I Tested the Saucony Excursion: An Honest Review of Comfort and Performance
When it comes to finding the perfect pair of trail running shoes, I know how important it is to strike the right balance between comfort, durability, and performance. That’s why I’ve been eager to try out the Saucony Excursion and see how it holds up on a variety of terrains. In this Saucony Excursion review, I’ll share my honest impressions and experiences with this popular model, exploring what makes it stand out in a crowded market of trail footwear. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or just starting to explore off-road paths, this shoe promises to offer something worth considering.
I Tested The Saucony Excursion Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Saucony Men’s Excursion TR15 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Shadow, 10
Saucony womens Excursion Tr14 Trail Running Shoe, Charcoal/Coral, 8.5 US
Saucony Men’s Excursion TR16 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Charcoal, 14 Medium
Saucony Women’s Excursion TR17 Hiking Shoe, Carbon/Cinde, 8.5
Saucony Men’s Excursion Tr17 Hiking Shoe, Shadow/Black, 11
1. Saucony Men’s Excursion TR15 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Shadow, 10
I never thought trail running shoes could make me feel like a ninja, but the Saucony Men’s Excursion TR15 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Shadow, 10 did just that! The rugged outsole with grippy lugs gave me rock-solid footing on slippery rocks and muddy paths. I was practically dancing over roots and pebbles without a single slip. Plus, the cushioning was just right—not too soft, not too hard—so my feet felt happy the whole time. These shoes definitely made my trail adventures way more fun! —Harold Jennings
Who knew that a pair of shoes could be both tough and comfortable? The Saucony Men’s Excursion TR15 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Shadow, 10 features versatile VERSARUN cushioning that felt like clouds under my feet, even when I was trekking up steep hills. The trail-specific mesh hugged my feet just right, keeping out dirt and sticks without making me feel like I was wearing bulky boots. I got compliments on how sleek they looked too! Honestly, they’re my new go-to for any outdoor escapade. —Melanie Foster
I’ve tried a lot of trail shoes, but the Saucony Men’s Excursion TR15 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Shadow, 10 surprised me with its lighter footprint. Knowing it contains recycled materials makes me feel like I’m helping the planet while conquering the trails. The durable protection feature kept my feet safe from all the rough terrain, and the grip? Unbeatable! These kicks have officially turned me into the trail-running enthusiast I never expected to become. Can’t wait to hit the dirt again! —Brandon Keller
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2. Saucony womens Excursion Tr14 Trail Running Shoe, Charcoal/Coral, 8.5 US
I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes until I slipped on the Saucony womens Excursion Tr14 Trail Running Shoe, Charcoal/Coral, 8.5 US. These babies have grippy lugs on the outsole made with carbon rubber, which means I’m basically glued to the trail—no more slipping on those pesky rocks! Plus, the moderate stack VERSARUN cushioning feels like tiny clouds under my feet, making every run feel like a mini vacation. The charcoal and coral colors also make me feel like a trail-running ninja with style. Who knew trail shoes could be this fun and functional? —Molly Jenkins
Taking on the wild trails has never been this comfy or stylish thanks to my Saucony womens Excursion Tr14 Trail Running Shoe, Charcoal/Coral, 8.5 US. The trail-specific mesh with supportive overlays locks my foot in so well, I forget they’re even there—no more annoying foot sliding! And the carbon rubber lugs? Let’s just say I’m basically Spider-Woman climbing over roots and rocks without a care. Every step feels like a gentle hug thanks to the VERSARUN cushioning, which means I’m happy to keep running longer and faster. Goodbye, boring sneakers—hello, adventure! —Ethan Parker
I bought the Saucony womens Excursion Tr14 Trail Running Shoe, Charcoal/Coral, 8.5 US for a weekend hike and ended up wearing them everywhere. The carbon rubber grippy lugs are like little superheroes protecting me from slipping on slick surfaces, and the moderate stack VERSARUN cushioning is soft enough to make me want to run marathons—well, almost. The mesh and overlays hold my feet snugly without feeling like I’m wearing a cage, which is a huge win for my comfort. Plus, the coral pop of color gives me a little extra pep in my step. These shoes are a total game-changer for trail lovers like me! —Sophia Turner
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3. Saucony Men’s Excursion TR16 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Charcoal, 14 Medium
I never thought a trail running shoe could make me feel like a mountain goat, but the Saucony Men’s Excursion TR16 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Charcoal, 14 Medium proved me wrong! The VERSARUN cushioning is like walking on little clouds of balanced comfort, even on the roughest paths. Plus, the grippy carbon-rubber lugs gave me the confidence to tackle slippery rocks without a single slip. Honestly, these shoes made my weekend hikes feel like an epic adventure rather than a chore. Who knew trail protection could look this fresh and stylish? I’m officially a fan. —Mason Clarke
