Saucony Ride TR2 trail running shoes

The Saucony Ride TR2 trail running shoe is a trail version of the Saucony Ride 17 running shoe, which we’ve reviewed in detail. They’ve reinforced the Ride 7 upper, added a new outsole to make it more suitable for trail running, and reduced the midsole height by 2mm to make it more stable, which is more important for trail running. This redesign makes the Saucony Ride TR 2 trail running shoe suitable for lighter trail running, but it can also be used on asphalt since the rubber lugs on the outsole are not as large.
There are several running shoe brands (e.g. Hoka, ASICS, Salomon) that make similar universal running shoes that can be used on both trails and asphalt. These have different names, All Terrain (ATR), Road to Trail (RTT), Gravel (GRVL), and as Saucony uses Trail (TR), but whatever the name, these shoes are similar, can be used on light trail and asphalt. I use them on asphalt mostly in the winter, in cold, wet, precipitous weather, because they have better traction, are warmer, and the uppers are more tolerant of moisture.

Saucony Ride TR2 upper

The upper of the Saucony Ride TR2 trail running shoe is made from a mesh material that is thicker and more cushioned than the Ride 17 upper. It doesn’t have large ventilation holes to keep debris out, so the breathability isn’t as good as the road version. The tongue of the shoe is heavily padded, wide and long to prevent small debris from getting in. The tongue of the shoe has an elastic strap where the laces can be hidden to prevent them from getting caught and coming loose. The heel collar is well padded and stiff to keep the foot in place. The upper fits true to size and has a medium width, but is tapered in the front, so if you have a wide foot, it’s better to buy 1 size larger. The upper is more similar to that of a trail running shoe than an asphalt running shoe.

Saucony Ride TR2 midsole

The midsole of the Saucony Ride TR2 trail running shoe is made from the same PWRRUN+ foam as the road version. The PWRRUN+ midsole foam is a lighter, more flexible foam than the previous PWRRUN foam. The difference between the road and TR versions is that the midsole is 2mm lower, but still 35mm high, which is high for a trail running shoe. The height of the midsole provides enough stability for road running, but it is not as stable for trail running, so it is not the best shoe for more technical terrain. The PWRRUN+ foam isn’t very soft, but it’s soft enough to be comfortable on longer trail runs. Due to the higher cushioning and heavier weight, the Saucony Ride TR2 trail running shoe is more suitable for longer, slower runs than for fast, short runs.

Saucony Ride TR2 Outsole

The outsole of the Saucony Ride TR2 trail running shoe is made of PWRTRAC rubber, which has a dense pattern and 3.5mm high rubber lugs. The outsole covers most of the midsole, giving the shoe stability while providing enough traction for easy to moderate trail running. The 3.5mm tread depth isn’t distracting on pavement, but you can feel the rubber lugs. The outsole also grips well on wet pavement and deep mud. The Ride TR2 outsole is perfect for dusty, gravelly conditions.

For whom and for what kind of runs is the Saucony Ride TR2 trail running shoe recommended? Summary

The Saucony Ride TR2 trail running shoe is a good hybrid shoe that can run on both road and easier trail. The upper and outsole of the shoe are more like trail running shoes. The upper is protective, thick and cushioned, and the outsole has 3.5mm rubber lugs. The midsole, on the other hand, is more like the midsole of a road running shoe. The Saucony Ride TR2 is best suited for longer, slower runs; it’s too heavy for fast runs, and the midsole doesn’t provide much cushioning. A great choice for cold, wet days or if you are running on different surfaces (asphalt, gravel, dirt roads) in one run, but also a good choice for a park run. If you’re a beginner or have never run trail before and want to get started, the Ride TR2 may also be a good choice.