Saucony Ride 19 running shoe review – opinion, price, comparison, who it’s for

What is it like to run in the Saucony Ride 19?

Cushioning and midsole

Although the Saucony Ride 19 does not have an especially tall midsole, its cushioning is above average, as the midsole is made from a denser foam compound. It has good energy return, but this foam compresses less than average, so it feels less bouncy. Its solid dynamics are more noticeable on longer runs rather than during faster efforts.

Stability and ride

Since the Saucony Ride 19 does not have a particularly high midsole, but it is much wider than average and made from a denser foam, it offers particularly good stability despite being a neutral running shoe. The midsole is rockered both at the forefoot and the heel. The forefoot rocker is less aggressive and does not engage early, but the heel is more curved than average, which primarily benefits heel strikers.

Upper and comfort

The upper of the Saucony Ride 19 running shoe is flexible, comfortable, and highly breathable, which is not a common combination. The upper features large ventilation holes, yet it is thicker and more padded, delivering a high level of comfort. The upper runs on the wider side (and the midsole is also wider), but it is also available in a wide version.

Landing and grip

The outsole of the Saucony Ride 19 running shoe provides good traction, performing above average on dry surfaces and better than average on wet surfaces as well. It is designed for running on firm ground; on trails and loose terrain its capabilities are limited, as the outsole grooves are not deep enough to provide adequate grip. The shoe is more favorable for heel strikers, but since the drop is not high, it will not feel uncomfortable or intrusive for midfoot or forefoot strikers either.

Pace and dynamics

The PWRRUN+ supercritical EVA foam that makes up the midsole offers better-than-average energy return, but you will benefit from this mostly on longer runs rather than during faster sessions. The midsole geometry, width, and height are all more supportive of longer, lower-intensity runs. The pace is up to you, but if you are specifically looking for a running shoe for fast workouts, the Saucony Ride 19 may not be the best choice.

Long runs vs tempo vs training

The Saucony Ride 19 is clearly geared toward longer training sessions. The comfort of the upper, as well as the construction and cushioning of the midsole, are best utilized during longer, lower-intensity runs. This does not mean you cannot run the occasional faster segment in it during a mixed-intensity workout, but speed sessions are not where this shoe truly excels.

Who is the Saucony Ride 19 recommended for – and who is it not for?

If you are an experienced runner looking for a versatile, comfortable running shoe for longer, lower-intensity runs or medium-length moderately paced runs, the Saucony Ride 19 will be a good choice. It can also be a good option for beginner runners as a first and/or only running shoe. It may also be a good choice for runners with higher body weight, even overweight runners, as the shoe is wide and durable.

The Saucony Ride 19 may not be the best choice if you are looking for a bouncy, explosive, lightweight running shoe for fast workouts or racing.

What has changed compared to the previous version? Saucony Ride 19 vs Saucony Ride 18.

The Saucony Ride 19 running shoe has changed significantly compared to the previous version.

Its upper has improved breathability and has become wider and more flexible.

The midsole foam, PWRRUN+, has become slightly softer with improved dynamics. The geometry has also changed: it is 1 mm taller, wider, and therefore more stable. Due to the increased width, the midsole has become stiffer and its torsional rigidity has increased.

The outsole is made from the same XT-900 rubber compound as before, but the pattern and coverage have changed. It features a larger and full-width transverse cutout, which is necessary because of the wider midsole to prevent excessive torsional stiffness.

Alternatives to the Saucony Ride 19 – comparison

There are many similar daily versatile neutral road running shoes comparable to the Saucony Ride 19, such as

• the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28, which has a slightly taller and softer midsole but is similarly versatile
• the Brooks Ghost 17, which is slightly firmer and slightly heavier, but similarly universal
• the Hoka Clifton 10, which has a taller midsole and is somewhat heavier, but thanks to the higher stack it offers greater cushioning
• the Adidas Supernova Rise 3, which is slightly heavier but has a more padded upper and a slightly softer, more flexible midsole

Is there a difference between the men’s and women’s Saucony Ride 19?

According to official data, the midsole height and drop are the same for the women’s Saucony Ride 19 as for the men’s version. The women’s version weighs 220 g, while the men’s version weighs 255 g, but this weight difference is primarily due to the fact that the women’s Saucony Ride 19 weight is officially given in size 38, while the men’s version is given in size 42.5.

Saucony Ride 19 running shoe upper

The Saucony Ride 19 running shoe upper is made from a comfortable mesh material that is more flexible than average and offers better-than-average breathability. The upper is focused on comfort, so it is slightly more padded than average. It fits true to size and runs on the wider side, especially in the toe box, but it is also available in a wide version. The tongue is thicker than average and is gusseted on both sides. The heel collar is very rigid and holds the foot extremely securely.

Saucony Ride 19 running shoe midsole

The Saucony Ride 19 running shoe midsole is made of PWRRUN+ foam, which is a supercritical EVA compound. Compared to standard EVA foams, this process injects tiny gas bubbles into the EVA in a supercritical state (under high pressure, where phase changes occur at higher temperatures), resulting in a foam that is more elastic, softer, lighter, and more durable. The Saucony Ride 19 midsole is very well balanced. Its cushioning is slightly above average, its energy return is slightly above average, and it is slightly firmer than average. It is a perfect choice for daily runs. It cannot be described as fast, but since the shoe is not heavy, you can still pick up the pace in it. The midsole is much wider than average, and combined with its slightly firmer feel and moderate stack height, it is clearly understandable why its stability is better than average. The Ride 19 is a neutral running shoe, yet it almost offers more stability than a typical neutral running shoe. It also works well for walking and can be a good choice for runners with higher body weight. Its stability primarily comes from the fact that the midsole is not overly tall, is wider than average, and is not overly soft. At the same time, these factors also make it stiffer than average. The midsole is not highly responsive or explosive; it is more suited to longer, lower-intensity runs than to shorter, faster efforts. The energy return of the midsole is above average, but due to the overall character and weight of the shoe, this is something you will benefit from more on longer runs rather than during high-intensity speed sessions.

Saucony Ride 19 running shoe outsole

The Saucony Ride 19 running shoe outsole is made from carbonized rubber called XT-900. The outsole offers better-than-average grip on both dry and wet surfaces, but due to the carbonization it is slightly firmer than average, so in cold and wet conditions it can be considered average. Because it is slightly firmer than average, its abrasion resistance is better than average, and it is also thicker than average, making it very durable. The outsole does not fully cover the entire midsole; its longitudinal segmentation reduces the stiffness of the otherwise stiffer midsole. There is a large transverse flex groove in the center, and in the forefoot there are transverse patterns in both the outsole and the midsole, which improve efficiency at toe-off.