Saucony Ride 14 Review (2024): Should You Get It?
The Saucony Ride 14 is a very good road running shoe for daily training: comfortably and sturdy.
Consensus
Read our Saucony Ride 17 review, the latest version in the series.
The Saucony Ride 14 is a comfortable and versatile shoe with a high stack cushioning: 32 mm under the forefoot and 24 mm under the forefoot. However, the platform is quite firm, according to the testers. Thus, shock absorption is good, but the ride is somewhat rigid. In terms of cushioning, as on the previous model, some runners noted a slight bounce, while others found the ride a bit dull. Let’s note that the R14 still uses PWRRUN foam instead of the newer PWRRUN PB, which has the reputation of packing a punch in the energy return department. In other words, what was suitable in 2020 seems a bit dated in 2021.
The upper is very comfortable and offers an ideal lockdown with the right amount of flexibility and support. Also, the upper is much more breathable than before, thanks to a more open mesh design. Not only does it allow air to circulate better, but it also makes the upper more flexible. The only slightly negative point is the tongue, which some testers deemed too thick.
Finally, the outsole does not skimp on rubber to ensure effective traction and make the shoe more robust. The other advantage of this configuration is that the shoe is quieter—pedestrians will no longer turn around when they hear you coming (beware: this stealth mode can scare people at night!).
In summary, the Saucony Ride 14 remains an excellent choice for daily training, thanks to its comfort and versatility. The firm cushioning may not be to everyone’s liking, but overall it’s effective. We only hope that the next iteration will benefit from a more responsive foam!
- Great comfort
- Upper that offers an impeccable lockdown
- Effective cushioning despite its firmness with a touch of bounce
- Reasonable weight considering the high stack sole
- Sturdy shoe
- The tongue is a little too thick
- Cushioning too firm and not responsive enough, according to some runners
Technologies
Outsole
- The outsole of the Saucony Ride 14 uses blown rubber: a soft material that offers good flexibility to follow the movement of the foot while running. This element is especially important at toe off. This platform also provides effective traction on the road.
Midsole
- PWRRUN is lightweight and energetic EVA and TPU-based foam thats equips the entire midsole.
Upper
- The Saucony Ride 14’s upper is an engineered mesh that comfortably keeps the foot secure inside the shoe. This year’s version is especially more breathable with a more airy design.
- The Formfit is an upper technology that allows targeted and pleasant foot lockdown.
- The gusseted tongue prevents it from slipping to one side to run worry-free.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel stack height | 32 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 24 mm |
| Features | Heavyweight runners |
| Weight (men) | 281 g/9.9 oz |
| Weight (women) | 238 g/8.4 oz |
| Fit | Wide feet |
| Release year | 2021 |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 2 – Firm |
| Bounce (1-5) | 3 – Moderate |
Technologies
| Outsole | Blown rubber |
| Midsole | PWRRUN |
| Upper | Engineered mesh, Formfit, gusseted tongue |
Use
| Speed | Slow, moderate |
| Distance | Mid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathon |
| Workout | Daily runs, recovery |
Comparisons
Saucony Ride 13
No big change from one model to another. The main improvement is in the upper, which is better ventilated and slightly more flexible.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37
The Pegasus is lighter with softer cushioning. However, many runners find the Zoom Air unit under the forefoot a bit awkward. Overall, the popular vote seems to be leaning towards the Ride for its impeccable comfort.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11
The 1080v11 is lighter, and its Fresh Foam X foam is softer and more bouncy than the PWRRUN of the R14. However, many runners have found the heel collar to be less comfortable and, in some cases, even painful. Also, despite its softer foam, its build is stiffer. Victory goes to the Ride, therefore, even if the 1080 remains a very good shoe.
Saucony Triumph 18
The Triumph features PWRRUN+ foam, which is softer than the PWRRUN of the Ride 14. However, despite the almost identical stack height, the Triumph is much heavier, with 30 grams (1.1 oz) more! Therefore, the Ride seems a better choice even though the Triumph may be more suitable for runners looking for more softness underfoot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, the Saucony Ride 14 fits true to size. Therefore, you can purchase your usual size for running shoes. Besides, the toe box is roomy enough to accommodate wider feet.
Yes, this shoe should be suitable for everyone. Indeed, it’s a neutral running shoe. As such, it’s designed to suit all runners regardless of their type of pronation. It doesn’t feature stability technologies to correct the stride and prevent overpronation. That’s not important though: stability shoes are not more effective than neutral shoes to reduce injuries according to scientific studies to date.
Yes, the R14 has a stack height of 32 mm under the heel and 24 mm under the forefoot, which is sufficient for most runners. Besides, the cushioning is rather firm, which prevents the platform from collapsing over time.
This Saucony running shoe is primarily suitable for daily training, and its comfortable cushioning makes it a good choice for long-distance running. However, it’s not a racing shoe, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking to set a new personal best. It depends on your goals. It should be very well suited for a first marathon.
I recently purchased these shoes. they are very very firm. like running on bricks and landing in mud each step. No doubt they are a stability shoe, with good guidance to the foot and alignment of each step such that knee pain is dissipated. However each step is a thud. There is very little roll/ride to the pace, each step is a labor with no return energy. Running up an incline is devastating, and running down is jarring. They are wide in the front and the laces are slightly stretchy/bungee so you can really tie them down.
+ PROS:
My knee pain is gone.
Great colour scheme.
Good laces and lots of room for wider feet.
Good alignment and stability.
– CONS:
My shins ache and my feet feel jarred.
Terrible absorption.
They kill the joy of running.