Article by Nils Scharff and Derek Li
Saucony Ride 15 ($130 / 150€)
Introduction
Nils: The new Saucony Ride 15 is reworked from heel to toe and sets itself drastically apart from its prior versions. Saucony claims softness and lightness as the key indicators for the newest iteration of their workhorse daily trainer. There’s yet again another PWRRUN formula which should be softer and lighter. And thanks to 3mm more cushioning all around, there should be more protection despite a dramatic weight loss which Saucony promises to be more than an ounce, more than 28g!
The midsole and outsole geometry gets an overhaul as well with less rubber, deep grooves and a new heel and forefoot beveling. While the Ride 13 and 14 - which I both reviewed - tended to shine the most in the uptempo and mid distance category, the changes should hopefully lead to an even smoother ride (or Ride) at an even wider variety of paces and distances as we are both lighter and more cushioned by stack.
Additionally I hope for at least the same or an even higher amount of stability than the older Rides offered. Saucony tells us that the feet should sit deeper within the shoe for a good amount of inherent stability. And last but not least the “A-strap” of last year’s Endorphin Pro 2 supplements the lacing - a small but fine feature which led to a phenomenal midfoot hold in Saucony’s racing option and should do the same in their 2022 daily trainer. So there’s a lot to be excited about - and I am sure about that! Let's find out if the new Saucony Ride 15 can live up to my high expectations.
Derek: I thoroughly enjoyed the Saucony Ride 14 as a daily trainer. Despite a relatively low stack and muted bounce characteristics, the shoe exhibited surprisingly good versatility and vibration dampening. Fast forward to 2022, the new Ride 15 is completely unrecognizable with a markedly different silhouette from before.Perhaps the only thing that vaguely resembles Ride 13 and 14 is the continued use of PWRRUN foam but even then, the changes to the geometry of the shoe make the ride character very different. I was very excited about this update, enough to pay full retail for mine at my local running store.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Nils/Derek: Lost almost 1.5oz / 41g from the previous version in my US10.5 with a great cushion to weight ratio!
Nils: Feels even lighter on foot than it is!
Nils/Derek: Deep cushioning is softer and lighter than before, offers great shock absorption and some even “super critical foam vibes”!
Nils/Derek: Simple yet great upper with an amazing midfoot hold thanks to the new lacing system and with great breathability!
Nils/Derek: A neutral but very stable shoe due to the wide platform (especially in the forefoot), deep guidance grooves and the heel sitting deep within the midsole!
Derek: Very natural and effective rocker.
Cons:
Nils: Durability and traction get probably a little worse than before, because of less rubber coverage and more exposed foam
Nils/Derek: The new PWRRUN foam - while super light and protective - doesn’t have the same amount of bounce and fun as some of the other newer foams on the market do!
Derek: Wet surface traction is not great. Durability seems ok for me.
Stats
Estimated Weight: men's 8.7 oz / 247g US9, women's 7.8 oz / 221 g (US8)
men’s Ride 14 9.91 oz / 281g (US9)
Sample: men’s US 10.5 = 9.35oz / 265g, US 8.5=8.42 oz / 239g, US9.5 8.82oz / 250g
10.2oz /290g (US9.5)
Stack Height: 35mm heel / 27mm forefoot
Available 4/5/2022 for $130 in the US / Mid March for 150€ in the EU
First Impressions and Fit
Nils: First things first: The new Saucony Ride 15 looks amazing! I actually wasn’t very impressed by the design when I first pulled them out of the box. But I also came home late from a business trip, I was tired, and the lighting was far from optimal. But as soon as the sun rose the next day I fell in love with the colorway of my sample pair. The light green base color together with the wine-ish and especially the indigo blue accents just scream “It’s spring! Go out and run!”.
Besides the color the first thing that came to mind when I put the Ride 15 out of the box, was how light these shoes are! It’s really striking!. When you see the big stack of the midsole you have to think that this shoe is a lot heavier - but it isn’t. My scale showed me an amazing 265g / 9.35oz for my sample in size US 10.5 / EU 44.5. This is 41 grams or 1.5 oz lighter than the Ride 13 I weighed for comparison. And the 14 was about the same weight as the 13 and even a little bit heavier.
