American has since its humble beginnings in Pennsylvania over 100 years ago honed technologies and comfort. This has made Saucony one of the most established brands on the running track.
The brand is perhaps best known for its incredibly reliable mileage trainers, and their distinctive FormFit that hugs the foot from the first time you step into the shoe until they can no longer.
has long lived in the shadow of its big brother , but this year the roles might be different. 18 has, in any case, received a noticeable midsole upgrade. But who is the shoe for now?
Read along here to find out if Saucony Ride 18 should be your next ?
Hug with soft heel and tongue
The upper of the shoe is of the type and quality that you, if experienced with the brand, can expect from Saucony: The FormFit upper delivers a hugging sensation that locks your heel in place, yet allows space around the toes.
The narrow form of the heel counter may at first glance seem concerning for discomfort, but it hasn't bothered me. On the contrary, it ensures a snug fit that can be padded as it is without causing issues when lacing the shoe tightly.
The tongue, like the heel counter, is padded and soft. There's nothing about the shoe's upper that makes you think ”Wish I had bought the more premium Triumph 22”. The midsole, however, is the major difference between the two shoes.
Midsole without lacks
Like its predecessor, Ride 17, Saucony Ride 18 has a midsole consisting of PWRRUN+. This foam type was, until last year, only used in the Triumph series because the feel is incredibly premium: Spongy without sinking into it.
EVA foam type has many advantages: It's light, durable, and retains softness in all temperatures.
In Ride 18, the midsole is crafted with an 8mm drop, delivering a classic feel. The sole's flexibility and absence of rocker technology, which many shoes use, give the shoe a distinct feel best described as flat. Not in a bad way where there's no response — there's plenty of response — but more flat as in the feel of a lower drop. I land flat on the foot, contributing to a more active take-off.
Precisely delivering response is what Saucony has focused on in Ride 18. The series has historically been characterized by a slightly firmer midsole, which is noticeable this year. Even though the foam is the same as last year, Saucony has made the midsole more responsive.
Whether the firmer feel comes from the three percent extra foam in Ride 18 compared to Ride 17 is hard to say. But it's impressive that the shoe feels as it does — premium and responsive — while being 14 grams lighter than its predecessor.
Compared to big brother Triumph, this one has a midsole of PWRRUNPB. The foam is even softer but also more lively — some would say unstable. If you're looking for a classic mileage trainer from Saucony, then Ride 18 is the choice.
20 percent better protected
The outsole is something that, in these winter months, shouldn't be underestimated. Ride 18 is equipped with a comprehensive outsole that covers 20 percent more than before.
Though EVA midsoles generally last long, it's still a foam type vulnerable to terrain like forest floors. Therefore, it's good that has taken the outsole seriously on the shoe.
One of the first runs of the year in snow was, for me, in Ride 18. Should more come, I'd recommend finding a winter training shoe with better grip like Saucony's range of shoes. They provide a better grip.
You can read more about the best running shoes for winter runs.
Didn't find a favorite?
See the full selection of running shoes here:
