The Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 is built for long days on mixed terrain, think dirt, rock, gravel, and everything in between.
It’s not a speedy shoe but it's strengths like in its durability, comfort, and confident footing when the terrain gets sketchy or the miles start stacking up.
After putting it through real-world testing across dry, loose, and some rocky trails, I’ve got a lot of appreciation for how well it handles the demands of all-mountain running.
Key specifications
- Price: $160 at Saucony.com / Sportsshoes (For UK Readers) - Available June 1
- Weight: 10.7oz (303g) – US Men’s 9
- Drop: 6mm (36mm heel / 30mm forefoot)
- Upper: High-strength engineered mesh with dirt and debris protection, reinforced in high-abrasion zones
- Midsole: PWRRUN PB with PWRRUN Frame and a PWRRUN+ sockliner
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip with 4mm lugs
Sizing and fit
They fit true to size for me. The midfoot and heel lockdown feel precise—snug but never suffocating.
The padding around the collar and tongue adds to that secure fit without making the upper feel bulky.
There’s some nice flexibility in the forefoot, and the toebox offers just enough space for natural toe splay on longer efforts.
Performance review
The Xodus Ultra 4 is a true all-mountain workhorse.
The PWRRUN PB midsole paired with the PWRRUN frame strikes a rare balance—you get energy return and protection without any of the softness or squish that sometimes dulls ground feel in ultra-distance shoes - the frame brings stability.
Alastair Dixon
That underfoot comfort really holds up, too. The PWRRUN+ sockliner gives you a nice touch of plushness right where you need it, and it stays consistent throughout the run.
No hot spots, no bottoming out, it’s one of those shoes you can forget about while you’re running—and that’s a compliment.
Traction is solid across the board thanks to the Vibram Megagrip outsole.
The 4mm lugs bite well into dry loose dirt, and I feel confident scrambling up steep rocky, sandy, gravel trails too.
The lug coverage up front helps with climbing grip (see photo above), and transitions on descents are smooth and grounded. This outsole doesn’t feel overly aggressive, but it gets the job done in all the right ways.
The upper is another win for me.
It’s tough and protective without going overboard. There’s plenty of reinforcement around high-wear areas like over the toes and sides, yet the mesh still allows enough movement and comfort where it matters.
Even after pushing through dry sand and fine dust, nothing got inside—so the dirt and debris protection definitely works. It's also pretty breathable too.
I didn't notice any heel slip, or midfoot shifting, even on side slopes or during faster downhill efforts. That level of support really adds confidence when footing gets uncertain.
While it’s great for steady pacing over long distances, it doesn’t have the snappy turnover of a faster race shoe, and it's a touch on the heavier side.
The Xodus Ultra is more about grinding out distance, than chasing PRs - which I'm all for on the right day.
My verdict
The Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 is a well-rounded, highly capable all mountain trail shoe for runners tackling big trail days.
It delivers comfort, protection, and grip in a way that feels consistent and reliable.
Alastair Dixon
So, if your trail goals lean toward endurance and adventure rather than speed, it’s a strong contender.
For $160, you’re getting durable materials, a balanced midsole, and that classic Saucony dialed-in fit that feels built to go the distance.
You can pick up a pair on June 1 from Saucony.com.
