The Saucony Ride 18 stands out in the versatile training shoe category thanks to its pleasant dynamics. It is ideal for daily training on hard urban surfaces. They smoothly adapt to your pace and running style, making them reliable partners for every run, whether you’re covering miles in the city center or on suburban streets.
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The Saucony Ride 18 is a running shoe with a very good level of cushioning that is designed for training on hard surfaces. It’s ideal for everyday runs on asphalt roads, paved sidewalks, and gravel paths in suburban areas. It is a versatile option for runners who want comfort and versatility in one shoe. Importantly, the Ride 18 is a neutral shoe suitable for runners weighing up to approximately 90 kilograms.
Pros
- very good cushioning
- lightweight profile for easy rolling
- quite dynamic for an everyday training shoe
- well-fitting in the midfoot area
- dropped to 8 mm
Cons
- difficult to say
Saucony running shoes – lineup
The Saucony lineup includes two versatile training shoes: the Ride and the Guide. Both provide comparable cushioning and pleasant dynamics, setting them apart in the training shoe category. They are designed for runners weighing up to 90 kilograms, but they differ in stability and fit for different foot types. The Ride is the perfect choice for people with neutral feet, while the Guide is designed for runners with overpronation.
Learn more about these and other models in our Saucony running shoe guide.
| NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | HIGH STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Triumph 22 |  Tempus 2 | |
| very high cushioning |  Ride 18 |  Guide 17 |  Omni 22 |
| high cushioning |
Saucony Ride 17 alternatives
Ride is a popular model of versatile training shoes designed for everyday use. There are many alternatives in this category, but what makes the Ride stand out? First, it is slightly more dynamic, setting it apart from other similar models. It’s the perfect option for runners looking for a balance of comfortable cushioning and springy bounce to support a more efficient run.
Would you like to discover other running shoes with a similar level of cushioning and versatility? Check out our running shoe guide.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Supernova Rise 2 | 36/26 | 10 | 275 | 230 | 150 |
| Asics Gel-Cumulus 26 | 37/29 | 8 | 253 | 222 | 160 |
| Brooks Ghost 16 | 35/24 | 12 | 278 | 249 | 150 |
| Hoka Clifton 9 | 32/27 | 5 | 248 | 205 | 150 |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 28 | 38/26 | 12 | 273 | 235 | 160 |
| New Balance 880 v14 | n/a | 8 | 270 | 209 | 160 |
| Nike Zoom Pegasus 41 | 37/27 | 10 | 297 | 251 | 140 |
| On Cloudsurfer 7 | 32/22 | 10 | 245 | 205 | 170 |
| Saucony Ride 18 | 35/27 | 8 | 275 | 213 | 150 |
Cushioning and gentle dynamics
The Saucony Ride 18’s midsole is made of PWRRUN+ foam, an improved version of PWRRUN+ foam. Compared to PWRRUN foam, PWRRUN+ foam is 28% lighter, absorbs 5% more shock, and is twice as flexible and three times more durable. These features give the Ride 18 a unique combination of lightness, durability, and cushioning performance.
The shoe has a stack height of 35 millimeters under the heel and 27 millimeters under the toes. This results in an 8-millimeter drop. These are standard values for this type of shoe, making it comfortable for both long runs and everyday training.
The subtle contouring of the midsole promotes a smooth transition from heel to toe. While not very aggressive, the shoe noticeably supports the natural rhythm of running, providing a gentle feeling of dynamics. The combination of solid cushioning and decent dynamics makes this model exceptionally versatile and comfortable.
Flat outsole but sufficient
Compared to its predecessor, the Saucony Ride 18’s outsole has not undergone any major changes. XT-900 rubber covers the front and rear of the midsole, providing durability. This gives the outsole good durability, as confirmed by previous editions of the model that did not experience rapid wear.
The tread pattern is relatively flat. Compared to its predecessor, however, the grooves are less frequent and slightly deeper, reaching a depth of 1.3 millimeters. Though the outsole may seem unaggressive at first glance, it performs well in practice. It provides good grip on asphalt roads, sidewalks, and gravel routes, making it a reliable companion for everyday training.
Classic upper
The Saucony Ride 18’s upper is made of technical mesh, resembling the material used in previous models. Small cuts on the outside give it a modern look, and the smooth inside is pleasant to the touch, ensuring high comfort. The front of the shoe has ample space, and the width at its widest point is 107.3 millimeters. This provides ample room for your feet, which can be especially beneficial during longer, easy workouts.
The middle part of the upper is designed to provide good foot support. It also features an integrated tongue that is connected to the upper with soft material. This design improves the shoe’s fit and prevents the tongue from shifting sideways while running.
The Saucony Ride 18’s heel counter is a classic construction with an internal, wedge-shaped stiffener. This construction effectively prevents the foot from tilting sideways, offering solid stability while running. Combined with a contoured upper, the entire shoe securely holds your foot in place, allowing you to enjoy comfort during your daily workouts.
Very light weight
According to the manufacturer, the men’s Saucony Ride 18 weighs 275 grams and the women’s weighs 213 grams. This is a slight decrease compared to the previous edition of this model.
In size 12 US, the shoe weighs 298 grams, 33 grams lighter than the Ride 17 and, interestingly, the same weight as the Ride 16. This value is well below the average of 333 grams for universal everyday running shoes. Therefore, the Saucony Ride 18 is among the 10% lightest models in this category. If you are looking for lightweight, dynamic training shoes, this model is definitely worth considering!
Summary
Compared to its predecessor, the Saucony Ride 18 has not undergone any major changes. It remains a lightweight, dynamic model that combines comfort and pleasant dynamics on hard surfaces. Thanks to its modern PWRRUN+ foam, gentle profiling, and lightweight construction, the Ride 18 offers great support for easy training sessions and slightly faster runs. If you are looking for versatile running shoes, the Ride 18 will certainly meet your expectations.
