Our verdict

The fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee caught our attention in the lab as a versatile trail runner, perfect for those seeking a reliable all-rounder. On our runs, we were impressed by its responsive PWRRUN PB midsole and the robust grip of the PWRTRAC outsole, which, combined with a breathable upper, makes it a jack-of-all-trails. It's ready for anything, even the occasional hike, thanks to its flexibility. While we think Saucony could lighten the weight and soften the foam for future versions, we see this as a solid step up from its predecessor, signaling a bright path ahead for the Xodus series.

Exo Jacket from Saucony Pros

  • Snug, secure fit
  • Highly breathable
  • saucony shadow 6000 grey
  • Responsive midsole
  • Upgraded durability
  • saucony running shoes cyber monday amazon
  • Long-run-ready cushioning

Exo Jacket from Saucony Cons

  • Ces Saucony Grid 8000 CL sont désormais disponibles chez plusieurs revendeurs comme
  • Slightly heavy for its size
  • Firm cushioning

Audience verdict

88
Great!

Who should buy

We highly recommend the Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' for:

  • Saucony Grid 8000.
  • Saucony enthusiasts wanting the familiar feel of PWRRUN PB foam off-road.
  • Jones & Vining CEO Jim Salzano and former Saucony CEO John Fisher.

In our lab tests, we were impressed by its versatility, confirming it's a solid choice for a wide range of trail adventures.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow'

Who should NOT buy

We think the Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' isn't the best pick for every runner out there. Its weight, tipping over 10 ounces, makes it less appealing for those who prioritize lightness. For a lighter alternative, we suggest the Hoka Speedgoat 5, Offspring x Saucony Shadow 6000 Running Since 96.

Moreover, while the fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee has potential for ultra running, we found its foam to be on the firmer side. For runners who prefer a more cushioned, softer experience, we recommend exploring the Hoka Mafate Speed 4 or the Brooks Caldera 6. These models provide the plush ride that ultra runners often seek, making them better choices for those epic distances.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow'

Cushioning

Heel stack

The fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee boasts a 34.1-mm heel stack. While it may not qualify as maximalist by today's standards as it would be in the past, it still ranks as a max-cushioned shoe for us. Thus, it's fully ready to handle ultras, even for heel strikers.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Heel stack
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 34.1 mm
Average 31.9 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
19.6 mm
Heel stack
42.4 mm

Forefoot stack

After carefully and repeatedly measuring with our calipers, we found the forefoot stack to be 26.8 mm. It's a tad more cushioned than many shoes, striking a nice balance between responsive cushioning and ground feel.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Forefoot stack
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 26.8 mm
Average 24.5 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
13.4 mm
Forefoot stack
33.9 mm

Drop

The gap between those two measurements gives us a 7.3-mm drop, which is slightly off from the advertised 6 mm.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Drop
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 7.3 mm
Average 7.5 mm
Compared to 136 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
-0.1 mm
Drop
17.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Características de las Saucony Xodus 10.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' dual foam
PWRRUN PB (white) - PWRRUN (grey)

The bulk of the midsole—forefoot, midfoot and part of the heel—is made of PWRRUN PB (27.5 HA), a Pebax-based, pellet-shaped compound renowned for its incredible energy return and responsiveness.

It certainly lives up to expectations, though Saucony has adjusted the formula in this shoe, making it firmer than what we're accustomed to. Nevertheless, while it might not be super soft, it's undeniably very responsive.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Midsole softness
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 27.5 HA
Average 22.6 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 113 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
9.1 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
39.0 HA

Saucony Peregrine 12 ST Giallo 40 M

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The secondary, grey foam is PWRRUN. It's even firmer at 29.5 HA, which is why Saucony used it in the heel—to enhance stability and durability.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Midsole softness in cold
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 29.5 HA
Average 24.6 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.

Midsole softness in cold (%)

As a Pebax-based foam, PWRRUN PB's performance in cold temperatures should be outstanding, and that's exactly what we observed. After spending 20 minutes in our freezer, we noted only a 19.1% change, marking a commendable performance.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Saucony Peregrine 12 ST Giallo 40 M
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 19%
Average 26%
Compared to 113 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
5%
Midsole softness in cold
68%

Insole thickness

The insole stands out as one of the most fascinating aspects of this shoe, truly setting it apart from the rest. While most shoes feature basic, EVA insoles offering little beyond a touch of comfort, the fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee ups the game with a plush, 7.2-mm PWRRUN PB insole.

