Saucony Ride 18 Road Running Shoe Review
An in-depth review of the Saucony Ride 18: a reliable, smooth, budget-friendly daily trainer
September 8th, 2025
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Our verdict
The Saucony Ride 18 road running shoes are reliable and consistent daily trainers that offer among the best value for your dollar, which is why we’ve named this shoe Best Affordable in both our Best Men’s Road Running Shoes and Best Women’s Road Running Shoes guides. It’s a dependable daily training shoe for runners of all experience levels.
The Ride 18 is the kind of road running shoe that makes you forget you’re wearing a shoe, and we see that as a positive thing. Rather than overwhelm your feet with springy midsole tech, the Rides have consistently been a simple, high-quality shoe. With an even balance between cushioning and responsiveness, the updated PWRRUN+ foam midsole is a welcome upgrade to this model, along with the updated upper.
These trainers are lightweight, breathable, durable, and can last up to around 500 miles. They’re neutral shoes with an 8mm drop, making them a great option for most runners unless you’re looking for zero or low-drop or need more stability. And at $15–25 less than other shoes we’ve chosen as winners in our road running shoes guides, the Ride 18s are a great value.
Saucony Ride 18
Men's
Women's
Our men’s and women’s testers ran everything from 3-mile jogs to 20-mile long runs, from 6-hour shifts at the brewery to tempo runs. We logged miles in both the hot Arizona desert and the slightly-snowy mountain roads in northern Arizona, on gravel and pavement in Colorado, on chilly morning runs and blistering late afternoon runs. Both testers have worn previous models of the Rides for comparison, and Becca even wore them as her daily trainer while competing in college and post-collegiately.
What sets the Saucony Ride 18s apart from other road running shoes is their ability to deliver quality and consistency at a relatively low price. The Rides have long been a great road running shoe, and each update has come with thoughtful tweaks (in the case of the 18s, it’s a little lighter and has a more breathable upper with adjustments to the fit).
The main drawback to consider with the Saucony Ride 18 is that this is not a highly technical, fancy road running shoe that will make you feel extra springy on foot like, say, the On Cloudeclipse (which won Best Overall in our Best Women’s Road Running Shoes guide and Best Upgrade in our Best Men’s Road Running Shoes guide) or a supershoe (which we wouldn’t recommend using as a daily trainer anyway).
The Saucony Ride 18 is a high-quality but straightforward road running shoe that will carry you through your daily miles at a lower price than most other quality road running shoes. It’s a do-it-all (or to-most) shoe that works best for daily training runs, but can also be used for recovery runs, tempo runs, and other fast workouts. Its more accessible price makes it an especially great option for beginners, or for more advanced runners looking for a daily training shoe to offset mileage on their workout and/or recovery shoes. Runners of all training and experience levels can benefit from this quality, consistent, more affordable road running shoe.
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Saucony Ride 18 Specifications
Price: $145
Weight (per shoe, men's and women's): 9.9 oz (men’s), 8.4 oz (women’s)
Heel-to-toe drop (mm): 8 mm
Stack height (heel/forefoot mm): 35/27 mm
Cushion level (Minimal/Moderate/Maximum): Maximum
Support type (Neutral/Stability/Motion Control): Neutral
Upper materials: Recycled engineered mesh
Midsole foam type: PWRRUN+ foam
Outsole material: Rubber
Available sizes and widths: Regular and Wide 7-15 (men’s), Regular and Wide 5-12 (women’s)
Suitable for vegans: Yes
Best for
Daily training runs, though can be used for recovery runs, tempos, Fartleks, and long runs
Runners of all experiences, especially beginners or runners who want a daily trainer to offset miles on their workout and/or recovery shoes
Road running, with the ability to cross over to gravel and occasional use on smooth, non-technical trails
Runners on a budget
Comparison table
| TRAIL RUNNING SHOE | WEIGHT MEN'S | WEIGHT WOMEN'S | CUSHION | HEEL DROP | STACK HEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saucony Ride 18 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 3.8 oz | 1 lb, 0.8 oz | Maximum | 8 mm | 35 - 27 mm |
| On Cloudeclipse Men's Women's |
1 lb, 5.7 oz | 1 lb, 1.0 oz | Maximum | 6 mm | 37 - 31 mm |
| On Cloudsurfer 2 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 1.4 oz | 1 lb | Maximum | 9 mm | 32 - 23 mm |
| Nike Pegasus 41 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 4.8 oz | 1 lb, 1.7 oz | Responsive | 10 mm | 37 - 27 mm |
| Saucony Hurricane 25 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 4 oz | 1 lb, 1.6 oz | Maximum | 6 mm | 38 - 32 mm |
What we liked
Updated PWRRUN+ foam strikes an even better balance between cushion and responsiveness than before, and gives this shoe a smooth, consistent, more natural ride compared to shoes with more bounce or more plushness
Consistently a high-quality, durable, lasting daily training shoe
Breathable and plush upper
What could be better
Not ideal for those who want more cushion, like those with joint pain or heavier runners
Not ideal for speedwork for more competitive runners
How we tested
We tested the men’s and women’s regular models of the Saucony Ride 18. These shoes come in wide sizes, and while our men’s tester has wider feet, he opted for the regular size and found them comfortable.
