Saucony Ride 10s reviewed

Saucony released the 10th edition of their Ride shoe in May. The Ride 10s offer some noticeable updates to an already great training shoe, the Ride 9s, which we ranked as one of our favourite versatile shoes for all your everyday mileage. After running in the Ride 10 for a few months and putting in more than 250 kms in the shoe, here’s what we think of it, how it compares to previous models and who we recommend it for.

A big update to the Ride 10 from previous versions is that it removes the second layer of landing zone foam in the heel. With a completely updated midsole, the Ride 10s use Saucony’s EverRun technology (also used in the Ride 9s) as a 3-mm topsole, and then use a new midsole material called PowerFoam (which has also been used in the Triumph ISO and Zealot ISO models). The result is a noticeably more flexible shoe that still has all the attributes we loved in the Ride 9s. Comparatively, the shoe feels a little firmer under the heel than previous versions. It also weighs in just a touch heavier at 9.5 oz for a men’s size 9 (compared to 9.3 for the Ride 9s). Most importantly, it’s still a well-cushioned shoe and continues to fare well as a high mileage trainer — comfy for your everyday recovery runs and a top choice for your long runs, too.

Our favourite update to the shoe is the upper. The Ride 10s use an engineered mesh in the forefoot that offers improved ventilation, something triathletes especially will appreciate during hot long course half and full marathons. The upper wraps well around the foot and didn’t produce any uncomfortable pressure or hot spots during our testing. The material of the upper has a lot of give which helps it accommodate to a range of foot shapes.

As far as fit is concerned, we found that the Ride 10 fits just a touch smaller than other Saucony models like the Kinvara, so we would recommend going a half size up with this shoe. The shoe has a large toe box, which is part of the reason it’s such a great option for a variety of run types. This feature, combined with the shoe’s excellent mesh upper and firmer material around the heel, makes it a super comfortable shoe that helps your foot feel well supported but also gives your toes room to move. The shoe didn’t take long to break in, something we have appreciated in many Saucony shoes we’ve tested in the past. For runners with wider fit, it also comes in a wide version.

What is this shoe best for? Neutral runners looking for an everyday trainer will find what they’re looking for in the Saucony Ride 10. There’s enough stability in the shoe for it to work for someone who overpronates. It’s not a particularly light shoe, but a solid choice for a 10K or half-marathon race, and it’s an even better option as a marathon racing or training shoe. If you want a shoe that you don’t have to think too much about for your weekly mileage, this is a great option for you. Tested on the road, trails, gravel and the treadmill, the Ride 10s proved versatile enough to handle all types of terrain wherever your runs take you. This shoe will remain a top choice in our rotation for our half and full marathon training this fall.

Release date: Out now (released May 1, 2017).
Type of shoe: Neutral cushioning.
Drop: 8 mm.
Weight: 9.5 oz. (men’s size 9)
Type of cushioning: Plush.
Price (MSRP): $160.
Terrain tested: Asphalt, gravel, trail.
Kilometres tested by us so far: 250

You can purchase the Saucony Ride 10s online or at running stores.