- Model: Saucony Excursion TR14 (Men’s)
- Category: Trail running / light hiking & daily walking (based on usage reports)
- Color tested: Grey/Gold
- Outer/upper: Mesh with synthetic overlays (versatile, breathable impressions from user reports)
- Closure: Lace-up with orange paracord–style lace loops near the top for secondary heel support; some users reported fraying of these loops with wear.
- Drop/stack/weight: Not specified in provided data; several users noticed a lower heel-to-toe feel than plush road trainers.
- Price: Frequently reported ~$40–$60 depending on color/size; .
🛒 Deal check: Before you buy, . (We reference Amazon for pricing/availability throughout.)
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
From dozens of buyer reports and use cases, several themes surface: excellent trail grip mixed cushioning firmness fit depends on foot width durability varies by terrain & workload. Below, I synthesize those perspectives to map where the Excursion TR14 shines — and where it doesn’t.
Upper, Lockdown & Fit
Fit & width: This shoe can feel spot-on for average D-width feet, and the Wide option works for many with broader feet. That said, feedback is split: some users say “not wide enough” and “toe box a bit tight,” while others call the Wide a perfect match that prevents blisters or bruised nails. Takeaway: if you’re on the fence, consider ordering your regular size and a half-size up or the Wide to compare — several buyers did exactly that and landed on a comfortable choice.
Lacing & heel hold: Multiple reviewers point out the cord loop design that routes lace tension toward the heel for better rearfoot security. It’s a smart detail for sloppy trails, but note at least one report that the orange paracord loops can fray and aren’t easily repairable.
Breathability: Mesh upper breathes well for warm-weather walks, hikes, and day-to-day use; users who logged heavy daily miles (mail carriers, city walkers) confirm the upper stays reasonably airy.
Trail Cushioning & Underfoot Protection
Ride feel: The TR14 leans firmer than plush — several users call the cushioning “minimal” compared to max-cushion road models like Brooks Glycerin. On smoother dirt and mixed surfaces it’s fine; on rocky terrain (talus, scree) at least one user felt the sole wasn’t stiff enough and could feel individual rocks through the platform. On the flip side, others praised how the shoe protected feet during yard work, ladders, and gravel — a reminder that body weight, gait, and expectations play a huge role.
Arch support & inserts: Reports vary. Neutral/low arches often feel at home. High arches may want aftermarket insoles; several buyers dropped in arch or plantar-fasciitis inserts and were satisfied. Just be mindful: one reviewer found that thick insoles raised the heel enough to reduce heel-cup capture and stability.
On-Trail & Everyday Performance
Traction: This is the headline feature. The outsole’s lug pattern grips dirt, desert hardpack, damp forest paths, and city routes confidently. Multiple users highlight predictable grip both uphill and downhill; one noted slippery behavior on wet, smooth indoor surfaces — a common trade-off with aggressive trail lugs that aren’t siped for slick tile.
Versatility: The TR14 shows up everywhere in buyer stories: light trail runs, daily 3–5 mile trail jogs, dog-walks, boat building shop floors, yard work, Spartan races, Europe trips logging 8–10 miles/day, and even as a softball turf replacement. For mixed use, that flexibility is a huge plus.
Post-activity feel: Reports skew positive for walking and light hiking: feet feel supported without hotspots. Runners doing frequent pavement miles noted the midsole feels firmer as mileage piles up, and after hundreds of miles the cushioning understandably feels less lively — in line with expectations at this price tier.
Performance in Various Trail Conditions
Dry hardpack & decomposed granite: Consistent traction and predictable braking/acceleration feel were common themes; desert dirt and rocky mixes were specifically praised by runners who swap in TR14s across model years.
Loose leaves & damp park paths: Most buyers reported secure footing; mud performance is adequate until things get very messy, at which point any budget trail outsole will start to pack up.
Pavement & mixed commutes: Comfortable enough for regular walks; some long-distance walkers push these to 40+ miles a week. Expect midsole feel to firm up over time with heavy pavement use.
Wet smooth floors: At least one report of slipping on indoor wet tile — caution advised in grocery store aisles or polished concrete.
Does Saucony Deliver on Their Promises?
Marketing claims for this model center on “essential cushioning, rugged traction, durable protection” with a streamlined look. Here’s how they stack up against user reports:
- Rugged traction: Yes. This is the standout win. Dirt, gravel, basic trails — users repeatedly highlight grip confidence.
- Essential cushioning: Partially. Cushioning is “just enough” for walking and light to moderate trail use. Runners wanting plush road-shoe softness won’t find it here.
- Durable protection: Mixed. Many buyers racked up hundreds of miles on multiple pairs. Others saw early failures: fraying lace loops, toe stitching unraveling, upper tears, and outsoles wearing smooth with high-mileage pavement use. That variance is typical of budget trail shoes, but it’s important to set expectations.
