The Ride is Saucony's “Pegasus”. It's a shoe that has something for everyone- it's a crowd pleaser and it's one of Saucony's best sellers.
In some years, the Ride gets very subtle updates but this year, the Ride 19 gets some significant changes that alter its ride. The Ride 19 is $5 more expensive than the Ride 18.
This comparison will tell you which version you should buy.
The Ride 19 and Ride 18 both have PWRRUN+ midsoles. PWRRUN+ is an eTPU foam. The midsole of the Ride 19 has been tweaked to be slightly softer than previous versions so the 19 has a softer ride with more cushioning than the 18.
The other difference between the 2 trainers is that the Ride 19 has a broader forefoot and rearfoot. This makes the 19 feel more stable and more supportive than the 18.
The Ride 19 is better for slower, longer runs. It has more long-distance comfort and it has more stability so your ankles don’t have to work as hard. Its new midsole is softer and this makes it harder to increase the pace.
The Ride 18 is better for shorter, faster runs. It feels more nimble and more agile than the Ride 19 due to its streamlined midsole. It also has a firmer ride and this provides a firmer platform to push off from when you want to go faster.
Both of these trainers have thick insoles to add cushioning and improve step in feel, however, the Ride 18 has a thicker insole that makes the step in feel more luxurious.
When it comes to grip, the 19 has better grip. On its outsole, it has rubber with raised triangles to help bite into surfaces. The outsole of the 18 is much flatter in comparison.
If durability is important to you, the 18 has a more durable outsole than the 19. It has more rubber coverage on its outsole to protect the midsole from abrasions.
The upper of the Ride 19 feels more like a max cushioned trainer than a daily trainer. It has more padding in the tongue and the collar. The extra padding makes it feel warmer than the 18.
The upper of the Ride 18 feels more like a traditional daily trainer. It has less padding so it feels cooler. They both have no tongue slide and have excellent foot lockdown.
Both trainers fit true to size but the 18 is more spacious than the 19. The 19 is better if you have narrow, low volume feet.
If you prefer a softer, more cushioned ride, the Ride 19 is the trainer you should buy. It has a new midsole foam which is better suited to easy and recovery runs. The Ride 19 has better grip than the 18 and it has a more comfortable upper with more padding. If you need a very supportive trainer, the Ride 19 is also better because it has a wider base.
If you prefer a slightly firmer, faster ride, the Ride 18 is the better option for you. It’s easier to pick up the pace in the Ride 18 because it has a narrower, more streamlined design. The Ride 18 has the more durable outsole and it has a cooler upper with less padding. If you need a more spacious interior, the Ride 18 is better for you. It also costs $5 less and the Ride 19.
