Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 Review
By Matthew Klein
Saucony Xodus Ultra 3Price: $160 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10.9 oz, 309 g (men's size 9), 9.4 oz, 266g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 36 mm / 30 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Shoe Purpose: Trail Long Distance / Ultramarathon Shoe
Pros: More Stable than Prior Versions, More Protective, Better Traction
Cons: Heavier, Stiff, Somewhat Clunky Ride
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 is a heavy-duty trail shoe for moderately technical terrain over long to ultra distances. A thicker upper with strategic reinforcements provides protection with a normal width fit and a tapered toe box. An increased stack height along with a new forefoot rock plate provides great protection but with a greatly increased weight. The increased stack height, greater sidewalls and inherent stiffness make this the most stable Xodus Ultra so far. However, the Xodus Ultra 3 changes greatly from the prior versions with increased weight and protection, making it a shoe for slower runs/hikes over long distances.
SIMILAR SHOES: Hoka Speedgoat 6
PAST MODEL: Saucony Xodus Ultra 2
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 fits me true to size in my men's size 10. The upper is a slightly thicker closed mesh with a large amount of overlays for structure and durability. The toe guard is prominent with makes for a tapered toe box that makes the shoe almost feel short. So those with wider feet going longer distances (ultra) may want to consider a half size up. I have not had issues up to 13 miles except some mild initial toe rubbing. This transitions into a normal to slightly wider forefoot. The volume of the Xodus Ultra 3 is slightly lower especially over the forefoot and toe joints. This continues into a normal width midfoot. The tongue is thick and gusseted, which takes up more room but fortunately the volume is a tiny bit higher and the instep height is fairly average. The gusseted tongue helps secure the foot and I did not have to lace lock the heel. I did have to slightly tighten the laces but not to a great degree. This transitions into a normal width heel with a stiff counter and mild heel collar padding.
Those with heel sensitivities may have an issue with this counter while others who want a stiff counter will do well. The rounded nature of the counter did not bother me but those with sensitivities should approach with caution. The security is fairly good outside of having to tie the laces down a little to get a secure fit. The shoe stayed on even with more technical terrain including mountain running, mud and sand. Lateral movement did cause a little bit of sliding but no more than other shoes. The Xodus Ultra 3 absolutely requires socks and should not be worn sockless. The inner liner and toe guard are quite scratchy, so a solid protective pair of socks is a must.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: Saucony Guide 17, ASICS Kayano 30, Hoka Gaviota 5, Saucony Endorphin Elite, Nike Ultrafly
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Saucony Kinvara 14
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Altra Timp 5
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Somewhat
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Not Flexible
How Flexible is the Shoe: Stiff
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Somewhat
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Above Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 is a rugged trail running and hiking shoe for longer distances and more technical terrain. The midsole is a combination of a PWRRUN frame and an internal layer of PWRRUN PB. Despite the PWRRUN PB, the ride feels firmer with a slight bit of bounce. This additional firmness may also be from the rock plate in the forefoot, which does a great job of protection on technical terrain. The weight is on the heavier side, gaining over an ounce compared to the prior version. This makes the Xodus Ultra 3 feel better as an easy-pace/long-effort shoe that can just run through terrain as opposed to its lighter more nimble prior self.
Attempting to pick up the pace is not comfortable as the stiffness and heavier ride make it feel clunky unless you are going at slower speeds. There is a 6mm heel drop and it feels at that level or a little lower. There is a centered heel bevel that felt a little clunky at first then broke in. The midfoot and forefoot are fairly stiff thanks to the additional stack height and rock plate. Fortunately, there is an early forefoot rocker that helps with transitions once the shoe breaks in. Those with mild toe mobility issues may do well here as long as they are not sensitive to the mild toe spring.
Traction-wise, the PWRTRAC outsole grips most moderate surfaces well. I have used these on mud, dirt, sand and highly rocky terrain and they have been protective and mostly grippy. The lugs are not deep enough for extremely aggressive or unsteady terrain but everything else has been fine. The trade-off with the moderate-sized lugs has been excellent durability. I have 40 miles on my pair with no wear on the outsole despite some road use. The midsole has also not changed at all with these miles, so I expect this shoe to handle a high amount of miles and use before the need to retire them.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 is a stable neutral trail shoe. There are several methods that make it stable, although none of them are from the more traditional methods of creating stability. There are large sidewalls on both sides of the heel that do an excellent job of providing a centered landing for the heel. The midfoot is wider and does not taper much. The platform is wider overall with slight medial and lateral sole flare in the heel and moderate medial and lateral sole flare in the forefoot. The shoe is also stiffer overall thanks to a higher stack height and the forefoot rock guard. This provides more rigidity in the shoe, especially in the forefoot. As a whole this makes for a stable neutral heel, borderline stable neutral midfoot and a stable neutral forefoot.
