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Saucony Excursion TR11
Saucony Excursion TR11 Review Facts
The style name means this is the 11th update Saucony has made to the Excursion TR. Users have given the mixed shoe reviews. If a consumer were to read two reviews of the TR11, he or she might wonder if the two reviewers are writing about the same shoe. Some critics highly recommend the shoe while others claim it would not be money well-spent.
People who have worn Saucony shoes for years expressed disappointment in the quality of the TR11. The shoe is an example of getting what you pay for. One reviewer was unhappy with a pair of the shoes, because it developed holes after six months. The pair the consumer received in exchange was given a five-star rating.
It is comfortable enough to be worn walking the dog. As a trail shoe, some reviewers found the shoe to be lacking what it takes. The TR11 has an updated upper that does a better job of keeping pebbles and rocks out of the shoe than previous versions. In terms of durability, the shoe falls short.
There is a better cushioning distribution in the new midsole design. Not everyone cares for the new midsole configuration. Durability is the most significant issue. Reviews express disappointment and frustration with the flimsy construction of the shoe. It is surprising that an 11th iteration has been given so little though to durability. The shoe does have some redeeming qualities.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Breathable
Soft, comfortable cushioning
Lightweight
Nice aesthetics
Stable design
Cons
Lacks arch support
Poor technical trail traction
Serious durability issues
Stiff feel
Slippage due to wide fitBreathable
Outsole
Not much has changed in the outsole of the TR11. It features XT-600 rubber and multi-directional lugs for durable traction. XT-600 carbon rubber is abrasion resistant. The shoe digs into surfaces and keeps the runner from flailing in every direction. Multi-directional lugs are strategically placed to improve traction. Reviewers were not particularly impressed.
Many felt it did not deliver the traction needed for technical trails. Those who were satisfied did not indicate the type of surface they regularly ran on. The TR11 is an unlikely fit for runners who regularly run on single technical tracks.
Many felt it did not deliver the traction needed for technical trails. Those who were satisfied did not indicate the type of surface they regularly ran on. The TR11 is an unlikely fit for runners who regularly run on single technical tracks.
Midsole
There was a bit of an update to the midsole of the Saucony Excursion TR11. More IMEVA cushioning has been added, and it is distributed better along the length of the shoes. Reviewers liked the comfortable, soft cushioning and felt the midsole of the TR11 was done right. The GRID cushioning system of previous models remained the same.
Users get additional support in the area of the heel and added padding at the back. A few reviewers preferred a trail shoe with more cushioning to meet their needs. The TR11, with its moderate cushioning, is suitable for both walking and running.
Users get additional support in the area of the heel and added padding at the back. A few reviewers preferred a trail shoe with more cushioning to meet their needs. The TR11, with its moderate cushioning, is suitable for both walking and running.
Upper
The most significant makeover took place in the upper of the shoe. The mesh material has smaller openings that are better at keeping small rocks and dirt out of the shoes. It is quite breathable. Sadly, the mesh does not withstand wear-and-tear well. Mesh that frayed and tore easily annoyed reviewers. Mesh rips after only a few runs were frequently reported.
Good things said about the upper included its ability to ventilate efficiently and its lightweight. The upper features a well-padded collar, a heel tab, and a removable insole. A lace-up closure maintains a snug fit and locks down the feet. A plush tongue and collar are meant to secure feet in place and prevent wobbling and sliding inside the shoe.
Good things said about the upper included its ability to ventilate efficiently and its lightweight. The upper features a well-padded collar, a heel tab, and a removable insole. A lace-up closure maintains a snug fit and locks down the feet. A plush tongue and collar are meant to secure feet in place and prevent wobbling and sliding inside the shoe.
Weight
Compared to similar trail shoes, the average 9.8 ounces of the TR11 is relatively lightweight. A pair of size ten men's Saucony Excursion TR11 weighs one pound and six ounces. It is possible the reduced load was chosen over added durability.
The lightweight mesh is comfortable and airy, but incredibly flimsy. Some reviewers appreciated the lighter weight. They felt it was helpful in doing extra miles. Quite a few users thought the quality was sacrificed to keep down the heft of the shoe. Reviewers may not have tested previous editions of the Sacouny Excursion TR11. The midsole was updated to provide a more even cushion distribution.
The lightweight mesh is comfortable and airy, but incredibly flimsy. Some reviewers appreciated the lighter weight. They felt it was helpful in doing extra miles. Quite a few users thought the quality was sacrificed to keep down the heft of the shoe. Reviewers may not have tested previous editions of the Sacouny Excursion TR11. The midsole was updated to provide a more even cushion distribution.
