Test: Saucony Xodus 11

Enveloping, protective and cushioned: ideal for a lot of height difference on technical terrain.

The new version of the Xodus has led to a rethinking of the upper materials while leaving the winning features of the previous model unchanged. Sole and midsole, unchanged compared to the Xodus 10, combine an extremely aggressive tread with a rather soft PwrTrac compound, with a very protective and super-cushioned midsole suitable for longer distances. The extremely snug fit is enhanced by a thick and robust engineered mesh upper and a very padded tongue.

It has a traditional lacing system, with a practical elastic on the tongue to collect the laces and a loop to attach the gaiters. Consistent with the concept of the shoe, the collar is well padded and slightly high on the Achilles tendon, while the space for the fingers, quite limited, makes it suitable for those who appreciate precise support and extra protection, thanks above all to a reinforcement on the tip. Despite being sold as a neutral shoe, a plastic shell on the heel guarantees the Xodus high stability which, together with extreme protection and reduced drop (4mm), make it a shoe suitable for everyone. It is also an ideal model for heavier runners (75kg and more), for short and technical races (such as skyrace and skymarathon), for longer races up to ultra technical and with great elevation gain and for those runners who are looking for a snug and soft shoe.