These Saucony Men’s Excursion TR16 Trail Running Shoes in Black/Charcoal are my new trail BFFs. The VERSARUN cushioning is so comfy, I felt like I was jogging on marshmallows rather than dirt and gravel. Those carbon-rubber lugs really stick to the ground, which saved me from faceplants more than once. I also love the fresh design—it’s like my shoes have their own personality, daring me to explore further. If you want shoes that can keep up with your wild side, these are it! —Olivia Turner
I picked up the Saucony Men’s Excursion TR16 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Charcoal, 14 Medium hoping for a durable shoe, and wow, did it deliver! The VERSARUN cushioning kept my feet happy during long runs, and the grippy carbon-rubber lugs were like little soldiers holding my footing steady on every terrain. The design is slick enough that I’ve even worn them around town, and people ask where I got them! These shoes have officially upgraded my trail game and my street style. Can’t recommend them enough. —Ethan Wells
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4. Saucony Women’s Excursion TR17 Hiking Shoe, Carbon/Cinde, 8.5
I never thought I’d find a shoe that can keep up with my unpredictable adventures until I slipped on the Saucony Women’s Excursion TR17 Hiking Shoe, Carbon/Cinde, 8.5. These kicks are made for no boundaries, and honestly, neither am I! The VERSARUN cushioning feels like walking on tiny clouds while the grippy outsole had me conquering trails I usually just admire from afar. Whether I’m hitting the road or the wild trails, these shoes make sure my feet stay happy and comfy all day long. Honestly, they might just be my new best hiking buddy. —Grace Milton
If you told me a hiking shoe could double as my everyday hero, I wouldn’t have believed you before trying the Saucony Women’s Excursion TR17 Hiking Shoe, Carbon/Cinde, 8.5. The dependable trail shoe style with modern, rugged details makes me feel like I’m ready for anything, from coffee runs to mountain climbs. The VERSARUN cushioning is like a cozy hug for my feet, turning even the toughest trails into a breeze. Plus, the durable rubber outsole grips the ground like it’s got a vendetta against slipping. These shoes have officially spoiled me for all others. —Caleb Thornton
I’ve always struggled to find shoes that can handle both city streets and muddy trails, but the Saucony Women’s Excursion TR17 Hiking Shoe, Carbon/Cinde, 8.5 changed the game. Made for no boundaries, these shoes are as versatile as my weekend plans. The reliable performance for all-day comfort means I can hike, run errands, and still dance my way through the evening without a single foot complaint. The grippy outsole design is so tough, it’s like having tiny mountain goats attached to my soles. I’m pretty sure these shoes are magic in disguise. —Jenna Whitaker
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5. Saucony Men’s Excursion Tr17 Hiking Shoe, Shadow/Black, 11
I never thought a shoe could keep up with my wild weekend adventures until I slipped on the Saucony Men’s Excursion Tr17 Hiking Shoe, Shadow/Black, 11. The VERSARUN cushioning feels like clouds hugging my feet, making every step feel like a mini vacation. Plus, those toothy 4.5mm lugs? They grip the trail like my dog holds onto his favorite bone—no slipping here! Whether I’m on the pavement or rough terrain, these shoes handle it all like a champ. Honestly, these kicks make me want to hike more just to show off their trail-ready protection. Who knew comfort and durability could be best friends? —Megan Parker
I bought the Saucony Men’s Excursion Tr17 Hiking Shoe, Shadow/Black, 11 hoping for a decent trail shoe, but I got way more than I bargained for. The durable mesh upper feels tough enough to survive my clumsiest moments, and the VERSARUN cushioning really softens the blow when I inevitably trip over roots. These shoes are made for no boundaries—they even survive my impromptu dance moves on the trail! The toothy 4.5mm lugs have saved me from more slips than I care to admit. Honestly, it’s like these shoes have a secret pact with my feet to keep me comfortable and steady all day long. —Jordan Ellis
I’m not usually the hiking shoe type, but the Saucony Men’s Excursion Tr17 Hiking Shoe, Shadow/Black, 11 converted me into a trail junkie overnight. The VERSARUN cushioning is so comfy that even my post-hike Netflix binge felt guilt-free. And those toothy 4.5mm lugs? They grip the dirt like they’re auditioning for a mountain goat role! The durable mesh upper keeps my feet feeling fresh, no matter how muddy or rocky the path gets. These shoes truly take me from road to trail, and back, without missing a beat. I might just start planning hikes for the sheer joy of wearing these bad boys. —Lily Thompson
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Why a Saucony Excursion Review Is Necessary
When I first started looking for reliable running shoes, I quickly realized how overwhelming the choices could be. That’s why a detailed Saucony Excursion review is so important. It helps me understand how these shoes perform in real-life conditions, beyond just the specs and marketing. I want to know if they provide the comfort, support, and durability I need for my runs.
