I almost dismissed these $70 trail runners as “just another budget option,” but after 8 weeks of putting them through everything from neighborhood walks to actual trail adventures, the Saucony Women’s Excursion TR14 surprised me in the best way. Sarah here, and between my morning walks, weekend hikes with my girlfriends, and those inevitable Target runs that turn into 3-mile shopping marathons, I needed shoes that could truly handle it all.
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $60-80 (
- ⚖️ Weight: 8.8 oz (women’s size 8)
- 📏 Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm (23mm heel / 31mm forefoot)
- 🧪 Midsole material: VERSARUN cushioning
- 👟 Upper material: Trail-specific mesh with supportive overlays
- 🏃♀️ Category: Trail running/hiking/all-purpose athletic
- 🎯 Best for: Beginner to intermediate trail activities, daily walking, all-day wear
- ⏱️ Testing period: 8 weeks, 40+ activities including trails, walking, errands
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
Right out of the box, these don’t scream “look at me” – and honestly, that’s perfect. The mesh upper feels substantial without being bulky, and those supportive overlays actually serve a purpose instead of just being decorative. I’ve been wearing Saucony for years, but this was my first venture into their trail-specific line, and I was curious how they’d balance durability with breathability.
The fit immediately felt familiar yet different. Where my regular running shoes sometimes feel narrow after a few hours, these gave my toes room to breathe from day one. No break-in period whatsoever – I literally wore them on a 3-mile neighborhood walk the day they arrived, and my feet felt happy the entire time.
Trail Cushioning & All-Day Support
Here’s where these shoes really won me over. The VERSARUN cushioning isn’t trying to be the plushest thing on the market, but it’s exactly what you need for versatility. During my weekend hike at the local state park, I felt protected on rocky sections without that “bouncy castle” feeling that can make you feel unstable on uneven terrain.
What really impressed me was how they handled my daily routine. As someone who’s on her feet teaching all day, then rushing to pick up kids, hitting the grocery store, and maybe squeezing in an evening walk, I need shoes that won’t punish me by hour 12. These delivered that steady, reliable support that kept my feet happy from morning coffee to bedtime.
The arch support hits that sweet spot – enough to feel supportive without being intrusive. I know some women in my hiking group need custom insoles, but I found these worked well with my medium arches. The heel cup keeps you locked in without feeling restrictive, which proved crucial during those downhill sections on trails.
On-the-Trail Performance
Let me be real about trail performance – these aren’t going to compete with $150+ technical trail runners, but they absolutely deliver for the price point. Those 6mm carbon rubber lugs grabbed onto everything I threw at them: loose gravel on fire roads, slightly muddy single track after rain, even some light scrambling over rocks.
During my most challenging test – a 6-mile hike with my adventure-loving sister that included creek crossings and steep climbs – these shoes performed beautifully. The traction felt confident on wet rocks, and the mesh upper dried quickly after accidentally stepping too deep into a stream. My feet felt stable and supported throughout, with no hot spots or pressure points developing.
For everyday activities, they’re absolutely stellar. School pickup lines, grocery store marathons, walking meetings around downtown – these handle it all with grace. The grip on wet pavement during our recent rainy week was reassuring, and they’ve never felt slippery on smooth surfaces like some trail shoes can.
Performance in Various Trail Conditions
Weather & Surface Versatility Testing
Living in a climate where weather can change hourly, I needed shoes that could handle variety. These excelled in dry conditions – the mesh breathed well during warm afternoon walks, and I never felt overheated even during more intense hikes.
In wet conditions, they surprised me. While not waterproof (and that’s actually fine for most trail activities), they shed light rain well and dried reasonably quickly. One reviewer mentioned standing in 2 inches of water and staying dry, though I didn’t test quite that extreme. What I did appreciate was how they handled morning dew on grass and light creek splashing without becoming water-logged.
Surface-wise, these are remarkably versatile. Concrete sidewalks, asphalt roads, gravel paths, dirt trails, rocky terrain – they adapted to everything I encountered. The transition from pavement to trail felt natural, which is crucial when your typical “hike” involves driving to a trailhead and walking through a parking lot first.
Durability Assessment After Extended Use
After 8 weeks of regular use, including 15+ trail outings and countless daily activities, these are holding up well. The mesh shows some minor dirt staining (expected with light-colored shoes), but no tears or excessive wear. The carbon rubber outsole is wearing evenly, and those lugs still grip effectively.
I did notice some slight fabric softening around the ankle collar area, which seems to be a common pattern with this model based on other reviews. It’s not problematic yet, but something to monitor long-term. The toe protection overlay is doing its job – no signs of wear despite several rocky encounters.
Does Saucony Deliver on Their Promises?
Saucony markets these with three key promises: rugged outsole for “rock-solid footings,” versatile VERSARUN cushioning for “underfoot comfort no matter the destination,” and durable protection that “locks your foot into place” without bulk.
Marketing Claims vs. Reality Check
Rugged Outsole Promise: Absolutely delivered. Those carbon rubber lugs with the aggressive pattern provided excellent traction on every surface I tested. The “rock-solid footings” claim isn’t hyperbole – I felt confident and stable even on loose terrain.
Versatile Cushioning Promise: This one’s spot-on. The VERSARUN midsole strikes that perfect balance between trail protection and daily comfort. “No matter the destination” proved true – from grocery store aisles to mountain trails, my feet stayed comfortable.
Durable Protection Promise: Mostly accurate. The protective overlays do lock your foot in place without feeling bulky, and the toe protection has prevented any damage during rocky encounters. The “durable” part seems solid so far, though long-term durability will take more time to fully assess.
Price-Performance Reality
At $60-80, these compete in a crowded budget-friendly trail shoe market. Compared to similar options from Columbia, Merrell’s entry-level offerings, or generic outdoor brands, the Saucony name and quality construction justify the price point. You’re getting genuine trail capability without paying premium prices.
What impressed me most was how they don’t feel like “budget” shoes in use. The materials, construction, and performance all feel more expensive than the price tag suggests.
My Overall Assessment
Detailed Performance Scoring
| Category | Score (1-10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 8.5/10 | Excellent right out of box, all-day wearability |
| Trail Performance | 8.0/10 | Great traction and stability for price point |
| Versatility | 9.0/10 | Seamless transition from daily wear to trails |
| Durability | 7.5/10 | Good so far, some minor concerns long-term |
| Value for Money | 9.0/10 | Excellent performance per dollar spent |
| Fit & Sizing | 8.0/10 | True to size, wide toe box, good lockdown |
| Style/Appearance | 7.0/10 | Functional over fashionable, some color issues |
| OVERALL RATING | 8.2/10 | Excellent budget trail shoe with versatility |
What Other Trail Enthusiasts Are Saying
The community feedback on these shoes is overwhelmingly positive, with some interesting patterns emerging. Long-time Saucony fans consistently praise the comfort and fit, with many mentioning they’re on their 3rd, 4th, or even 5th pair of this model. Healthcare workers and people in standing professions frequently mention how these keep their feet comfortable during 12+ hour shifts.
Trail runners appreciate the grip and stability, though some mention needing to add arch support insoles. The wide toe box gets consistently positive reviews from women with wider feet or those who need extra room. Spanish-speaking customers frequently note “muy cómodos” (very comfortable) and praise the “buena calidad con respecto al precio” (good quality for the price).
The main criticisms center around color accuracy – several reviewers noted that grays appear lighter than expected and some accent colors don’t match the online photos. A few long-term users reported fabric fraying around the ankle area after extensive use, though this seems to take considerable time and heavy use to develop.
Value Assessment & Investment Perspective
At $60-80, these shoes offer exceptional value for women who want trail capability without premium pricing. The cost-per-wear calculation is impressive – based on my 8-week testing with 40+ uses, that’s roughly $1.50-2.00 per outing. If these last a full year of regular use (which seems likely based on current wear patterns), we’re talking about genuine value.
For busy women juggling multiple activities, the versatility alone justifies the cost. Instead of owning separate shoes for trails, daily walking, and casual errands, these handle all three roles competently.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
| The Good | |
|---|---|
| ✓ Immediate comfort | No break-in period needed |
| ✓ Excellent value | Trail performance at budget price |
| ✓ True versatility | Seamless daily-to-trail transition |
| ✓ Wide toe box | Comfortable for various foot shapes |
| ✓ Reliable traction | Confident grip on multiple surfaces |
| ✓ All-day wearability | Comfortable for extended periods |
| The Bad | |
|---|---|
| ✗ Color accuracy issues | Some colorways differ from photos |
| ✗ Limited arch support | High-arch users may need insoles |
| ✗ Potential durability concerns | Some fraying reported after heavy use |
| ✗ Not waterproof | Breathable but not weather-sealed |
Who Should Buy the Saucony Women’s Excursion TR14?
