Our verdict

The Saucony Ride 18 fixes the two major issues we had with the v17 by delivering an airy upper and a noticeably lighter feel on foot. We found that it keeps the same springy-and-durable midsole and retains its reasonable price tag. While grip could be better and we wished for a roomier toebox during our long runs, we think this is one of the most value-loaded daily trainers available on the market right now.

zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38 Pros

  • zapatillas de running Saucony asfalto apoyo talón maratón talla 43
  • Superb breathability
  • Responsive ride
  • bodega x saucony elite shadow 5000 release date
  • PWRRUN+ insole
  • zapatillas de running Saucony trail tope amortiguación talla 37.5
  • Same price as v17
  • saucony Sneaker bassa 'Shadow' bianco verde pesca
  • Saucony Courageous Cannon Blue White

zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38 Cons

  • las Saucony Hurricane ISO 3 mantiene el
  • zapatillas de running Saucony minimalistas talla 47.5 negras
  • saucony grid 9000 bungee

Who should buy

After testing the Saucony Ride 18 in the lab, we found that it's:

  • Ideal for runners who enjoyed the previous Ride but wanted a more lightweight feel. This update delivers a fantastic drop in weight without sacrificing cushioning.
  • A superbly priced daily trainer for those who favor slow-to-moderate paces and prefer a flexible running shoe.
  • A top pick for runners who prioritize upper comfort, as this model shines in both breathability and plush materials.

Saucony Ride 18

Who should NOT buy

We believe that the Ride 18 isn’t the best choice for runners needing maximum joint protection. It sticks to an average stack height and avoids the maximalist induce—great for some, but less ideal for heavier runners or marathoners. If cushioning is a priority, we suggest the saucony master court three colors or the zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38, which offer a more protection-focused, high-stack experience.

From our perspective, the Ride 18 may also disappoint those chasing a roomy fit. While the toebox is less tapered than before, it still feels snug and far from foot-shaped. For a more natural, wide-and-comfy feel, we recommend the Topo Atmos or the Saucony кроссовки 46 размер.

Saucony Ride 18 parts

zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38 | Cushioning

Heel stack

Some brands keep pushing daily trainers beyond the 40 mm mark, but we’re glad Saucony stuck with a more sensible 35.0 mm—just like last year. In fact, we believe that more stack isn’t always better. In our tests, this moderately-thick midsole provided plenty of joint protection without turning the shoe into an overly-cushioned, max-stack tank.

For most runners—even those logging serious weekly mileage—this balanced setup feels just right. It might not be enough for ultra-heavy runners, but for nearly everyone else, it delivers protective landings mile after mile.

Saucony Ride 18 Heel stack
Test results
Ride 18 35.0 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 394 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot is nicely cushioned at 26.6 mm, staying close to the average and right where a daily trainer should land. We think it offers enough underfoot protection for all midfoot strikers and most forefoot-landing runners.

Saucony Ride 18 Forefoot stack
Test results
Ride 18 26.6 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 394 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38 | Drop

This leaves us with a real heel-to-toe drop of 8.4 mm—almost identical to Saucony’s official 8 mm spec. We believe that this setup suits all footstrike styles and also feels spot-on for beginners.

Saucony Ride 18 Drop
Test results
Ride 18 8.4 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 394 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The Saucony Ride 18 keeps the TPU-based PWRRUN+ foam, which feels noticeably springier and quicker underfoot than the EVA-based PWRRUN.

However, when it comes to softness, we discovered that this midsole feels nothing like a marshmallow. We measured a firm 29.0 HA using our Shore A durometer—this puts it in concrete-like territory. For runners who love a firm-and-stable setup, it’s a dream. But for those craving a cushioned, cloud-like feel, this one’s not the right pick.

Saucony Ride 18 Midsole softness
Test results
Ride 18 29.0 HA
Average 21.0 HA
Saucony Reverse Mint.
Compared to 321 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

zapatillas de running Saucony neutro constitución ligera distancias cortas talla 49 (%)

TPU handles cold far better than EVA, and our 20-minute freezer challenge confirmed it—it only got 8% firmer. That’s a great result for runners in chilly climates needing a weather-resistant midsole.

Saucony Ride 18 zapatillas de running Saucony neutro constitución ligera distancias cortas talla 49 (%)
Test results
Ride 18 8%
Average 25%
Compared to 321 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
0%
zapatillas de running Saucony neutro constitución ligera distancias cortas talla 49
63%

Insole thickness

One of the most standout features in the Ride 18 is the PWRRUN+ insole. We found that it offers a springy feel underfoot, especially thanks to its ultra-thick 7.0 mm build.

Most brands still stick with cheap EVA insoles—even in the most premium models like the ASICS Superblast 2—Saucony made again a clever move here that noticeably boosts comfort and energy return.

Saucony Ride 18 Insole thickness
Test results
Ride 18 7.0 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 390 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Rocker

Unlike many brands that now favor ultra-rockered midsoles, we found that the Ride 18 stays true to a more traditional geometry—delivering a consistent, natural ride.

