Saucony Ride 19 Men's Neutral Running Shoes

The Saucony Ride 19 is the latest version of Saucony's long-running neutral daily trainer, built with a reformulated PWRRUN+ midsole, a redesigned engineered mesh upper and a reworked outsole. It is designed for runners who want one reliable shoe that can comfortably handle easy runs, long runs, recovery days and everyday training miles without demanding much thought. If you want a dependable, cushioned neutral trainer that won't overwhelm you with trends, the Ride 19 is worth a closer look.

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Quick Technical Specifications

Category	Neutral Daily Trainer
Support	Neutral
Surface	Road
Weight	255g / 8.9oz (Men's US9, manufacturer stated)
Heel Drop	8mm
Stack Height	36mm heel / 28mm forefoot
Midsole	Reformulated PWRRUN+ foam
Upper	Redesigned engineered mesh
Outsole	Reworked rubber outsole with targeted forefoot/heel coverage and deeper flex grooves
Plate	None
Widths Available	Standard (D) and Wide (2E)
Ride Feel	Smooth, balanced, gently rockered
Best Use	Daily training, easy runs, long runs, recovery, walking
Price Category	Mid-range daily trainer

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Product Overview

The Ride has been Saucony's flagship neutral daily trainer for years, and version 19 doesn't try to reinvent that role. Instead, it refines it. The biggest change underfoot is a reformulated PWRRUN+ midsole. PWRRUN+ has always been one of Saucony's better cushioning compounds, and this update is aimed at making it lighter and more responsive while keeping the durability the Ride is known for. Saucony also reshaped the platform itself, widening the forefoot slightly to create a more stable, planted feel through toe-off.

The upper has been completely reworked. Saucony moved to a softer, more adaptive engineered mesh with a redesigned heel collar, aimed at improving lockdown and comfort without adding bulk. Reviewers have consistently described the new upper as one of the most noticeable and well-received changes in this version, with a plush, secure step-in feel that doesn't sacrifice breathability.

The outsole has changed the most dramatically. Saucony pulled rubber away from the midfoot and heel, where it isn't doing much work, and concentrated it in the forefoot where wear and traction matter most. Combined with deeper flex grooves, this was done specifically to reduce weight without cutting corners on durability in the areas that see the most contact.

Who benefits from all of this? Runners who want a shoe that disappears underfoot on easy days. The Ride 19 is not chasing the max-stack, carbon-plated trend that has taken over much of the daily trainer category. It sits in a more traditional middle ground: enough cushioning to protect your legs on long runs, but not so much that it feels unstable or disconnected from the road. For runners who have liked previous Ride models, or who simply want one honest, no-fuss trainer for the bulk of their weekly mileage, the Ride 19 continues to do that job well. It is not the shoe for someone chasing a bouncy, energetic ride or race-day speed — for that, look further down this page at our recommended alternatives.

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Technology Explained

PWRRUN+ Foam (Reformulated)

What it is: PWRRUN+ is Saucony's TPU-based (thermoplastic polyurethane) cushioning compound, used in the Ride 19's midsole in a newly reformulated version.

How it works: TPU-based foams like PWRRUN+ tend to be denser and more durable than standard EVA foams, while still compressing and rebounding to absorb impact. The reformulation for the Ride 19 was aimed at making the compound lighter and more responsive without giving up that durability.

Why it matters: Durability is one of the biggest complaints runners have about soft, modern foams that break down quickly. PWRRUN+ is built to hold its cushioning properties over a longer mileage life, which matters if you're putting this shoe through daily training rather than occasional use.

Who benefits: Runners doing high weekly mileage who want a shoe that still feels supportive after several hundred kilometres, rather than one that goes flat within a few weeks.

Rockered Platform Geometry

What it is: A curved sole shape built into the midsole and outsole that guides the foot from heel strike through to toe-off.

How it works: Instead of relying purely on the foot to bend and roll forward naturally, the rocker shape does some of that work for you, encouraging a smoother, more efficient stride transition.

Why it matters: A well-tuned rocker reduces the effort your ankle and calf need to put in during each stride, which can make easy and long runs feel less fatiguing over time.

Who benefits: Runners who want a shoe that keeps them moving forward with minimal thought, particularly on longer, steadier efforts.

Redesigned Engineered Mesh Upper

What it is: A soft, stretch-engineered mesh material that forms the majority of the shoe's upper, paired with a reworked heel collar.

