impressive energy return, achieving a rebound of 64.9% in the heel and 72.4% in the forefoot.
To ensure stability, the midsole width is 116.7/97.3 mm, facilitating secure strides. The Vibram Megagrip rubber provides solid traction, evidenced by a score of 0.72 in wet conditions, signifying a grip that is 20.0% stronger than average. However, it is advisable to wear reflective elements when running in low-light situations, as the Xodus Ultra 4 lacks built-in reflective features.
Saucony Endorphin Edge
Pros
- Fast as hell
- Comfort written all over it
- Super smooth ride
- Light AF
- Protection can't be more awesome
- Breathable under warm temps
- Toe box is ready for ultras
- Carbon plate is not harsh
- Grippy on wet, loose, and soft trails
- Also great for the roads
Cons
- Unstable at slow paces
- Loose heel
Key Features
- Carbitex AFX3-Quarter Carbon-Fiber Plate: Provides excellent speed and efficiency.
- Lightweight Mesh Upper: Actively pulls moisture away, ensuring your feet stay cool and dry.
- 6mm Last: Designed for distance running and enhances comfort for long journeys.
- PWRTRAC Outsole: Offers superior grip for various terrains.
- Deconstructed Bootie Fit: Ensures a snug fit that adapts to your foot's movements.
Specifications
- Fabric Type: Synthetic-and-rubber
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Synthetic Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
The Saucony Endorphin Edge is designed for runners seeking a lightweight and responsive trail racing shoe. It offers a combination of speed, cushioning, and stability, making it a suitable option for various race distances.
Weighing only 9.5 oz (269g), this off-road racer maintains a light profile comparable to the average road running shoe while delivering the benefits of a trail shoe. The presence of a snappy carbon plate and rocker structure enhances propulsion, as confirmed by our lab's flex test, which indicates a resilience increase of 76.9% compared to the average. This design ensures that each step returns energy effectively.
The Endorphin Edge features a pillow-like cushioning system that significantly reduces foot strain. Our durometer testing shows that the velvet foam is 27.7% softer than typical trail shoes, enhancing comfort over long distances.
Its outsole is equipped with 3.4-mm lugs designed for excellent traction on various terrains, enabling effective movement across puddles and loose dirt. The grip allows for confident maneuvering without slips, aided by a wide base that minimizes lateral wobble.
A potential drawback is that some runners may find the heel fit to be loose, leading to heel slippage during runs. For those seeking a more secure fit in this area, exploring other options may be advisable.
Saucony Endorphin Rift
Pros
- Fantastic PWRRUN PB midsole technology
- Ideal for summer runs due to its breathable upper
- Capable of handling muddy terrain with ease
- Upper and outsole showcase incredible durability
- Sufficiently cushioned for ultra-marathons
- Exceptional cushion-to-weight ratio
- Sock-like upper provides a fantastic fit
- Excellent heel lockdown
- Handles faster paces effortlessly
Cons
- Tongue design needs enhancement for ultras
- Lugs could be slightly shorter
- Price point is probably too high for some budgets
Key Features
- PWRRUN PB cushioning provides a lightweight feel while maximizing energy return.
- SPEEDROLL Technology propels you forward, making your runs smoother and more effortless.
- The PWRTRAC outsole features aggressive lugs that deliver exceptional grip and traction, suitable for off-road adventures.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole material: Synthetic Rubber
- Closure type: Lace-Up
- Water resistance level: Not Water Resistant
The Endorphin Rift is a lightweight shoe from Saucony's trail lineup, ideal for speed-oriented runners seeking agility and responsiveness on diverse terrains.
Weighing just 9.0 oz (255g), the Endorphin Rift stands out as lighter than the average trail shoe at 10.4 oz (294g). Despite its minimalist design, it incorporates a notable amount of light and bouncy PWRRUN PB cushioning, providing support with a stack height of 33.0/25.1 mm. Our durometer tests indicate that this cushioning is 26.2% softer than average.
In addition, Saucony's Speedroll technology and rocker geometry enhance the responsiveness of toe-offs, improving the overall running experience. The midsole allows for natural lateral movement and flexibility, as evidenced by a torsional rigidity of 3/5, making it 9.9% more bendable than average according to our lab tests.
The Endorphin Rift ensures stability and traction through its 4.5 mm deep, sticky, multi-directional lugs. The PWRTRAC compound demonstrates significant durability, showing 77.8% less damage than average in our Dremel tests. However, while the deep lugs provide advantages in muddy conditions, reducing their depth may have improved responsiveness and minimized bulk.