Saucony Ride 18 side

That said, the heel is slightly more angled to create smoother landings for rearfoot strikers. From our perspective, and the toe spring is a bit more noticeable than what we found in previous generations of the Ride.

Saucony Ride 18 Rocker

Size and fit

Size

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saucony grid cohesion 11 grey?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large

Ténis Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 amarelo mulher

We found that this shoe keeps avoiding extremes with a design that feels neither narrow nor overly roomy. It’s also nice to see that wide sizing is available in some markets to boost adaptability.

After letting our gel mold chill in the fridge, we took it out and moved straight into caliper-based measurements. Our first data point came from the widest part of the upper, which landed at 94.4 mm. That's a slightly narrow yet average result (2.5 mm less than the Ride 17) that still reinforces its low-risk design.

Saucony Ride 18 Ténis Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 amarelo mulher
Test results
Ride 18 94.4 mm
Average 95.5 mm
Compared to 149 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
90.9 mm
Ténis Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 amarelo mulher
102.4 mm

zapatillas de running Saucony amortiguación minimalista talla 37.5 más de 100

This shoe clearly feels a bit different from the Ride 17, as Saucony made the midfoot slightly tighter but eased off the taper, something certain runners will welcome.

Saucony Ride 18 pov

Last year we measured 71.4 mm, but this version stretches to 73.0 mm, adding a touch more toe room but still being somewhat restrictive for those with wide feet.

Saucony Ride 18 zapatillas de running Saucony amortiguación minimalista talla 37.5 más de 100
Test results
Ride 18 73.0 mm
Average 73.7 mm
Compared to 149 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
67.9 mm
zapatillas de running Saucony amortiguación minimalista talla 37.5 más de 100
83.6 mm

Toebox height

While lateral space in the toebox feels a bit snug, we found a different story when measuring vertical clearance.

zapatillas de running Saucony mujer constitución fuerte talla 37.5 más de 100.

Saucony Ride 18 Toebox height
Test results
Ride 18 32.0 mm
Average 27.1 mm
Compared to 148 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
22.4 mm
Toebox height
33.8 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

The Ride has always been an easy recommendation for neutral runners who enjoy a stable feel without dealing with a clunky design—and we found that this version stays true to that identity.

However, for those needing more support and feeling that a neutral platform isn't enough, we believe that a more structured option like the saucony kinvara 2 test remains a better pick.

Torsional rigidity

This is one of the tests that really sets the Ride 18 apart from most competitors. While nearly every daily trainer is getting noticeably stiffer—like the saucony peregrine 6 mens—we found that Saucony kept this shoe impressively bendable (2/5), offering a natural sensation underfoot.

Test results
Ride 18 2
Average 3.4
Compared to 373 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
1
Torsional rigidity
5

zapatillas de running Saucony ritmo medio talla 35.5 naranjas baratas menos de 60

The heel counter is supremely comfortable, packed with generous padding and built with a flexible design that we rated again at 2/5. That said, this setup comes with a slight drop in stability for heel strikers—an expected trade-off.

Test results
Ride 18 2
Average 2.9
Compared to 357 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
1
zapatillas de running Saucony ritmo medio talla 35.5 naranjas baratas menos de 60
5

zapatillas de running Saucony maratón talla 40.5

Saucony went bold last year with a 125.1 mm midsole width in the Ride 17, and we’re glad to see they scaled it back to 122.1 mm. It’s still slightly wider than what we consider ideal for a daily running shoe, but at least now feels more streamlined and less clunky.

Saucony Ride 18 zapatillas de running Saucony maratón talla 40.5
Test results
Ride 18 122.1 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 395 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
103.3 mm
zapatillas de running Saucony maratón talla 40.5
126.9 mm

zapatillas de running Saucony niño niña voladoras 10k grises

The heel followed the same path, shrinking from 93.8 mm to 91.9 mm in this version. While it’s not the best possible news for heel strikers, we believe that trimming the overall width was a much-needed adjustment.

Saucony Ride 18 zapatillas de running Saucony niño niña voladoras 10k grises
Test results
Ride 18 91.9 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 395 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
73.0 mm
zapatillas de running Saucony niño niña voladoras 10k grises
106.6 mm

president of Saucony

Based on our test, the Ride 18 is now 16% more bendable than its predecessor, requiring just 25.4N to reach a 90-degree flex. This improvement makes it feel more jogging-friendly and everyday-ready in a comfort way.

Test results
Ride 18 25.4N
Average 28.2N
zapatillas de running Saucony pie normal talla 36.5 más de 100.
Compared to 377 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Weight

The most notable enhancement in the Ride 18 is its significant weight reduction. Saucony has achieved a remarkable decrease, bringing the shoe down from 10.15 oz (288g) to 9 oz (255g).

This substantial improvement is particularly impressive, considering that the shoe maintains its cushioning and comfort levels. We are genuinely impressed by this advancement!

Saucony Ride 18 Weight
Test results
Ride 18 8.99 oz (255g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 395 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

The ultra-airy appearance of the Ride 18 instantly caught our eye—it looked incredibly breathable even before testing. To verify our first impression, we ran it through our lab’s smoke-pumping test.

