Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 trail running shoes

The Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 trail running shoe is a well cushioned, comfortable neutral running shoe for long distance trail running. The upper is breathable and locks the foot comfortable and secure. The midsole is made up of a mix of foams that are higher and wider than average for stability. The PWRTRAC outsole with 4mm rubber lugs makes the Xodus Ultra 3 trail running shoe suitable for heavy, technical terrain. It has changed a lot from the previous version, with a higher midsole and better breathability in the upper, but it also weighs more.

Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 upper

The upper of the Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 trail running shoe is made of a mesh material with good breathability and more stretch than average. The mesh material is thicker and more durable, but still dries quickly. The only downside to good breathability is that it also lets in dust more easily, so you’ll get your socks and feet dirty on longer runs, but for those who go trail run, this shouldn’t be a problem. The uppers fit true to size, slightly wider than average, but if you’re going to be running ultra distances in them and your feet tend to swell a bit on longer runs, you might want to get a larger size. The tongue of the Xodus Ultra 3 trail running shoe is well padded, wide, and gusseted, offering good protection from laces and debris. The heel collar is a little stiffer and more cushioned than average, keeping the foot very secure. The insole is removable and thick, allowing the foot to sink in well, which improves stable foot support.

Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 midsole

The Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 trail running shoe midsole is made of two foams of different hardness. The softer PWRRUN PB on the top and the harder PWRRUN on the bottom. The two complement each other well because while the PWRRUN PB can provide better dynamics and comfort, the PWRRUN improves the stability and shock absorption of the shoe. The midfoot has been significantly increased from the previous version, with a 36mm height at the heel, which is higher than average for trail running shoes. The shoe has a 6mm drop, so the forefoot is also 30mm thick. Also worth mentioning is the thick insole, which contributes significantly to comfort. The forefoot has a textile rock protection layer that is clearly visible on the outsole cutouts. Since this is not a rigid plate, it does not make the midsole rigid, which has very good torsional flexibility. The midsole favors longer runs. It has good dynamics, but the shoe supports longer and not faster short runs. Longer runs are also supported by the good stability of the shoe, which is mainly due to the higher than average midsole, which is also wider than average. The midsole has a rolling, rocker geometry with a curved forefoot and heel, which makes transitions smoother and faster.

Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 outsole

The Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 trail running shoe outsole is Saucony’s proprietary PWRTRAC outsole. It is typical for trail running shoes to have an outsole that almost completely covers the midsole, but this is not the case with the Xodus Ultra 3 trail running shoe. The outsole is divided into two parts, a larger front and a rear part. This solution significantly improves the torsional flexibility of the shoe, the flexibility of the midfoot, as it is not stiffened by the continuous outsole. The outsole is of average hardness, but its abrasion resistance is slightly better than average. The rubber spikes on the outsole are 4 mm thick and grip well even on the toughest, more technical terrain.

Compare

It’s worth comparing the Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 trail running shoe to the Saucony Peregrine 14 trail running shoe within the brand. You can clearly see from the comparison below that the Peregrine is a lighter, lower midsole height trail running shoe that is more suitable for shorter distance running, while the Xodus Ultra 3, as the name suggests, is for longer, ultra distance running. Not only is the midsole height different, but so is the material, with the Xodus Ultra 3 getting the more advanced, softer and more dynamic PWRRUn PB foam.

Summary

The Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 trail running shoe overall is a comfortable, well cushioned, neutral trail running shoe with good stability, a comfortable upper, quick drying and good ventilation. It is suitable for long runs and can handle heavy, more technical terrain. Many changes have been made from the previous version, with a higher midsole and a more breathable upper, making it even more suitable for long runs.