The Saucony Ride 19 is a neutral daily trainer balancing cushioning, lightness and versatility. Its reformulated PWRRUN+ foam, 8 mm drop and flexible geometry cover easy runs, long runs and steadier efforts with one shoe.
Positioning and technical specifications
The Ride 19 sits at the centre of Saucony’s road range: less substantial than Triumph 24 and less specialised than a plated model.
| Feature | Saucony Ride 19 men |
|---|---|
| Use | Road, daily training, long runs |
| Type | Neutral with moderate inherent stability |
| Midsole | Reformulated PWRRUN+ |
| Claimed weight | 255 g |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Stack | 36 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot |
| Outsole | XT-900 rubber and flex grooves |
PWRRUN+: cushioning and energy return
PWRRUN+ is expanded TPU foam. It combines compression resistance, durable cushioning and a livelier response than traditional EVA. The reformulation aims for a softer feel without making the platform unstable.
Forefoot flex grooves allow controlled deformation during toe-off. This contributes to a smooth transition at moderate pace while retaining enough response for progressive runs.
8 mm drop and load distribution
An 8 mm drop is accessible to many runners, but drop alone does not determine biomechanics. Rocker, stiffness, base width, speed and individual technique also influence how loads are distributed.
Compare with the Brooks Ghost 18
Both are neutral daily trainers. The Ride 19 uses a wider platform, a more noticeable rocker and a livelier transition; the Brooks Ghost 18 delivers a more traditional feel with a higher drop and secure hold.
| Criterion | Saucony Ride 19 | Brooks Ghost 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm | 10 mm |
| Claimed men’s weight | 255 g | 289.2 g |
| Feel | More rocker and a livelier transition | Steady comfort and secure fit |
| Use | Easy, long and moderate-paced runs | Easy runs and daily mileage |
Choose the Ride 19 for a more modern rolling transition and broader base; choose the Ghost 18 for a more traditional, reassuring daily ride.
Runner profiles and distances
- neutral beginner or regular runner;
- daily training from 5 km to marathon;
- simple rotation with a faster companion shoe;
- runners seeking balance rather than maximum cushioning.
Fit and sizing
Check toe clearance, heel lockdown and midfoot volume. Shoes with the same nominal length can fit very differently, so a dynamic test remains preferable.
View the Saucony Ride 19 at Tripp Sport
Tripp Sport technical verdict
The Ride 19 is a balanced daily trainer, particularly coherent for easy runs, long runs and steady efforts. Its wider platform and more noticeable rocker feel reassuring, but it is less focused on outright speed than some previous Ride generations.
Independent measurements
RunRepeat measured approximately 38.7 mm at the heel, 30.2 mm at the forefoot and an actual 8.5 mm drop, very close to the stated 8 mm. Their test shoe weighed 278 g, compared with the brand’s 255 g figure.
The measured platform is especially wide at about 127.1 mm in the forefoot and 100.7 mm at the heel, which helps explain the stable feel. Heel energy return was also high in their protocol.
Additional sources: RunRepeat and Doctors of Running.
FAQ
Can the Ride 19 be used for a marathon?
Yes, when comfort is confirmed during long runs. It prioritises consistency and versatility over the efficiency of a dedicated racing shoe.
Is the Ride 19 stable?
It remains neutral, but its widened platform provides good inherent stability.
How does it differ from the Ghost 18?
The Ride 19 has a more noticeable rocker and livelier transition; the Ghost 18 keeps a more traditional ride and a higher drop.