The Saucony Men’s Excursion TR17 is a neutral trail running shoe designed for people who need dependable footing across changing surfaces and conditions. It is built for walkers and runners who move between pavement, gravel, dirt paths, and lightly maintained trails and want a shoe that remains stable and comfortable when the environment is less predictable.
The Excursion line has been part of Saucony’s catalog since the mid-2000s, originally created as an accessible trail option for everyday runners. Over time, the series has gained a strong following among walkers as well, particularly those who prefer a firmer, more controlled ride than most road shoes provide. This model is especially appealing to people who walk or run year-round and encounter moisture, slush, grit, or uneven footing as part of their regular routine.
For example, I like to run and walk on these shoes during the winter months thanks to their water resistant uppers and grippy soles.
Key Specifications
The Excursion TR17 uses an approximate 8 mm heel-to-toe drop, offering a familiar transition for those coming from road shoes while helping reduce excessive strain on the Achilles tendon. Cushioning comes from Saucony’s VERSARUN foam, which leans firm and supportive rather than soft or bouncy.
Support is neutral, supported by a wide, stable platform. The outsole is made from carbon rubber with trail-oriented lugs designed for mixed surfaces. The upper uses reinforced mesh that is water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, helping repel slush, light snow, and wet debris.
Weight is approximately 10.5 ounces in a men’s size 9. Sizes typically range from US 7 through 14, with both standard (D) and wide (2E) width options available depending on retailer.
Review and Analysis
The defining characteristic of the Excursion TR17 is stability. The shoe feels grounded and predictable, particularly on surfaces where softer road shoes can feel uncertain. The VERSARUN midsole provides impact protection without excessive compression, which helps maintain balance on gravel, wet pavement, and uneven terrain.
Although categorized as a neutral shoe, the overall geometry contributes to a naturally stable ride. The base is wide enough to inspire confidence during longer walks and steady runs, while the heel counter keeps the rearfoot secure. This combination is especially noticeable when transitioning between surfaces, such as moving from pavement to dirt or navigating areas where footing changes frequently.
Traction is another strength. The outsole grips well on packed dirt, gravel, and wet surfaces without feeling overly aggressive on pavement. This makes the shoe practical for people who do not want to change footwear when their route includes multiple surface types. In colder or wetter conditions, the traction provides more confidence than most road shoes, particularly when surfaces are slick rather than deeply snowy.
The upper balances protection and breathability. While not fully waterproof, it resists moisture far better than standard mesh road shoes, helping keep feet drier in slush, wet grass, and light snow. At the same time, airflow remains adequate for longer sessions once conditions dry out.
Fit is generally true to size, and the availability of a wide (2E) option makes the TR17 more accommodating than many trail shoes. The toe box allows reasonable room for natural foot movement, which becomes increasingly important during longer walks or when wearing thicker socks.
Durability is solid for the category. The outsole holds up well to abrasive surfaces, and the upper maintains its structure even with repeated exposure to moisture and debris. While it does not use premium materials, it offers strong value for regular mixed-terrain use.
Pricing in 2026
The Saucony Excursion TR17 is generally positioned in the USD $65 to $85 range, depending on size, width, and colorway, which places it firmly in the budget to lower mid-range category for trail and road-to-trail shoes. Pricing can fluctuate based on availability, seasonal demand, and whether newer or less common sizes—such as wide (2E) options—are in stock. Because of this variability, checking current pricing online is often the most reliable way to confirm up-to-date costs and availability. Many buyers use Amazon to verify real-time pricing, compare sellers, and locate specific size and width combinations that may not be consistently available through local retailers.
Who This Shoe Works Best For
This shoe works well for walkers and runners who regularly encounter mixed or changing surfaces, including pavement, gravel, packed dirt, and lightly maintained paths. It suits those who prefer a stable, controlled ride rather than a highly cushioned or springy feel.
It is a practical option for people who stay active year-round and experience seasonal conditions such as wet pavement, slush, light snow, or muddy stretches. The added traction and water resistance make it more versatile than a standard road shoe without crossing into heavy hiking footwear.
Neutral runners and walkers who value predictability, durability, and underfoot protection are likely to appreciate the Excursion TR17. It may also work well for individuals with mild foot sensitivities who benefit from firmer cushioning and a stable platform, provided no medical-grade motion control is required.
If You Like These Shoes, You May Like the Excursion TR17
If you like this shoe | Because you like it for | Why the Excursion TR17 may appeal |
|---|---|---|
Brooks Ghost 17 | Consistent ride and neutral support | Similar predictability with better grip on loose or wet surfaces |
Brooks Adrenaline GTS | Secure, controlled feel | A stable platform without formal motion-control elements |
Saucony Ride | Moderate cushioning and straightforward fit | Familiar Saucony feel adapted for mixed terrain |
ASICS Gel-Venture | Road-to-trail versatility | Smoother transitions and improved seasonal traction |
Lightweight hiking shoes | Protection and grip | Comparable stability with less weight and more flexibility |
Shoes Similar to the Saucony Excursion TR17
If you’re looking at the Saucony Excursion TR17, you’re likely prioritizing mixed-surface versatility, stability, traction, and value rather than aggressive trail racing features. The following models sit in that same practical crossover category.
ASICS Gel-Venture 9 / Gel-Venture 8
Often considered the closest competitor to the Excursion line, the Gel-Venture series appeals to walkers and runners who want a durable, affordable road-to-trail shoe. Like the TR17, it offers dependable traction, a stable platform, and good durability for gravel paths and uneven pavement, though it tends to feel slightly firmer underfoot. See pricing and more info for the ASICS Gel-Venture shoes.
Brooks Divide 4
The Brooks Divide is designed specifically for road-to-trail use. It shares the Excursion TR17’s balanced ride and moderate cushioning but feels a bit more road-oriented. People who like Brooks’ fit and want light trail capability without a bulky feel often compare these two directly. See pricing and more info for the Brooks Divide 4
Nike Juniper Trail 2
The Juniper Trail is another entry-level trail shoe aimed at casual runners and walkers. It offers decent traction and a straightforward ride similar to the TR17, though it generally runs narrower and places more emphasis on road comfort than stability on loose gravel. See pricing and further info on the Nike Juniper Trail 2
New Balance 410 v8
This model attracts buyers who want an affordable, rugged shoe for mixed terrain. Like the Excursion TR17, it emphasizes outsole durability and a stable base. Cushioning is firmer and less refined, but the overall use case is similar. See pricing and further info on the new Balance 410 v8.
Merrell Nova 3
For those considering a slightly more trail-focused option, the Merrell Nova series offers improved grip and protection while remaining flexible enough for walking. Compared to the TR17, it leans more toward trail performance and less toward pavement comfort. See pricing and more info on the Merrell Nova 3.
What to Know Before Buying
The Excursion TR17 is designed for light trail and mixed-surface use rather than technical or mountainous terrain. Its upper is water-resistant, not fully waterproof, making it well suited to wet, slushy, or gritty conditions but not prolonged immersion. Those needing aggressive rock protection or maximal cushioning may prefer a more specialized trail model.
Where to Find the Saucony Excursion TR17
The Saucony Excursion TR17 is available through a mix of specialty running retailers and large online marketplaces like Amazon, though in-store selection can be limited by size, width, and colorway. Many buyers find that online listings offer a broader range of options, including extended sizes and wide (2E) widths that are not consistently stocked locally. Checking online availability can also be useful for confirming current model versions, comparing pricing, and identifying retailers that carry specific size and width combinations before making a purchase decision.
