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Saucony Ride 18: One minute review
I must admit I wasn’t a huge fan of the Saucony Ride 17. While it was a solid all-rounder, I found the internal molding quite intrusive and it always felt like I was wearing a support shoe rather than a neutral trainer. In the end, it just didn’t work for me, and I passed it on to a friend (who loved it!).
As a result, I was hesitant to try the Ride 18, even though I knew it was a popular model with plenty of great credentials, but I was pleasantly surprised. With just a few subtle tweaks, Saucony has created a far more comfortable shoe which seems to mold to my feet perfectly.
It just goes to show that small changes can make all the difference. Increased structure in the upper, a touch more heel cushioning and bonus foam content are particular highlights. Best of all, the trainer comes at an affordable price, meaning it’s a great value-for-money workhorse, perfect for those easy and long runs.
Much like Brooks Ghost, the Ride 18 is likely to remain a firm favorite for those looking for a cushioned ride. It’s been a complete game changer for me and the Ride 18 is now my go-to road shoe for easy runs and everyday training.
Saucony Ride 18 review: Specifications
|
Component |
Saucony Ride 18 |
|
Weight |
Around 228g (Womens) 259g (Men’s) |
|
Upper |
Engineered mesh with inner sleeve |
|
Midsole |
PWRRUN+Foam |
|
Outsole |
Durable Rubber |
|
Heel-to-toe drop |
8mm |
Saucony Ride 18 review: Price and availability
- $145 USD / £130 GBP / AU$239.99
- Affordable considering it’s a workhorse
- Frequently found on sale
The Saucony Ride 18 is one of the more affordable road shoes. Priced at $145 USD / £130 GBP / AU$239.99, it can be found at discounted prices, but limited sizes are available.
We’ve spotted it as cheap as £105.00 in the UK at Sports Direct (link) (sportsdirect.com), at $144.95 in the US on Road Runner Sports (link) (roadrunnersports.com), and as low as AU$210 on Sports Direct Australia (link) (au.sportsdirect.com).
Saucony Ride 18 review: Design
- Extra cushioning foam
- More pronounced grooving
- No more heel pull-tab
The Saucony Ride 18 retains much of the DNA that made its predecessor popular, yet introduces a series of subtle refinements that combine to deliver a more responsive and comfortable ride. The trainer still employs an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, a specification that appeals to runners seeking a balanced transition without the feeling of a pronounced incline. Underfoot, the PWRRUN+ midsole material has been enhanced with additional cushioning foam, resulting in improved energy return despite a marginal reduction in overall weight. This increased foam content not only makes the shoe feel livelier underfoot, but also boosts the comfort factor.
A closer look at the outsole reveals more pronounced grooving compared with the Ride 17. The more numerous flex grooves provide enhanced grip on a variety of surfaces and encourage a more stable, confident stride. The redesigned tread pattern also appears more wear-resistant, suggesting it will maintain performance over a longer lifespan.
Above the midsole, the engineered knit upper has been reworked to offer greater stretch and conformity around the foot. The device-knit construction wraps the midfoot snugly, eliminating the noticeable internal arch of the previous model and providing a smoother, more uniform pressure distribution. An extra layer of padding in the heel collar further secures the foot in place, preventing slippage without causing discomfort or hotspots during extended runs.
In the forefoot, the generous yet not cumbersome toe-box volume allows natural toe splay without feeling loose. The tongue padding has been optimized to strike a balance between comfort and minimalism, offering enough cushioning to prevent lace-bite without bulking up. The lace system now includes an additional eyelet, enabling various lockdown configurations for a personalized fit. The heel pull-tab has been removed, but this always appeared to be superfluous to me, anyway.
Overall, the Ride 18’s design updates – enhanced foam, refined tread, adaptive upper and tailored fit – combine into a package that feels soft, light and supportive.
Saucony Ride 18 review: Performance
- Solid track shoe
- Handles light trails as well as roads
- Good for most distances
I put the Saucony Ride 18 through its paces on both my regular road runs and interval track sessions, where I was doing 400m and 800m reps, or pacing athletes to smash 5k PBs. On the track, the shoe felt exceptionally smooth and consistent, offering just enough pop from the responsive midsole to sustain a metronomic pace without fatigue. Transitions from heel to toe remained fluid, even when shifting speeds between repeats.
Despite its track prowess, the Ride 18 proved versatile enough for road outings and light trail adventures. The reliable cushioning and grip inspired confidence on varied surfaces, making the pair trustworthy for anything from a brisk parkrun to a 20-mile long run. The outsole’s traction handled damp tarmac and gravel alike.
Although capable in general interval sessions, the Ride 18 does still lack the ultra-lightweight feel and snappy responsiveness of a dedicated racing flat or carbon-plated shoe (but then again, it’s not designed for this kind of running). But for everyday training, tempo runs and mixed-surface routes it strikes an impressive balance of comfort, stability and performance.
Saucony Ride 18: Should I buy?
Buy it if…
You value everyday versatility
The Ride 18 adapts from road to light trail, and from speed to easy running, without missing a beat, making it your go-to trainer for mixed workouts.
You appreciate consistent cushioning
Its balanced PWRRUN Plus midsole delivers a soft, reliable bounce mile after mile, keeping your legs feeling fresh.
You need a snug, secure fit
An adaptive knit upper and padded heel collar hold your foot comfortably in place, so you can focus on your stride.
Don’t buy it if…
You demand razor-sharp responsiveness
For race-day flats or super-snappy speed sessions, the Ride 18 feels a touch too plush and mellow.
You’re tackling ultras
While it’s durable, the cushioning isn’t as luxurious as specialist long-distance models, so your feet may tire on very long runs.
You prefer hardcore off-road
For technical trails or deep mud, you’ll want deeper lugs and reinforced protection that this pair can’t provide.
Also consider
First reviewed: July 2025
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