This puts the Saucony Ride 15 in a whole new weight class. And while it undercuts other shoes like e.g. the New Balance 1080v11 (282g in US 10.5) with 1mm less stack front and back and same 8mm drop - which has been as good as it gets for daily trainer cushion to weight ratio. In terms of cushioning it now is up there with the luxurious models like Saucony’s own Triumph, the 1080 I just mentioned or the ASICS Nimbus. But at a far lower weight and a far lower price. Well done Saucony!
In terms of fit everything is like we know and expect it from Saucony. The Ride 15 is true-to-size with a good heel hold and a lot of wiggle room in the toe area. The toebox seems to be wider than prior Ride versions, but that doesn’t sacrifice any parts of the lockdown. The feet sit securely within the shoe and especially the midfoot hold is as great as I expected it - thanks to the A-strap built into the lacing system.
Derek: I will start off by saying the local distributor in Singapore only the 2E width version of the Ride 15 so that’s what I bought. It helps that the 2E version sports a nice almost indigo shade of blue and not blander colorway as wide 2E options are wont to be assigned.Toe box volume is generous as expected of a 2E width shoe, but overall I’d say it’s on par with the daily trainer widths of e.g. Adidas Boston 10 and Brooks Ghost 13.
With medium thickness socks the shoe fits true to size with an overall lockdown that still sits closer to what I would consider a performance fit. Lacing up, midfoot and heel hold are excellent, though I did find that with the type of eyelets used and the slippery texture of the (in this case rather long) laces, lace tension tends to unravel as the run progresses. Jogging around, the foam doesn’t feel particularly lively, but I already expect that there would be a break-in period with PWRRUN foam. The new rocker geometry is quite apparent with a noticeable forward tipping sensation at the forefoot. It is not quite a pronounced as the SpeedRoll of the Endorphin range, but it’s pretty close.
Upper
Nils: Saucony uses a quite soft to the touch dual layer thin engineered mesh for the Ride 15’s upper. The structure of the outer layer changes from heel to toe. The built in ventilation holes get bigger towards the front of the shoe and provide a very breathable experience especially in the forefoot area. Even the internal material layers are perforated and therefore increase the airflow through the upper.
The medium padded tongue is gusseted and molds nicely around the midfoot. I’m happy to report that Saucony toned down the overly plush padding that could be found in the prior Ride versions and now hits the sweet spot. Tongue, heel and collar offer just the right amount of padding to protect you from any discomfort that might occur through the (flat) laces or the rigid heel counter. The latter wraps quite wide around the heel and offers some more of that inherent stability.
The midfoot hold is excellent thanks to the already mentioned A-strap, which reaches all the way down to the footbed. I loved this feature in last year’s Endorphin Pro 2 and I’m also loving it in the Ride 15. As a runner with some minor stability control needs, a great lockdown is key to using neutral running shoe models without any regrets.
In terms of overlays there’s not much going on besides the two big Saucony waves on both sides of the midfoot, where they offer some additional structure to the upper.
Everything gets completed by a quite soft toe bumper upfront and a small pull tab in the back.
Derek: Nils did a great job with the upper description here. I will just say that the mesh breathes very well even in warm and humid conditions, and the choice of material is plenty supportive in ensuring minimal foot movement once you lace things up. There was no need for any finicking lacing techniques, and solid heel hold was achieved with minimal fuss here. It really is one of those lace up and go type of shoes. As mentioned above, the laces do run a little long, and I do wish the lace material had a bit more bite to it but these are minor grievances. Compared to the Ride 14, there is a little more volume to the fit, and the toe box is more generous in width, but mid-foot and heel width are pretty similar.
Midsole
Nils: While Saucony managed to nicely tone down the upper to everything you need and nothing you don’t, I strongly believe that most of the weight savings come from the mid- and outsole. The new PWRRUN formula feels very light under foot. In fact I get vibes of some of the competitor’s supercritical- or infused foams. I think the closest might be Brooks’ DNA Flash which e.g. can be found in the Hyperion Elite. And while Saucony doesn’t mention what exactly they changed in their EVA/TPU blend, I can imagine that putting any kind of gas into the midsole might be the reason for its lower weight and the softer sensation (or more of the same gas than before).
