Saucony Exodus Ultra 2 First Run: A Subtle Update to a Trail Favourite

Introduction

Some shoes earn their reputation one long run at a time, and the original Saucony Exodus Ultra did exactly that. It handled a fresh-out-of-the-box 80 mile ultra without issue, went the full distance over the mountainous 95 miles and 9,100 metres of elevation at TDS at UTMB, and picked up a top spot in a 2022 running shoes of the year selection. So when an updated version arrives, expectations are high.

The good news for fans of the original: the Exodus Ultra 2 is a very subtle update. The proven dual-compound midsole and PowerTrak outsole carry over unchanged, and the refinements focus on the upper. There is also no price increase, with the shoe still retailing at £145 in the UK.

Midsole and Outsole: Same Proven Platform

The dual-compound midsole pairs a core of PWRRUN PB, the same performance cushioning found in the Endorphin range, with a more stable and durable standard PWRRUN compound that cradles it around the outside. The result is a balance of comfort, responsiveness and durability. An original pair that has covered around 400 miles still feels like it has plenty of life left in the midsole.

The offset stays at 6mm, which works well for long-distance running, and the shoe weighs 302 grams in a UK 9.5, a six gram saving over the previous version. Marginal gains, but gains nonetheless.

Underfoot, the 4.5mm lugged PowerTrak outsole is identical to the previous shoe. Reverse-facing lugs at the heel help with traction on steep descents, the outsole is split into three sections for flexibility on uneven and technical trails, and a flexible rock plate in the forefoot adds protection in rocky environments.

What Has Changed in the New Upper

This is where Saucony has put its attention, and the shoe looks considerably better for it. The previous version was functional but a little plain; the new design and colourway feel much more considered.

The upper now uses a lighter, more breathable engineered mesh, with large perforations cut around the midfoot to aid airflow. A structural overlay wraps the heel cradle and extends along the midfoot and around the toe box, which should help durability at the flex point. A substantial toe bumper remains for trail protection.

The gusseted tongue carries over, while the ankle collar has received subtle adjustments. This was an area where some runners reported irritation with the original, so the tweaks should be welcome even if they were never a personal problem. The lace-locking system has also been lightly revised, with two extra eyelets up top giving more scope for personalising the fit. One small removal: the gaiter attachment at the bottom of the laces is gone, unlikely to bother anyone who does not run with gaiters.

How It Performed on the Trails

The first run was a proper all-terrain test: roughly 10.3 miles mixing tarmac, inland trail and a technical stretch of coast path, including one serious quad-burning climb and a fast, technical descent. Wet rock and muddy, slippery sections featured throughout.

Straight out of the box, the shoe felt like a continuation of the original in the best way. On tarmac the midsole soaked up the hard surfaces with a plush, bouncy feel and returned plenty of energy, comfortable enough for long road sections. On more technical trail it felt dialled in, connected and stable, with no loss of grip or traction across the wet and muddy ground or the wet rock.

The only real performance note concerns the upper: lockdown around the midfoot felt slightly better than the original, and once laced up the laces never budged for the entire run. Whether that comes from the revised lace system or simply the new laces themselves is hard to say, but it is a genuine positive.

Fit, Sizing and Lockdown

Fit remains true to size. In a UK 9.5, length, width and toe box volume all matched the original closely, with no noticeable changes. Runners who liked how the first Exodus Ultra fitted will feel right at home.

The main difference is that improved midfoot lockdown. After comparing directly against the original, the new upper wraps the midfoot a little better, though the earlier version was by no means lacking. It is a small refinement that adds up over long miles, especially when paired with laces that hold their tension all run.

Buying Advice

If the original Exodus Ultra worked for you, the updated version is an easy recommendation: same platform, same price, slightly better fit and a much improved look. Runners who found the ankle collar irritating on the first shoe may find the adjustments worthwhile. Expect a bigger redesign next time around, based on how conservative this update is.

Conclusion

The Saucony Exodus Ultra 2 is exactly what a loyal following hopes for in an update: no disruption to what made the original special, plus small, sensible improvements to the upper, laces and comfort where it counts. It comes highly recommended for anyone who wants a comfortable, durable and confidence-inspiring trail shoe for long days out.