The RW Takeaway: The Ride 15 maintains its reputation as a workhorse daily trainer. Softer than the previous version, the updated midsole provides more supportive cushioning for long workouts.
- Reformulated Pwrrun midsole is softer and thicker
- Ghillie lacing provides a tighter, securer fit
- Forefoot-strikers still craved more cushioning
Type: Road
Price: $130
Weight: 8.6 oz (M), 7.2 oz (W)
Drop: 8 mm
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The Saucony Ride falls within the same category as the Brooks Ghost and Nike Pegasus: a workhorse of a trainer with moderate cushioning, able to tackle everyday efforts and well suited for a high percentage of new runners. Though not as plush as Saucony’s Triumph, it has a reformulated Pwrrun midsole that’s thicker—18 percent more foam underfoot—than the last version.
Pros
- Softer than its predecessor
- Beveled heel smooths ride
Cons
- Less cushioning in the forefoot
“The best part of this shoe for me was the incredible cushioning,” said a tester. “I can wear these for a long run and keep them on all day afterward, and my legs never feel tired or sore.” Some testers, especially larger runners and forefoot strikers, wanted more cushioning in the front half of the shoe.
Despite all that foam, the shoe rides smoother and weighs less. To help the Ride cruise comfortably, Saucony turned up the back edge of the sole, giving it a more pronounced bevel. That helps to prevent any slapping when you land on the back edge of your foot.
“Even though I would describe it as being on the softer side, the shoe was responsive and propelled me forward with each step,” said a tester. And the lively performance is boosted by nearly an ounce of weight savings compared to version 14, thanks to the sculpted sole shape and strategically placed rubber that’s used sparingly.
Minor upper changes include a downy-soft diamond pull tab on the tongue and ghillies to prevent lace bite. Word to the wise: The ghillies do their job well, so if you’re an aggressive knotter, be wary of tightening your shoes like a corset.
More Tester Feedback
Michael M. | Easton, PA | Tester since 2017
Miles per week: 40 | Average pace: 9:00
“What I most liked about this shoe was its durability, especially in the heel area. As a typical heel striker, I can go through running shoes quickly by wearing out the heel. That did not happen with the Saucony Ride 15 during the testing period. The shoe helped me out during my training by holding up to the hard surfaces I was running on. Compared to shoes I’ve tested in the past, the Ride proved itself way more durable.”
Kerry S. | Allentown, PA | Tester since 2014
Arch: High | Gait: Neutral | Footstrike: Midfoot
“I personally do not love this shoe, but I believe this is mostly due to my specific preferences, and I still feel it is an above-average trainer. For me, it is bulkier and heavier than I like and the fit is a little too tight on the top of my arch. However, the Ride is very supportive and provides lots of cushioning. I can wear these shoes for a long run and keep them on all day afterward and my legs never feel tired or sore.”
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
