I’ve put these shoes through their paces on both roads and light trails, and what stands out is how Saucony refined the formula without going overboard. The Ride 19 isn’t trying to be a super shoe or a max-cushioned beast. Instead, it offers moderate cushioning that works for easy miles, long runs, and even the occasional tempo effort.
I’ll walk you through the fit and feel of the updated upper mesh and how the new foam holds up after dozens of miles. If you’re thinking about upgrading from the Ride 18 or just curious about the line, maybe I can help you figure out if this £140 neutral trainer deserves a spot in your rotation.
Saucony Ride 19 Key Features and Fit
The Saucony Ride 19 brings targeted updates to the outsole and midsole foam while keeping the fit mostly consistent with previous models. The shoe keeps its 8mm drop and adds durability features that address complaints from the Ride 18.
Design Updates vs Ride 18
The most noticeable change for me was the outsole redesign. Saucony added XT-900 carbon rubber to high-wear spots like the heel and toe-off zones. This goes a long way toward fixing the main issue with the Ride 18, which tended to break down around 200 miles for a lot of runners.
The midsole now uses a tweaked PWRRUN+ foam that’s a bit softer and more responsive than before. Stack height is still 36mm in the heel, 28mm in the forefoot, so the familiar 8mm drop is here to stay.
Despite these changes, the Ride 19 is actually lighter than its predecessor at 7.7 oz for women and 8.9 oz for men. The upper got a fresh design with bigger mesh openings for better breathability, though there’s a trade-off I’ll get to in a second.
Fit and Sizing Advice
The Saucony Ride 19 fits true to size in my experience. I’ve worn several generations of the Ride, and sizing has stayed reliable.
The platform feels a bit narrow through the midfoot, which could be a problem for some. Luckily, Saucony does make wide versions, but they’re only in certain colours.
The gusseted tongue keeps things secure, and I haven’t had any issues with tongue slip, even on longer runs. The lacing system has three eyelets up top, so you can play around with the fit if you need to.
The heel collar has enough padding to prevent irritation but doesn’t feel bulky. I tried these with different sock heights and didn’t get any rubbing or hot spots.
Upper Materials and Breathability
The engineered mesh upper got a full overhaul for the Ride 19. The mesh now has larger openings, which makes a noticeable difference for ventilation on runs.
But those bigger holes are actual openings in the material. Running on crushed gravel, I did get some small rocks and dirt sneaking in. Not a big deal for road running, but if you do a lot of mixed terrain, it’s something to keep in mind.
The mesh feels sturdy and supportive but doesn’t clamp down on your foot. It adapts well to different shapes and keeps its structure through the midfoot. For road running or treadmill sessions, the upper is comfortable and does the job across a range of distances.
Performance and Ride Experience
The Ride 19 feels softer and smoother than earlier versions, but still has the balanced ride that makes it a go-to neutral daily trainer. It’s great for easy runs, steady mileage, and recovery days without feeling heavy or overly cushioned.
Cushioning and Midsole Feel
The new PWRRUN+ foam is the main thing you’ll notice right away. It’s definitely softer than the Ride 18’s midsole, giving each step a more cushioned, relaxed feel.
Saucony added an extra millimetre of stack height (36mm heel, 28mm forefoot), which works nicely with the softer foam and doesn’t make the shoe feel slow.
What I like most is how the Ride 19 keeps transitions smooth even though it’s softer. The midsole doesn’t feel squished or flat. It’s got a forgiving rhythm that lets you settle in and just cruise through your daily miles.
The slightly wider platform helps keep things stable, especially with the softer foam. It’s not more stable than the Ride 18, but you don’t get that wobbly feeling some softer shoes have.
Responsiveness is somewhere in the middle. It’s not snappy like a race shoe, but it doesn’t feel dead either. For easy runs, it’s lively enough to keep things interesting.
Outsole Durability and Grip
Grip on dry pavement is totally fine for daily running. On wet surfaces, the Ride 19 is just okay. It handles light rain and damp roads, but painted lines or slick spots can be a bit dicey. For a shoe focused on everyday dependability, that’s a fair compromise.
The outsole is built for longevity, not aggressive traction, which makes sense for a neutral daily trainer most runners will use on roads or pavement.
Suitable Run Types and Everyday Use
The softer cushioning makes it feel more natural for recovery than the Ride 18 did. Long runs are comfortable, though if you want super plush cushioning, the Saucony Triumph might be more your speed. For everyday miles and general training, it’s right on target.
It’s a good pick for walking or treadmill sessions too. The balanced ride and forgiving cushioning make it genuinely versatile, but it’s not trying to be everything for everyone.
Tempo runs are doable, but this isn’t really the shoe for chasing fast splits. If you’re after speed, you’ll want something else.
Comparison With Other Daily Trainers
The Ride 19 goes head-to-head with shoes like the Brooks Ghost, Mizuno Wave Rider 29, and New Balance 880. Its cushioning falls somewhere between the firmer crowd and those ultra-plush trainers that feel like pillows.
Next to the Brooks Ghost, the Ride 19 comes off a touch softer and definitely lighter on your feet. The Ghost’s got a bit more structure, while the Ride 19 leans into that flexibility and gives you smoother transitions. Honestly, if you like a shoe that bends with you, the Ride 19 might feel more natural.
When you stack it up against the New Balance 880, the Ride 19 feels more laid-back and cushioned. The 880 is firmer and probably a bit snappier if you’re mixing up your pace a lot.
