Between work meetings and weekend hikes with my trail group, I needed shoes that could handle both daily wear and outdoor adventures. Sarah here, and after my previous hiking shoes gave out during a muddy trail session, I was determined to find something reliable without breaking the budget. That’s why I spent 3 months putting the Saucony Women’s Excursion TR16 through every real-world scenario I could think of. Here’s the honest truth about what happened.
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $60-80 ()
- ⚖️ Weight: 8.5 oz (women’s size 8)
- 📏 Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
- 📐 Stack height: 31mm heel / 23mm forefoot
- 🧪 Midsole material: VERSARUN cushioning
- 👟 Upper material: Mesh with synthetic overlays
- 🏃♀️ Category: Trail running/hiking
- 🎯 Best for: Budget-conscious trail hiking and daily wear
- ⏱️ Testing period: 3 months, 40+ hiking sessions, 200+ miles
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
Let me start with the elephant in the room – these are budget trail shoes, and they look and feel like it. The mesh upper has a basic construction that’s clearly designed to hit a price point rather than win any premium material awards. However, for what they are, the initial out-of-the-box experience was surprisingly decent.
The VERSARUN cushioning felt soft enough for immediate comfort without that rock-hard sensation you sometimes get with budget athletic shoes. My first weekend hike in these – a 5-mile loop through local trails – felt comfortable and secure. The 8mm drop provided a nice neutral platform that didn’t stress my calves, and the 8.5 oz weight made them feel surprisingly light on my feet.
The fit ran pretty true to size in my experience. I normally wear an 8.5 and ordered my regular size, which gave me appropriate toe room without feeling sloppy. The mesh upper does have some give to it, so if you’re between sizes or plan to wear thicker hiking socks, I’d recommend sizing up a half size.
Trail Cushioning & Rock Protection
The VERSARUN cushioning performed adequately for moderate trail hiking. It’s not the plush, cloud-like experience you’d get from premium trail runners, but it provided enough protection for rocky terrain and root-covered trails. During my longer hikes (8+ miles), I did notice my feet getting more fatigued compared to my previous, more expensive trail shoes, but that’s expected at this price point.
The carbon-rubber outsole with 4.5mm lugs provided solid traction on dry dirt, gravel, and moderate rock surfaces. I felt confident navigating steep sections and technical terrain during my weekend adventures. The grip pattern worked well for both uphill climbs and controlled descents.
On-the-Trail Performance
Over three months of testing, I put these shoes through varied hiking conditions. From morning neighborhood walks to challenging 10-mile trail adventures, they handled most scenarios reasonably well. The lightweight design made them perfect for those days when you’re transitioning from errands to outdoor activities.
Performance in Various Trail Conditions
Dry trails: Excellent performance. The lug pattern provided confident traction on packed dirt, gravel, and dry rock surfaces. I never felt unstable during normal hiking conditions.
Wet conditions: This is where things got concerning. Multiple users (and my own experience) confirmed these shoes become dangerously slippery on wet surfaces. I nearly slipped on a wet wooden bridge during a rainy hike, and wet rocks required extreme caution.
Rocky terrain: The shoes provided adequate protection for moderate rock scrambling, though I wouldn’t recommend them for serious technical climbing. The thin mesh upper offers minimal protection against sharp rocks.
Muddy trails: Surprisingly good mud shedding thanks to the lug pattern, though the lack of waterproofing meant soggy socks during creek crossings.
Does Saucony Deliver on Their Promises?
Let’s examine Saucony’s key marketing claims against real-world experience:
“VERSARUN cushioning keeps you moving in balanced comfort all day long” – Partially true. The cushioning is adequate for moderate activities, but “all day long” is optimistic. After 6+ hours of hiking, I definitely felt more foot fatigue than with premium trail shoes.
“Grippy carbon-rubber lugs provide the best traction” – Misleading. While traction is good on dry surfaces, the dangerous performance on wet surfaces makes “best traction” a questionable claim.
“Fresh design details deliver trail protection” – The protection is minimal. The mesh upper provides basic coverage but little protection against rocks, roots, or brush.
My Overall Assessment
Detailed Scoring
7.5/10
4.0/10
8.5/10
3.0/10
7.0/10
6.8/10
What Other Women Are Saying
The community feedback on these shoes is mixed but revealing. Many women appreciate the immediate comfort and affordable price point, especially for occasional trail use. However, there’s a consistent pattern of durability complaints that can’t be ignored.
