The key specifications
- Price: $140 from saucony.com
- Sizing and fit: True to size with a medium width fit. A ‘wide’ version is also available on the Saucony website.
- Weight: 10.2 oz (289g) for a size US(M)9 (my pair).
- Drop: 8mm – stack height of 35mm in the heel and 27mm at the forefoot.
- Toe box width: Medium.
- Stability: Neutral, so there’s no additional stability or support added.
- Cushioning: Medium cushioning with a nice soft feel.
- Best for: everyday training and easy runs.
Having spent some quality time running in these daily trainers, I’m ready to share my firsthand experience in this Saucony Ride 17 review.
The Ride 17 really does live up to their name, the ‘Ride’ because running in them feels very akin to a leisurely Sunday ride; it’s all about unwinding, enjoying the moment, and just bagging daily miles whilst your mind takes in the scenery.
They effortlessly fall into the daily trainer category for me, and while some runners may find them suitable for tempo runs, they shine as a go-to choice for those everyday runs where comfort is key, and speed doesn’t necessarily feature on the menu.
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Let’s dive deeper into the key specifications, how the new Ride 17 compares to the Ride 16 reviewed last year, what makes this new version a standout choice for daily running, the features that I feel could be improved, and then I’ll finish off this review by sharing a final rating, and the Pros and Cons for you to mull over.
Saucony Ride 17 VS Ride 16
In comparing my experiences with the Saucony Ride 16 (reviewed last year) and the Ride 17, a few key differences stood out to me, which might help you decide if you’re thinking about sticking with what you know or upgrading to the latest model.
Key Differences That Caught My Attention include:
- Weight: The first thing I noticed was the weight difference. The Ride 17 is quite a bit heavier at 10.2 oz compared to the Ride 16’s lighter 8.9 oz for my size 9s. While it’s not a deal-breaker, it’s something I felt during longer runs, where every ounce can start to make a difference.
- Cushioning: Saucony really upped the ante with the Ride 17’s cushioning, claiming it to be their softest midsole yet, and although not entirely true, it does feel good. It’s comfy, no doubt, but don’t expect the “super plush” or max cushioning some other models might offer. The Ride 16 had a nice balance of softness and responsiveness, which I appreciated for its versatility.
- Upper Comfort: Straight out of the box, the Ride 17 felt more plush, especially around the upper. The collar, tongue, and heel counter padding are just so cozy, and the breathability is top-notch. This was a nice step up in comfort from the Ride 16, where the focus was more on a balanced feel rather than outright plushness.
Saucony Ride 17 Video Review
The features of the Saucony Ride 17 that I love
Diving into the standout features of the Saucony Ride 17, there are several aspects that deserve a spotlight.
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Starting with the plush upper, as this is immediately noticeable from the moment you put them on, and you can get a sense of this in my video review above.
The collar is generously padded, offering a glimpse into the comfort that awaits your foot, and the tongue and heel counter both share this super soft, yet highly breathable, construction as you can see in the images below.
The lacing system, while traditional, makes finding a snug and comfortable fit, a very easy and enjoyable experience – I demonstrate this in my YouTube video above (don’t forget to subscribe if you enjoy it! :)).
A few appreciated details include the loop at the back, a small but significant touch that simplifies slipping the shoes on, and also the inner socklike feature which helps connect the tongue to the footbed, and prevents tongue slip as a result.
Moving on to the midsole, it strikes a perfect balance with medium cushioning that provides a semi-plush feel underfoot, echoing the comfort of a leisurely ride or jog. This is the same great feeling you get from the previous version.
The 8mm drop from heel to toe, is another aspect that contributes to the shoe’s ergonomics, that help provide a comfortable and natural stride.
Then there’s the outsole which performs admirably in the wet and dry conditions with a sticky rubber compound that generously covers all ground contact areas (some running shoes nowadays do not do this, believe it or not). The tread also appears to be holding up well, durability wise.
Aesthetically, the Saucony Ride 17 doesn’t disappoint either, in my personal opinion anyway; Its silhouette is sleek and appealing, easily transitioning from running gear to casual wear.
➡ If you’re enjoying this review drop a comment down below, and consider subscribing to our newsletter for more running shoe reviews just like this one, and if you’re familiar with the Ride 17 or you’ve run in the previous version, let me know in the comments, I want to know what your thoughts are on them.
And when considering value, the $140 price point is the icing on the cake for me. The Ride 17 provides great value for money – it’s a shoe that packs a lot in.
Features that I feel could be improved for the future Saucony Ride 18
Let’s delve into areas where the Saucony Ride 17 could see enhancements in its next iteration.
Focusing on performance, as mentioned earlier, these shoes excel as daily trainers, so it’s best to temper expectations beyond that scope. While they might serve well as a tempo running shoe for some (according to Saucony’s website), my advice is to dedicate them to your regular mileage accumulation.
This is where they shine.
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One aspect that leaves room for improvement is the midsole’s responsiveness; the sensation of propulsion is somewhat lacking, which could be enhanced, perhaps, with the introduction of an enhanced rocker design.
Such an adjustment could potentially make the stride not only more efficient but also add a level of enjoyment and dynamism to the run, this is especially notable now the Ride is heavier than the previous version.
Aside from those fairly minor let downs, the Saucony Ride 17 stands out as a robust option for daily training and considering its $140 price point, it represents a solid investment for those looking to log consistent miles in comfort.
➡ I’m curious to hear from you if you are a runner loyal to the Ride series – Drop a comment below sharing what draws you to the Ride time and again. Specifically, I’m interested in what aspects of the Ride captivate you enough to prefer it over the Triumph?
Saucony Ride 17 review summary
Is the investment in these shoes justified? Absolutely, they are indeed worth the attractive $140 price tag, especially if you’re in the market for a reliable daily trainer to comfortably accumulate those easy miles.
With their 8 mm drop and the medium, plush-responsive cushioning, they offer a genuinely enjoyable running experience. You really can’t go wrong choosing these for your daily runs.
I’d advise against using them for high-intensity activities such as tempo runs or speed work, as they’re not quite tailored for that level of performance, in my view.
If you’re on the hunt for a shoe better suited for faster paces, let me know in the comments, and I’ll be sure to reply with some tailored recommendations for you.
An alternative running shoe worth considering from Saucony right now would be the Triumph 21.
Where to buy the Saucony Ride 17
The Ride 17 is currently available for $140 at saucony.com via the links below.
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Saucony Ride 17 image gallery