Perfect for: Women seeking versatile athletic shoes that can handle trails without looking too “outdoorsy” for daily wear. Ideal for beginners to intermediate trail enthusiasts, busy moms who need shoes that work for school pickup and weekend hikes, healthcare workers or others who spend long hours on their feet, and budget-conscious buyers who want genuine trail capability.
Consider alternatives if: You need maximum arch support (try with insoles first), require waterproof protection for frequent wet conditions, want premium technical features for serious trail running, or prioritize fashion over function for everyday wear.
Better Options for Specific Needs
If you need more arch support, consider the Saucony Guide series or add quality aftermarket insoles. For waterproof protection, look at Merrell’s waterproof trail options. For serious trail running, invest in higher-end Saucony Peregrine or similar technical models. For daily fashion wear, consider Allbirds or similar lifestyle-focused brands.
Final Recommendation
The Saucony Women’s Excursion TR14 earns a solid recommendation for women wanting authentic trail capability without premium pricing. These shoes excel at being the “Swiss Army knife” of athletic footwear – competent in multiple roles without being the absolute best at any single one.
At $60-80, they offer genuine value and performance that exceeds their price point. For busy women who want one pair of shoes that can handle morning walks, afternoon errands, and weekend trail adventures, these are hard to beat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Trail-Specific Questions
Q: Can these handle rocky, technical trails?
A: Yes, for beginner to intermediate level technical terrain. The carbon rubber lugs and protective overlays handled rocky sections well during my testing. However, for extremely technical or alpine trails, you’d want more specialized footwear.
Q: How do they perform on wet trails?
A: Good traction on wet surfaces, though they’re not waterproof. The mesh dries relatively quickly after water exposure. Fine for light creek crossings and dewy morning trails.
Q: Are these suitable for trail running vs. just hiking?
A: Absolutely suitable for trail running, especially for beginners. The cushioning and traction work well for running, though serious trail runners might want more technical features found in higher-end models.
Fit & Comfort Questions
Q: Do these run true to size?
A: Generally yes, though the wide toe box means they might feel slightly larger than narrow athletic shoes. Most reviewers found their normal size worked well.
Q: Will these work for wide feet?
A: The generous toe box works well for many people with wider feet, even in standard width. Several wide-footed reviewers mentioned not needing to order the wide version.
Q: How much arch support do they provide?
A: Moderate arch support that works for many people with normal arches. Those with high arches or specific support needs might want to add custom insoles.
Durability & Care Questions
Q: How long do these typically last?
A: Based on community feedback, expect 1-2 years with regular use, longer with occasional use. Some heavy users report 500+ miles before replacement.
Q: Can I wash these in the washing machine?
A: Several users report success with gentle machine washing and air drying. Remove insoles first and use cold water on delicate cycle.
Q: Do the light colors show dirt easily?
A: Yes, lighter colorways will show dirt more readily. Consider darker colors if easy maintenance is a priority, or plan for regular cleaning.
Universal Questions
Q: What’s the price range on Amazon?
A: Typically $60-80 depending on color and size availability. as prices can vary by colorway.
Q: Are these good for people who work on their feet all day?
A: Excellent choice based on feedback from healthcare workers and retail employees. The comfort and support work well for 12+ hour shifts.
Q: How do these compare to other Saucony models?
A: More trail-focused than their regular running shoes, with enhanced traction and protection. Less technical than their premium Peregrine series but more versatile for daily wear.
Review Scoring Summary
| Performance Category | Score | Weight | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort & Fit | 8.5/10 | 25% | 2.13 |
| Trail Performance | 8.0/10 | 20% | 1.60 |
| Versatility | 9.0/10 | 20% | 1.80 |
| Value for Money | 9.0/10 | 15% | 1.35 |
| Durability | 7.5/10 | 15% | 1.13 |
| Style/Appearance | 7.0/10 | 5% | 0.35 |
| FINAL WEIGHTED SCORE | 8.36/10 | 100% | 8.36 |
Recommendation: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for budget-conscious women seeking versatile trail capability. Excellent value proposition with strong performance across multiple use cases.
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