Founded all the way back in 1898, Saucony is one of the oldest, most trusted running brands on the market. So it likely won’t come as much of a surprise to hear that many of Saucony’s running shoe lines are the same way – renowned, dependable, and trusted fan-favorites.
The Saucony Ride has fit into this beloved fan-favorite category since the first version was released in 2007. Now, after 19 different iterations, the shoe line has grown and evolved to incorporate new technology, all while maintaining the well-balanced ride the shoe is most known for.
With any new running shoe, loyal wearers tend to have questions and concerns about new changes, upgrades, and tweaks, and this is particularly true with a popular workhorse shoe such as the Saucony Ride.
If you have questions about the Ride 19, the newest addition to this core daily training lineup, you’ve come to the right place. Our passionate Marathon Sports review team is here to give you an in-depth Saucony Ride 19 review, highlight all the new features and updates, and provide a closer look at how this shoe feels and performs on a variety of different runs.
Wondering if the newest Saucony Ride is the right shoe for you? Let’s dive in and take a closer look at everything this well-established daily trainer has to offer.
The Review Process
At Marathon Sports, our dedicated team knows each running shoe inside and out. But we didn’t get to that point without extensive testing, research, and runs with each new shoe that comes through our doors.
To test the Ride 19, we underwent this same in-depth research and testing for a better understanding of every detail and feature Saucony put into this new shoe. From daily miles on pavement to uptempo treadmill workouts and everything in between, we put the Ride 19 through the test on a range of runs across nearly every terrain so we can give you the complete rundown of this newest Saucony trainer.
Saucony Ride 19: Specs and Highlights
While the best way to decide if a shoe is right for you is to test it out for yourself, a quick look at the specs and highlights can help you know what to expect when you slide it on for the first time. Here are some fast facts about the Saucony Ride 19:
- Advertised as a neutral, moderate cushion daily trainer designed to handle any kind of training run
- Stack height: 36 mm/ 28 mm
- 8 mm heel-to-toe offset
- Weight: 8.9 oz (M), 7.7 oz (W)
- Midsole uses a reformulated PWRRUN+ foam for more softness and responsiveness than previous iterations
- Upper is constructed with a soft and breathable engineered mesh
- XT-900 rubber outsole offers enhanced durability and traction
- Strategically-placed flex grooves in the midsole increase flexibility and drive smooth transitions
- Price: $144.95
Saucony Ride 19: A Deep-Dive
Now that you know all the technical details you can expect to find in this newest Saucony Ride, let’s take a closer look at all the nitty-gritty details and see how the shoe truly feels and performs when it’s on your foot.
Reformulated PWRRUN+ Midsole
Loyal Saucony Ride fans will be happy to hear that the 19th iteration still uses the PWRRUN+ midsole foam found in previous versions of the shoe. The cushioning has been re-engineered to feel even softer and more responsive, but it maintains the well-balanced, reliable feel many runners look for in a daily training shoe.
The Ride did increase in stack height, featuring 1 mm more cushioning in both the heel and forefoot compared to the Ride 18. But despite this extra foam underfoot, the lightweight and responsive PWRRUN+ maintains a stable, grounded feel perfect for runners looking for some extra shock absorption without overly plush landings.
New and Improved Upper
Like the midsole design, the Ride 19’s upper saw some minor tweaks and upgrades meant to increase all-around comfort and breathability without completely changing the shoe’s feel. And with a new, ultra-flexible engineered mesh upper, we felt that Saucony achieved exactly that.
The new upper construction is softer and more flexible than ever before, offering an adaptive fit without sacrificing a snug and secure lockdown. Looking at the new upper, you’ll also notice large perforations around the foot and toe box, creating unmatched breathability for daily training runs in any weather conditions.
The Ride 19 is all about long-term, all-around comfort for daily mileage, and this goal is especially evident in the extra padding around the heel and tongue. The cushioned upper provides a secure fit, all while keeping your feet happy and comfortable during longer mileage or long hours on your feet.