- Streamlined look: Yes, with a caveat. Several users noted the Grey shade can appear lighter in person than in product photos.
Pricing & availability: The TR14 frequently shows aggressive pricing (often $40–$60 reported). Before you commit, it’s worth — color/size can swing cost more than you’d expect.
Key Strengths and Weaknesses
Pros
- Traction that inspires confidence on dirt, park paths, and everyday mixed surfaces.
- Versatile use cases: walking, light trail runs, travel days, yard work, even obstacle races.
- Breathable mesh upper that dries reasonably quickly.
- Value pricing with many buyers re-ordering multiple pairs over the years.
- Wide size available — works well for many broader feet (when true wides are hard to find).
Cons
- Firm/minimal cushioning vs. plush road trainers; some feel every rock on rough trails.
- Durability can vary: reports of fraying lace loops, toe stitching issues, and upper tears for some users.
- Fit polarization: toe box narrow for some; others find Wide perfect — expect to experiment with sizing.
- Slippery on wet, smooth floors (a common trail-lug trade-off).
- Color variance: Grey may look lighter than retailer photos.
My Overall Assessment
Taking the crowd data together, the Excursion TR14 is a traction-first value trail shoe that punches above its price on dirt and daily miles — provided you align expectations around cushioning and accept some durability variance. If you want a soft, bouncy feel or regularly tackle rock gardens and scree, you’ll likely want to step up to a more protective (and pricier) platform. If you’re primarily walking, hiking easy trails, or mixing in casual runs, the TR14 offers an affordable, breathable workhorse that many owners keep rebuying.
Scores (1–10)
| Category | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Traction | 8.6 | Consistent grip off-road; only caveat is wet smooth floors. |
| Cushioning | 6.0 | Functional on trails/walks; firmer & “minimal” to some runners. |
| Stability/Support | 7.5 | Corded heel loops aid lockdown; support adequate for mixed use. |
| Fit | 7.0 | Great for many D-width and Wide buyers; narrow toe box for some. |
| Breathability | 7.7 | Mesh upper handles warm days and dries relatively fast. |
| Durability | 6.5 | Some pairs reach 800–900 mi; others see early stitching/upper issues. |
| Style | 7.2 | Streamlined look; grey runs lighter than photos for some. |
| Value | 9.0 | Frequent $40–$60 pricing and wide usage range. |
| Overall | 7.6 | Excellent value trail option if you prioritize traction over plushness. |
What Other Trail Users Are Saying
- Many walkers report all-day comfort and keep rotating pairs for daily use.
- High-mileage pavement folks see outsole smoothing sooner; inserts help comfort for some.
- Trail racers (e.g., Spartan) have beaten on them successfully, then kept them for gym/yard duty.
- Long-haul examples include buyers logging hundreds of miles across multiple pairs.
Value Assessment
If your budget tops out around the cost of a couple restaurant meals, the TR14 makes a compelling case. It’s widely available, often discounted, and still holds its own on light to moderate trails. Before checkout, and compare colorways — prices often swing by size and shade.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
| Best For | Not Ideal For |
|---|---|
|
|
Who Should Buy the Saucony Excursion TR14?
- Walkers & commuters wanting breathable, grippy shoes that can double for errands.
- Casual trail runners doing 3–5 miles on non-technical paths.
- Budget-minded buyers who value grip/versatility over plushness.
- Wide-foot folks who struggle to find Wide sizes in stock.
Better Options for Specific Needs
- More cushion for road running: Consider a plush road model like the Brooks Glycerin (mentioned by buyers as a softness benchmark).
- If you loved older Excursions: Some users transitioned to TR15/TR16 with similar fit/feel (check size & width carefully).
- If you need a hiking boot feel: Users comparing to Timberland / Merrell Moab noted the TR14 feels lighter and more flexible — great for mobility, less so for ankle-high protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the TR14 run true to size?
For many D-width wearers, yes. If you’re between sizes or prefer thicker socks, consider trying your normal size and a half-size up. Wide is a strong option for broader feet, though a minority still find the toe box tight.
How is the cushioning?
“Essential,” not plush. Walkers and light hikers tend to be happy; runners craving a soft, bouncy feel should look elsewhere or plan to add aftermarket insoles.
Is it good on rough, rocky trails?
It handles groomed trails well. On loose scree and talus, at least one user reported feeling rocks due to sole stiffness; if that’s your norm, consider a more protective trail shoe.
How is the durability?
Mixed. Plenty of buyers got hundreds of miles; others saw early failures like frayed top lace loops or toe stitching unraveling. Pavement miles will wear lugs faster.
Slippery on wet floors?
Trail lugs can be skittish on polished wet tile. Use caution indoors after rain.
Where should I buy?
Availability and pricing fluctuate by color/size. We suggest before purchasing.
