Saucony Ride 18

The Saucony Ride 18 is the American brand's quintessential daily trainer, designed for neutral runners looking for comfort and versatility without breaking the bank. Weighing 269 g (US 9 / EU 42) and with PWRRUN+ (TPU) foam in the midsole, it offers energy return well above the average for its category. The ultra-breathable mesh upper with a semi-integrated lacing system provides a secure fit without sacrificing ventilation. Unlike rivals such as the Brooks Ghost 17 or the Nike Pegasus 42, the Ride 18 stands out for its natural flexibility and competitive launch price, making it an interesting option for those who want quality without overpaying.

Compared with earlier generations of the Ride line, the changes are significant. Saucony has cut the weight noticeably (roughly 20 g less) while keeping the same protection. The engineered mesh upper is lighter and more breathable, with a tongue partly stitched to the sides that improves the fit in the midfoot. The forefoot is slightly wider than in earlier versions, although runners with very wide feet may need the specific wide version offered by the American brand. The padded heel counter provides comfort without adding a lot of unnecessary stiffness, just enough for it to work well.

The midsole of the Ride 18 stands out for its TPU-based PWRRUN+ foam, which offers an interesting combination: generous cushioning (37 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot) with energy return above the average for its category, although nobody should expect it to bounce like a carbon-plated super shoe with all the trimmings. The official 8 mm drop ensures smooth transitions for both heel and forefoot strikers. The outsole, with segmented coverage of the well-known XT-900 rubber, delivers reliable traction and notable durability. Nothing to write home about, just something that works reasonably well without any fuss. Ideal for daily training, long easy runs and moderate paces, a classic that experienced runners trust for heading out without worrying about technology X or novelty Y. Spoiler: no magic foam will turn you into Eliud Kipchoge, but the Ride 18 will make every kilometre of training feel more comfortable.