Overall Geometry and Construction
While the Ride 19 saw some minor changes, most of the overall design elements runners have come to love and expect from the Ride are still present in the newest version. From the slightly wider base, stable landings, and moderate 8mm drop, it’s clear that this reliable running shoe line is sticking with its roots to deliver the expected grounded, reliable, and sturdy landings it’s known for.
Another feature Saucony maintained in the shoe geometry was the strategically placed flex grooves. While the foam itself is softer than in its predecessors, Saucony took even more steps to increase softness and flexibility with these grooves throughout the midsole. Paired with the soft and lightweight foam, this midsole construction guarantees extra flexibility and smooth transitions through each stride.
Durability and Value
Several of our Marathon Sports team members had the previous Ride in our daily running shoe rotation, and one issue that commonly came up was the durability. Over time, we found that the cushioning and tread wore down faster than preferred for a training shoe meant for everyday mileage.
That’s why we were psyched to see that while much of the Ride 19 remained the same, Saucony added a thicker, more full-coverage XT-900 rubber outsole. Along with adding some traction on light trails or slippery terrain, this protective outsole improves durability and ensures you can enjoy everything the Ride 19 has to offer for even more miles.
Our review team also found that the Ride 19’s adaptability and versatility made it a great option for runners looking for a do-it-all daily trainer that offers more value for your money.
At $144.95, the Ride 19 is on the more affordable end when it comes to moderate cushion shoes. And with enough responsiveness and energy returns for uptempo runs, along with enough cushioning and plushness for long run days, the Ride 19 is perfect for runners looking for a shoe that can handle anything they throw at it.
Sustainability
The conversation around sustainability is becoming increasingly prevalent when it comes to running shoes and sportswear companies, and our team at Marathon Sports loves to see brands taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and release greener, more sustainable running shoes.
Luckily, with the Ride 19, Saucony took several steps that sustainability-minded runners will appreciate.
The shoe is made entirely of vegan materials and incorporates recycled materials throughout the design. As a brand, Saucony has also been taking significant steps to include more renewable and recycled materials in its shoes, packaging, and manufacturing process.
Road Results
Now for the most exciting part of any new shoe review: the road test results.
As mentioned, several of our review team have the Saucony Ride 18 as part of their running shoe rotation. With that in mind, we couldn’t wait to lace up the Ride 19 and see how this workhorse, do-it-all trainer compares to previous iterations and how it holds up on a variety of different runs.
One of the most noticeable updates when sliding the shoe on for the first time was in the new engineered mesh upper. The upper material felt lighter around the foot, offering a secure, sock-like fit. The extra padding around the heel and tongue was another welcome addition, creating immediate step-in comfort.
Outside of this improved upper, the shoe felt largely the same as its predecessor. Saucony certainly didn’t reinvent the wheel with the Ride 19, but we appreciate the reliability and consistency this daily training model has offered over 19 iterations.
Underfoot, the re-engineered foam gave a fantastic balance of softness and responsiveness. The PWRRUN+ foam has consistently delivered a well-balanced, stable-feeling ride, and the extra touch of energy in the new formula drives extra responsiveness and bounce without sacrificing this grounded, stable feel through each stride.
It likely won’t come as a surprise to hear that this dependable workhorse shoe really shines when it comes to daily road mileage. The moderate amount of cushioning kept our legs and feet feeling comfortable and protected as we increased mileage, but the responsive PWRRUN+ foam and lightweight design made it easy enough to pick up the pace or complete uptempo workouts without feeling like you’re sinking into the shoe.
Testing new shoes in snowy New England winters gives our team some great insight into how the shoe design and outsole hold up in more slippery terrains. Fortunately (or unfortunately, for warm-weather runners), there was plenty of snow, ice, and slush to use for thorough terrain testing.
