Saucony ProGrid Xodus 2.0 Review
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I’m not going to lie – we testers at activegearreview.com open a lot of shoe boxes. As such, we’ve all developed a fairly good barometer for how a shoe will perform just by picking it right up out of the box. Many things are revealed just by the initial poke and prod we put all shoes through. I had very high expectations when I heard I would be testing a pair of Saucony trail shoes, as their reputation definitely proceeded them. To say that they met my expectations would be understating the matter slightly. Simply put – they were awesome.
I’d like to make it clear, though, that my actual first impression wasn’t all that great. Sure, they looked really cool, but they felt a bit imbalanced to my hand as I lifted them out of the box. As I state above, I’ve grown to know running shoes fairly well, and I can usually tell if a shoe is going to perform from the second I lay hands on it – I’m sorry to admit, Saucony, I didn’t think the Xodus was up to the challenge. Once I slipped them on and walked them around the house, I was singing a different tune. For months now, I’ve been testing minimalist shoes. The Xodus is the polar opposite, and it felt like home. I didn’t wait a second longer – I went right out and hit up some trails.
Even gravel trails? Not a problem.
Once I got these bad boys out on the trails, I really found out what the ProGrid Xodus 2.0 was all about. In my opinion, the measure of a trail shoe is it’s ability to handle just about anything a trail can throw at it. Yes, I agree that some shoes excel really well at certain things, but the bottom line is that I’m not competing for 25k in prize money at the head of a pack of skinny elite runners wearing 6.0oz trail shoes. I like a trail shoe that’ll go through mud, snow, slick-rock, scree, and dry dirt – all in the same run. I don’t mind a bit of bulk if it means that at the end of the day, my foot is somewhat dry and well protected. Due to a recent late spring snow fall here in Colorful Colorado, I had the perfect opportunity to throw just about every possible trail condition at this shoe. Within five minutes of hitting the trail, I was ankle deep in mud and not losing a step – the traction from the Vibram outsole was great. I went through snow patches straight to slick rock just for the sheer enjoyment of it, and the Xodus didn’t let me down anywhere.
The performance of it in adverse conditions didn’t even hit upon what I like best about the shoe. The fit was great, too. This will vary from runner to runner, but I really like a secure mid-foot wrap. The inter-lock system used by Saucony was completely different from other shoe designs I’ve tested – it was put INSIDE the shoe. Go ahead, read it again, I promise you read it right the first time. Most companies put the forefoot wrapping system on the exterior, but not the ProGrid. It felt really comfortable, and allowed a secure fit without pinching the top of my foot, creating weird pressure points with lacing, or gapping around the ankles.
To round it all out, Saucony actually added compatibility to the shoe by including metal hooks for attaching ankle gaiters. This means that even in the wettest, slushiest, or coldest conditions, you can add an extra layer of protection in order to stay comfortable and dry on long runs. Saucony’s gotten it right for so long on the road – it’s nice to see that they’re getting it right on the trail. Just like the tongue says below, pick up and pair of these and you really can “run anywhere.”
For more info on the ProGrid Xodus 2.0 and other Saucony footwear, visit www.saucony.com or www.amazon.com/saucony.
I find my strong by going on long runs and constantly thinking about how i can make myself better. At the end of the day, Strong does not mean running 4 mins/km for the first 2 km of the 21.1 km, But Running at your Best Throughout
How I found MY Strong….started walking to lose weight (after 5 kids) with number 5 kiddo in the running stroller…thought, hmmm if it’s a running stroller shouldn’t I be running? So I huffed and puffed behind the jogger for a year walk-running until one day out on a run, I forgot to track where I was and how long I had been gone….I had hit the runners high and found myself three towns over…no way home but turning around and running back, so I did….my first 10 miler, not bad for a “non-runner”…it was then that I found My Strong and became a runner….Saucony’s rock….it’s all I’ve ever run in….have the Kinvarnas and feel like my feet fly in them! =) Would love the trail shoes though as most of my training is on the 10 mile gravel and trail path around the lake we live on…I PROMISE they’d get ALOT of use!
It took me a while to get this, being a mom, grandmother, sister, daughter, tia, fiance, and friend. That no matter how many hats I wear, the one thing I can do for myself is allow myself a good nights sleep. Sounds simple I know, but with a f/t work, school, small business owner, runner I even have the grandchildren running, getting home and getting that work done by a decent hour was difficult. After a poor performance in a race I should have excelled at, I was just plain tired! So now most everything can wait until the next day and my sleep schedule is at the top of my daily to do list.
