Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 Review
The Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 Offers New Look and Amazingly Versatile Ride
Likes
- Well-cushioned with a lot of protection underfoot
- Secure and comfortable upper
- Confidence-inspiring outsole with stable base
Dislikes
- Midsole could be more responsive
- Slightly on the heavier side
What's New
The Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 has undergone a significant transformation from version 2 to 3, offering trail runners a bunch of new features deliberately aimed at enhancing running performance over long distances. A broader platform and higher stack height provide improved stability and underfoot protection, while the addition of PWRRUN foam support frames within the midsole further helps enhance stability, translating into a highly reliable ride out on the trails. These updates contribute to the shoe's ability to handle a variety of terrains, making it a versatile option for daily training and ultramarathon racing.
Another standout update in the Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 is the reconfigured engineered mesh upper, which now features a thicker tongue that promises to add an extra dose of comfort. Furthermore, this upper delivers a spacious and adaptive fit, accommodating a wide variety of foot shapes and providing security over a range of paces. The combination of these top-to-bottom improvements solidifies the Xodus Ultra 3 as a formidable contender in the ultra-marathon running scene, ensuring that runners can confidently tackle extended trail efforts, or just remain comfortable and protected over longer daily trail runs.
The Bottom Line
The midsole of the Xodus Ultra 3 was another standout feature. The PWRRUN PB foam delivered a soft yet responsive ride that both testers found ideal for long trail runs. Despite the shoe's high stack, our testers noted that it never felt unstable, even on challenging, uneven terrain. Furthermore, our team was particularly impressed with how the Xodus Ultra 3 hit the sweet spot between softness and firmness, providing just the right amount of protection and control to conquer a wide variety of trail runs and conditions.
When it came to traction, the Xodus Ultra 3's PWRTRAC outsole did not disappoint, helping our testers confidently tackle rocky terrain and road-to-trail transitions. Furthermore, after countless test miles, the Xodus Ultra 3 has not skipped a beat, showing off high-end durability that will last trail runners mile upon mile. All in all, our testers unanimously agree that the Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 is a top-tier trail shoe that excels in comfort, stability, and durability. Whether you are hitting rugged trails or mixing in some road miles, this shoe has you covered.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.9 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.4 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 38 mm (Heel), 28 mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Trail and Road-to-Trail |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper Supporti
Risa: "The closed mesh upper felt very protective, yet breathable. It is structured but still comfortable. It was easy for me to get a secure lockdown. I have no complaints!"
Kaleb: "The Saucony Xodus Ultra's closed mesh upper was very comfortable, and in general I thought it was excellent. It provided a lot of security while ensuring there was enough room for toe splay. The execution of padding and overlays was fantastic, ensuring comfort and protection on all of my trail runs. Honestly, this is the most comfortable trail shoe I have tested in quite some time, and this is one of the uppers that I cannot wait to get on foot. The Xodus Ultra 3 also stands out with its stylish aesthetic, further enticing me to reach for them when preparing for a trail run."
Midsole
Risa: "I really enjoyed the Xodus Ultra 3's midsole featuring PWRRUN PB foam. I would describe it as a little soft, yet responsive. It has a high stack, with 36 mm in the heel and 30 mm in the forefoot, but not so much that I was worried about instability on the trails at all."
Kaleb: "Again, I was very impressed with Saucony's execution of the Xodus Ultra's midsole. I am a bit picky when it comes to trail shoes, in that I do not like a super soft, squishy midsole on the trails, but I also do not want a super firm underfoot experience. The PWRRUN PB, PWRRUN blended midsole hit the perfect sweet spot for me, delivering an abundance of protection while being stable enough underfoot to keep me in full control while navigating trails. The Xodus Ultra 3 has quickly become my go-to trail shoe for everyday and long trail runs."
Outsole
Risa: "Having run in the Peregrine, I already knew that Saucony trail outsoles were solid, and I was not disappointed by the Xodus Ultra 3. I took it on rocky terrain and I felt confident with the traction the shoe provided."
Kaleb: "Complementing the broad platform and sidewalls is the PWRTRAC outsole, which had no issues and provided dependable traction on a variety of trail surfaces. Given the shoe's versatile ride, I would not hesitate to take the Xodus Ultra on any road-to-trail effort. After roughly 30 to 40 miles, the outsole is holding up very well, and the Xodus Ultra 3 undoubtedly has workhorse durability."
Comparable Models
HOKA Speedgoat 6 vs. Saucony Xodus Ultra 3
Risa: "Personally, I find the Xodus Ultra much more comfortable than the Speedgoat 6. I would say the Xodus midsole is softer, though it isn't plush. Both have excellent grip. It's a personal preference thing."
Kaleb: "I think these models compare well to each other, both providing a versatile ride that can complement daily trail runs or long-distance ultra adventures. I found the Xodus Ultra very comfortable, and in terms of upper fit and feel, the Xodus has my vote. Furthermore, the midsole of the Xodus is almost ideal for my needs and preferences for the trails, delivering an abundance of protection that is also stable and feels agile underfoot. I think runners' preferences will be dependent on individual taste, but Saucony has really impressed me with the Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 and I cannot wait to get more miles in the shoe."
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 vs. Saucony Xodus Ultra 3
Risa: "I love both shoes, but the Xodus Ultra 3 feels much more turned for the trails to me. I would be happy using either for daily runs including long runs. However, I would opt for the Xodus Ultra for racing or when I want to feel more secure on the trails."
Saucony Men's Xodus Ultra
Saucony Women's Xodus Ultra
Individual Thoughts
I was pleasantly surprised by the Xodus Ultra 3. I should have expected this would be a winner for me since I love the more nimble Saucony Peregrine.
I identify as more of a road runner, but I appreciate a protective, stable shoe when I do go out on the trails. The Xodus Ultra has just about everything I look for in a trail shoe. It's soft without being mushy and has a high stack without being max stack. Typically I love soft, max-stack shoes on the roads, but I think this was the perfect balance for the trails. The upper is structured and secure, and I had no issues with irritation or fit. If I had any gripes, I would be happy to see the midsole get a touch softer, and I'd love some different, more feminine colorways. Obviously, those are minor points. Overall, as much as I have been a fan of the Nike Terra Kiger and Pegasus Trail, if I were to sign up for a trail race right now, I have to say I'd be going with the Xodus Ultra 3.
The Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 delivers an exceptional trail running experience with its protective and versatile design. The stable base and grippy PWRTRAC outsole provided me with full control on the trails, ensuring a secure grip while also promising top-notch durability. For me, the upper offered a perfect blend of security and breathability, making it one of the most comfortable trail shoes I have tried. The midsole hits the sweet spot, offering ample protection and stability without feeling too soft or firm, which made my daily and long trail runs highly enjoyable. Overall, the Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 stands out with its impressive performance and stylish design and is a shoe that I will keep in my rotation moving forward.
