I am an ER nurse, and work 12 hour shifts in a busy Emergency Department. I'm also far from the height-weight proportionate weekend athlete and gym rat I was in my 20's and 30's. I've put on some pounds over the years and this can equate with back, leg and foot pain after being on my feet for 12 straight hours. As my career is dependent on my being able to move, and physically work hard, it's important for me to take care of myself as much as possible while still over-indulging my sweet tooth.

Historically, I buy a new pair of Asics Gel Kayanos every year. They're expensive as hell, but they do the trick- Hours and miles of shlepping, without back, leg or foot pain.
This year when I went to shop for a pair of Asics, I was bummed to realize that nearly every model now appears in some trendy blend of neon colors. Even in my twenties, I wasn't the neon type, and I'm even less so now, as I push fifty. So I started looking around for something a little more conservative and apt to fit within the workplace dress code guidelines.
I own a pair of Saucony runners that I use for everyday- not workplace- use, and I like them. They're supportive, comfy, and wear well, holding up overtime (better than my Nikes, which seem to fall apart pretty quickly.)

The Saucony Women's ProGrid Xodus 2.0 are made for trail running, which is kind of akin to running around an ER for 12 hours. I've gotten compliments on the shoes from co-workers and patients alike, and they're wearing well, holding up mile after mile, resisting spraying body fluids, puddles of muck and phlegm, and other workplace environmental hazards. I have no physical pain, indicating to me that these are as effective as my Asics Gel Kayanos.

Best of all, in a year where I wound up OWING the IRS instead of getting a refund, these shoes were HALF the price of the Asics I usually buy.

So why not 5 stars?
There's a funny little accent that runs from the tip of the toe to the top laces. It bugs me, and I don't like it. Just a design thing, and doesn;t affect the way the shoes wear or fit. Also these shoes are shimmery silver with shimmery grey. I'm not crazy about that either, but again, this has no bearing at all on how they wear and feel.

Overall?
A good deal.