Saucony Ride 18

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Saucony Ride 18: Review

“A balanced shoe for daily running with responsive cushioning.”

Overview


The Saucony Ride 18 is a running shoe designed to offer a balanced blend of comfort and performance for daily training. This shoe is known for its lightweight construction and responsive cushioning.

Key Features:

  • PWRRUN+ Midsole: Provides a soft yet responsive cushioning experience.
  • Engineered Mesh Upper: Offers a breathable and supportive fit.
  • XT-900 Outsole: Ensures durability and traction on various surfaces.

The Saucony Ride 18 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize comfort and responsiveness for everyday running. Its breathable upper offers excellent ventilation, making it suitable for long runs in warm conditions.

Verdict

The consensus on the Saucony Ride 18


The Saucony Ride 18 is praised for its significant weight reduction and improved breathability, making it a strong contender in the daily training category. The PWRRUN+ midsole provides a responsive ride, although some runners may find it a bit firm. The shoe's upper is well-ventilated, offering a comfortable fit, but the toebox might feel narrow for those with wider feet. The outsole, while durable, could offer better grip on wet surfaces. Overall, the Ride 18 maintains its reputation as a reliable and versatile trainer, suitable for a range of paces and distances. Its affordability and performance make it a great value for money. For runners seeking a dependable daily trainer with a balance of comfort and responsiveness, the Saucony Ride 18 is a solid choice.

Updates to Saucony Ride 18


The Saucony Ride 18 introduces several updates over its predecessor, the Saucony Ride 17. The most notable change is the significant weight reduction, making the shoe lighter and more agile. The upper has been redesigned with a more breathable engineered mesh, enhancing comfort and ventilation. The midsole retains the PWRRUN+ foam, but with a slightly firmer feel for improved responsiveness. These updates ensure that the Ride 18 continues to offer a balanced and reliable performance for Saucony Ride enthusiasts.

Comparable Shoes


The Brooks Ghost 16 is a popular choice for runners seeking a cushioned and comfortable ride. Compared to the Saucony Ride 18, the Ghost 16 offers a slightly softer feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a plush experience. However, the Ride 18 provides a more responsive ride, catering to runners who enjoy a firmer underfoot feel. Both shoes offer excellent durability and are suitable for daily training, but the Ride 18's lighter weight may appeal to those looking for a more agile option.

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 26 is known for its cushioning and support, making it a great option for runners seeking comfort. In comparison, the Saucony Ride 18 offers a more responsive ride with its PWRRUN+ midsole, appealing to those who prefer a firmer feel. While both shoes provide good durability, the Ride 18's breathable upper gives it an edge in warmer conditions. Runners who value a balance of comfort and responsiveness may find the Ride 18 a better fit for their needs.

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 is a versatile shoe known for its cushioning and support. Compared to the Saucony Ride 18, the Pegasus 40 offers a more cushioned ride, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer feel. However, the Ride 18 provides a more responsive and agile experience, ideal for runners who enjoy a firmer underfoot sensation. Both shoes are excellent choices for daily training, but the Ride 18's lighter weight and breathable upper may appeal to those seeking a more ventilated option.

9 Saucony Ride 18 Pros & Cons


5 Pros

Significant weight reduction for a lighter feel.
Excellent breathability with an engineered mesh upper.
Responsive PWRRUN+ midsole for a balanced ride.
Good value for money as a daily trainer.
Versatile for various distances and paces.

4 Cons

Narrow toebox may not suit wide-footed runners.
Grip on wet surfaces could be improved.
Limited changes from the previous model.
Some minor heel slippage reported.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Saucony Ride 18 is crafted from engineered mesh, providing a breathable and supportive fit. This design ensures that the shoe remains lightweight while offering excellent ventilation, making it ideal for breathable running experiences. The mesh material adapts well to the foot, offering a snug fit without feeling restrictive. The plush padding around the heel collar adds to the overall comfort, ensuring a secure fit during runs.

Midsole

The midsole of the Saucony Ride 18 features the PWRRUN+ foam, known for its responsive and cushioned feel. This material provides a balance between softness and energy return, making it suitable for daily running. The 8 mm heel-to-toe drop caters to various footstrike styles, offering a smooth transition from heel to toe. The midsole's firmness may not appeal to those seeking a plush ride, but it offers stability and control for a variety of paces.

Outsole

The outsole of the Saucony Ride 18 is made from XT-900 rubber, known for its durability and traction. While the rubber coverage is limited to save weight, it provides adequate grip on dry surfaces. However, the shoe's performance on wet roads could be improved. The outsole's design includes flex grooves that enhance flexibility, allowing for a natural foot movement during runs. This makes the Ride 18 a reliable choice for road running.

Size/fit

The Saucony Ride 18 offers a true-to-size fit with a medium toe box, catering to a wide range of foot shapes. The engineered mesh upper provides a snug fit, particularly around the midfoot, ensuring that the foot remains secure during runs. However, runners with wider feet might find the toebox slightly narrow. The shoe is available in wide sizing options, enhancing its adaptability for different foot widths.

Comfort

Comfort is a standout feature of the Saucony Ride 18, thanks to its plush upper and responsive midsole. The shoe provides a comfortable step-in feel, with ample padding around the heel and tongue. The breathable mesh upper ensures that the foot remains cool and dry, even during longer runs. While the midsole offers a firm ride, it provides enough cushioning for everyday training.

Cushioning

The PWRRUN+ midsole in the Saucony Ride 18 offers a balanced cushioning experience, providing both softness and responsiveness. This makes it suitable for runners who prefer a firm yet cushioned ride. The 8 mm drop supports a smooth transition, catering to various running styles. While not as plush as some maximalist shoes, the Ride 18 offers sufficient cushioning for daily runs and moderate distances.