We tested these shoes in Arizona and Colorado in winter, spring, and summer months. We loved them for runs ranging from 3 to 20 miles on roads and some gravel/hardpacked dirt paths. They’re plenty breathable on hot runs, even while pounding the hot Arizona pavement. We tested these on daily training runs, easy recovery jogs, and tempo runs to gauge their ability across paces. One of our testers even wore them on a few 6-hour shifts working at a brewery to assess how comfortable they felt after long days on her feet.
In addition to comparing these to previous models (the 16, 17, and countless old models Becca can’t recall the numbers of because she was a college athlete who simply did not pay attention), we tested these shoes directly alongside other road running shoes in our Best Men’s Road Running Shoes and Best Women’s Road Running Shoes guides.
Performance in the Field
Fit and feel
The Saucony Ride 18s fit true to size. They come in both regular and wide size options–our men’s tester has wider feet and found the regular size to be plenty roomy, so if you have wide feet we recommend trying both options on if possible to see which is more comfortable for you. Our narrow-footed tester had no issues and also found them to fit comfortably.
The more accessible fit is likely due to Saucony’s tweaks to the upper's fit, which is less snug than the fit of the 17s. The toe box is less pronounced but still plenty roomy, with more space around the midfoot. Updates to the upper also make it more breathable. It’s plush and well suited for long miles.
Ride and responsiveness
Saucony’s proprietary PWRRUN+ foam midsole strikes an excellent balance between cushion and responsiveness. It’s not as bouncy as, say, the On Cloudeclipse or On Cloudmonster 2, nor as plush as the On Cloudsurfer 2. Rather, it provides a smooth, consistent ride without the fancy midsole frills typically found in more expensive shoes.
While not as fancy as more techy and expensive road running shoes, the Ride 18s still offer plenty of cushion for long miles. They’re responsive enough for uptempo workouts, particularly for beginner and intermediate runners who don’t have workout-specific shoes. The ride is smooth. Turnover to faster paces isn’t the easiest with these shoes, but that’s not what they’re designed for–these daily trainers are best for more consistent, easy-to-moderate paces.
Cushioning
The Ride 18s have an average stack height (35-27mm heel to toe), and the PWRRUN+ beaded foam midsole provides moderate-to-high cushioning. While not as engineered and plush as the On Cloudsurfer 2 or HOKA Bondi 9, we still felt comfortable after 20-mile long runs and 6-hour brewery shifts.
Saucony also updated the Ride 18 to add more midsole coverage, leaving less exposed and increasing durability. These shoes will last longer than those with more exposed midsoles, making them a better value than some of the more techy shoes we still also like, like the On Cloudeclipse. Most road running shoes last around 300-500 miles, depending on a lot of factors; in our experience, On shoes tend to last more on the 300-mile side, while the Saucony Ride lasts more on the 500-mile side.
Outsole/Traction and grip
The updated rubber outsole offers increased coverage to protect the feet and increase midsole durability. It offers plenty of traction on the roads and gravel, even in the rain or light snow.
Breathability and upper
The recycled engineered mesh upper is breathable, durable, and comfortable. Even on hot Arizona road runs, we had no issues with breathability.
If breathability is a concern, though, the Saucony Ride 18 is available in a Summer edition (men’s and women’s) with an even more breathable upper.