How it works: The mesh is knitted with variable density in different zones — softer and more flexible where the foot needs to move, slightly firmer where structure and lockdown are needed, such as around the midfoot and heel.

Why it matters: A poorly designed upper can undo the benefits of a great midsole. The Ride 19's upper is built to hold the foot securely without pressure points, hot spots, or the need to over-tighten the laces.

Who benefits: Runners with sensitive feet, wider midfoot volume, or anyone who has struggled with rubbing or discomfort in previous running shoe uppers.

Reworked Outsole Rubber Placement

What it is: A strategically reduced outsole rubber layout that concentrates coverage in the forefoot, with more exposed foam through the midfoot and heel.

How it works: Rubber is only placed where ground contact and wear are highest. This cuts unnecessary weight from areas of the outsole that don't take much abrasion, without compromising durability where it matters.

Why it matters: Reducing unnecessary outsole weight is one of the more effective ways to make a shoe feel lighter on the run without changing the midsole cushioning itself.

Who benefits: Runners who want the protective, cushioned ride of a daily trainer without it feeling clunky or overbuilt underfoot.

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Ride Experience

Landing: The Ride 19 lands softly without feeling mushy. The 36mm heel stack provides a solid buffer for heel strikers.

Transition: The rockered geometry smooths the roll from heel to forefoot, making the ride feel efficient rather than choppy, particularly at easy and moderate paces.

Toe Off: Toe-off feels stable rather than explosive. This is not a shoe built to spring you forward — it's built to get you through the mile efficiently and comfortably.

Responsiveness: Moderate. The reformulated PWRRUN+ gives a touch more energy return than previous versions, but this remains a comfort-first daily trainer rather than a responsive tempo shoe.

Comfort: This is where the Ride 19 stands out. Between the plush new upper, the wider forefoot platform and the substantial cushioning, this is a genuinely comfortable shoe for long time on feet.

Stability: The wider forefoot base and moderate stack height give the Ride 19 a stable, planted feel for a neutral shoe, without needing any dedicated stability features.

Ground Feel: Limited, as expected from a cushioned daily trainer. You are protected from the road rather than connected to it.

Cadence: Best suited to a relaxed, steady cadence rather than quick turnover or sharp accelerations.

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Fit & Sizing

Length	Generally true to size. Some testers found a touch of extra room in the toe box.
Width	Standard width fits most feet true to size; a Wide (2E) option is available for wider forefeet.
Heel Fit	Secure, thanks to the redesigned, well-padded heel collar.
Midfoot	Comfortable lockdown without pressure, aided by the new engineered mesh.
Toe Box	Spacious, with enough room for natural toe splay on longer runs.
Arch Feel	Neutral, unobtrusive arch support suited to neutral or mild pronators.
Orthotic Compatibility	The removable sockliner and roomy interior make this a reasonable option for custom orthotics, though we always recommend an in-store fitting to confirm.

Our advice: if you're between sizes, or you're unsure how the Ride 19 will fit your foot shape, book a professional fitting with our team. We'll assess your foot length, width and volume properly rather than relying on size charts alone.

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Ideal Runner

The Saucony Ride 19 suits a wide range of runners, but it particularly shines for the following:

• Beginner Runners: A forgiving, comfortable, no-surprises shoe that's easy to run in from day one.
• Experienced Runners: Works well as an easy-day or recovery-day shoe in a rotation alongside a faster trainer.
• Heavy Runners: The durable PWRRUN+ compound and solid stack height offer good protection for higher body weights.
• Neutral Runners: Built specifically as a neutral shoe with no added stability features.
• Wide Feet: Available in a 2E wide fit for runners who need extra forefoot room.
• Heel Strikers: The 8mm drop and rockered heel geometry suit runners who land on their heel.
• 5km & 10km Training: Comfortable for shorter daily runs and recovery jogs.
• Half Marathon & Marathon Training: A dependable base-mileage shoe for building up weekly volume.
• Walking: The cushioned, stable platform also works well for all-day wear and walking.

Who might want to look elsewhere: overpronators needing dedicated stability guidance, runners chasing a plated, race-ready shoe, and forefoot strikers who prefer a lower-drop, more ground-connected ride.

