Review: Saucony Ride ISO 2
Saucony's second edition of the Ride ISO features a number improvements, including a more responsive midsole and updated upper
The Saucony Ride ISO 2 has quickly become one of my favourite trainers. Now on their second iteration of ISO – Saucony’s upper fit system – the ISO 2 (11th version of the Ride) has made several key improvements from the original Ride ISO.
Related: Review: Saucony Ride ISO
Saucony’s second edition of the Ride ISO was released earlier this spring, and over the past two weeks, I’ve quickly rotated this shoe into my run sessions. At first, I keep this shoe reserved for tempo and race pace efforts – avoiding longer runs in them. But soon after my first run, I quickly added up the distance in these shoes.
Midsole
The Ride ISO 2 incorporates a PWR FOAM midsole with EVERUN topsole to give you a springy ride (pun intended). But don’t be fooled, this shoe can still go the distance.
On a few of my longer runs, 20-25K, I swapped out my usual long run shoe for the Ride ISO 2 to do longer tempo efforts at 70.3 race pace. Over a variety of workouts and durations, I found the Saucony Ride ISO 2 to have some serious energy return – more so than the Ride ISO.
Upper
Most of the shoe’s improvements were made to the upper. The updated ISO fit lacing system allows runners to lock their foot in place without movement constriction. The shoe has a mesh toe box for enhanced stretch and breathability.
Another improvement to the upper is the heel grab and lockdown. The heel counter of the ISO2 is stiff, holding your foot snug in position. This stiff heel counter is precisely what helps guide your foot forward and prevent supination (the turning out of the foot).
Outsole
The outsole incorporates crystal rubber, replacing IBR+ in the forefoot for added responsiveness and durability. The shoe also still uses triflex grooves on the bottom of the shoe to allow for natural movement. With over 150K on the shoes, I was impressed by the durability of the outsole – showing no signs of significant wear and tear.
What is it for?
The Saucony Ride ISO 2 is designed for tempo and race pace efforts or all distances. It has the cushioning and just enough support needed for longer runs, but it doesn’t add any additional weight. This shoe is more than a respectable option for race day, especially over the half-Ironman race distance.
Category:Â Neutral
Drop:Â 8 mm
Price:Â CAD 159.99
Cushion:Â Responsive
Weight:Â 249 grams
Surfaces tested: Road, crush gravel and track
A video review of the Saucony Ride ISO 2 is available on Canadian Running Magazine.