Breathability
The mesh upper ventilates and circulates will. Reviewers were impressed with the breathability of the Saucony Excursion TR11. The lightweight mesh material was reworked to ensure proper ventilation inside the shoe to keep runners' feet cool and dry.
The lightweight mesh is a great summer weather choice. It cools feet efficiently when conditions are hot. There is also a breathable fabric lining that provides a comfortable feeling in the shoe.
The lightweight mesh is a great summer weather choice. It cools feet efficiently when conditions are hot. There is also a breathable fabric lining that provides a comfortable feeling in the shoe.
Comfort
Like so many other categories, reviewers have mixed opinions about the comfort of the Saucony Excursion TR11. Many found it comfortable and liked the soft cushioning of the IMEVA. Cushioning was future enhanced by the removable foam insole. Others appreciated the breathable mesh upper.
Some reviewers thought the cushioning in the midsole was inadequate. The even distribution of the IMEVA did not seem to have an effect. There were even conflicting reports about how wide or narrow the shoes are. The full fit was cited as a reason for compromised stability. Some felt running in the Excursion TR11 felt too jarring. A lack of arch support disappointed a few runners.
Some reviewers thought the cushioning in the midsole was inadequate. The even distribution of the IMEVA did not seem to have an effect. There were even conflicting reports about how wide or narrow the shoes are. The full fit was cited as a reason for compromised stability. Some felt running in the Excursion TR11 felt too jarring. A lack of arch support disappointed a few runners.
Style
The tough exterior of the Saucony Excursion is a mirage. Reviewers liked the aesthetics of the shoes, but they are not as super rugged as they appear. There are lots of color options. Choices for women include black/teal, grey/pink, and yellow/indigo. For men, the TR11 is available in grey/green, orange/black, and grey/ brown.
Durability
Durability is not a strong suit for the Saucony Excursion TR11. There were consistent complaints from reviewers about the durability of the shoes. The mesh upper, intended for keeping debris out of the shoes, is not resistant and is flimsy.
Various reports of rips and tears after a few uses were lodged. Because the shoe is so lightweight, it is prone to fraying. There were a few complaints about the outsole rubber. It came off in places. A multi-day hike would find the shoes a wreck at the end of an excursion.
Various reports of rips and tears after a few uses were lodged. Because the shoe is so lightweight, it is prone to fraying. There were a few complaints about the outsole rubber. It came off in places. A multi-day hike would find the shoes a wreck at the end of an excursion.
Protection
Without a rock plate, the TR11 has no protection from debris and sharp rocks. There is moderate midsole IMEVA cushioning that does provide some impact protection. It is heightened with the aid of the Heel GRID system. The system effectively reduces the impact of landing by allowing the layer under the heel to compress. It molds to the shape of runners' feet and provides a well-buffered cushion in the region.
Responsiveness
Reviewers were also not impressed with the responsiveness of the Saucony Excursion TR11. Users thought the shoe felt rigid. The IMEVA cushioning has no special rebound qualities that were reported by testers. It should be noted the updated midsole design increased both comfort and responsiveness of the shoe when compared to previous editions.
The IMEVA midsole has a reputation of enhanced responsiveness and excellent cushioning that is meant to ensure a high return of energy that keeps runners from worrying about fatigue.
The IMEVA midsole has a reputation of enhanced responsiveness and excellent cushioning that is meant to ensure a high return of energy that keeps runners from worrying about fatigue.
Support
Support is a favorable area for the Saucony Excursion TR11. A supportive base is provided by the IMEVA cushioning. The feet are encapsulated by the mesh upper and provided with support. Not all reviewers were happy. Some took issue with slippage caused by a very wide fit. A narrow footed runner should steer clear of the shoe. It is relatively supportive overall. The rigid feel keeps runners in check, but the shoe lacks midfoot area arch support.
Terrain
The Saucony Excursion TR11 is meant for trail use but lacks the durability needed for off-road running. The mesh upper is an addition that has mixed reviews about the ability to keep out dirt and debris. It does keep the feet cool and dry. The TR11 is not durable enough for frequent off-road jaunts.
It can barely handle regular road running. Some reviewers report the traction of the outsole is insufficient for technical trails while others claim the outsole performs exceptionally well on various terrains.
It can barely handle regular road running. Some reviewers report the traction of the outsole is insufficient for technical trails while others claim the outsole performs exceptionally well on various terrains.
Price
Before examing the shoe, the price of the Saucony Excursion TR11 seems reasonable. It is not a good value at the MSRP of $70. The price range on Amazon is from $30 to $163. The consistent reviews about the durability of the TR11 are reason enough to rethink purchasing these shoes.
The less than ideal design, flimsy upper, and fit issues make the shoe a poor trail running choice. There is no reason to settle for a pair of shoes with so many problems when there are so many good options available.
