Saucony Ride 17 Review (2024): Top Daily Trainer?
Our Verdict
Very good, versatile, and accessible daily trainers.
Don’t have time to read the full review? Here’s what you need to know.
The Saucony Ride 17 is a very popular running shoe that has gained more and more followers with each successive edition. This new version features several significant changes.
The midsole foam is leveling up to one of Saucony’s most premium and responsive technologies: PWRRUN+, replacing PWRRUN. The shoe gains responsiveness and softness on impact while retaining a certain firmness characteristic of the RIDE line. It also maintains excellent stability.
The new FORMFIT engineered mesh upper is extremely comfortable and breathable. It offers a precise fit yet with enough room to suit a wide variety of foot types (including wider ones). Saucony has also addressed one of the main drawbacks from previous versions by increasing the durability of the outsole rubber while retaining decent traction on the road.
In short, the Saucony Ride 17 enhances an already successful series, setting its sights on earning a top place in the daily trainer category in 2024.
Please read our full review of the Saucony Ride 17 for more information.
PROS
- Versatile shoes for all types of sessions
- Improved responsiveness with PWRRUN+
- Good stability and durability
- Comfortable, breathable upper with improved fit
CONS
- Heavier compared to v16
- Average grip on wet surfaces
Introduction
Saucony is one of the heavyweights of the running industry and has succeeded in establishing several iconic model series. Over the years, the Ride has grown in popularity to become one of the best picks for daily training.
The Saucony Ride 17 faces high expectations and arrives with significant updates that bring it closer to the Saucony Triumph 21. So, it’s time to see whether this model lives up to its predecessors to help you determine if you should get it.
We’ll find out in this analysis, based on over 200 km of testing and the feedback of several reviewers.
Cushioning
The midsole is the main change, upgrading from PWRRUN foam to TPU-based PWRRUN+ foam. While the brand has even more advanced foam technologies in its series, this one is the most accessible and versatile.
The underfoot feel is less firm, a little softer–certainly more pleasant on impact than the previous version. Shock absorption is much better for a very satisfactory result.
The Saucony Ride 17 makes it easy to run long miles with no real restrictions. According to the brand, the shoe is unsuitable for heavy runners over 198 lbs/90 kg beyond the half-marathon, but I wouldn’t worry about it, considering the sturdiness and stability of the shoes.
The stack height remains unchanged, with a height of 35 mm at the heel and 27 mm under the forefoot. This confirms the cushioning’s versatility and reliability as a partner for daily training.
The heel-to-toe drop of 8 mm is standard and won’t require any transition time.
Energy return
Weighing in at 9.5 oz/270 g in EU size 42, the Saucony Ride 17 is heavier than the previous version, which slightly influences the ride, as pointed out by some testers.
However, the new foam compensates for this weight gain, and responsiveness is better overall, with a more effective forward bounce as you pick up the pace.
The slight rocker also ensures smooth heel-to-toe transitions. It’s safe to say that the Ride 17 performs well at any pace for an optimal running experience.
Support and stability
Reputed for its stellar stability since the beginning, the Saucony Ride series does even better with the 17.
The platform is 5 mm wider, and you can feel the foot rolling off safely.
This model offers neutral support, but should be suitable for most runners.
Foot Lockdown
The mesh upper uses FORMFIT technology to ensure a fairly stretchy fit. In practice, the fabric wraps around the foot and relaxes as you run so as not to compress it too much. Compared to the 16, the reinforced cage better surrounds the midfoot.
The lightweight mesh upper with perforated side panels makes the shoes very breathable. The gusseted tongue works well and doesn’t slip with movement. The stretch laces are equally effective. The heel counter is rigid but has padding to make it more comfy. All this adds up to deliver great comfort and effective lockdown to run safely without slippage or wobbliness.
The shoe fits true to size so that you can go for your usual shoe size.
Traction
The XT900 rubber now extends over the entire length of the shoe on most of the outsole. As a result, traction is improved–the grip is very good. However, some testers noted some slipping on wet surfaces.
The numerous grooves ensure good flexibility. It’s possible to tackle easy paths, even if the main use remains on the road.
Use
The main advantage of the Saucony Ride 17 is its versatility. The foam is responsive, enabling you to accelerate easily when your workout or race requires it. Tempo runs are right up its alley. But it’s also soft, and the cushioning is just as comfortable for slower runs, such as easy jogs and fundamental endurance sessions.
What’s more, shock absorption is very good, allowing you to confidently extend your distances, though perhaps a little less so for heavier runners, according to the brand. The Ride 17 is, therefore, an ideal daily trainer, and it can also be a suitable choice for competition for runners who prefer to rely on a single model for all their running.
Quality and durability
Durability is much better compared to version 16. The outsole is resistant, and we didn’t notice any early wear after all our test runs. The mesh materials are also high-quality. All in all, it’s a value-packed workhorse that’s worth its price tag.
The Saucony Ride 17 is partially made from recycled materials and 100% vegan.
Conclusion
The Saucony Ride 17 are incredibly versatile shoes that blend comfort and performance, competing with other star models like the Asics Novablast 4, Mizuno Wave Rider 27, and Nike Pegasus 40 for the title of best daily trainers.
Its comprehensive features make it a reliable partner for comfortable long-distance running without sacrificing agility. With its responsive cushioning, it’s suitable for all scenarios, even racing, if you don’t want to go for a fancy pair of carbon-plated shoes.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel height | 35 mm |
| Forefoot height | 27 mm |
| Weight (men) | 270 g/9.5 oz |
| Weight (women) | 238 g/8.4 oz |
| Features | Vegan, Heavy runner, Recycled materials, Rocker |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2024 |
| Price | Check prices |
Cushioning
| Softness | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Medium |
Technologies
| Outsole | XT900 Rubber |
| Midsole | PWRRUN+ |
| Upper | FORMFIT |
Use
| Speed | Slow, Moderate |
| Distance | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Workout | Daily running |
Comparisons
Saucony Ride 16
There are several important changes:
- Greater weight
- New upper for improved fit and breathability
- Switch to PWRRUN+ foam for a softer, more responsive run
- More rubber outsole for enhanced durability
These changes make this new iteration more stable, responsive, durable, and better-fitting. In short, v17 is better, but v16 is still a solid option if you can find it for much cheaper.
More Comparisons
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