I was excited to try the Saucony Ride 15. I’ve been a huge fan since the Ride 9 and always seem to have a pair of the Ride in my rotation. Is the Saucony Ride better than the Ghost? For me, yes, but not for everyone. I prefer the firm and responsive ride of the Ride.
The Saucony Ride is a lightweight daily trainer. It’s been updated a fair amount since the Ride 14. It’s now much lighter and softer but with more cushioning and increased stack height.
Saucony Ride 15 Quick Facts:
Weight: 8.7 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 8 mm
Price: $140
Saucony Ride 15 Introduction:
The Saucony Ride 15 is a basic trainer that can be used for a heck of a lot of running. It’s lightweight but cushioned but it can also be more responsive for faster runs. For some, it’s their easy run shoe and for others, they do workouts in it. It’s a shoe you can bring somewhere if you only want a single pair of shoes. Anyway, the Saucony Ride 15 has a flexible forefoot with a smooth ride. Each year, the Ride is consistent, and you don’t usually have to worry about how much it’s changed. This year is different, and the Saucony Ride 15 has gone through the biggest changes in a while. But the changes aren’t bad.
This year the Saucony Ride 15 is softer, lighter, and has more cushioning?
So the Saucony Ride 15 is better? Maybe.
The Ride has lost 1.3 ounces which is huge in the running world. The stack height is now 35/27 instead of the 32/24 of the previous version. But never fear; it still has an 8 mm heel-to-toe drop.
So what’s the downside of the Ride 15? It has gone up in price by $10.
Saucony Ride 15 Fit:
When I first looked at the Saucony Ride 15, I thought it clearly had gone through a bit of an update.
Saucony Ride 15 Fit:
Saucony has definitely made great improvements in the Ride 15. It’s comfortable, breathes well, and fits wider feet. Of course, the flagship shoe is also available wide too. The Ride 15 uses breathable engineered mesh. It’s a fairly simple upper that performs well and there is no movement during runs.
Both the heel tab and collar are padded, which adds to the comfort. I strongly believe running shoe uppers should disappear off your feet and the Saucony Ride 15 does just that. There aren’t really any hot spots, and the shoe is overall very comfortable. I would say it’s becoming as comfortable as a high cushioned trainer, but with the extra $10 increase, we should see some more cushion and plushness.
Loyal Ride fans will notice the Ride 15 upper has straps that protrude from the medial and lateral sides to help secure the fit. They feel secure without feeling too tight.
As far as fit, I usually wear between a size 10-11 wide in running shoes and have found the 10.5 to fit well for the Saucony Ride 15. I appreciate that the Ride continues to be made in wide too. In all, the Ride 15 upper is simple fits well and performs well too. I think it’s one of the better daily trainers of 2022.
Saucony Ride 15 Ride:
My favorite shoe review to type is the Saucony Ride talk about the ride? LOL, that doesn’t matter, and no one thinks it’s as funny as I.
Back to the Saucony Ride 15 shoe review: In the Saucony Ride 15, the PWRRUN+ topsole has been replaced by the PWRRUN+ insole. It feels a lot softer and more cushioned, but it’s easy to pick up the pace.
The Saucony Ride 15 uses PWRRUN in the midsole (same as the previous versions), while it’s the same, the shoe doesn’t feel the same or ride the same. It’s a lot more airy, soft, and “squishy.” More air equals less weight. The increased stack height adds more cushion to it. It also makes the shoe “look” thicker too. (It kind of resembles the Endorphin Shift). Compared to other trainers such as the Ghost or Pegasus, it feels much more soft and flexible.
Durability and Traction: I was slightly worried the Saucony Ride 15 would be less durable, but it’s the same as previous versions. The Ride typically lasts between 300-500 miles, and the Ride 15 is no different. As far as traction, the Ride continues to shine. The strategically placed rubber allows it to maintain both durability and traction without gaining weight. It’s surprising because there is still a fair amount of exposed midsole, but it doesn’t seem to wear out quickly. I’ve run on a few sandy trails and inclement weather days with no issues. I don’t worry about sliding around.
This is probably my favorite Ride to date. I’ve used it in various runs, including easy runs, long runs, and faster runs. It truly does shine as a multipurpose shoe. I prefer something lighter and faster for races, but other than that; you can pretty much use it for anything. I have to wonder if Saucony is prepping to get get rid of the Triumph. The Ride and the Triumph now feel very similar but the Ride 15 is $15 cheaper. There is no longer a huge advantage (more cushion) to purchasing the Triumph (and the Triumph is one of my favorite shoes)…so we will see.
Saucony Ride 15 Conclusiuon:
The Saucony Ride 15 has gone through a big update, but the update has been good, and I don’t have any complaints (minus the $10 increase). I am a big fan of both the Freedom and Triumph, but the Ride 15 has become just as good and cheaper. Will it overtake those shoes? I’m not sure! If you are looking for a lightweight and traditional running shoe, the Ride 15 is a good option. Honestly, I just don’t have a lot of complaints.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: New Balance 1080v12 , Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Saucony Triumph 19, Brooks Launch 9,
Speed Work: Brooks Hyperion Elite 3, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge,
Trail Running/Hiking: Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL:PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
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