I didn’t “find” my strong – I had to go out and take it. 5 years ago I lost 50 lbs in 12 weeks and another 30 in the following 12 weeks for a total of 80 lbs (1/3 of my body weight). Now I run and compete in triathlons, and am studying to be a Personal Fitness Trainer. And I’ve been running in Saucony almost as long as I’ve been running.
Back in middle school I tried out to be a sprinter on the track team. Then for our first meet I saw that I was put on the list for the mile. Upset as I was I had it in my head I wasn’t going to let it get to me so I ran and ended up beating my friend who was on cross country. That started my love for distance and competition. Every year I strided to do better, helping my teams to championships, and top times. Than I had two major injuries that ruined my college running years. Last year I started running competitively again, with my boyfriend who now loves to run. My strong came from the past years, and the memories. Now it comes from the distances (5k to 50k), competitiveness, the support and motivation of my boyfriend, friends, and family.
I found my “strong” by running all winter long. No matter the weather. No matter my mood.
I am a mom of five and I needed a stress reliever…..so I started running and haven’t stopped since. I found my strong and it makes me a much happier mom.
I have to remind myself, but when I remember to listen carefully and pay attention to it – there’s my strong. It’s right there all the time.
I’ve REALLY enjoyed the older version of the Xodus. I’m glad the 2.0 has continued the greatness.
I found my STRONG by not allowing a minor set-back from stopping me from running and just doing cross-training!! I found my STRONG by knowing when to stop and walk so I wouldn’t make an injury I had worse. I found my STRONG by continuing a race when I really wanted to quit for the coach that couldn’t run because she fell and broke her ankle 3 days before our race!! Finding your STRONG is to mentally know what you got to do & when to do it!
I found my strong by becoming a Mother.
I found my strong working with high school kids after my 40th birthday. I have been running for over 20 years and I look forward to instilling the spirit into the next generation of runners…
I found my strong in 2007 when I finished the Richmond marathon in under 3:30 in a pair of Saucony Triumphs. You are forced to find your strong in the months of hard training leading up to a race.
I found my strong this past weekend while running the Mike Schweitzer Memorial Challenge Half Marathon in Etna, California. I, along with 2 of my BFF Mommy friends, completed the half with our double jogging strollers (2 kids per mommy), running on forest service trails, rocky hills and country roads (with an elevation gain of 784ft)! We crossed the finish line with a crowd of cheering onlookers in just under 3 hours. I most DEFINITELY found my strong!
I am still trying to find my strong. Every time I’m in a challenging situation, I have to remind myself that it’s an opportunity to grow and it doesn’t mean that I’m weak. Running is my outlet, and helps me separate the issues that challenge my sense of strength from my physical and emotional strength.
Thanks for offering the giveaway!
I find my strong in bits and pieces. Every time I lace up my shoes for a run, a ride, or a trip to the weight room I gain some strong inside and out.
I found my strong in graduate school, when I was doing research for my PhD and training for my first Ironman. And, I also found my *balance*! That, actually, might be the greatest strength of all.
I found my strong by running in the rain. On days when it’s so easy to justify staying inside, I’ve had some of my best runs when a steady rain keeps me cool and moving forward. Whether on streets or trails, running in the rain is like pitting yourself against nature’s elements. Sure, plenty of people stare at me like I’m crazy. I just stare back and say to them in my head, “What’s your reason for not running today?”
I find my STRONG by waking up at dark:30 in the morning to get in my training run. Sun hasn’t risen, everyone else still sleeping, just me, myself and I pushing my limits!
I found my strong by training for my first half marathon in may of 2010 and running a strong 1:52:50 that day in September of 2010. I used to be overweight and unfit, training for that half was challenging and has opened a whole new life for me. In fact, I ran that half and trained in a pair of Saucony Pro Grid Guide 3 shoes. Best shoe I ever ran in!
I found my strong when I ran in my first 5k in Washington DC at the National Race for a Cure. It was the utmost “WOW” moment in my life knowing that I was able to RUN a race in memory of my mom and help to make a difference in many lives of the survivors as well as make a difference in mine. I realized that being a woman is something not to take for granite. Life is way too short. Live Life Long Happy and Smile it makes a difference and wear Saucony too !
I was divorced with 2 little children. I worked all day and didn’t want to leave the kids while I took a fitness class or anything, so I’d have my mom come over and play with the kids and I’d go for a run. At first it was mixed with walking but slow and sure I added distance, was feeling better about myself, getting a break and getting time to wind down all while getting into shape. That was 18 yrs ago, I am a runner still, running strong and mighty.