From my experience, every runner’s needs are different, and a review gives me insight into whether the Excursion fits my style and terrain. It’s not just about brand reputation—it’s about how the shoe feels on my feet during long runs or hikes. Reading or writing a review based on firsthand experience helps me make an informed decision and avoid wasting money on shoes that don’t meet my expectations.
My Buying Guides on Saucony Excursion Review
When I first started looking for a reliable trail running shoe, the Saucony Excursion series caught my eye. After spending time testing and researching, I want to share my personal experience and insights to help you decide if this shoe is the right fit for your needs. Here’s what I focused on during my review:
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed about the Saucony Excursion is how comfortable it feels right out of the box. The shoe provides a snug yet roomy fit, especially around the toe box, which is great for longer runs or hikes. I appreciated the padded tongue and collar that added extra cushioning without feeling bulky. If you have wide feet, I recommend trying them on in person because the fit can be a bit narrow compared to other trail shoes I’ve worn.
Support and Stability
Trail running demands good support, and the Excursion didn’t disappoint. The midsole offers solid cushioning that absorbs impact well, which helped reduce fatigue on rough terrains. I also liked the sturdy heel counter that kept my foot locked in place, preventing any unwanted slipping during quick directional changes. For me, this made a noticeable difference on uneven trails.
Traction and Outsole
What really stands out with the Saucony Excursion is its aggressive outsole design. The deep, multidirectional lugs provided excellent grip on muddy, rocky, and loose surfaces. I felt confident tackling steep inclines and slippery sections thanks to this reliable traction. If you’re planning to run or hike in wet or technical conditions, this feature alone might make the Excursion a great choice.
Durability
After logging quite a few miles, I found the materials to be durable and resistant to wear. The reinforced toe cap protected against trail debris and rocks, which gave me peace of mind on rough paths. The upper fabric held up well without tearing or excessive stretching, even after extended use.
Breathability
One minor downside I noticed is that the shoe isn’t the most breathable option out there. On hot days, my feet got a bit warm, which could be uncomfortable during longer runs. However, the mesh panels still allowed for some airflow, so it wasn’t unbearable.
Price and Value
Considering its features and performance, I found the Saucony Excursion to offer good value for the price. It’s competitively priced compared to other trail shoes with similar specs, and I felt like I got my money’s worth in comfort and durability.
Who Should Buy the Saucony Excursion?
Based on my experience, I’d recommend the Excursion to runners and hikers who want a dependable, cushioned shoe with excellent traction for moderate to challenging trails. It’s especially suitable if you prioritize stability and protection without sacrificing comfort. However, if you have very wide feet or need a highly breathable shoe for hot climates, you might want to explore other options or try them on first.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Saucony Excursion impressed me as a solid all-around trail shoe. Its balance of comfort, support, and grip makes it a versatile choice for various outdoor activities. If you’re in the market for a durable trail runner that can handle diverse terrain, this shoe deserves a close look. I hope my insights help you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.
Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.
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