Saucony Ride 18 Review

I’ve put an adequate amount of miles in my pair the Saucony Ride 18, and it feels like a really thoughtful progression from the previous version. This neutral daily trainer keeps many of the fundamentals that made the Ride line successful while offering a more refined fit, a lighter midsole, snappier ride, and a confident platform underfoot.

In this Ride 18 review I share their key specs, break down what’s changed, provide a full performance review, and my final verdict on whether they’re worth buying.

Key specifications

• Price: $140 at Saucony.com
• Weight: 9.4 oz (266g) for a men’s US 9 – The Ride 17 was 10.2 oz.
• Drop: 8mm (35mm heel / 27mm forefoot)
• Midsole: PWRRUN+ beaded foam
• Outsole: XT-900 rubber compound
• Surface: Road and treadmill
• Support: Neutral
• Intended use: Daily training, moderate gym sessions, and walking

This model is marketed as a “do-it-all” daily trainer, that’s lighter, softer, and more responsive than before, with updates that include a reformulated midsole foam and an engineered mesh upper aimed at providing a stable ride without extra bulk.

How they fit and feel

Right out of the box, the Ride 18 offers a comfortable step-in experience. The heel counter, collars, and tongue are all very soft and padded, and the overall fit feels just right.

The toe box provides enough space for toes to move freely while the lacing system gives a nice secure lockdown. Compared to the previous version, the fit feels very similar but with a touch more volume and width, and a softer, more cushioned tongue.

Saucony Ride 18 VS Ride 17

Having logged plenty of miles in the Saucony Ride 17, I’ve noticed a few differences that might interest those already familiar with the Ride series. First, the weight reduction from 10.2 oz to 9.4 oz (8% reduction) is enough to make it noticeable on faster runs, making the Ride 18 feel snappier.

The midsole foam has been updated to PWRRUN+, and it offers a slightly more energetic underfoot sensation in my opinion. The upper also feels more breathable and adaptable, resolving minor fit problems from the Ride 17 – this comes from the much improved lacing system.

The overall result is a ride that’s still firm enough for steady daily training but now a touch more responsive, an aspect I appreciate when picking up the pace.

What’s good

One aspect I enjoy is the shoe’s balance of cushion and responsiveness – you can see the amount of compression under the heel when I put pressure on it in the photo below.

The PWRRUN+ midsole provides a protective landing without sacrificing ground feel, making it suitable for easy runs, moderate uphill efforts, and even walking in.

Another highlight for me is the durability – the rubber compound coverage on the outsole has been increased, which appears to reduce early signs of wear (see photo below).

This more robust build is welcome for runners who rely on a single pair of shoes for high-mileage weeks.

I also like how versatile the Ride 18 can be, It transitions smoothly from daily runs to gym sessions and even walking / as an all day lifestyle shoe.

The fresh upper design is breathable, with a slightly stretchy mesh that will accommodate different foot shapes well.

Meanwhile, the padded heel collar feels comfortable during runs longer than an hour, and I haven’t noticed any significant irritation even when my legs are tired, and thats thanks to me being able to get a secure fit.

Finally, it’s great to see a range of muted or neutral color options. I gravitate toward a simpler aesthetic that pairs with different running or casual outfits when I use running shoes as lifestyle shoes too. The Ride 18 aligns with that preference by offering a clean, understated look.

What’s not so good

One slight limitation is the outsole traction on wet or slick surfaces. While I haven’t experienced any major slips, the outsole isn’t as grippy as some specialized road shoes in wet conditions, the XT-900 rubber is just a little to hard to tackle slick surfaces that well.

If you frequently run in wet climates or cross many slick surfaces in town like painted lines or cobbled streets, you may lack confidence in such circumstances.

Lastly, if you’re looking for an ultra-soft or springy ride, the firmness here isn’t quite as much as the Saucony Triumph series. Saucony has chosen a balanced feel airing on the side of being responsive, instead of the more substantial bounce found in certain high-cushion shoes.

My verdict

Overall, I’m very happy with the Saucony Ride 18. It maintains the reliability that the Ride series is known for while stepping up with a lighter midsole, improved lockdown, and a more breathable upper, making it a snappier, reliable daily trainer.

There’s enough foam underfoot to protect and cushion on longer outings, yet it doesn’t feel bulky or unwieldy. It’s the kind of shoe I can throw on for daily training without much fuss, and it has held up well despite repeated use.

I’m going to be using these more in my rotation of daily trainers, for bagging easy miles.

The updates may appear incremental on paper, but the result is an improved, and still practical daily trainer that keeps the essence of the Ride series intact. If you enjoyed the previous version and want something a bit lighter with a touch more responsiveness, this shoe WILL serve you well.

If you prefer a plushier ride, you may wish to look at something like the Saucony Triumph 22, but for everything else, the Ride 18’s balanced design is tough to beat.

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