Article by Renee Krusemark, Jamie Hershfang, and Jeff Beck
Saucony Ride 17 ($140)
Pros:
Overall comfortable (upper and underfoot feel): Renee/Jeff/Jamie
Durable upper and outsole: Renee/Jeff/Jamie
Magically fast/smooth PWRRUN+ midsole: Renee/Jeff
Cons:
No longer a light-weight trainer: Renee/Jeff
Somewhat confusing positioning in the Saucony lineup: Jeff/Jamie
Stats
Weight: men's 9.9 oz / 282g (US9) / women's 8.4 oz / 238g (US8)
Samples: men’s 9.63 oz / 273g (US8.5) (Ride 16: 8.7 oz / 247g (US8.5),
10.72 oz / 304g (US10.5)
women’s 8.90oz / 252 g (US8)
Stack Height: men’s & women’s: 35mm heel / 27mm forefoot, 8mm drop
Platform Width: 115mm forefoot/ 70mm midfoot / 90mm heel
$140. Available January 1, 2024
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Renee: The previous version of the Ride slowly became one of my favorite daily trainers. I used it a lot even after the RTR review was finished. The Ride 17 sees major changes: a move to TPU PWRRUN+ foam from the PWRRUN EVA blend, 5mm more at the ground platform width at the heel and forefoot, and more weight (8.90oz in my women’s size 8 compared to 7.81oz in the previous version). I didn’t know what to think of the weight gain at first, but never judge a shoe by weight (actually, I do judge a shoe by its weight). I have 62 miles in the shoes for this review, at distances from 4 miles to 50k. I found it enjoyable and useful once I got over the weight gain.
The upper is comfortable and secure. For a $140 shoe, the upper does what it should as a daily trainer. Sizing is true to size with a fit and width similar to other Saucony road shoes. I had no issues with comfort, although some minor issues with the tongue moving to the lateral side (but never needed to fix that while running, even for a 50k run).
Jeff: There’s no sugar coating it, the Ride went and got a big old makeover. The upper is a minor shift, and I’m a fan of the new upper. It’s comfortable without going over the top toward plush, and the toebox is wide enough for my moderately wide feet. I agree with Renee on sizing, stick with your standard length, and while the platform is wider, the interior of the shoe doesn’t feel overly wide.
Jamie: When I saw the Ride got a significant update, I was intrigued. I’m a huge fan of PWRRUN+ and was curious how the update to the Ride would compare to the Triumph in the Saucony lineup. The upper is secure, and durable, while the overall fit is much more accommodating. As someone with a wide foot, I’m a big fan. It’s a bit heavier than the previous Rides. However, I feel like this will be a much more durable daily trainer.
Midsole
Renee: The midsole changes from PWRRUN to PWRRUN+, and it makes a difference in the ride and underfoot feel. I have notably less ground feel with the 17 s as compared to the previous version. I think this is a positive for those who need cushion underfoot, and maybe a negative for those who like ground feel.
While I think the previous version might work better for speed runs for that reason, the Ride 17 is not slow (which surprised me given the weight). The midsole rolls forward smoothly, and I was able to run strides and 30 minute tempo runs just as fast as in any other shoe. At slow or walking paces, the midsole has some softness. At faster paces, the magic of the PWRRUN+ is apparent. The stack height remains the same, but it feels much higher.
Jeff: I feel bad for runners who prefer a firmer and less reactive midsole because those are becoming an endangered species. Previously the Ride, armed with PWRRUN midsole, was on the dull side, while this year’s shoe, now with PWRRUN+ is much softer and bouncier. While the denser midsole, and wider platform, contribute to the weight gain, it’s about the best extra ounce you can get in my opinion.
Jamie: While softer than previous versions, the new Ride 17 is still much firmer than a shoe like the Triumph, yet not quite as responsive as a shoe like the Endorphin Speed. It still feels firm relative to some higher cushioned daily trainers. The wider platform makes it feel much more stable and has a smooth transition from heel to toe. It wouldn’t be my first choice for speed, as I’ll stick to the Endorphin Speed, and is not as soft for pounding the pavement for that I would still prefer the feel of the Triumph midsole. If you’re looking for versatility and a good all around shoe, the Ride would be a good middle of the pack option.
