Saucony Ride 19 Review

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Quick Verdict

The Saucony Ride 19 is a neutral road shoe for runners who want a dependable daily trainer with more personality than a basic workhorse. Saucony says its reformulated PWRRUN+ midsole is softer and more responsive, while RTINGS independently found useful bounce—especially at the forefoot—and enough cushioning for regular training. The catalog places it at 9.0 ounces for men with a 38/30mm stack and an 8mm drop.

That formula suits easy runs, ordinary aerobic mileage, and some controlled faster running. RTINGS found that cushioning and bounce became less convincing deep into longer efforts, so the Ride 19 is not automatically the best choice for every long run. Our editorial conclusion is to view it as an adaptable everyday shoe rather than a speed specialist or maximum-cushion cruiser. It earns a place beside the broader options in our best daily trainer running shoes guide.

Key Specifications

What Changed

The Ride 19's meaningful update is the reformulated PWRRUN+ foam. Saucony describes it as softer, lighter, and more responsive than before, and adds flex grooves intended to smooth the transition through the forefoot. Its engineered mesh is designed to stretch with the foot, while the cushioned heel collar keeps the upper comfort-oriented.

RTINGS describes the change as a modernization rather than a new identity: the shoe remains a classic daily trainer, but gains more cushioning and energy than this category typically provides. Compared with the older Ride 17, the 19 is the better match for runners who want a fuller platform and springier daily feel. Those who liked a leaner Ride should not assume the additional cushioning is automatically preferable.

Ride and Intended Use

Saucony markets the Ride 19 for easy miles, long steady runs, and faster-paced training. Independent testing supports most of that breadth with an important limit. RTINGS measured pleasing forefoot bounce and protective cushioning for regular training, but reported diminishing absorption and liveliness beyond roughly 20K. That makes shorter and medium-length daily runs the clearest use case.

The 8mm drop and moderate rocker keep its mechanics more traditional than aggressively curved shoes. It should feel more familiar to runners moving from the Nike Pegasus 42 or Brooks Ghost 18 than to athletes accustomed to plated trainers. Faster aerobic runs are reasonable; intervals and race pace remain better served by a lighter, more directed shoe.

Fit and Sizing

RTINGS found the Ride 19 true to size in length and overall volume, with adequate room and a nonrestrictive arch. Its measured forefoot was close to a standard fit, and Saucony sells a separate wide version. That combination gives buyers clearer options than a single-width performance model.

Most runners can start with their usual running-shoe size. A genuinely wide foot should use the offered wide construction instead of sizing up only for width. The upper is designed to adapt, but that manufacturer statement does not guarantee an ideal hold for every foot. As always, confirm heel security and toe clearance before committing the shoe to longer mileage.

What Works Well

• Balanced daily cushioning: Independent testing found enough protection for routine training without turning the shoe into a maximum-stack cruiser.
• Noticeable forefoot energy: RTINGS measured and observed useful bounce that keeps ordinary mileage from feeling flat.
• Accessible fit options: A true-to-size independent result plus standard and wide versions reduces fit guesswork.

Tradeoffs

• Long-run fade: RTINGS found the cushioning and bouncy sensation less convincing as distance increased.
• Not a speed specialist: The geometry and weight favor versatility over the efficiency of a dedicated workout shoe.
• Conventional personality: Runners seeking a dramatic rocker or exceptionally soft platform may find the Ride restrained.

Who Should Consider This Shoe

• Neutral runners who want one reliable shoe for most short-to-medium daily mileage.
• Athletes who prefer an 8mm drop, flexible forefoot, and balanced rather than extreme cushioning.
• Buyers comparing practical trainers in the best running shoes for beginners category.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

• Runners whose weekly priority is very long, highly cushioned outings.
• Athletes who want a plated or lightweight shoe for intervals and racing.
• Anyone seeking maximum comfort first should compare the Saucony Triumph 24.

Cross-Brand Comparison

The Pegasus 42 and Ghost 18 occupy the same broad daily-trainer lane. The Ride 19's strongest distinction is reformulated PWRRUN+ bounce in an otherwise familiar setup. The ASICS Novablast 6 uses a taller maximum-cushion platform and targets more pronounced energy, while the Ride keeps a more grounded workhorse identity. Choose based on preferred geometry and fit rather than assuming the most dramatic foam is always the most useful.

Same-Brand Comparison

Within Saucony, the Ride 19 sits between lighter, faster models and premium comfort shoes. The Triumph 24 offers maximum cushioning and more long-run emphasis at a higher MSRP. The Endorphin Speed 4 is the better reference for plated workout versatility. The Ride remains the straightforward choice when most runs are easy or steady and a specialized rotation is unnecessary.

Value

At MSRP: $145, the Ride 19 is priced in the core daily-trainer range. Its value depends less on a single standout feature than on how many ordinary runs it can cover. Standard and wide sizing, a conventional 8mm setup, and enough response for modest pace changes make it a credible one-shoe option. The proposition weakens for runners who routinely exceed its long-distance comfort range or already own separate easy-day and workout shoes.

Final Verdict

The Saucony Ride 19 updates a familiar daily trainer without making it difficult to understand. Saucony's foam and flex-groove claims align with independent findings of a more cushioned, energetic workhorse, while RTINGS supplies a useful boundary around very long runs. Neutral runners who value a conventional fit, balanced geometry, and broad everyday usefulness should put it high on their list; runners prioritizing maximum cushion or fast workouts should choose a more specialized model.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support TrainingPlan at no extra cost to you.