In comparison to the pair of Ride 13 I have at hand, the new PWRRUN feels a whole lot softer when I press my thumb into the midsole. It’s still not the softest midsole foam out there, but it’s also not harsh by any means. Together with the new PWRRUN+ insole you get all the dampening and protection you need. Especially felt are that shock vibrations get almost completely filtered. And while there isn’t the fun bounciness some shoes offer nowadays, the protective and light sensation under foot offers another taste of fun.
I’m unfortunately still recovering from an injury and therefore I am not able to yet get a long run in for this review. But I can imagine the Ride 15 being an excellent companion for even the longest of your sessions. The 27/35mm stack - which leads to an 8mm drop - put the Saucony Ride 15 up there in the max cushion category.
Besides the bigger stack, the midsole is also 2mm wider in the forefoot and also got a new beveling front and back.
And while the changes in the forefoot seem minor, the difference in the heel is striking and leads to a smoother transition from heel to toe.
In the forefoot the bigger difference is the flex of the shoe.
Gone are the deep flex grooves of the prior Ride 13 and 14. The result is less flex in the forefoot and the actual flex point moving further back towards the midfoot. On the run this leads to a little more rockered sensation than before with the flex being more snappy when you pick up the pace and get on your toes.
One more note: I just got my Ride 15s in from my balcony where they spent the night in freezing temperatures and the midsole foam felt like a brick. This dramatically changed after it warmed up - it got its soft sensation back. Keep that in mind as the Ride quality might differ quite a bit depending on the temperatures you run in!
Derek: PWRRUN foam is one of those foams that needs a break-in period, whether it’s in the Endorphin Shift, Kinvara 13 or in the Ride. The shoe will feel a little dead underfoot initially, but after a couple of runs, a deeper bounce to the foam becomes more apparent. The forefoot will tend to feel a little softer than the heel in this shoe, as the rocker geometry naturally leads you to front load the shoe more during the run.
Compared to Ride 14, perhaps in large part due to the different geometry, the foam feels a little softer and more compressive in Ride 15. Vibration dampening is still good and with the slightly higher stack, better than what we had in the Ride 14. As Nils pointed out, the foam can be quite temperature sensitive. I first started using the shoe in warm and sunny Singapore (80-90F), then I took it with me as my sole trainer for my race in Zurich, Switzerland, where temps were around 40F, and the foam felt noticeable firmer there, but the rocker also got supercharged to be even better in those conditions so overall it was sort of a fair trade off.
Outsole
Nils: Even the outsole of this year’s Ride is completely revamped. Saucony got rid of a whole lot of the outsole rubber that we’ve seen in the previous models. The outsole looks much more like the outsole of the Endorphin line now. Obviously this big change contributed quite a bit to the tremendous weight savings of the Ride 15. But the ride characteristics also get influenced by the new outsole design.
I just mentioned the flex point being moved further towards the midfoot. But there’s also a very deep guidance line, which is sculpted all the way from the heel going through the lateral side until it ends at your pinky toe. This also helps guiding and rolling you through your stride which the Ride 15 does very efficiently.
In terms of traction there’s nothing to report here. We have nice sunny weather here in Germany right now and the Ride 15 did just fine on all roads and park walking trails. As I haven’t seen any other reports I assume we get the same XT-900 rubber which we are used to. If that’s the case I expect good traction in dry conditions and “okish” traction in wet conditions. I’ll report back as soon as I run the Ride 15 in bad weather.
A slight negative that might go along with the big weight savings in the outsole department could be a less durable shoe. There is much more exposed midsole foam now which could wear down quicker. But I wouldn’t be too concerned about this possible issue, given the great durability that we’ve seen from similar Saucony outsoles in the past and the strategic coverage here. e.g. the last few Kinvaras or the Endorphin Shift looked quite similar or even more exposed and both shoes did fine in terms of durability.
Derek: The outside is noticeably more minimalist in Ride 15, and likely accounts for the bulk of the weight savings over Ride 14, considering the midsole is the same material and Ride 15 has higher stack numbers. I have about 150 miles in my pair and there is still very little wear on the rubber so it’s looking good in terms of durability. In terms of traction, the shoe works fine on dry surfaces including tarmac and loose dirt, but can be a bit squirrelly on wet roads. Singapore has been quite dry, but I ran through light drizzle in Zurich, Switzerland, and things did feel a little hairy around corners or when I had to pump the brakes. I would definitely stick to tarmac and avoid any tiled or cobblestone surfaces if it’s wet.