Breathability

Breathability is a key feature of the Saucony Ride 18, thanks to its engineered mesh upper. The material allows for excellent airflow, keeping the foot cool and dry during runs. This makes the shoe ideal for well-ventilated running experiences, particularly in warmer conditions. The breathable design does not compromise on support, ensuring a comfortable fit throughout the run.

Stability

The Saucony Ride 18 offers a stable ride, making it suitable for neutral runners. The shoe's design provides a secure fit, with a firm midsole that enhances stability during runs. The 8 mm drop and torsional rigidity contribute to a balanced ride, allowing for smooth transitions. While not specifically designed for overpronators, the Ride 18 offers enough support for those with a neutral pronation.

Durability

Durability is a strong point for the Saucony Ride 18, with its XT-900 rubber outsole providing long-lasting wear. The shoe's construction is designed to withstand regular use, making it a reliable choice for everyday running. While the upper's breathability may slightly compromise its durability, the overall build quality ensures that the Ride 18 can handle a variety of running conditions.

Grip

The grip of the Saucony Ride 18 is adequate for dry surfaces, thanks to its XT-900 rubber outsole. However, the shoe's performance on wet roads could be improved, as the limited rubber coverage may lead to reduced traction. Despite this, the Ride 18 remains a reliable choice for road running, offering a stable and secure ride on most surfaces.

Flex

Flexibility is a notable feature of the Saucony Ride 18, with its design allowing for natural foot movement. The shoe's flex grooves in the outsole enhance its flexibility, making it suitable for a variety of running styles. This flexibility contributes to a smooth and comfortable ride, particularly for everyday training. The Ride 18's balance of flexibility and support makes it a versatile choice for runners.

Who should buy the Saucony Ride 18?


The Saucony Ride 18 is perfect for runners seeking a reliable and versatile shoe for daily running. Its balance of comfort and responsiveness makes it ideal for those who enjoy a firm yet cushioned ride. Runners with a neutral pronation will appreciate the stability and support offered by this shoe. Additionally, those who value a breathable and well-ventilated upper will find the Ride 18 a great choice for longer runs in warm conditions.

Who should not buy the Saucony Ride 18?


Runners who prefer a plush, maximalist shoe may find the Saucony Ride 18 too firm for their liking. Those with wide feet might find the toebox a bit narrow, despite the availability of wide sizing options. If you require maximum cushioning for joint protection, consider alternatives like the Brooks Glycerin Max or the ASICS Novablast 5. Additionally, if you frequently run on wet surfaces, the Ride 18's grip may not be sufficient, and you might want to explore other models with better wet traction.

Saucony Ride 18: What's it good for?


The Saucony Ride 18 is well-suited for daily running and road running, offering a balance of comfort and responsiveness. Its breathable upper makes it ideal for well-ventilated runs in warm conditions. The shoe's stability and support cater to neutral pronation runners, while its flexibility allows for a natural foot movement. Whether you're training for a 5K or a half marathon, the Ride 18 provides a reliable and versatile option for a variety of distances and paces.

5 Saucony Ride 18 FAQs


Is the Saucony Ride 18 suitable for daily running?

Yes, the Saucony Ride 18 is designed for daily running, offering a balance of comfort and responsiveness for everyday training.

Does the Saucony Ride 18 have a breathable upper?

The Saucony Ride 18 features an engineered mesh upper that provides excellent breathability, making it ideal for runs in warm conditions.

What is the heel-to-toe drop of the Saucony Ride 18?

The Saucony Ride 18 has a heel-to-toe drop of 8 mm, catering to various footstrike styles and providing a smooth transition.

Is the Saucony Ride 18 suitable for runners with wide feet?

While the Saucony Ride 18 offers a medium toe box, it is available in wide sizing options, making it adaptable for runners with wider feet.

How does the Saucony Ride 18 perform on wet surfaces?

The Saucony Ride 18's XT-900 rubber outsole provides adequate grip on dry surfaces, but its performance on wet roads could be improved.

Saucony Ride 18 alternatives



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Weight
Weight
M: 269 g
W: 230 g
M: 218 g
W: 184 g
M: 332 g
W: 286 g
M: 289 g
W: 258 g
M: 266 g
W: 238 g
M: 309 g
W: 261 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
29 mm
28 mm
30 mm
28 mm
23 mm
25 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
8 mm
8 mm
10 mm
10 mm
10 mm
Heel
Heel
37 mm
36 mm
38 mm
38 mm
33 mm
35 mm
Brand
Brand
Saucony
BrooksASICSBrooksadidasNike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Maximalist
ComfortableLightweightComfortableMaximalistComfortableMaximalistComfortableComfortableMaximalist
Breathable
Breathable
Rocker
Rocker
Techs
Techs
ASICS Gel
Gore-Tex
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Vegan Ⓥ
Sustainable
0

Saucony Ride 18: what the experts say (4 reviews)

Saucony Ride 18: 8 Expert video reviews

Saucony Ride 18 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2144)
TerrainRoad (+1438)
UsagesDaily running (+1196)
BrandSaucony (+133)
Support TypeNeutral (+1683)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1658)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1186)Heel strike (+1162)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1605)
Shoe TypeMaximalist (+478)
FitMedium toe box (+920)
FeaturesBreathable (+805)Orthotic friendly (+542)Removable insole (+525)
MaterialsMesh (+1020)Reflective (+231)
ColorwaysAzurite / Peel, Black / White, Black Gum, Black Shadow, Black Skydiver, Cloud, Cloud / Dream, Cloud / Dusk, Cloud / Shadow, Hemlock / Bloom
Specificationsvs Average
Model
18
Released
Feb 2025
Measurements
Weight
M: 269 g
W: 230 g
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
Heel
37 mm
Forefoot
29 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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