Saucony has long been a staple in the running community, but with the release of the Ride 19, they are making a bold claim: this is the shoe for “every ride you take.” In a market that increasingly pushes runners toward specialized shoe rotations, the Ride 19 aims to be the ultimate antidote—a versatile workhorse designed to handle everything from recovery “trots” to threshold intervals.
As a runner who travels frequently, the idea of a “one-shoe-fits-all” trainer is the holy grail. We took the Ride 19 to the streets to see if it truly ticks every box or if it’s a jack of all trades and a master of none.
Prefer to watch? Click here to watch our full video review of the Saucony Ride 19 on YouTube!
Model and Purpose
The Saucony Ride 19 is a neutral daily trainer built for maximum versatility. According to Saucony, this shoe is engineered for:
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Daily Movement: Comfortable enough for walking and errands.
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Easy & Long Miles: Providing reliable protection for high-volume training.
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Fast-Paced Workouts: Nimble enough to pick up the pace during tempo sessions.
While many brands are going “alien” with their designs, Saucony is focusing on a “buttery” transition and a lightweight feel that works for beginners and marathon veterans alike.
Specs and Measurements
The Ride 19 is surprisingly airy for a daily trainer with this much underfoot protection.
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Weight: 8.2 oz (231g) for Women’s Size 8.5 (Measured).
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Listed Weight: 7.7 oz (218g) (Saucony Website Spec).
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Stack Height: 35mm Heel / 27mm Forefoot.
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Drop: 8mm.
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Price: $145
Color Options
Saucony offers a massive variety of palettes, ranging from “loud” race-day vibes to muted tones perfect for travel:
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Women’s: Aqua/Fire Orchid, Black/Silver Cloud, Hush/Ivory/Gum, and White/Silk.
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Men’s: Cobalt/Slime, Black/Pewter, Navy/Gum, and White/Sage.
Key Features of the Saucony Ride 19
1. Upgraded PWRRUN+ Foam The star of the show is the full-length PWRRUN+ midsole. This is a high-grade TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) foam. Think of it like plastic beads that “pop” like popcorn to create a light, springy, and heat-resistant cushion. It’s significantly more durable and bouncy than traditional EVA foams.
2. Engineered Mesh Upper The upper is a beautiful, breathable engineered mesh that feels soft against the skin. For runners who prefer to go barefoot inside their shoes, the interior is smooth and “buttery” with minimal friction points.
3. Gusseted Tongue & Plush Collar The tongue is securely gusseted to prevent sliding during fast corners, and the heel collar is generously padded for a “locked-in” feel. It’s a classic, reliable fit that prioritizes comfort from the first mile to the last.
4. Durable Carbon Rubber Outsole Saucony didn’t skimp on the rubber. The outsole provides excellent traction on slick pavement and is built to withstand hundreds of miles, making the $145 price point even more impressive.
On-Foot Running Experience
The Ride 19’s biggest surprise is its weight-to-cushion ratio. Despite its generous stack height, it feels incredibly nimble. During testing, it excelled on easy recovery runs but didn’t feel “clunky” when it came time for post-run pickups or sprints.
The energy return from the PWRRUN+ foam is noticeable—it’s snappier than the previous version and provides a “springy” sensation rather than a “mushy” one. One minor note: the heel cup on our test pair was initially quite stiff, requiring a little bit of manual “massaging” to prevent Achilles chafing, but it broke in beautifully after the first few runs.
Final Verdict: Is the Saucony Ride 19 Right for You?
The Saucony Ride 19 is a triumphant return to the “do-it-all” trainer. It’s the perfect travel companion and a reliable partner for any run on your calendar.
Choose the Saucony Ride 19 if:
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You want one versatile shoe that can handle easy days and speed work.
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You are a beginner looking for a high-quality, durable entry into running.
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You travel often and need a shoe that looks good at the gym and performs on the road.
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You prefer a classic 8mm drop and a springy, TPU-based cushion.
Stick with a Specialized Trainer if:
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You want a dedicated carbon-plated shoe for max-effort racing.
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You require heavy stability features (look toward the Saucony Guide instead).
