While we often promote looking for neutral running shoes, there’s something really nice about the light stability elements that show up in the Saucony Ride 18. It’s absolutely not a firm stability shoe, but a neutral shoe that without the massive stack and some other features might just be the thing a lot of runners need.
For awhile I just didn’t have much to say about the Ride, so I didn’t. If you don’t have something nice to say…
But the 17 was an overhaul and a great deal of those changes were made just smidge better with this new version.
What if, hear me out, you don’t always need a shoe with the most cushion? What if it’s actually better for you to rotate cushion levels? In fact, I argue this a lot based on studies in my how to rotate running shoes article!
200 Mile Update
This felt like an important update, as we’ve continued to run in this shoe, but also had a TON of feedback from other runners. While we find the shoe still feels good, there are definitely some questions about durability.
- A lot of reports of the breaking down around 200 miles
- This is appearing in the outsole and the foam
- As noted, the shoe for us is still riding well, but we can’t overlook all of these comments
Who Is It Good For?
Who is Saucony Ride 18 a good fit for? Let’s break it down with some common categories:
- Wide Feet: It’s not a wide shoe, but accommodating for wider feet
- Heavier Runners: TPU foam means it’s going to hold up longer
- Long Runs: Absolutely can be a long run shoe, though many of you will lean towards a more max cushion now
- Front of the Pack: Only as an easy run shoe, this is not a tempo or speed shoe.
We need a new category of best traditional style running shoes to put this in! It’s not a max cushion, it’s a lightweight speed shoe, but it’s a good solid dependable shoe.
Saucony Ride 18 Overview
If you liked the Ride 17, well spoiler alert this model isn’t vastly different so you will be a happy camper. It really is not our favorite to have to tell you when a shoe you love changes, so this feels like a nice holiday gift to us.
The 17 was such a good upgrade, we’re happy with both the feel and longevity of the PWRRUN+ foam they’ve kept in the shoe. A TPU foam is going to be really durable and help the shoe last you longer.
Plus, we’ve packed a lot of miles in to these shoes already and are shocked to say that it’s now a go to trainer. After months and months of nothing but big cushy stack heights, this was truly a welcome change.
Folks are finding some sore ankles or even some increased issues with Plantar Fasciitis due to all the cushion and this nipped that in the bud immediately.
It’s not flashy, it doesn’t have huge selling points, it’s just a trainer that feels pretty nice and will last! While the brand says it’s their most durable and that could sound like marketing, from our research on foam and looking at the outsole, we concur.
Good bang for your buck in a shoe that will go the distance.
There was a little change in the midsole, but Saucony put most of the effort in to upgrading the upper. The goal was to upgrade the look, feel and help to remove some weight. Listen cushion and weight are the two features everyone is looking at now, so the shoe is actually an ounce lighter!
While it’s not a stability shoe, we’ve always found the Ride to have some elements which inherently make it feel more stable.
You could certainly do some speed work in this shoe, but it’s probably not what we’d reach for on those days. It doesn’t feel fast, but you aren’t held back by mounds of cushion either. Again, it reminds us of what ALL running shoes used to feel like, but with nicer cushion.
Saucony Ride 18 Specifications
- Heel toe drop: 8mm
- Weight: 8 oz women’s, 9.1 oz men’s
- Stack: 35 mm
- Usage: Long run shoe
- Available in fifteen colors (wowzers)
- Available in Wide
- Available at Saucony.com $140
Similar durability is seen on the outsole with the coverage of the rubber. I know it’s hard to see on this entirely white tread, but I was so smitten with the gold shoe that you’ll have to forgive the choice.
Ride 18 Fit
Having run in the gamut of Saucony shoes, this felt like a normal size length. The shoe does have a bit more room in the width compared to some models like the older Kinvara or the Endorphin line which can be a bit more narrow.
I could gush about the upper, but how many of you pay attention to it unless it doesn’t fit well??
This felt really comfortable, a little more flexible than past versions. The heel collar and tongue are both padded, so I ran in to no issues with rubbing or friction. It’s a better padding in the heel than the 17
The laces would be a stretch to try and do my normal heel lock lacing, but I didn’t actually notice needing it in this shoe. You’ll also see there are 3 eyelets, instead of 2 at the top. So go wild, play with the lacing to give the top of your foot some space if needed.
Our Verdict
This remains one of our go-tos even though it’s not super flashy with all the bells and whistles. The Ride is a durable and really comfortable shoe that checks all of our boxes, especially for the price point.
Similar Shoes to Saucony Ride 18
What’s currently out there to rival this moderate shoe? We’ve tested a few that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit:
- Nike Pegasus 41 – (Slightly more narrow)
- Brooks Ghost 16 – (A little firmer)
- Saucony Kinvara – (Right, we’re confused too, but they are getting extremely close. The Kinvara is lighter)
We’re often asked about the Saucony Ride Vs Guide, so here’s a quick side by side, but checkout that link for a more in-depth comparison.
In terms of the Saucony line up, where does the ride fit, well if we exclude the Endorphin line, here’s a look:
- Saucony Triumph is going to be the max cushion option
- Saucony Kinvara is more of a do it all from easy to speed work (again not an Endorphin)
- Saucony Ride is the moderate cushion daily trainer
- Saucony Guide is the stability model of the Ride
- Saucony Hurricane is the max cushion stability option
I admit having tested so many shoes that I often come in with an idea about the shoe and I’m pretty spot on. This time I was wrong…it seemed boring, but it turned out to be exactly what I was needing in my life!
Not flashy, not crazy high tech, not expensive, but a durable shoe that feels good for miles.
More questions about the Saucony Ride 18, just drop a note below!
Looking for additional shoe reviews?
- Best Lightweight Running Shoes
- Best Long Distance Running Shoes
- Saucony vs New Balance Running Shoes
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