Positive highlights include comfortable fit, good initial traction, and lightweight feel. Several women mentioned these work well for their intended purpose of casual trail hiking and daily errands.
The concerning feedback centers around premature wear, particularly holes developing in the mesh after just a few months of use. This pattern appears across different sizes and color variations, suggesting a design or quality control issue rather than isolated incidents.
Value Assessment
At $60-80, these shoes occupy an interesting position in the market. They’re priced below premium trail runners but above basic athletic shoes. For someone who hikes occasionally and needs an affordable option, they could work for 6-12 months of moderate use.
However, if you calculate cost-per-use based on the durability reports, more expensive shoes that last 2-3 years might actually provide better value. It depends entirely on your hiking frequency and expectations.
Final Verdict
✅ The Good
- Comfortable for immediate wear
- Lightweight design
- Good traction on dry surfaces
- True to size fit
- Affordable price point
- Adequate cushioning for moderate use
- Decent arch support
❌ The Bad
- Significant durability issues
- Dangerous on wet surfaces
- Mesh tears easily
- Minimal weather protection
- Quality control inconsistencies
- Limited technical trail protection
- Short-term value proposition
Who Should Buy the Saucony Women’s Excursion TR16?
✅ Perfect for:
- Occasional hikers (1-2 times per month)
- Budget-conscious buyers needing short-term solution
- Women who primarily hike dry, well-maintained trails
- Those wanting lightweight shoes for mixed daily use
- Beginners exploring trail hiking
❌ Skip if you:
- Hike frequently (3+ times per week)
- Need shoes for wet or technical terrain
- Want long-term durability (2+ years)
- Require serious weather protection
- Have had foot injuries requiring premium support
Better Options for Specific Needs
For serious hikers: Invest in Merrell Moab 3 or Salomon X Ultra 3 for better durability and protection.
For wet conditions: Look for waterproof options like Columbia Newton Ridge Plus or Keen Terradora.
For budget durability: Consider New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro or previous-generation premium shoes on sale.
Final Recommendation
The Saucony Women’s Excursion TR16 serves a specific market niche – budget-conscious women who need an affordable trail shoe for occasional use. If you understand the limitations and set appropriate expectations, they can be a reasonable short-term solution.
However, the consistent durability reports make it difficult to recommend these for anyone planning regular trail use. At this price point, you’re essentially renting shoes for 6-12 months rather than making a long-term investment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do these shoes run true to size?
Most women find them true to size, though several reviewers noted they run slightly narrow. If you have wide feet or plan to wear thick hiking socks, consider sizing up half a size.
How long do they typically last?
Based on customer feedback, expect 3-8 months of regular use before durability issues appear. Occasional hikers might get 12+ months, while frequent users report problems within 1-3 months.
Are they waterproof?
No, these are not waterproof. The mesh upper will soak through quickly in wet conditions. Several users reported soggy socks from morning dew alone.
Can I use these for running?
While marketed as trail running shoes, they’re better suited for hiking and walking. The minimal cushioning and durability concerns make them questionable for serious running.
How do they perform on wet rocks?
Poorly. Multiple users and my own experience confirm dangerous slip potential on wet surfaces. Exercise extreme caution or choose different shoes for wet conditions.
What’s the return policy if they develop holes quickly?
Amazon typically offers 30-day returns, but some users report Saucony replacing defective shoes directly. Contact customer service if premature wear occurs.
Are there wide width options?
Yes, wide widths are available, though some users report even the wide option feels snug compared to other brands.
How do they compare to previous Saucony trail models?
Long-time Saucony users report the TR16 has reduced quality compared to older models like the TR15, with less arch support and inferior durability.
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Review Scoring Summary
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Comfort | 7.5/10 | Good out-of-box comfort, minimal break-in |
| Dry Traction | 8.5/10 | Excellent grip on dirt, gravel, dry rock |
| Wet Performance | 3.0/10 | Dangerously slippery, avoid wet conditions |
| Durability | 4.0/10 | Consistent reports of premature wear |
| Value for Money | 7.0/10 | Good if expectations match reality |
| Overall Score | 6.8/10 | Decent budget option with clear limitations |