Thoughts as a DPT: Balancing Stiffness in Footwear
By Matt Klein
As stack heights have gotten taller and more plates are being added to shoes, inherent stiffness has been increasing. This is a normal response as more material underfoot or stiffening agents like rock plates or plates add rigidity to the sole in multiple directions. For some people, that can be a great thing. Increased stiffness in areas like the midfoot, either due to a wider sole, a stiffening agent in the midsole or other reasons may make a shoe more stable for that person. For others that may not be a good thing. Too much stiffness for certain individuals can make the shoe feel clunky and uncomfortable as it may be difficult for them to transition through that part or the whole shoe. There is solid research that increased longitudinal bending stiffness can increase efficiency in running, but how much varies greatly depending on the individual (McLeod et al., 2020). Some people benefit most from a more flexible shoe, likely due to a unique combination of their muscular/movement strategy, joint mobility and proprioception (body awareness). Others benefit most from a stiffer shoe, potentially due to the same factors but requiring more rigidity underfoot.
This is true regardless of the terrain, be it road or trail. While it would make sense to have a stiffer, more protective shoe for technical trail terrain, there is a small population that may feel that type of shoe impairs their proprioception and ability to adapt to that type of terrain. They may have enough joint mobility, intrinsic foot strength and skin toughness to tolerate that. Most others will need something stiffer and more protective to handle sharp or unsteady obstacles. This is to say that everyone has different needs. The Xodus Ultra 3 has moved into a far stiffer and heavier category than before, meaning it may work for a different population than before. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, it just means that its function has changed, partially as a result of the change in stiffness and as a result of other changes.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: While I have enjoyed the Xodus Ultra series for its nimbleness and surprising responsiveness, the Xodus Ultra 3 is the most stable of the series thus far. I have felt most comfortable going long distances with this shoe, particularly over longer terrain. However, I also felt this is the least responsive version as it only feels good at easy and longer efforts. The ability to pick up the pace is mostly gone, which is why this version feels more like a combination of the Xodus Ultra and Xodus series rather than the Xodus Ultra series I thought I knew.
For that reason, my biggest suggestion to Saucony is to see if the weight can be pulled down. The durability is great, the fit is secure, the ride is stable and it is comfortable over long distances. I find this version a little firmer and heavier, so my biggest suggestion would be to experiment with lower/lighter densities of PWRRUN PB (or IncrediRUN?) to bring the weight down and increase the responsiveness of the midsole. Outside of that, this shoe has returned to its roots of being able to handle more aggressive terrain. This may be a good thing for many people for whom weight isn't as big a factor when security on terrain is the greater need.
My other suggestion is to open the toe box. The toe guard has gravely narrowed this to the point I am still on the fence about suggesting a half-size-up. This is fine for shorter distances but over long distances may be problematic from a friction standpoint.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 is for those who want a durable, stiffer, protective, decently grippy sole with a normal width upper for longer mileage at easier efforts. The ride is best for moderately technical terrain and rides similar to a tank that can handle long miles. The upper is secure and thicker, although the tapered toe box may make some need to consider a half size up, especially over ultra distances unless you have narrow feet.
The Xodus Ultra 3 signifies a massive change for the series from a lighter, more nimble trail shoe to a heavier shoe that can run through most things. Those wanting a lighter shoe may want to consider the Saucony Peregrine series, as there is now a clear distinction between the two. There is certainly a place for this shoe if people have been missing the original Xodus and are looking for a hike/run shoe, the Xodus Ultra 3 may be a great option.
I am honestly sad to see the Xodus Ultra series move away from what it was but can appreciate it becomes a great hike/run option for most people at a fairly great cost. Although it runs for $160, you can find it for $120, especially with the holiday sales. So while I kinda understand the transition, I hope this means Saucony is updating and improving their faster trail shoes (will there be Endorphin Edge 2) but we will have to wait to find out.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: B (Durable protective upper with a tapered toe box. Decent security. Those going long distances may want to consider a half size up due to tapered toe box from toe guard)
Performance: B (Firmer protective, stiffer heavier ride that is protective but slower than prior versions. Can handle more technical terrain but at the sacrifice of speed/nimbleness)
Stability: A- [Stable Neutral] (Stiff, firmer midsole with high sidewalls and wider shape that make for a stable neutral ride)
Value: B+ (Extremely durable shoe that can handle a ton of terrain that is currently on sale for $120)
Personal: C+/B- (Great for those going long distances but I prefer a lighter, more responsive and nimble ride that was in the prior versions)
Overall Design: B
SHOP | SUPPORT DORSaucony Xodus Ultra 3Price: $160 at Running Warehouse
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