I found my strong by walking or jogging as much as I can. Born with club feet and no arches it is hard to find shoes that I can wear. A friend of mine suggested you’re brand, I had never heard of them but went into the shoe store in mall and sales girl recommended them too. This is the first week and I don’t even have the ” break in ” pain from the new shoes. Thanks to you’re shoes I can keep on walking and hiking.
I found my strong 20 years ago, started racing for charities and giving to research of all kinds. “Give and it will be given back”. The good thing – I’m still racing and still giving today.
You know, I don’t know how I found my strong recently. A bit of motivation struck about 6 months ago, and I’ve managed to keep it going. I hope I can guard against slacking off, and keep my strong for awhile.
Wow! If I win a pair of shoes that would always be cool. I honestly started running in Saucony earlier this year and I just returned a pair of non-Saucony after a short 2 mile run for my second pair of Guide 3’s (yes now they are 4’s).
I found my strong after committing myself to entering triathlons for the first time this year. I’ve always volunteered at our local half Ironman distance tri and every year I said “I can do that.”
This Saturday is my first triathlon and on July 9 I will be entered in the Muncie Ironman 70.3 event as a competitor not a volunteer. I’m proud to be doing what I’ve always thought was a unreachable goal. My strong is the fire to keep pushing, be a role model to move others toward better health and keep the fire to always compete.
I’m tired from training but never happier. I’ve thought about giving up a time or two but always remembered those who look to me for strength. I push on for the men and women that make this country free so I can participate in my first tri.
Better yet, I would love some cool shoes, but the Wounded Warrior Project could put them to better use.
I have the old ones & love them to bits,
Saucony rocks…..
I found by strong in 2004 when the doctor told me my cholesterol levels were too high and with a bad family history, I would die early if I didn’t change my lifestyle. Running has given me control of my health and my life!
I find my strong everyday i run i started running less than a year ago when my ex fiance broke up with me and i have run 3 half marathons and will be doing my first marathon this year. I run everyday for my health and for the chance to one day place high in my age group.
I find my strong by digging deep when I feel like giving up, by reflecting on my fitness goals when I’m tempted to take the easy route, and by knowing that whatever I’m struggling with right now is easy compared to what I will challenge myself with tomorrow.
I found my strong by discovering running recently as a way to relieve stress of everyday life. After suffering a major knee injury from tennis I pushed through, lots a physical therapy. I love running, it has made me realize things about myself I never knew and has given me strength I did not know I had.
My strong isn’t winning a race, but just finishing and being better than I was yesterday. Five marathons down, on to Grad School and getting back into running shape again!
I found my strong by practicing, repeatedly, again and again. I have learned to access it anytime, anywhere. When my training is not quite right, when my strength falters, when my gear doesn’t cooperate, when exhaustion sets in and even when my mind tells me I can’t, I reach deep and as long as I really want it, it’s always there! (So far.)
I found my strong when the doctor told me I needed to start making changes or I’d be on meds for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. After a year of hard work, I still don’t eat all the right foods but I’m making progress. And I’ve increased the amount of time I spend exercising to begin training for ultra marathons.
I find my strong through cross training. Two months ago I was told I had to stop running because I had developed two stress fractures in my legs. It has forced me to miss my Senior High School outdoor track season. But I am not letting it knock me down, I am gonna return my freshman cross country in college and set some new major personal records!
I find my strong by racing. It makes me push beyond my limits I have in training.
I’m still finding my STRONG, every day, one step, hop and leap at a time.
I found my strong when I realized that if I don’t keep up my physical activity as I get older I will lose my conditioning. That is my motivation to keep going.
I found my strong after a torn achilles tendon in June 2010. Being a half to full trail marathon runner, laying on my back in front of a tv for weeks was torture, especially during the late summer months. As fall rolled around, and perfect running temperatures, I was still on crutches, taking my first steps. So I decided to come back stronger than before. I swam laps in the pool, and biked at the gym. The muscle mass in my leg slowly began to grow back.
It’s been a long process, but I can say I’m running 20-25 miles a weeks, and on pace for my first 30k in August 2011, the same race I was training for when the injury occurred. My strong is back…and I don’t plan on losing it again.
I found my strong with my kids and family. Hiking is easy. Try it carrying 2 of three kids in addition to the plethora of kid gear, snacks and extra water that make a family hike possible. It’s strong, just a whole different kind of strong!
Megatransect 2011 Ultra Hike… What more ‘find your strong’ is needed (26.2 miles, 5989′ of elevation change, boulderfields, stream crossings, mud, and corn fields included).
My Xodus 2.0’s will be put to the test. I’ve put 50 miles on mine since last week – agree 100% with the review.