Ride
Nils: Before I report my experiences with the new Saucony Ride 15 I have to give you a little disclaimer: I’m still recovering from an injury which prevents me from running faster paces for now. Therefore keep in mind that all my experiences with the Ride 15 have been just easy and some steady running, which translates to paces between 4:30 to 6:00 minutes per kilometer (7:15 - 9:40 min / mile). I’ll update this section as soon as I manage to push the pace a little faster but will say these kinds of paces are typical daily training paces for many target runners for the Ride 15.
What I’ve experienced so far with the new Ride 15 is a pleasant and smooth ride. I know it hasn’t been everybody’s favorite, but I got along really well with the Kinvara 11, its transitions just were made for my stride. And now I feel the exact same with the Ride 15 despite its higher stack and drop. It doesn’t matter on which side of the described pace range I run, the Ride 15 just feels so smooth. It doesn’t have the “oomph” or bounce of some other modern shoes and therefore maybe lacks a little fun. But the new PWRRUN composition for sure is softer than before and also gives me some “super critical foam vibes”, because it feels so light under foot.
We sometimes say at RTR, that an upper “disappears on the foot” while running. And while this might be also true for the Ride 15, the amazing sensation here is that the midsole disappears under foot as well. Sure it has all the protection you need and also offers great vibration dampening and some pop (probably a little more than any PWRRUN midsole so far). But first and foremost it feels nearly weightless. It’s almost the opposite of bottom heavy if that makes sense.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Nils: After last year’s minor update Saucony completely overhauled the Ride in its 15th iteration. The obvious story here is the massive weight drop of roughly 1.5 ounces. But there are so many more things that have changed and led not just to a new, very light Ride 15, but also to a very, very smooth ride.
There’s the higher stack and a new lighter and softer PWRRUN formula which lets the midsole almost disappear under foot. There is a very much reduced outsole with a big guidance groove which together with the new heel- and forefoot beveling leads to very smooth transitions. There’s a no nonsense upper which breathes well and offers a best in class midfoot hold. There’s a wide platform in the forefoot- and raised side walls in the heel area which create some very welcome built in stability. The only downside I can think of is that PWRRUN, while being updated, still isn’t the most inspiring of all foams. If you are looking for a soft bounce you have to look elsewhere. But in every other aspect the Saucony Ride 15 offers a complete, very light and well polished package for a reasonable price.
Nils’ Score 9.35 / 10
Ride 9 (50%) Fit 10 (30%) Value 9 (15%) Style 10 (5%)
Derek: I like the rockered geometry of the shoe. The lack of a plate means that there is still some natural flex to the shoe and somehow the geometry works quite well for me, compared to other rockered unplated shoes.
One of the things I notice with rockered shoes is that even though the drop of the shoe can be quite unremarkable in the 6-10mm drop range, the rear half of the shoe often feels really flat, like zero drop, then you have the rocker which is make or break for the shoe. Sometimes it works well, sometimes it’s just too abrupt or too stiff or unnatural then it all falls apart. To complicate things, different rockers work for different running styles so what works for me may feel horrible for you. The rockers that work best for me are Nike Tempo Next% and the Saucony Endorphin range. Rockers that don’t work so well include the Vaporfly Next%, Zoom Fly 3 onwards, and the ASICS EvoRide. For the latter shoes, the rockers are ok, but I tend to have to be careful how I land and engage the rocker to make it work, and it’s just an overall less intuitive experience for me.
Back to the Ride 15, and the shoe just handles different landing styles quite well. It’s not a very aggressive type of rocker like an Endorphin Pro, but a more forgiving one, which really is what you want in a daily trainer. This is so that the rocker is less overbearing for recovery paces, while it can kick in for those tempo runs if you need a little more assist and efficiency. While the Ride 15 is noticeably softer than the Ride 14, don’t expect a marshmallow type of underfoot experience. The foam is still decidedly on the firmer side by modern trainer standards. As far as being a workhorse type of daily trainer with high versatility, this should tick the boxes for a lot of people.