Outsole
Renee: The rubber outsole is generous, and with a wider platform, the Ride 17 is more stable than the previous version despite it running like a higher-stacked shoe. The rubber is a bit more durable than the previous version too, although I think that’s a reason for the significant weight gain from version 16. I ran a 50k on hilly pavement (getting 4,800ft of gain over the 50k distance). My other runs were on gravel and some light woodland trails. I have no wear on the outsole after 60+ miles, even on the exposed sections of midsole.
Jeff: While I agree with Renee that the outsole is great, both in traction and durability, I have noticed wear on the central exposed section of the midsole. Not a huge deal, and I can’t imagine it’ll lead to an early demise of the shoe, and is likely due to my much larger frame than Renee (I suspect I’m bottoming out the suspension, so to speak). Otherwise, the wear is minimal, and even on damp pavement, no grip issues whatsoever.
Jamie: The rubber outsole will definitely help with increased durability of the shoe, in comparison to previous models of the Ride. This might also contribute to some of the increased weight. After 50+ miles on pavement in the city, I haven’t noticed any significant wear.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Renee: The ride of the Ride 17 is smooth. As compared to the previous version, the Ride 17 is considerably heavier, but with the PWRRUN+ midsole, it’s just as fast. I ran a 50k on pavement at an easy pace, and my feet felt great. The shoe handled steep inclines and declines well. While I didn’t plan to run a 50k in training, the shoes felt good (plus I ate a Poptart at mile 20). During a 12-mile run, I ran 30 minutes at a tempo pace averaging 6:50 per mile, which is a good-for-me pace on gravel getting 100ft of gain per mile. Despite the weight gain, it remains a decent choice for daily training, depending on someone’s preference for underfoot weight. I will miss the Ride as a lightweight, non-plated option, but it’s hard to argue with that PWRRUN+ midsole magic.
Renee’s Score: 9.2/10 (-.80 significant weight gain)
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Jeff: Completely agree with Renee, this shoe is very smooth and despite the weight gain, I think the 17 completely outclasses the 16. However, the big question I have is…why? The Ride 17 and the Triumph 21 are now very close to the same shoe. Don’t get me wrong, they are both incredible shoes, but the stack height, width, fit, etc, are all incredibly close to each other. As a result this feels more like the Triumph Lite than the Ride, giving runners who prefer the soft and bouncy ride, like myself, more options, while runners who favor lightweight and less responsive shoes just lost a staple.
Jeff’s Score: 9.45/10
Ride: 9 (50%) Fit:10 (30%) Value:10 (15%) Style: 9 (5%)
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Jamie: I agree with all the testers here. The Ride 17 is probably the best version of the shoe to date. However, just like Jeff said, it feels like the Ride 17 might compete against the Triumph 21 with such similar features. With its lower $140 price point, Triumph fans might gravitate towards this new update, however I still feel like the Triumph would be a better option for a high cushioned daily trainer, with high durability. I do appreciate the wider platform and more accommodating fit, which anyone with a wider foot should also prefer. It’s hard for me to compare to a shoe like the Endorphin Speed 3 which takes the cake for speed, versatility, and durability. However, if you’ve been a fan of the Ride for a while now, you’ll really enjoy the feel of the Ride 17.
Jamie’s Score: 9.1/10
Ride: 9 (50%) Fit:10 (30%) Value: 8 (15%) Style: 8 (5%)
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RoadTrailRun Editor Sam's Initial Video Review of the Saucony Ride 17 (21:00)
Comparisons
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Saucony Ride 17
men's 9.9 oz / 282g (US9) / women's 8.4 oz / 238g (US8)
Stack Height: men’s & women’s: 35mm heel / 27mm forefoot, 8mm drop
Platform Width: 115mm forefoot/ 70mm midfoot / 90mm heel
Saucony Ride 15/16 (RTR Review)
Official Weight: Men 8.8oz / 250g US9 :: Women 7.8oz / 221g US8
Platform width: 110/65/85
Renee: I compared the Ride 17 to the Ride 16 throughout. The technical differences are the improved mesh upper, wider platform, and midsole (now PWRRUN+). In terms of running, the Ride 17 is much heavier than the previous version, about one full ounce in my women’s size 8. If you like light weight shoes and a firmer midsole, a discounted Ride 16 is a great buy. If you don’t mind the weight, the midsole and underfoot feel of the Ride 17 are smoother.
