Saucony Ride 17 review: A reliable everyday running shoe
I am new to the Saucony Ride series but have heard about the versatility of the Saucony Ride 17. My daily road trainer tends to be the Mizuno Wave Rider, brooks ghostor Hoka Skyward X (when I’m in recovery mode), so I’m curious to see what Ride 17 has to offer. I know they are one of them best running shoes Easy miles, but since I’ve recently shifted my focus from ultramarathons to half marathons, I’m curious to see how they hold up during difficult workouts.
The Saucony Ride 17 is a major upgrade over the previous version, now offering upgraded Pwrrun+ midsole foam, a new mesh upper, and added padding around the heel. This ultimately results in faster runs during speed drills and a tighter fit around the midfoot – both welcome improvements.
But it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, instead maintaining a comfortable 8mm drop fit, lightweight tongue and reliable road traction. It even handles light trails well, although the best performance comes from running on harder, drier terrain.
The shape of the insole does take a little getting used to, but Ride fans may not notice the raised inner arch, which I find a bit distracting.
The Saucony Ride 17 is available now, but if you’re looking for a cheaper option Ride 16 Still a great choice.
Saucony RIDE 17: Specs
Row 0 – Cell 0 | Saucony Ride 17 |
weight | 238 grams (women’s clothing) 282 grams (men’s clothing) |
superior | Engineering mesh with inner sleeve |
Midsole | PWRRUN+Foam |
Outsole | Durable rubber |
Drop from heel to toe | 8mm |
Saucony Ride 17: Price and Availability
The Saucony Ride 17 is affordable and on par with most non-carbon plated shoes. Priced at $140 / £135 / AU$269.98, discounted prices are available, but sizes are limited. we found it £80.99 from Pro Direct Sports UKexist US$104.95 On Saucony’s own website, prices are as low as Athlete’s foot 139.99 AUD in Australia.
Saucony Ride 17: Design
- Engineered mesh upper
- PWRRUN+ sole
- Heel to toe drop 8mm
- Design Rating: 3.5/5
The shoe is engineered to provide comfort and support for everyday road running. Its updated engineered mesh upper enhances breathability and provides a tailored fit by closely following the contours of the foot. Wider perforations in the mesh increase airflow to help keep feet cool and dry during long runs. High sidewalls ensure stability by supporting the foot, creating a safe and supportive riding experience.
As someone who prefers a slightly lower heel, I was surprised at how quickly I adjusted to the deeper fit. However, this may be because I was distracted by the interior styling. When first putting these shoes on I was convinced they were a supportive shoe as they felt very similar to the Saucony Guide 15’s. When I removed the FormFit insole, upon closer inspection, I realized the problem was the raised inner arch. It feels like it’s trying to push my foot outward, as if I’m an overpronator. I have to admit I don’t like this geometry, it’s intended to create a rocker effect but actually feels like an unnecessary obstacle.
Even better, the shoe’s midsole is made from Saucony’s PWRRUN+ foam, which provides comfortable cushioning and energy return while maintaining a lightweight feel. This innovative foam enhances comfort and responsiveness, making it ideal for runners looking for both easy long runs and tempo training.
The outsole features durable rubber and strategically placed flex grooves for improved adaptability and efficiency during takeoff and landing. This version also has increased outsole coverage, providing extra protection and extending the life of the shoe.
Final touches include a secure lacing system that locks the midfoot into place for a personalized fit. I found that this, combined with the gentle cushioning of the tongue and slight padding in the heel, created a comfortable, locked-in feel.
Saucony Ride 17: Performance
- Durable and supportive
- Moderate cushioning keeps feet comfortable
- Can handle light trails together with roads
- Performance: 3.5/5
Considering most of my running is along towpaths, which can get a little leafy and muddy in the winter, these road shoes performed surprisingly well. However, white isn’t the best choice for mixing road and trail running.
While I was a little distracted by the shape of the insole, I barely noticed the shoe once I was running. They seem to fit my feet well, and I don’t have any issues with them being too stiff or too soft, too sluggish, or too stretchy.
I was also impressed with the sturdiness of the outsole, which seemed to be able to withstand 40 miles per week without any wear.
When picking up the pace, they are similar to my Mizuno Wave Rider, albeit with less cushioning and provide a moderate level of propulsion and energy return. While they’re not as popular as the Brooks Hyperion Max, they feel like an efficient all-around shoe designed for easy to moderately paced workouts. Great for everyday running, but not necessarily a pair you would choose on race day.
Saucony Ride 17: Should I buy it?
buy it if
Don’t buy it if…
Saucony Ride 17: Also consider
My first choice for running every day is always Mizuno Wave Rider Already 28 nowth Iterate. It has great grip and is super comfortable. Available for UK £140, US$140 and Australia $250.
For a durable, versatile cyclocross hybrid shoe, I highly recommend the Merrell Morphlite. bargain British pounds 100but more stealing US$59.99.