The Saucony Ride 19 is the upcoming 2026 update to Saucony’s flagship neutral daily trainer. Positioned as a versatile "workhorse," it continues the trend of moving toward premium foams while maintaining the classic 8mm drop that fans of the series expect.
The most significant change in this version is a complete transition to a supercritical PWRRUN+ midsole, making it noticeably softer and more energetic than the Ride 18
Ride 19 vs. Ride 18: Summary of Changes
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Softness: The 19 is noticeably softer and "funner" underfoot.
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Weight: Despite the extra stack and foam, the weight remains competitive and feels lighter on foot due to the airy upper.
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Ride Quality: The transition from heel to toe is more "rounded" and fluid compared to the flatter feel of the 18.
Best For
The Saucony Ride 19 is fundamentally designed as a versatile daily workhorse. While previous versions were known for being a bit firmer and "no-nonsense," the Ride 19 has been softened and refined to handle a wider variety of runs.
1. Daily Mileage & Base Training
This is the shoe's "bread and butter." It is best for those 3–8 mile runs where you just want to get out the door and maintain your fitness.
Why: The new supercritical PWRRUN+ foam provides a smoother, more fluid transition than the Ride 18, making repetitive daily miles feel less taxing on the joints.
2. Easy and Recovery Runs
Historically, the Ride was sometimes considered too firm for true recovery days, but the Ride 19 changes that.
Why: The increased stack height and softer foam formulation allow it to lean into "recovery territory." It provides enough protection for tired legs when you need to keep the pace slow and the impact low.
Key Updates & Features
1. Reformulated Midsole
- The Ride 19 moves to a Supercritical (SCF) PWRRUN+ foam. While the Ride 18 also used PWRRUN+, the 19 uses a reformulated version that is lighter and more compliant.
- Feel: It provides a plusher "step-in" comfort and more "bounce" compared to the firmer, more traditional feel of older Ride models.
- Stack: The stack height has increased by 1mm, bringing the heel to 36mm for extra impact protection.
Stability and Fit:
- Natural Foot Design: The broad underfoot platform further enhances the shoe’s stability. The outsole is made up of large rubber sections at the front and back of the shoe.
Outsole:
- The outsole still utilizes XT-900 carbon rubber, but the layout has been refined.
- Flexibility: There are deeper, strategically placed flex grooves in the forefoot to allow for a smoother transition from midfoot to toe-off.
- Stability: The base is slightly wider, helping to counteract the softness of the new foam and keeping the shoe stable for neutral runners.
Upper:
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Re-engineered Upper Saucony has redesigned the upper with a more open, engineered mesh.
- Heel Lockdown: A deeper "heel cradle" or cup has been integrated, allowing your foot to sit slightly further down into the midsole for a more secure, stable feeling.
- Breathability: The mesh is more porous than previous versions, aimed at improving airflow during longer efforts.
Summary:
The Saucony Ride 19 represents the most significant evolution of this model in years. It has transitioned from a firm, traditional daily trainer into a modern, highly cushioned "super-daily" that prioritizes comfort and energy return without losing its reliable identity.
The Bottom Line
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The Big Change: The shift to supercritical PWRRUN+ foam makes the shoe significantly softer, lighter, and more "bouncy" than the Ride 18.
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The Experience: It offers a smooth, protective ride that feels effortless for daily miles while providing enough "pop" to pick up the pace if needed.
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Best For: Runners who want a single, versatile shoe for daily training, easy runs, and long-distance comfort.