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Performance Ratings

Comfort	★★★★★
Cushioning	★★★★☆
Stability	★★★★☆
Responsiveness	★★★☆☆
Durability	★★★★☆
Grip	★★★★☆
Daily Training	★★★★★
Long Runs	★★★★☆
Recovery Runs	★★★★★
Tempo	★★★☆☆
Intervals	★★☆☆☆
Walking	★★★★☆
Racing	★★☆☆☆
Overall Value	★★★★☆

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Comparison Table

Model	Weight	Drop	Price	Best For
Saucony Ride 19	255g / 8.9oz	8mm	~$145	Balanced daily trainer, comfort-first
ASICS Novablast 5	~254g / 9.0oz	8mm	~$150	Livelier, more energetic daily trainer with a taller stack
Nike Vomero 18	~298g / 10.5oz	10mm	~$150	Max-cushioned, plush recovery and easy-day shoe
Brooks Ghost 17	~289g / 10.2oz	10mm	~$150	Classic, stable daily trainer for heel strikers
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15	~300g / 10.6oz	6mm	~$140	Maximal stack, low-drop daily trainer

Ride 19 vs Novablast 5: Both sit at an 8mm drop and similar weight, but the Novablast 5 uses a taller, bouncier FF Blast Max foam and feels noticeably livelier underfoot. The Ride 19 is the more grounded, traditional-feeling option of the two, while the Novablast 5 suits runners who want more energy return from their easy-day shoe.

Ride 19 vs Vomero 18: The Vomero 18 is a genuinely maximal shoe with a much taller stack and heavier build, aimed squarely at slow, protective miles. The Ride 19 is lighter, lower to the ground and more versatile across a wider range of paces, making it the better all-rounder for runners who don't only run easy.

Ride 19 vs Ghost 17: Both are classic, dependable daily trainers aimed at comfort and reliability over excitement. The Ghost 17 now sits at a 10mm drop with a similarly plush ride, but is noticeably heavier than the Ride 19. Runners who prefer a lighter shoe with a lower drop will lean toward the Ride 19; those who like a higher, more traditional drop may prefer the Ghost.

Ride 19 vs New Balance 880v15: The 880v15 has moved into genuinely maximal stack-height territory with a low 6mm drop, giving it a very different underfoot feel to the Ride 19's more moderate, balanced setup. Runners wanting maximum cushioning and a lower drop should look at the 880v15; those wanting a lighter, more traditional ride should stick with the Ride 19.

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Version Comparison: Ride 19 vs Ride 18

What's new: A reformulated PWRRUN+ midsole, a fully redesigned engineered mesh upper with a new heel collar, a wider forefoot platform, and a reworked outsole with more targeted rubber placement.

What's improved: The Ride 19 is noticeably lighter than the Ride 18 on a like-for-like sample basis. The upper has been widely praised by reviewers as a genuine step up in comfort and step-in feel over the previous version.

Should previous Ride 18 owners upgrade? If comfort and a plusher upper matter most to you, the Ride 19 is a worthwhile upgrade. If you specifically valued the Ride 18 for tempo-adjacent versatility, it may be worth trying the Ride 19 in-store before switching.

Who can skip this version? Runners who are already very happy with their Ride 18 and primarily use it for faster training days may not see enough benefit to justify replacing a shoe that still has life left in it.

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Key Features

• Reformulated PWRRUN+ midsole foam
• 8mm heel-to-toe drop
• Rockered platform geometry for smooth transitions
• Redesigned engineered mesh upper
• Improved, better-padded heel collar
• Reworked outsole with targeted rubber placement
• Deeper flex grooves for improved flexibility
• Wider forefoot platform for added stability
• Standard and Wide (2E) width options
• No plate — pure neutral cushioning experience

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Durban Runner Expert Recommendation

The Ride 19 is a shoe we're comfortable putting on the feet of a wide range of customers, precisely because it doesn't try to do anything too clever. If you're a Durban runner logging most of your kilometres at an easy, conversational pace — whether that's building base mileage for Comrades, ticking over recovery weeks after Two Oceans, or simply getting through your weekly Parkrun and midweek runs — this shoe will do the job comfortably and reliably, run after run.

We'd recommend the Ride 19 to runners who want one dependable daily trainer rather than a rotation of specialised shoes, and to heavier or beginner runners who need genuine underfoot protection without paying for race-day features they won't use. The Wide (2E) option is worth knowing about if you've struggled with forefoot volume in past shoes — it's a common fit issue we see in-store, particularly with Durban's warmer, more humid running conditions causing feet to swell slightly on longer runs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Saucony Ride 19 true to size?