Derek’s score 9.2 / 10
Ride 9 (50%) Fit 9.5 (30%) Value 9.5 (15%) Style 9 (5%)
9 Comparisons
Saucony Ride 14 (RTR Review)
Nils: Like already mentioned the new Ride 15 is a whole lot lighter, more stacked, softer cushioned and more forgiving than his older brother. But also the beveling and flex changed. If you prefer more flex upfront you might go with the older Rides. But I think the 15 is an amazing update and therefore an all around better shoe. Both TTS - US 10.5.
Derek: I agree with Nils. I wear the same size for both versions and both are true to size. I also agree that Ride 15 is less flexible and adopts a more rockered approach to the shoe transition, despite having less outsole rubber. I think it comes down to preference. If you generally don’t like rockered shoes, then the Ride 14 might suit you better. Otherwise I find the Ride 15 to be an excellent update.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 24 (RTR Review)
Nils: The Nimbus is another classic daily trainer which got a major rework this year. And while the approach is completely different it is another very well executed overhaul! The Nimbus weighs over an ounce more than the new Ride 15, but offers a completely different bouncy, fun ride. Stability and upper comfort are on par with the Nimbus feeling a bit more premium - but also retailing at a higher price. Both shoes cruise very nicely at slow and moderate paces. But while the Nimbus is able to pick it up if needed, the Ride with its weight advantage and a little more snap is the better option for the occasional tempo or interval session. Both are great shoes and it comes down to taste: Do you prefer the light and effortless Ride or the soft and bouncy Nimbus? Both TTS - US 10.5.
New Balance 1080v11 (RTR Review)
Nils: While high stacked, the 1080 isn’t as max cushioned as the new Ride. Both shoes are slightly rockered but the 1080s Fresh Foam X is softer and more bouncy. Because of this the 1080 is a little more fun, but less efficient, less stable and less protective. The 1080 is quite light for its class but the Ride 15 is even lighter. The Ride also offers a superior lockdown and especially at its heel should make a lot more feet happy than the controversial minimal skeletal one of the 1080. The Ride 15 has the slightly better package at a lower price and wins this comparison. Both TTS - US 10.5.
adidas Boston 10 (RTR Review)
Nils: Another daily trainer, another approach. The Boston got completely revamped last year and now has even more stack than the new Ride. But while the Ride is light and nimble at all paces, the Boston’s massive midsole blend of LS, LS Pro and Energy Rods needs some force to get going. It rolls nicely during longer uptempo runs but it's a quite firm sensation isn’t the best for slower running. The Ride is the better package. Both TTS - US 10.5.
Derek: Both shoes fit true to size for me. The Boston 10 has a somewhat polarizing ride. It has a firm almost harsh heel transitioning to a springy and rockered forefoot, and works best at moderate to uptempo paces. I think people whose easy pace is slower than 7:45/mile won’t enjoy it much. The Ride 15, by contrast, has a more uniform underfoot experience that makes it more consistent in feel across different paces. I don’t consider it necessarily more propulsive than Boston 10 at faster paces, but it is more predictable while at the same time being more forgiving at slower paces. I think the Ride 15 is the better, more versatile shoe for most people and is considerably lighter than the Boston 10. The exception would be maybe heavier runners who would benefit from the higher cushioning of the Boston 10.
Saucony Endorphin Shift (RTR Review)
Nils: I just revisited my 500km old pair of Endorphin Shifts. The Shift with it’s more pronounced rocker is even more stable than the Ride. But it’s also a lot heavier and uses the older, firmer PWRRUN blend. I loved my pair of Shifts, but I think I found a worthy replacement in the Ride 15. It’s just lighter and therefore more versatile. Both TTS - US 10.5.
Derek: Both shoes are true to size for me. I really enjoyed the Shift, and the biggest drawbacks for me were the overly thick upper and the weight of the shoe. The Shift is heavier than the Boston 10. I like to think of the Ride 15 as a stripped down leaner version of the Shift but that might actually be selling it short, because at 20% less weight, the Ride 15 is perhaps only 5-10% less cushioned. Overall, the Ride 15 is the more versatile option for me, and given the warm conditions I run in, the more breathable shoe too.