The less than ideal design, flimsy upper, and fit issues make the shoe a poor trail running choice. There is no reason to settle for a pair of shoes with so many problems when there are so many good options available.
Traction
Traction is essential for trail running. Runners heading down an uneven terrain want shoes to keep them grounded. Good grip provides confidence.
Sadly, the Saucony Excursion TR11 also has traction issues. A few reviewers felt the shoe's grip ability was no problem.
However, may felt the shoes were not up to the par needed for technical tail running. Some reviewers found it a chore to bound down a single track. The outsole was slippery on rugged terrain and wet rocks.
Sadly, the Saucony Excursion TR11 also has traction issues. A few reviewers felt the shoe's grip ability was no problem.
However, may felt the shoes were not up to the par needed for technical tail running. Some reviewers found it a chore to bound down a single track. The outsole was slippery on rugged terrain and wet rocks.
Flexibility
Reviewers agree the Saucony Excursion TR11 feels stiff and rigid. The design helps provide stability and support but keeps the runner from a natural stride experience. Some testers welcomed the stiffness because it provided support and structural integrity. Others felt the rigidity was uncomfortable and would not recommend the shoe. The insole of the shoe is flexible, and runners can adopt a natural running gait without more flexibility.
Stability
The Saucony Excursion TR11 provides adequate, but not optimum stability. It is a bit wide for many testers who reported slippage. Such movement increases the chance of blisters and reduces the stability. On hard packed terrain, the traction is likely adequate, but on technical trails it is subpar. Wearing the shoes while running on wet rocks is a slippery mess.
Drop
The drop of the Saucony Excursion Tr11 may be the only feature for which critics had no complaints. There are discrepancies in the drop height. Some sources advertise the drop to be eight-mm others say it is 12mm. The standard heel to toe drop for trail running shoes is nine to 12mm. Reviewers found nothing wrong with the drop and felt the shoe was adequately stable.
Key Features
Available in wide widths
Breathable knit mesh upper
GRID cushioning system for support and protection
Heel tab
IMEVA cushioned midsole
Made for trail running
Moderate cushioning New upper design having smaller mesh to prevent debris from entering the shoes
Outsole lugs add underfoot protection and traction
Removable insole
Synthetic overlays that protect from trail debris
XT-600 outsole rubber for durability and traction
Well-padded ankle collar
Breathable knit mesh upper
GRID cushioning system for support and protection
Heel tab
IMEVA cushioned midsole
Made for trail running
Moderate cushioning New upper design having smaller mesh to prevent debris from entering the shoes
Outsole lugs add underfoot protection and traction
Removable insole
Synthetic overlays that protect from trail debris
XT-600 outsole rubber for durability and traction
Well-padded ankle collar
Bottom Line
Thru-hikers and frequent trail runners will find the Saucony Excursion TR11 to be a poor choice. Keep looking if you want a reliable off-road running shoe. The negatives outweigh the positives. On the plus side are a breathable upper, lightweight construction, a stable design and soft midsole cushioning.
These things might be suitable for occasional weekend hikers. The shoes do not provide the traction needed for technical runs. Even though the price tag is relatively low, the lifespan of the shoes keeps them from being worth the money.
The new mesh upper was not thoroughly pondered. It does keep out debris and dust but is weakly constructed and will rip easily. The TR11 has a tough and ready appearance, but the components of the shoe are not good enough for spending significant amounts of time outside running.
Serious trail runners wanting the guarantee of a solid, reliable shoe will have to look elsewhere, based on conflicting reviews of testers. It is almost painful to rate this shoe as 7.3 out of ten, but the list of key features, its breathability, aesthetics, drop, and stability are the only positive features. It lacks a quality outsole, midsole, or upper. It is not particularly comfortable, durable, protective, or flexible. The shoe has inadequate traction for diverse terrains.
These things might be suitable for occasional weekend hikers. The shoes do not provide the traction needed for technical runs. Even though the price tag is relatively low, the lifespan of the shoes keeps them from being worth the money.
The new mesh upper was not thoroughly pondered. It does keep out debris and dust but is weakly constructed and will rip easily. The TR11 has a tough and ready appearance, but the components of the shoe are not good enough for spending significant amounts of time outside running.
Serious trail runners wanting the guarantee of a solid, reliable shoe will have to look elsewhere, based on conflicting reviews of testers. It is almost painful to rate this shoe as 7.3 out of ten, but the list of key features, its breathability, aesthetics, drop, and stability are the only positive features. It lacks a quality outsole, midsole, or upper. It is not particularly comfortable, durable, protective, or flexible. The shoe has inadequate traction for diverse terrains.
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