Finding a smooth and comfortable daily trainer is essential for runners looking to rack up consistent miles without overthinking their footwear. The Saucony Ride 18 fits this need perfectly, offering a balanced design that focuses on reliability and comfort over flashy innovation. With only minor updates from its predecessor, the Ride 18 reinforces the idea that sometimes, sticking to a proven formula is the best approach for logging mile after mile with ease.
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Looks
The Ride series has long been Saucony’s steady workhorse, and the 18 continues this tradition. It’s not a shoe that’s going to stop traffic, but it’s designed to get the job done. The white-and-deep-green colorway I tested might not scream “PNW weatherproof,” but it does exude an understated Oregonian charm. Saucony always ensures there’s something for everyone with its variety of colorways, making it a crowd-pleaser for both minimalists and bolder personalities.
While it won’t win awards for flashiness, the Ride 18’s aesthetics are clean and purposeful, embodying the spirit of a reliable daily trainer.
Construction and Fit
The Ride 18’s construction offers dependability. It has plenty of plush cushioning in the heel and the tongue creates a remarkably comfortable step-in feel. Honestly, the overall fit is pretty dialed in. I didn’t need to spend much time adjusting the laces to achieve a secure lockdown, which is always a win.
However, those with wider feet might find the fit a bit snug, as the platform leans slightly towards standard. If you’re a standard-width runner, though, you’re likely to appreciate the cozy fit that doesn’t compromise performance.
Specs
- 9.4 ounces (Men’s 9)
- 35mm/27mm (8mm drop)
Upper
The most noticeable change in the Ride 18 is the redesigned upper. The engineered mesh feels softer and more versatile, almost tempting me to wear these casually. It really has a nice step in feel. The cushioned heel collar and tongue enhance comfort, while the mesh upper holds things really nice – without a ton of overlays getting in the way. Thus, its a slight drop in weight than the 17.
Midsole
Saucony made no significant updates to the midsole from the Ride 17—and that’s not a bad thing. Featuring the same PWRRUN+ foam (with some additional TPU beads) the Ride 18 offers a smooth, consistent ride that’s perfect for daily training.
The stack height and 8mm drop remain unchanged, giving fans of the previous model no surprises. Newcomers to the Ride series will find this shoe approachable and versatile, making it a solid choice for easy miles and moderate-distance runs.
Outsole
The XT900 outsole continues to shine as a durable and functional component of the Ride 18. With ample rubber coverage in high-wear areas and cutouts for flexibility, the outsole delivers reliable traction and a smooth transition through your stride.
While not groundbreaking, there is a little bit more coverage on the bottom than the previous version. So, while we didn’t review the 17, we would expect a little bit more responsiveness as a result. The outsole design supports the shoe’s overall goal: dependable performance with minimal distractions.
Conclusion
The Saucony Ride 18 is like your favorite coffee shop—a reliable and comforting choice you can count on, even without groundbreaking changes. It’s a shoe that sticks to its roots, offering a plush, dependable ride that works for most runners. Whether you’re looking to log easy miles or need an affordable, versatile daily trainer, the Ride 18 is a nice option – at a nice price point – for keeping things steady and comfortable.
Saucony Ride 18 $140
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Thank you to Saucony for providing us with a sample pair. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