The new, more rugged XT-900 rubber outsole really excelled in these conditions, offering plenty of traction and grip no matter where our runs took us. And while the shoe is still relatively new, the outsole rubber seems to be holding up well against the mileage we’ve done so far.
Overall, the Ride 19 proved why the running shoe line has earned such a positive, trusted reputation over the years. Along with offering a consistent and dependable feel, the newest Ride was adaptable, well-balanced, and could suit a huge range of needs and preferences.
It’s hard to find too many downsides with a solid, reliable shoe like the Ride, but we did find that the fit and tapered design may pose some challenges for runners with wide or high-volume feet. Those who need some extra width in their running shoes may find the toe box too narrow. Luckily, the Ride 19 is available in a wide width for runners who prefer a more accommodating fit.
Pros and Cons
No running shoe is perfect, and while the Ride 19 has proven itself to be a strong contender in the daily trainer market, there are a few pros and cons to consider before buying.
Pros:
- Incredibly versatile – PWRRUN+ foam is soft yet responsive and can handle both long runs and more uptempo daily runs
- New engineered mesh upper is soft, lightweight, and remarkably breathable
- Enhanced rubber outsole offers exceptional grip and traction for a road daily trainer, providing even more adaptability on all different terrains
- Lightweight midsole design and strategic flex grooves increase flexibility and softness for maximum comfort and smooth transitions
Cons:
- Narrow fit in the toe box – runners with wide or high-volume feet may need to size up or go to a wide width
- Balanced cushioning may feel too stiff for runners who prefer a soft feel on long runs
How Does the Ride 19 Stack up with Other Running Shoes?
It’s clear that the Saucony Ride has made a name for itself in the crowded running shoe market. As a moderate cushion neutral trainer, it’s built a strong following of loyal runners who prefer the stable feel, balanced cushion, and versatile design.
However, nearly every running shoe brand has its own take on the Ride 19. So how does the Ride compare to this competition?
The Ride 19 is top-of-the-line when it comes to adaptability and all-around use. But if you’re looking for a similar dependable option for comparison, you may want to check out the Asics Gel-Cumulus 27.
Like the Ride, the Gel-Cumulus has provided runners with soft, reliable landings year after year. Some athletes may find the Gel-Cumulus 27 slightly softer than the Ride due to the PureGEL technology in the heel. But if you’re looking to try out two multi-faceted trainers, the Ride and Cumulus are two of the best on the market.
Many moderate cushion trainers offer a slightly stiffer, more balanced feel to help you tackle both long runs and speedier days. But if you like the Ride’s fit and cushion but want a softer underfoot feel, Saucony has another option for you.
The Saucony Triumph 23 offers a similar lightweight, responsive feel with a high stack of PWRRUN PB foam for maximum softness and plushness. As a max cushion shoe with lots of luxurious foam underfoot, the Triumph is slightly heavier and less versatile than the Ride 19. However, runners who prefer soft landings may want to take this softer, ultra-padded shoe for a spin.
Final Thoughts: Is the Saucony Ride 19 Your Perfect Running Shoe?
After 19 iterations, the Saucony Ride has gained a loyal following as one of the most versatile daily running or walking shoes on the market. And while the 19th version saw some minor changes, it maintains everything runners loved about the older iterations while making the shoe even lighter and more durable.
As fans of the Ride 18, our reviewers are pleased to report that the Ride 19 feels just as dependable, grounded, and well-balanced. Whether you’re a beginner runner looking for an all-around daily trainer or an experienced athlete looking for a shoe to add to your rotation, the Ride 19 has design features that can benefit nearly any type of athlete.
However, while the Ride 19 is adaptable and can work for a wide range of athletes, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the perfect running shoe for you. The best way to determine which shoe works best for your needs is to stop by your nearest Marathon Sports, chat with the staff, and use the Right Fit process to narrow down your options.
Whether you end up with the Ride 19 or another top running shoe option, our team is excited to help you get out there and reach all your running goals.