Stability and support
These shoes offer neutral support. You can easily add custom insoles if needed for better support. The heel cup is plush, and we experienced no issues with instability.
Weight and efficiency
Weighing 9.1 oz per men’s shoe and 8 oz per women’s shoe, the Ride 18s are an average, lightweight road running shoe. If a lightweight daily trainer is your priority, we recommend the HOKA Mach 6, which only weighs 8.2 oz per men’s shoe and 6.7 oz per women’s shoe.
While not the lightest shoe, it’s still lightweight enough to avoid fatiguing your legs over long runs. We have experienced no fatigue or comfort issues wearing the Saucony Ride 18 on 20-milers.
Durability and longevity
While dependent on many factors, like a runner’s weight, mileage, running surfaces, storage solutions, and more, you can expect the Saucony Ride 18 to last around 500 miles. At $145, this makes the Rides among the best values you can find.
Features
Drop/Offset
The Saucony Ride 18 has an 8mm drop, which is on the higher end for road running shoes. For reference, most HOKA road running shoes have around 5 mm of drop (which is mid-drop), Altras have 0 mm of drop, and our men’s and women’s picks for Best for Beginners–the Nike Pegasus 41 and Brooks Ghost 17–both have 10 mm of drop.
Stack height
This shoe has 35-27 mm (heel to toe) of stack height, which is average for most road running shoes. It’s high enough to avoid groundfeel, which most road runners appreciate.
Lacing system
The Rides have a traditional lacing system with flat laces. We had no issues with shoes coming untied during runs.
Heel tab design
The heel tab is plush, which adds to the comfort of the fit and helps prevent heel blisters. In testing, we found the heel tab to be comfortable and supportive.
Reflective elements
While there are small reflective elements on the Saucony Ride 18s, we recommend more reflective or hi-vis gear if you’ll be running in the dark. Check out our Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark guide for more.
Colorway options
The Saucony Ride 18 comes in a whopping 24 colorways, ranging from neutral to bright color options.
Updates from previous models
Saucony updated the Ride 18 to weigh less (about 0.4 oz less for the men’s shoe about 0.2 oz less for the women’s shoe) and have a more breathable/airy upper than the 17s. They also updated the midsole to feel more cushioned and more responsive, and the flex grooves and rubber of the outsole for better grip, stability, and durability.
The new ride is quite smooth. In testing the two side by side, we also noticed a slightly updated fit, with the 18s providing a little extra room at the midfoot.
Similar shoes to consider
On Cloudeclipse
Price: $180
Weight (per shoe, men's and women's): 1 lb, 5.7 oz, 1 lb, 1.0 oz
Heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm
Stack height: 37 - 31 mm
Cushion level: Maximum
Support type: Neutral
The On Cloudeclipse is like a suped-up version of the Saucony Ride 18. On uses their proprietary Helion cushion and Speedboard technology in the midsole for a bouncier, more responsive ride while maintaining a high level of cushion. On also dope-dyes their shoes, which saves 90% more water than other shoe dying processes. The difference in shoe tech is noticeable, but it comes with a higher price tag at $170.
However, the On Cloudeclipse has a more exposed midsole than the Saucony Ride 18s, which makes them less durable over time. So while they’re high-quality shoes (and won Best Upgrade in our Best Men’s Road Running Shoes and Best Overall in our Best Women’s Road Running Shoes guides), they aren’t as great a value as the Saucony Ride 18. Learn more in our in-depth review of the On Cloudeclipse Road Running Shoes.
On Cloudeclipse
Men's
Women's
On Cloudsurfer 2
Price: $160
Weight (per shoe, men's and women's): 1 lb, 1.4 oz, 1 lb
Heel-to-toe drop: 9 mm
Stack height: 32 - 23 mm
Cushion level: Maximum
Support type: Neutral
The On Cloudsurfer 2 is a neutral, maximum-cushioned road running shoe. Like the On Cloudeclipse, the Cloudsurfer uses On’s proprietary Helion midsole foam for a super plush, comfortable ride. These are far more cushy than the Saucony Rides, but also come at a higher price tag of $160. And like the Cloudeclipse, the Cloudsurfer has a more exposed midsole, which is a durability concern.