Jeff: I find the 17 a massive step forward from the 16 with PWRRUN+ being the missing ingredient. I much prefer the soft and bouncy ride over the lightweight PWRRUN in the previous version. But if you are a Ride 16 fan, stock up now, the 17’s shift is substantial.
Jamie: The Ride 17 feels like the best version of the shoe to date. However, if you prefer a firmer, lower to the ground feel, it might take some time to get used to, This is a very smooth ride and feels like it should be much more durable than the 15/16.
Saucony Triumph 20/21 (RTR Review)
9.8oz / 279g (US9) / women's 8.8oz / 250g (US8)
Stack Height: men’s 37 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot ( 10mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 110/ 65/85
Jeff: Previously the Triumph and Ride were the big brother/little brother dynamic many running shoe line ups have (think Brooks Glycerin/Ghost, Nike Vomero/Pegasus, ASICS Nimbus/Cumulus, New Balance 1080/880, etc), but this Ride changes that. Now they are are close to the same shoe, with virtually the same midsole dimensions, fit, etc. The Triumph does have 2mm more heel stack height and the same forefoot height. My 10.5D Ride 17 tips the scales 14g heavier than my 10.5D Triumph 21 as it sits on a 5mm broader platform at the heel and forefoot, but on the foot they feel about the same. The Ride is $20 less, while the Triumph 21 upper is a little more dialed in, either way, you can’t go wrong.
Jamie: The Triumph was my go to trainer for easy miles pounding the pavement. However, now the Ride 17 is very comparable. The Triumph tips the scale for me, as it feels a bit softer and a better option in a shoe rotation if you’re switching between it and a shoe that’s faster. However, if you want one shoe that can do it all, the Ride 17 might be your new favorite.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 (RTR Review)
Jamie: The Endorphin Speed 3 is hands down my favorite trainer. Between the weight, responsiveness, durability, and versatility, it’s hard for me to compare any shoe to it. The Ride 17 doesn’t have quite as much of a forward roll, and lacks the faster feel of the nylon plated Speed. I’ve gotten 400+ miles out of the Speed 3, and for a shoe that can do so much, it’s still at the top of my list.
The Saucony Ride 17 is available at Saucony HERE
& at our partners below
Tester Profiles
Renee is a former U.S.Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of running and writing started. She isn’t that awesome of a runner, but she tries really hard. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles take place on rural country roads in Nebraska, meaning mud, gravel, dirt, hills, and the occasional field. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and 3:26:45 for the marathon.
Jeff Beck is the token slow runner of the RTR lineup, and as such his viewpoints on shoe and gear can differ from those who routinely finish marathons in three hours or less. Jeff runs 20 miles per week on roads and trails around Denver, CO (and sometimes on the treadmill when the weather gets too much for a Phoenix native). Jeff only got into running in his 30s, as a result his career PR's are 4:07 for the marathon and 5K at 23:39. Jeff has finished several ultra marathons, from 50K up to 50 miles, and is still debating if he wants to go down that road again.
Jamie is 30 years old and runs about 70-100+ miles per week. She has run many marathons, with a PR of 2:49 and has more recently moved up to ultra distances. She completed a solo 100k in 7:36:40 and set the Chicago Lakefront Trail FKT. In 2021 she was the fastest US woman on road for 50 miles with a time of 6:07:11. She is training to qualify to represent team USA at a world championship. Outside of training, she is the store manager at Fleet Feet Lakeview in Chicago.
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2 comments:
LOL when a shoe that "adds" weight, still comes in under 10oz and RTR says it's no longer a lightweight trainer. 5o 8 years ago, we'd have been excited at a sub 10oz daily shoe.
@Jon, should it not be noted when the next generation gains weight, when theoretically they should be losing with new tech?
Count me in the camp that Saucony could have iterated on PWRRUN rather than just moving to TPE-based PWRRUN+. I am unsure of their OG lineup anymore with the Ride becoming more like the Triumph and the Kinvara being I don't know what. I feel like people who want "dynamic" shoes should just go to their Endorphin line?
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