INOV-8 TrailFly Max vs Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

INOV-8 TrailFly Max

$170

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

$170

Quick verdict

INOV-8 TrailFly Max

$170

The better pick if you want:

A higher overall score (81 vs 75)
A lighter option (29 g less)

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

$170

The better pick if you want:

No clear advantage on the specs we track.

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

INOV-8 TrailFly Max· leads in 1

Lightness

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4· leads in 1

Cushioning

Tied

GripAffordability

Cushioning
35 mmTop 43%
36 mmTop 35%
Lightness
280 gTop 39%
309 g
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
4 mmTop 50%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
6 mm
Affordability
$170
$170

Technical Specifications

Compare features between INOV-8 TrailFly Max vs Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (14)

Essentials

$170

2025

280 g

309 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

Max-Cushioned Trail Running Shoe

Hard-packed & rocky trails

varied and technical trails

Long distance trail running, endurance runs and ultramarathons

Trail running, ultra distances, long-haul adventures

Cushioning

6 mm

35 mm

36 mm

29 mm

30 mm

FLYSPEED PRO nitrogen-infused foam

PWRRUN PB foam underfoot framed by PWRRUN for responsive cushioning and protection

—

Maximum cushioning for long-distance comfort and reduced fatigue

Grip & protection

G-GRIP graphene-infused rubber with 4mm lugs

Full-coverage Vibram MegaGrip with 4 mm lugs for superior traction on rugged terrain

—

Reinforced upper and supportive chassis for protection on long runs

—

Vibram MegaGrip outsole provides confident grip on dry, wet, and uneven surfaces

Upper & fit

—

Durable ripstop engineered mesh with abrasion-resistant reinforcements

—

PWRRUN+ cushioned sockliner for added comfort

—

Traditional lace closure with secure trail fit

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How INOV-8 TrailFly Max vs Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 should behave on each kind of ground, estimated from lug depth, stack height, weight and outsole rubber. Pick a ground to see what decides it.

Pick a ground							Average
INOV-8 TrailFly Max							57
Saucony Xodus Ultra 4							56

FlatPacked, runnable trail

Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.

INOV-8 TrailFly Max75

Cushioning31/40
Lightness19/35
Smooth roll25/25

Saucony Xodus Ultra 469

Cushioning33/40
Lightness11/35
Smooth roll25/25

A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.

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Video Reviews

Watch real-world YouTube reviews from content creators and the Trail Running community.

See all 10 video reviews

INOV-8 TrailFly Max

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

Visual Comparison

See the differences between INOV-8 TrailFly Max and Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: INOV-8 TrailFly Max vs Saucony Xodus Ultra 4?

For value comparison: The INOV-8 TrailFly Max ($170) provides premium features compared to the Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 ($170). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.

Which is newer, the INOV-8 TrailFly Max or the Saucony Xodus Ultra 4?

Both came out in 2025.

Looking for alternatives to INOV-8 TrailFly Max?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives

The North Face Altamesa 500 v2

The North Face

$170Score 91+10

Better than INOV-8 TrailFly Max at:

A higher overall score (91 vs 81)
More cushioning (44 vs 35 mm heel stack)

Compare with INOV-8 TrailFly Max

NNormal Tomir 2

NNormal

$170Score 90+9

Better than INOV-8 TrailFly Max at:

A higher overall score (90 vs 81)
A lighter option (16 g less)

Compare with INOV-8 TrailFly Max

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Merrell

$170Score 85+4

Better than INOV-8 TrailFly Max at:

A higher overall score (85 vs 81)
A lighter option (45 g less)
A lower drop (4 vs 6 mm)

Compare with INOV-8 TrailFly Max

Popular Comparisons

Compare INOV-8 TrailFly Max or Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as INOV-8, Saucony and more.

Shoes

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

INOV-8 TrailFly Max· leads in 1

Lightness

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4· leads in 1

Cushioning

Tied

GripAffordability

Cushioning
35 mmTop 43%
36 mmTop 35%
Lightness
280 gTop 39%
309 g
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
4 mmTop 50%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
6 mm
Affordability
$170
$170

Pick a ground

Average

INOV-8 TrailFly Max

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

INOV-8 TrailFly Max vs Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

INOV-8 TrailFly Max

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

Quick verdict

Spec profile