The On Cloudsurfer 2 is the winner of Best for Long Distance in our Best Men’s Road Running Shoes guide and Best Cushioned in our Best Women’s Road Running Shoes guide. It also earned Best Shoe for Recovery Runs in our Best Recovery Shoes guide. Learn more in our in-depth review of the On Cloudsurfer 2 Road Running Shoe.
On Cloudsurfer 2
Men's
Women's
Nike Pegasus 41
Price: $145
Weight (per shoe, men's and women's): 1 lb, 4.8 oz, 1 lb, 1.7 oz
Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mm
Stack height: 37 - 27 mm
Cushion level: Responsive
Support type: Neutral
The Nike Pegasus 41 is a neutral shoe that, like the Saucony Ride 18, is a consistent, reliable, balanced daily trainer. Nike’s proprietary ReactX foam midsole and bouncy Air Zoom units at the heel and forefoot offer a balanced ride similar to the Saucony’s, though perhaps with more bounce and less cushion. These shoes cost the same as the Rides, making them another great value option. We found the ride of the Sauconys to be a little smoother and more comfortable over longer miles, though.
The Nike Pegasus 41 is our pick for Best for Beginners in our Best Men’s Road Running Shoes guide. You can learn more in our in-depth review of the Nike Pegasus 41 Road Running Shoe.
Nike Pegasus 41
Men's
Women's
Saucony Hurricane 25
Price: $170
Weight (per shoe, men's and women's): 1 lb, 4 oz, 1 lb, 1.6 oz
Heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm
Stack height: 38 - 32 mm
Cushion level: Maximum
Support type: Neutral
The Saucony Hurricane 25 is a neutral, maximum-cushioned road running shoe we’ve recently been testing. While we haven’t added it to our road running shoes guides yet, we look forward to that update because we’ve found these shoes to be super comfortable. With Saucony’s proprietary PWRRUN PB foam for plushness and PWRRUN foam for responsiveness, the Hurricane 25s have a smooth, cushioned ride and are a great option for daily training runs at a range of paces. With more midsole tech, however, comes a higher price tag–these shoes cost $170, which is $25 more than the Saucony Ride 18.
Saucony Hurricane 25
Men's
Women's
Should I buy the Saucony Ride 18 road running shoes?
Buy if you’re looking for an affordable daily trainer road running shoe that strikes a balance between cushion and responsiveness. This is a great option for runners of all abilities and experience levels because of its high-quality construction, durability, and overall value.
Skip if you’re looking for a super responsive road running shoe for faster workouts or a super plush recovery shoe.
Men's
Women's
Where to buy
The Saucony Ride 18 are popular footwear, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Road Runner Sports
Pros: Local stores and speak to a fit expert for free on the phone, free shipping and perks with VIP program
Zappos
Pros: 365-day free shipping on returns, fast delivery with free VIP program
Advice on where to buy
In general for shoes, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns like REI or Zappos. Trying on shoes is an important way to get the sizing right. With both those retailers, if your funds allow, you can buy two sizes and easily return one. Additionally, check reviews to see whether other users recommend sizing up or down.
Why you should trust us / About the Authors
Becca Downs
Becca Downs ran D1 cross country and track for Indiana University—Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI) and continued racing everything from elite miles to an ultramarathon in her post-collegiate years. She earned a USATF Level 1 certification and coached boys and girls high school cross country and track in Indianapolis for four years. Becca then joined the IUPUI women’s distance coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach in 2020-2021.
She geeks out on trail running, track and field, and cries every time she watches a marathon (they’re just so beautiful!).
After notching a few small FKTs under her belt, she was diagnosed with hip arthritis and now channels her passion for running into coaching, crewing, writing, creating training plans for her friends, hiking, snowshoeing, and running as much as her hip allows. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from the Mile-High MFA Program at Regis University. Becca is based in Denver, Colorado.
You can find her on Instagram or at her website.
Sam Schild
Sam Schild is a thru-hiker, runner, cyclist, and mountain athlete based in Colorado. He’s been a runner since he was a child when he ran five days a week as cardiovascular training for soccer. As he grew older, he stopped playing team sports and focused on running and cycling.
Sam regularly runs five days or more per week. He has completed countless ultra-distance, self-supported trail runs on trails throughout the American Southwest. He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail, Arizona Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and the Colorado Trail twice, always in running shoes.
You can read more about Sam on his author page or his website.