The results didn’t disappoint us. Smoke flowed out with near-zero resistance, confirming what we suspected from the start. We gave it a top 5/5 for ventilation, and we rank this shoe among the most breathable daily trainers we’ve ever tested.

Next, we examined the upper using a powerful backlight to better understand airflow distribution. The midfoot had limited ventilation, likely to provide a more secure and stable fit during runs. However, the toebox was another story. With both top and lateral ventilation zones, it expelled air quickly and efficiently.

Saucony Ride 18 microscope

Under our microscope, we discovered a standard dual-layer mesh but featuring gigantic ventilation holes. These openings were among the biggest we’ve seen in ateliers memory here in the lab.

Saucony Ride 18 mesh

What stood out even more was the secondary layer, which had minuscule holes. This combo is what made possible for the upper to score a 5 in our lab test.

Finally, Saucony added plush-and-thick padding around the tongue and heel for a cozy feel. At the same time, the toebox is stretchy and paper-thin, cutting down on weight. For this price, we’re convinced that this upper is really hard to beat.

Test results
Ride 18 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 324 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

Ventilation often comes with a durability trade-off—and that became clear during our Dremel test. We recorded a 2/5 score, which is below average and far from impressive, yet reasonable given how ultra-breathable this upper is.

Test results
Ride 18 2
Average 2.5
Compared to 258 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
1
Toebox durability
5

saucony sneaker freaker grid sd kushwacker

On the flip side, the heel padding performed amazingly—it felt ultra-plush and built to last. We think that it could’ve spent hours facing our Dremel! Naturally, we gave it a flawless 5 out of 5.

Test results
Ride 18 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 254 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
1
saucony sneaker freaker grid sd kushwacker
5

Outsole hardness

We found that the outsole keeps a nearly identical design to the previous generation, featuring the same XT-900 rubber and weight-saving cutouts for a flexible feel. For this reason, there’s no major update here, and rubber coverage is still limited. However, this is something we expected from a brand that usually leans toward lightweight builds rather than full-length midsole protection.

Saucony Ride 18 outsole design

Since it uses the same XT-900 compound, we tested its grip again and confirmed it's solid on dry surfaces but less reliable on wet terrain—partly due to the exposed midsole. We clocked 85.0 HC of hardness, which aligns with previous versions.

Saucony Ride 18 Outsole hardness
Test results
Ride 18 85.0 HC
Average 79.8 HC
Saucony Reverse Mint.
Compared to 375 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
57.0 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

In terms of durability, 0.7 mm is quite a solid outcome that outperforms most shoes we've tested in the lab. It's a key result, especially for a model with such limited rubber coverage.

Test results
Ride 18 0.7 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 236 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

We also found an average 3.4 mm of thickness, which once again supports solid durability. The only concern would be for runners who wear down the medial side or any exposed spot. Check your worn pairs!

Saucony Ride 18 Outsole thickness
Test results
Ride 18 3.4 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 392 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Price

We think the Ride 18 nails that hard-to-find mix of comfort, performance, and affordability. It uses a more premium TPU foam, not basic EVA, and Saucony kept the price unchanged—which we find pretty rare these days.

Test results
Ride 18 $140
Average $146
Compared to 395 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
$60
Price
$275

Reflective elements

While not oversized or ultra-bright, we confirmed that the Ride 18 includes small reflective details in the heel—just enough to boost low-light visibility. Still, we’d really prefer larger elements.

Test results
Ride 18 Yes

Tongue padding

Another look at the Saucony Originals Shadow 6000 Avocado Toast daily trainers, Saucony chose lace loops that resemble Nike’s Flywire system. These offer a more adaptive fit, though they always raise some concerns about long-term durability.

Saucony Ride 18 lacing

The tongue itself feels superb—plush but not bulky. We measured 8.5 mm of comfy padding, and in our view, that’s a smart middle ground. Brands often go over 10 mm, but that adds unnecessary weight, so we think Saucony made a perfect choice here for daily miles.

Saucony Ride 18 Tongue padding
Test results
Ride 18 8.5 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 392 running shoes
zapatillas de running Saucony mujer trail apoyo talón talla 38
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

raised by wolves saucony aya asphalt jungle

We found a semi-gusseted tongue design, something usual in the Ride series. This fit-enhancing feature adds a secure lockdown that’s sometimes missing in similarly priced shoes.

Saucony Ride 18 raised by wolves saucony aya asphalt jungle
Test results
Ride 18 Both sides (semi)

Heel tab

Saucony Grid 8000 Blue Light Blue Ride 17, but Saucony dropped the finger-loop heel tab. It now features a sleeker design and cut off a bit of weight.

Saucony Ride 18 Heel tab
Test results
Ride 18 None

Removable insole

We had no issues swapping the Ride's insole for different custom orthotics thanks to the generous vertical space. There's even enough room to stack some orthotics over the included one if needed!

Saucony Ride 18 Removable insole
Test results
Ride 18 Yes