Yes, most runners find the Ride 19 fits true to size, with a touch of extra room in the toe box on some feet.

Does the Saucony Ride 19 come in wide widths?

Yes, it's available in a Wide (2E) option alongside the standard (D) width.

Is the Ride 19 good for walking?

Yes. The cushioned, stable platform makes it a comfortable option for all-day wear and walking, not just running.

Is the Saucony Ride 19 good for marathon training?

Yes, it's well suited to base and long-run training miles. For marathon race day itself, most runners would look to a lighter, more responsive shoe.

Does the Ride 19 work with orthotics?

The removable sockliner and roomy interior make it a reasonable option for custom orthotics, though we recommend an in-store fitting to confirm compatibility with your specific insert.

How durable is the Saucony Ride 19?

The PWRRUN+ midsole is built for durability, and the reworked outsole concentrates rubber where wear is highest. Expect solid mileage life for a daily trainer in this category.

What is the heel-to-toe drop on the Ride 19?

8mm.

How much does the Saucony Ride 19 weigh?

Saucony's stated weight is 255g / 8.9oz for a men's US9.

What technology is used in the Ride 19's midsole?

A reformulated version of Saucony's PWRRUN+ foam, a TPU-based cushioning compound.

Does the Ride 19 have a carbon plate?

No. This is a pure neutral cushioning trainer without a plate.

Is the Ride 19 a stability shoe?

No, it's a neutral shoe. It does not include dedicated stability features like guide rails or medial posts.

What's the difference between the Ride 19 and the Ride 18?

The Ride 19 uses a reformulated PWRRUN+ midsole, a redesigned upper, a wider forefoot and a reworked outsole. See our full version comparison above.

Is the Ride 19 good for beginners?

Yes, it's a forgiving, comfortable, easy-to-run-in shoe that suits runners just starting out.

Is the Ride 19 suitable for heavier runners?

Yes. The durable PWRRUN+ midsole and solid stack height offer good protection for higher body weights.

What is the best use case for the Ride 19?

Daily training, easy runs, long runs, recovery days and walking.

Can I use the Ride 19 for speed work or racing?

It's not designed for that. Its ride is comfort-focused rather than responsive, so a lighter, more energetic shoe would suit intervals and race day better.

How does the Ride 19 compare to the ASICS Novablast 5?

They share a similar drop and weight, but the Novablast 5 has a livelier, bouncier ride, while the Ride 19 feels more grounded and traditional. See our full comparison above.

What colours is the Saucony Ride 19 available in?

The Ride 19 is available in a range of colourways. Please check current stock for colours available in-store and online, including this style.

How should I clean my Saucony Ride 19?

Remove the insoles and laces, brush off loose debris, and hand wash the upper with a soft brush and mild soap and water. Avoid the washing machine and tumble dryer, and let the shoes air dry away from direct heat.

Is the Saucony Ride 19 good value for money?

At its price point, the Ride 19 competes well against similarly priced daily trainers from Nike, Brooks and New Balance, offering solid comfort and durability for everyday training.

Should I get a gait analysis before buying the Ride 19?

It's not essential for every runner, but if you have recurring fit or comfort issues, or you're building up serious mileage for an event like Comrades or Two Oceans, a RunEasi assessment can help confirm this is the right shoe and the right size for you.

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Saucony Ride 19 — Everything You Need to Know

The Saucony Ride 19 is a neutral daily training shoe built around a reformulated PWRRUN+ midsole, an 8mm drop, and a redesigned engineered mesh upper. It weighs approximately 255g (8.9oz) in a men's US9 and offers a stack height of 36mm heel / 28mm forefoot per Saucony's official specifications. It's best suited to easy runs, long runs, recovery days, daily training and walking, and is available in Standard and Wide (2E) fits. It is not designed as a racing or speed-work shoe.

Compared to competitors like the ASICS Novablast 5, Nike Vomero 18, Brooks Ghost 17 and New Balance 880v15, the Ride 19 stands out as one of the lighter, more grounded options in its category — a comfortable, dependable daily trainer rather than a maximal or race-focused shoe.

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Ready to Try the Saucony Ride 19?

Come in for a professional fitting and let our team confirm whether the Ride 19 — or one of its alternatives — is the right daily trainer for your foot, your gait and your goals. Whether you're training for your first Parkrun or building up to Comrades or Two Oceans, we're here to help you find a shoe that actually works for you.