Favourites Saucony Red Jazz Original Trainers Inactive Saucony é top.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Insole thickness
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 7.2 mm
Average 4.7 mm
Compared to 135 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
2.1 mm
Insole thickness
7.9 mm

Size and fit

Size

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' is slightly small (23 votes).

zapatillas de running Saucony pie normal ultra trail talla 40.5?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 121 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

zapatillas de running Saucony mujer amortiguación media talla 36 entre 60 y 100

When we first tried on the fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee, the toebox seemed reasonably spacious, though not remarkably so. We then used calipers to measure the upper and found it to be 99.5 mm at its widest point, essentially confirming our initial impressions.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Saucony x Fresh Rags Grid Web
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 99.5 mm
Average 99.0 mm
Compared to 122 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
92.6 mm
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer amortiguación media talla 36 entre 60 y 100
104.9 mm

Saucony Trainers Ride 14 Sneaker in Pink

The big toe area has a standard taper, resulting in a 79.1-mm width. This design should suit 90% of runners well, but those with very wide feet might feel a bit cramped, especially on runs longer than 2 hours.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' upper

For a shoe with a super-responsive midsole and a wider upper, we recommend the Nike Ultrafly.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Saucony Jazz Original Vintage W Beige Weiß
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 79.1 mm
Average 79.4 mm
Compared to 83 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
70.5 mm
Saucony Trainers Ride 14 Sneaker in Pink
90.1 mm

Exo Jacket from Saucony | Stability

Lateral stability test

While some might find the firmer PWRRUN PB midsole of the fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee a tad disappointing compared to expectations, it brings with it several appreciated advantages. The best among them is the shoe's remarkable stability, particularly noticeable at quicker paces.

This isn't just due to the foam itself, but also the ingeniously designed midfoot sidewalls by the Saucony crew. These offer gentle guidance without being overly intrusive, enhancing the running experience for neutral runners and those with small stability concerns.

Torsional rigidity

Another reason the shoe feels so stable is its torsional rigidity, which we rated at 4 out of 5 in our manual assessment.

Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 4
Average 3.6
Compared to 131 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
1
Torsional rigidity
5

zapatillas de running Saucony constitución fuerte azules

The heel counter also earns a 4 out of 5 for the fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee. In this case, we would have preferred a softer one, especially for +3 hours runs. However, since it's well padded, it shouldn't pose a problem.

Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 4
Average 3.1
Compared to 129 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
1
zapatillas de running Saucony constitución fuerte azules
5

Midsole width - forefoot

Remember how we mentioned earlier that the shoe felt lighter than it actually is? Well, now it's time for us in the lab to verify those dimensions.

In the forefoot, we measured 112.5 mm, which isn't particularly wide. It's just average.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 112.5 mm
Average 112.3 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
102.1 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
124.3 mm

Exo Jacket from Saucony | The Feature x Saucony Courageous Belgian Waffle is another breakfast inspired collaboration

The same applies to the heel, where we measured 91.1 mm. In the lab, we all agree that the shoe resembles a daily trainer designed for the trails.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Midsole width in the heel
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 91.1 mm
Average 89.5 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
72.0 mm
The Feature x Saucony Courageous Belgian Waffle is another breakfast inspired collaboration
106.0 mm

This Saucony Excursion TR 14 GTX could be a great match for you if

Now, we're excited to examine the longitudinal stiffness—an essential factor, particularly for those keen on using the shoe for more than running.

We discovered that it took just 26.3N of force to bend it to the 90-degree point, our standard bend for every shoe. This highlights the XU2's versatility.

Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 26.3N
Average 27.2N
womens saucony ride iso running shoes sz 8 5 m used.
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
5.6N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
54.5N

Saucony Shadow 5000 Freshly Picked Pack Blackberry (%)

As happened when we re-measured the midsole softness, the Pebax-based PWRRUN PB delivered another fantastic performance, only getting 13.4% stiffer after spending 20 minutes next to our ice creams.

Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 13%
Average 32%
Compared to 134 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
3%
Saucony Shadow 5000 Freshly Picked Pack Blackberry
90%

Weight

Moving on to the weight, it was somewhat disappointing, especially since the shoe appears lighter than it actually is.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow'

Weighing in at 10.3 oz, it's totally acceptable for a trail running shoe, yet it seems excessive given the stack height and lightweight upper. Surprisingly, it matches the weight of an mens Saucony Ride 15, which boasts significantly more cushioning underfoot and a cozier upper.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Weight
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 10.34 oz (293g)
Average 10.23 oz (290g)
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
7.51 oz (213g)
Weight
12.66 oz (359g)

Breathability

With "Ultra" in its name, a breathable upper is crucial—otherwise, blisters are just around the corner. So, we're curious if the fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee lives up to expectations in this area.

In the lab, using our smoke-pumping machine, we discovered Saucony nailed the airflow, earning the XU2 a solid 4 out of 5 from us. This ensures well-ventilated runs for as long as you wish, with a bit of protection against the cold for winter runs. Especially in trail shoes, zapatillas de running Saucony hombre ritmo medio distancias cortas azules más de 100.

