Best magnesium for sleep in winter: what the evidence actually supports (and realistic recovery benefits too)
Forms, dosing, food sources, and tempering the hype around magnesium glycinate for sleep.
Some trail shoes are built for speed, others are built to last. The Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 lands firmly in the second camp but that’s not a knock, it’s a huge compliment for an all mountain trail shoe.
If you’re heading out for long hours on the trails, through rock gardens, dusty switchbacks, loose gravel, and everything in between, you need a shoe that doesn’t flinch when the terrain gets rough or the miles stack up.
After testing it across all sorts of trails including rugged mountain trails in California, and wet sloppy mud / foot deep stream rocky descents in Wales, UK, I can say this shoe is all about confidence: it’s stable, protective, and surprisingly comfortable even when you’re pushing into ultra-distance territory.
Key specifications
- Price: $170 at saucony.com
- Weight: 10.7oz (303g) – Men’s US 9
- Drop: 6mm (36mm heel / 30mm forefoot)
- Upper: Durable engineered mesh with debris protection and reinforced abrasion zones
- Midsole: PWRRUN PB with a stabilizing PWRRUN Frame and PWRRUN+ sockliner
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber with 4mm lugs
Fit and comfort
The fit is true to size with a secure midfoot and heel hold, and just enough room in the toe box to let your toes splay naturally, something you’ll really appreciate deep into a long run or hike.
There’s enough padding around the collar and tongue to lock you in without creating bulk, and the upper has a surprising amount of flex through the forefoot, which makes it more forgiving over long durations.
I have never had issues with hot spots or shifting (this one is still my current top pick for trail running), even on steep side slopes or faster downhills.
That level of comfort and lockdown gives me peace of mind when I know fatigue is going to set in towards the end of a long run or race.
Trail performance
This is where the Xodus Ultra 4 earns its keep.
The PWRRUN PB midsole, stabilized with a PWRRUN frame, offers that sweet spot between responsiveness and protection.
You get a touch of energy return, but the big win here is how consistent and grounded it feels, especially over rough terrain or after multiple hours on foot.
The PWRRUN+ sockliner adds a nice plush layer right underfoot, giving it more comfort than you’d expect from a shoe this capable.
And crucially, the cushioning doesn’t bottom out or get mushy, which means it holds up whether you’re running, hiking, or power-hiking up steep climbs with a loaded pack.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4mm lugs gives you exactly the traction you need without being overly aggressive.
I always feel confident on dusty climbs, loose descents, and rocky scrambles as there’s enough grip to commit to your foot placement, but it’s smooth enough to keep transitions fluid on hardpack trails or road segments.
As for protection, the upper strikes a smart balance.
It’s rugged and reinforced in the right places, like the toe and sidewalls but still breathable and flexible where it counts.
Even after a few dry, sandy miles, I didn’t notice any debris sneaking in.
Who it’s best for
If you’re the type of runner (or fast hiker) who wants a dependable workhorse for long mountain efforts, the Xodus Ultra 4 is an excellent choice, in fact, it’s the best choice right now.
It’s not the most lightweight, and it doesn’t feel especially fast (it’s still quick enough for me), but that’s not the point here…
This is the kind of shoe you put on when you care more about finishing strong and truly enjoying the journey.
It’s ideal for:
- Trail runners training for 50Ks or longer
- Hikers looking for running-shoe comfort with better agility
- Anyone who wants cushioning without giving up trail feel or support
My verdict
At $170, the Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 isn’t cheap, but it offers serious value for money and worth every penny, if you’re spending hours on trail and need an all mountain trail shoe you can trust fully.
It combines long-lasting comfort, rock-solid traction, and smart protection in a way that never feels overbuilt or clunky.
It’s durable, grounded, and ready for wherever your next trail adventure takes you.