Saucony Triumph 18 (RTR Review)
Nils: The Ride 15 is actually higher stacked than Saucony’s own current max cushion option - the Triumph with a new Triumph 20 coming this year that will come in higher at 37/27 so 2mm more at the heel than the Ride 15 with the same forefoot stack. It will weigh about 1 oz more than the Ride 15. But no matter how high the stack is, both midsoles are bottomless. The Triumph’s PWRRUN + foam is bouncier, which comes at the price of a much higher weight in the current version and some bottom heaviness. But while the Triumph is a great option for your easy miles and LSD runs, the Ride wins for its versatility and amazingly light sensation under foot. I can see the Triumph being the better shoe for heavier runners, but the Ride winning for anyone else. Both TTS - US 10.5.
Derek: I didn’t test Triumph 18, but I did put a fair amount of miles in the Triumph 19. Both are true to size for me. Triumph is the more cushioned, easy run shoe for me and I do struggle to go fast in it so it ends up being more of a recovery shoe. The Ride on the other hand is more versatile and can handle pace changes very well. It’s just the more exciting option to reach for when I want to head out for a run. Hands down the Ride 15 is the better shoe for me.
Endorphin Speed 2 (RTR Review)
Nils: The tremendous weight drop of the Ride 15 almost puts it in the same category of uptempo trainers where the Speed sits . Both shoes are very versatile with the Ride being the better option at the slower end of the scale, the Speed the better option at faster paces. The Speed’s PWRRUN PB foam offers more bounce and energy return, but the Ride is almost as leg saving. The Ride is also more stable and its fit isn’t as narrow. If you just can get one shoe I would probably lean towards the Speed (if you are a faster runner). But you can’t go wrong with the Ride either. Therefore get both and have a great rotation. Both TTS - US 10.5.
Derek: Both shoes are true to size for me. I find that the Ride 15 is a more forgiving shoe, with the plated Speed feeling a bit harsher underfoot and this is more noticeable on the longer 12+ milers. Otherwise, in terms of versatility, Speed definitely handles the faster stuff a lot better. Versus Speed 2 specifically, the Ride has a better heel lock down for me. Speed 1’s heel worked best and is on par with the Ride 15 in this regard.
Puma Velocity Nitro 1 (RTR Review)
Nils: While both being traditional daily trainers, the Ride’s weight and midsole geometry make it feel more modern than the Puma. It’s over an ounce lighter, more stable and comfortable. The Puma Nitro supercritical foam is softer and bouncier than Saucony’s PWRRUN, but that’s the only advantage I can see. Win for the Ride! Both TTS - US 10.5.
Puma Velocity Nitro 2 (RTR Review)
Derek: Both shoes are true to size for me. Indeed, both are excellent, excellent daily trainers in their own right. VN2 adopts a more traditional ride with light bounce, good cushioning and natural flex points under the metatarsophalangeal joints. Ride 15 instead focuses on the rockered transition approach. Both are otherwise quite similar in terms of cushioning and versatility. For me personally, I tend to feel paces come easier with a rockered shoe, so the Ride 15 is the better shoe for me.
Watch RTR Editor Sam's Ride 15 Video Review
Tested samples were provided at no charge for review purposes.RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased through affiliate links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'
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11 comments:
Following
Thanks for the review! I've never run in a Ride, but I did try the Guide ISO before I realized I didn't need-need stability (I'm a mild pronator) and love the Kinvara 9 and 11. I may have to grab this Ride!
Hello RTR how does the ride 15 compare with ASICS noosa tri 13
I've been running in Ride 13s for the past 2 years and its time for an upgrade.
13s seems to have a touch of stability in it, which I don't like. How much "stability" does 15 have compared to 13.
How would you describe the flexibility of the Ride 15's forefoot compared to the forefoot of the Saucony Triumph 18?
Hi Terence! Thanks for the kind words! I'm sure you'll enjoy the Ride!
Hi Anonymus! The Noosa is more (aggressive) rockered and provides a firmer, more uptempo ride. I find the Noosa to be not the most comfortable option at slower paces - here the Ride shines!
Hi Anonymus! I would say the stability is on the same level, but less felt in the Ride 15.
Hey Rony! I just took out my Triumph for comparison: The flexpoint is quite far back in both shoes. But I would say the Ride is a touch more rigid than the Triumph.
Thank you for your excellent review. How does the Ride 15 compare to the Mach 4?
Thanks for the great review. The comparisons are sooo helpful!
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