To understand how the shoe scored a 4/5, we simply turned on a light and moved the cut-in-half upper. At times, a straightforward test like this is all it takes to get the full picture.

In this case, the large, circular holes in the inner mesh clearly stand out, offering an excellent route for air to flow through.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' mesh

Upon closer inspection under the microscope, we encountered a very inhuman engineered mesh. It was crucial for Saucony to incorporate those holes we observed with the light test; without them, the breathability would have been less impressive.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' mesh

Lastly, we examined the engineered mesh upper in detail.

It features a dual-layer construction that isn't glued together—a rarity in today's market.

Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 113 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

Saucony doesn't design the Xodus line as particularly rugged—quite the contrary, in fact. So, it's no surprise the toebox lacks robust protective features, offering just a minimal toe bumper. When we put it to the test with our Dremel, it broke the upper with ease.

Because of this shortfall, we rated the XU2 a 2 out of 5, falling below the average mark. It was a close call between that and an even lower score of 1 out of 5. Thankfully, the double-layered mesh provided just enough redemption to save the Xodus from hitting rock bottom.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Toebox durability
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 2
Average 3.1
Compared to 94 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel padding truly outshined the toebox, snagging a stellar 4 out of 5 after our rigorous back-to-back Dremel tests.

This impressive result promises enduring durability in this crucial area, especially beneficial for runners whose socks tend to rub against the fabric.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Heel padding durability
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 4
Average 2.9
Compared to 93 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Now, let's give the Dremel a brief pause—it'll be back shortly for its final test. First, we aimed to check out the softness of the 3-piece PWRTRAC outsole, which closely resembles the one on the carbon-plated Endorphin Edge.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' outsole

With a hardness of 80.0 HC, it tends toward the softer side. This might hint at a trade-off in durability, but it also suggests that Saucony is prioritizing grip.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Outsole hardness
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 80.0 HC
Average 85.7 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
75.5 HC
Outsole hardness
96.1 HC

Outsole durability

Let's fire up the Dremel once more because we're eager to test the durability of the PWRTRAC rubber.

Considering it's a relatively soft rubber, we're quite pleased with the 1.2-mm chasm left by the tool. True, it may not boast the world-class durability of some Vibram outsoles, but with a result like this, we're not concerned about its longevity.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Outsole durability
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 1.2 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 87 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Our concerns dwindled even further after measuring the outsole thickness, which hit a sweet spot at 2.4 mm. This thickness strikes a great balance, offering enough protection, while still ensuring a lively ride. Opting for thicker rubber often dulls the ride, so this approach is spot-on.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Outsole thickness
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 2.4 mm
Average 2.3 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
0.9 mm
Outsole thickness
5.5 mm

Misc

Lug depth

The fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee comes with 4.6 mm lugs, great for those looking to handle a variety of terrains. While 3 or 3.5 mm lugs might be better for quick runs on easy trails, a do-it-all shoe requires trading a bit of comfort for versatility, which is exactly what Saucony has achieved here.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' lugs

Each lug is chevron-shaped, with the heel lugs facing backwards and the forefoot lugs pointing forwards, enhancing traction during elevation changes.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Lug depth
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 4.6 mm
Average 3.5 mm
Compared to 136 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
1.5 mm
Lug depth
5.8 mm

Reflective elements

Sadly, the fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee lacks any reflective pieces.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Reflective elements
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee No

Tongue padding

zapatillas de running Saucony hombre neutro amortiguación media talla 37.5 rojas.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' tongue

This could be a concern for runners planning to use the shoe for very long runs, so we advise being cautious when cinching down the laces.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Tongue padding
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee 3.7 mm
Average 6.3 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Saucony Originals Jazz 49
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
12.3 mm

Saucony Trainers Shadow 5000 in Yellow

At the beginning of this lab review, we noted the Xodus unique dual-piece upper, and the tongue further illustrates this unconventional design.

Instead of a traditional tongue, it has a bootie-like construction that excellently blocks debris from entering the shoe. However, this might feel odd to runners not accustomed to such a setup.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Saucony Trainers Shadow 5000 in Yellow
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee Bootie

Heel tab

We found that the heel boasts a finger-loop heel tab that looks great and makes really easy slipping your feet into the Xodus.

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Heel tab
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee Finger loop

Removable insole

The insole is removable, allowing you to switch it with your preferred third-party sockliner due to the shoe's standard dimensions.

However, we suggest keeping the original insole, crafted from PWRRUN PB—it's super cushioned, most definitely a highlight of the shoe!

Saucony Grid 9000 'Dirty Snow' Removable insole
Test results
fresh rags saucony originals grid web manatee Yes