Saucony Ride 18 - Women's Review

With an 8 mm drop, a 33 mm heel stack height, and ample underfoot cushion, the Saucony Ride feels like a tried-and-true running shoe. You know the ones — the pair that carried you through countless miles and memories, the ones so perfectly molded to your feet it felt like they knew you. Even now, years later, you can still picture them sitting by the door, laces frayed, soles worn just right. The Saucony Ride 18 captures a bit of that magic. It's the kind of traditional, no-fuss trainer that's always up for the journey.

Side View Cut in Half

Cushioning

Upon slipping into the Saucony Ride 18, I immediately noticed the plushness underfoot, courtesy of Saucony's PWRRUN+ foam. This cushioning of the Saucony Ride 18 strikes a commendable balance that is noticeable from the very first footfall all the way through the long run you've been getting hyped for. It's soft enough to absorb impact during longer miles, yet casually responsive enough to provide a smooth, springy toe-off without feeling overly bouncy or unstable.

With a 26 mm forefoot stack, the midsole maintains its plush comfort throughout the duration of a run, offering a consistent and grounded underfoot feel. There's a quiet confidence in the way the foam supports each stride. It is subtle but dependable, enhancing the overall ride without drawing too much attention to itself. The cushioning of the Saucony Ride makes it an easy recommendation for runners seeking a reliable, do-it-all daily trainer with comfort, versatility, and durability at its core.

Upper Comfort

The engineered mesh upper of the Ride 18 offers a snug yet breathable fit with an ideal amount of stretch. The gusseted tongue and padded heel collar contribute to a secure lockdown, minimizing any unwanted movement. This fit may feel too snug for some runners, though the bit of added stretch can help alleviate this. Saucony does offer a wide version of the Ride 18, adding an extra dose of comfort for some runners.

In fact, Saucony doubled down in its upper comfort offerings. They now manufacture a “summer” version of the shoe that comes with an even more breathable upper. This option is ideal for runners training in hotter climates or those who simply prefer maximum ventilation. I tested the standard width and thickness, and found that the upper provided a comfortably smooth environment for my feet, even during long runs. The material hugged my feet without any irritating pressure points, and the internal padding struck a nice balance between plushness and performance.

Stability

While the Ride 18 is a neutral shoe, it offers a solid level of inherent stability because of its cushioned thickness. The combination of a well-structured upper and a broad base (4.6 inches) ensures a steady ride, even on uneven terrain.

Though not designed specifically for overpronators, the shoe's design elements contribute to a sense of security throughout gait cycles, making it a good choice for runners who prioritize feeling secure on their runs. This sense of stability is especially beneficial for new runners, who may still be developing their stride consistency and confidence. A shoe that offers a grounded, balanced ride can help reduce the learning curve and make the process of building mileage more comfortable and enjoyable. The Ride 18's ability to provide reliable support without relying on intrusive stability features makes it a versatile, beginner-friendly option.

Responsiveness

The responsiveness of the Saucony Ride 18 is notably improved over its predecessor, but it is far from a speedy racing shoe. The PWRRUN+ midsole delivers a somewhat lively feel, making transitions smoother and more efficient while still keeping its focus on comfort. There's an effortless quality to the way the midsole compresses and rebounds, giving just enough bounce to keep runs feeling light without overwhelming my feet with stiffness or bulk. I appreciated the shoe's ability to keep up with quicker paces without feeling rigid.

Though the Ride 18 likely isn't a shoe I will continue to wear on uptempo days — especially when chasing PRs or pushing into speedwork territory — runners who want a single shoe to execute all of their runs will enjoy the comfortable reactivity of the midsole. While not a queen of energy return, the Ride 18 is a versatile option that adapts well to the demands placed upon it, offering just enough responsiveness to keep things interesting without sacrificing the daily comfort and durability most runners prioritize.

Weight

The updated Ride weighs 7.53 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe. This weight puts the Ride squarely in the middle of our lineup in this metric. It is not an ultralight race shoe, and it also isn't a maximalist workhorse. Instead, it occupies a versatile sweet spot that accommodates a wide range of runners and run types.

Though on the heavier side, the breathability and stretch of the upper combine well with its ample cushion to provide a neutral, well-balanced ride. For runners who value comfort and reliability over featherlight speed, the weight feels purposeful rather than burdensome, making the Ride 18 a dependable go-to for everyday training.

Traction

The outsole of the Ride 18 features XT-900 carbon rubber that offers reliable grip for road running surfaces. Whether on wet pavements or dry gravel paths, I found the traction to be consistent, instilling confidence with each step.

The durable rubber also contributes to the shoe's longevity, further adding to its strength as a do-it-all contender. With strategically placed rubber in high-wear areas, the outsole is built to withstand mile after mile without compromising grip or performance. This durability makes it a smart investment for new runners seeking a shoe that can handle a mix of daily miles and long runs without breaking down too quickly.

Should You Buy the Saucony Ride 18?

This version of the Saucony Ride is a worthy contender for many runners because of its versatile comfort and approachable price tag — and offers a performance that is easy for even the newest of runners to enjoy. If you are a runner in need of a daily training shoe that offers smooth comfort without all of the bells and whistles, the Ride 18 might just be for you. It has enough energy to handle quicker leg turnover, but feels just as at home during slower, mellower efforts. The Saucony Ride may be on the simpler side, but it checks all of the necessary boxes with ease.

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