Saucony Ride 19

The Saucony Ride 19 is the latest evolution of the daily/lightweight training line from Saucony, designed for neutral runners looking for a combination of generous cushioning and more or less acceptable responsiveness; in other words, a daily cruiser, as its name suggests. With a reasonable weight for its category and a PWRRUN+ (TPU) midsole, it offers a more protected ride than ever thanks to its generous stack. The engineered mesh upper keeps the breathability the line is known for, while the semi-integrated lacing system ensures a secure fit without pressure points. Compared with direct rivals such as the Nike Pegasus 42 or the Brooks Ghost 17, the Ride 19 goes for a wider, more stable platform, ideal for long runs and moderate paces. An approach that makes it a competitive option in the premium (the most expensive) daily trainer segment.

Compared with the Ride 18, the changes are notable but not revolutionary. The upper is more breathable thanks to a more open mesh, and the tongue, partly stitched to the sides, improves the midfoot fit without compromising ventilation. The outsole keeps XT-900 rubber in strategic areas with a new pattern, offering reliable traction in the dry and the wet. It is not a shoe for chasing personal bests, but it is a reliable companion for piling on the miles week after week.

The PWRRUN+ midsole is still its strong point, although it has been reformulated to keep up with the times: it offers a combination of soft cushioning with noticeable energy return, far from the sinking feeling of some maximalist shoes. The rocker geometry eases transitions and the wider heel platform gives heel strikers stability. Ideal for daily training, weekend long runs and runners who put comfort ahead of speed. As with so many other lines in the running world, if you are a Ride fan, you will buy the new version.