Saucony Ultra Ridge GTX ($190)
Introduction
Sam: The name.. Ultra Ridge GTX is a bit confusing but it actually spells out exactly what this new entry from Saucony is capable of. The “Ridge GTX” is clearly, based on appearances, a sleek modern hiking boot. The stats hint at the “Ultra” part and we’ll get to that here.
It is very, very light at a mere 12.72 oz in US9 for a 32.5 mm heel / 26.5 mm stack height hike collar boot and is on the higher end of what a trail running shoe, with a low or mid height top would weigh.

How is that possible? Well, Saucony uses a core of its supercritical high rebounding PWRRUN Pb PEBA foam (same as in is Endorphin Pro and Speed road shoes) surrounded by a frame of firmer PWRRUN EVA/TPU foam (as found in the Peregrine 13-14).

The undercarriage construction and 4mm lug outsole with woven rock protection for sure looks.. Ultra run worthy and is identical to the Xodus Ultra trail runner but with a ridge running hiking upper!

Genius yet again from Saucony as we have here what potentially is both a no compromises all seasons hiking boot that is super light and a trail runner, winter run offering that while heavier than many has the ride of a fast trail runner. Let’s see how they performed in our early testing.
Pros:
Boot? Trail Runner? Both! and with few compromises beyond maybe weight as a trail running shoe: Sam/Jeff
-Runs as well as hikes! Smooth flowing 8mm drop, supercritical foam core, very stable, lightly propulsive rock plate: Sam/Jeff
-Incredibly light for a supportive full pledged boot Sam/Jeff
-Incredible foot/ankle support - Jeff/Sam
-Light in weight considering everything it brings - Jeff/Sam
-Great option for the ultrarunner with “bad ankles” or very rough terrain racing: Sam/Jeff
--Flexible lacing: tight down low, looser up top for forward run flex with side support or full on boot snug to the top: Sam
-State of the art trail runner underfoot platform with plenty of run flexiblity (same as Xodus Ultra) in a boot, what a great and fast idea: Sam/Jeff
-Solid underfoot protection - Jeff
-Torsionally rigid with high collar makes it stable for carrying decent size loads: Sam
-Excellent grip on hard packed snow: Sam
-Waterproof gusset goes up high enough - Jeff
-Front/rear pull tab helps ingress/egress - Jeff
Cons:
-Waterproof Gore-Tex upper but outsole struggles in mud - Jeff
- I wonder if such a high cuff is really needed, may add to weight: Sam
-Weird blue sample color way neither run shoe or boot: Sam
Stats
Official Weight: men's 12.6 oz / 357g (US9) / women's 11 oz / 312g (US8)
Samples: men’s 12.72 oz / 361g US9, 13.44 oz / 381g US10.5
Stack Height: men’s 32.5 mm heel / 26.5mm forefoot
$190 Available March 28, 2023