Saucony Ride 18 Review: A Versatile Daily Trainer with Enhanced Comfort and Performance🏃‍♂️

The Saucony Ride 18 is the latest iteration of Saucony’s popular daily training shoe, designed to offer runners a reliable, comfortable, and versatile option for their everyday runs. Building on the success of the Ride 17, the Ride 18 introduces subtle yet impactful updates that enhance its performance, comfort, and durability. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, and overall value of the Saucony Ride 18, helping you decide if it’s the right shoe for your running needs.

🛠️ Key Features of the Saucony Ride 18

The Saucony Ride 18 is packed with features that make it a standout choice for daily training. Here’s a breakdown of its key specifications:

• Weight: 266g (9.4 oz) for a men’s size US 9.
• Drop: 8mm (35mm heel, 27mm forefoot).
• Midsole: PowerRun Plus foam for a balance of cushioning and responsiveness.
• Outsole: XT-900 rubber compound for enhanced durability and grip.
• Upper: Engineered mesh for improved breathability and a stretchy, comfortable fit.
• Price: $140 / £130.

🧩 Design and Construction

🎨 Aesthetic Updates

The Saucony Ride 18 features a refreshed design that maintains the brand’s signature style while introducing modern touches. The upper now includes subtle branding, with the word “Ride” prominently displayed, giving the shoe a sleek and contemporary look. The colorways are muted and versatile, making the shoe suitable for both running and casual wear.

👟 Upper: Comfort and Fit

The upper of the Ride 18 has been updated with an engineered mesh that provides a stretchy, sock-like fit. This material enhances breathability, making the shoe comfortable for long runs and warm weather. The lacing system has also been refined, featuring a Flyknit-style design that allows for a more dynamic and secure fit.

The tongue and heel collar are generously padded, offering a plush feel without adding unnecessary bulk. The shoe is true to size, with a medium width that accommodates most foot shapes. However, runners with narrow feet may find the toe box slightly roomy, and some may prefer to size down by half for a snugger fit.

🏋️‍♂️ Midsole: PowerRun Plus Foam

The midsole of the Ride 18 is equipped with Saucony’s PowerRun Plus foam, which provides a balanced combination of cushioning and responsiveness. This foam is the same material used in the Saucony Triumph series, known for its durability and energy return.

The Ride 18’s midsole offers a soft landing, making it ideal for easy runs and long distances. However, it’s not overly plush, allowing for a responsive feel that can handle faster paces when needed. The 8mm drop (35mm heel, 27mm forefoot) ensures a smooth heel-to-toe transition, making the shoe suitable for a wide range of runners.

🏞️ Outsole: XT-900 Rubber

The outsole of the Ride 18 features Saucony’s XT-900 rubber compound, which is known for its durability and grip. The rubber coverage has been increased compared to the Ride 17, providing better traction and longevity. While the outsole performs well on dry roads and treadmills, it may struggle in wet or slippery conditions due to the hard rubber compound.

🏃‍♂️ Performance Review

🛤️ Daily Training

The Saucony Ride 18 excels as a daily trainer, offering a comfortable and reliable ride for easy runs, long distances, and everything in between. The PowerRun Plus foam provides ample cushioning, making it a great choice for runners who log high mileage.

🚀 Versatility

One of the standout features of the Ride 18 is its versatility. While it’s primarily designed for daily training, it can also handle faster paces and tempo runs. The shoe’s lightweight design (266g / 9.4 oz) and responsive midsole make it a viable option for interval training and even race day for some runners.

🏋️‍♂️ Stability and Support

The Ride 18 is a neutral shoe, but it offers a surprising level of stability thanks to its dense midsole foam and secure upper fit. Runners who prefer a stable platform without the need for additional support features will appreciate the Ride 18’s balanced design.

🌧️ Wet Weather Performance

While the XT-900 outsole provides excellent durability, it’s worth noting that the shoe’s traction can be compromised in wet conditions. Runners who frequently train in rainy or slippery environments may want to consider a shoe with a softer, more grippy outsole.

🔄 Comparison with Previous Models

🆚 Saucony Ride 18 vs. Ride 17

The Ride 18 builds on the success of the Ride 17, with several key updates:

• Weight: The Ride 18 is lighter, weighing 266g (9.4 oz) compared to the Ride 17’s 283g (10 oz).
• Upper: The Ride 18 features a more refined upper with improved breathability and a stretchier fit.
• Outsole: The Ride 18 has thicker rubber coverage, enhancing durability.
• Midsole: While both models use PowerRun Plus foam, the Ride 18’s midsole feels slightly softer and more responsive.

Overall, the Ride 18 offers a more polished and refined experience compared to its predecessor, making it a worthwhile upgrade for fans of the Ride series.

🆚 Saucony Ride 18 vs. Triumph 22

The Saucony Triumph 22 is a more cushioned option compared to the Ride 18, with a higher stack height (37mm heel, 27mm forefoot) and a 10mm drop. While the Triumph 22 is ideal for runners seeking maximum cushioning, the Ride 18 offers a more balanced and versatile ride, making it a better choice for runners who want a shoe that can handle a variety of paces and distances.

👍 Pros and Cons

✔️ Pros

• Lightweight design (266g / 9.4 oz) for a daily trainer.
• Comfortable and breathable upper.
• Versatile performance for easy runs, long distances, and faster paces.
• Durable outsole with improved rubber coverage.
• Affordable price point ($140) for a high-quality daily trainer.

❌ Cons

• Traction can be lacking in wet conditions.
• Slightly roomy toe box may not suit runners with narrow feet.
• Not as plush as some other daily trainers, such as the Saucony Triumph 22.

🏆 Final Verdict

The Saucony Ride 18 is a fantastic daily trainer that offers a perfect balance of comfort, versatility, and performance. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first running shoe or an experienced runner in need of a reliable daily trainer, the Ride 18 is an excellent choice.

While it may not have the plush cushioning of the Triumph 22 or the aggressive energy return of some premium models, the Ride 18 excels as a workhorse shoe that can handle a wide range of running activities. Its lightweight design, durable construction, and affordable price make it a standout option in the crowded daily trainer market.

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