Summer running can bring joy and pain. Joy in the form of sunrise (or sunset) miles, sharing a run with friends, or appreciating nature. Pain arises when the temps creep past 90 degrees, and a leisurely pace feels like a sprint through the desert.
Saucony released the Ride 18 Summer to accommodate those highs and lows, with materials and style that match the season. I tested the shoe during a heat wave in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, and it surprised me in some ways, and left me wanting in others. Here’s my take.
What to know about the Saucony Ride 18 Summer
The Ride is Saucony’s do-it-all daily trainer. Over the years, I’ve owned around seven pairs, and every version has allowed me to run as I please, whether long and slow or short and fast. The balance of cushion, light weight, and support has always made it an excellent tool for any run.
Saucony has continually revised the formula, experimenting with various midsole materials, uppers, and treads, but one thing has stayed the same: the Ride is agile, comfortable, and perhaps most importantly, fun.
The Ride 18 Summer midsole uses PWRRUN+, which Saucony describes: “PWRRUN+ technology is formulated from TPU foam fine-tuned by our engineers and fused together with steam, making it exceptionally durable over long distances. Combined with the ideal blend of comfort, stability, and responsiveness, it is the trusted workhorse for everyday runs and those churning out big miles every week.“
Moving to the upper, the Ride 18 Summer deviates from the standard Ride with an ultra-breathable engineered mesh that’s reminiscent of foamed milk. The material is porous and soft, and reveals an argyle-patterned lining underneath.
Also, the smart lacing system differs from the standard Ride, requiring only a quick pull and cinch before getting going.
Then there’s the style. The shoe’s bright white finish almost glows in the sunlight, and a floral-patterned sock liner captures the festive spirit of summer.
Ride 18 Summer Specs:
Price: $145
Weight: 9.1 ounces
Stack heights: Heel 35mm, forefoot 27mm
Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
Pros and Cons of the Saucony Ride 18 Summer
Pros
- Bright white embodies summer style
- Lightweight and fun
- All paces versatility
- Soft, protective midsole
- Breathability for the hottest days
Cons
- Midsole can feel too soft
- Slight instability
How the Saucony Ride 18 Summer performed
I began testing the Ride 18 Summer as a Shenandoah Valley heat wave took shape. On a Saturday morning, I took a loop around town, and the shoe was a delight because of its beach-sandal-like qualities. It felt lighter than Saucony’s listed 9.1 ounces, and the midsole’s yoga mat softness padded each footfall before providing an energetic spring into the next stride.
As the run progressed, that helped me keep pushing on tired legs, with the Ride 18 Summer almost disappearing on my feet. The upper actually ran cool in the roughly 80-degree temps, the extra ventilation letting air in and perspiration out as the miles went by.
I found the quick lace system easy and functional. I’d slip in my foot, grab the pull tab, and then cinch down to the desired tension. That was it. The laces would not come untied on the run, and afterward, I would just press and release them before taking the shoes off.
Style-wise, I found the Ride 18 Summer to capture the upbeat spirit of the season perfectly. The white almost glowed, and combined with the shoe’s athletic lines, made the shoe a winner for running or casual wear.
For my final test, I ran a heat training session at the peak of the summer swelter. Weather reports indicated around 91 degrees, with heat indexes approaching 100. While I ran an easy pace, sipped from a hydration bottle, and tried to survive, the Ride 18 Summer never once ran hot. Many, if not most, running shoes have some heat retention, and I found the extra-breathable upper to be a highlight of this shoe’s design.
While the Ride 18 Summer proved fun and comfortable, it wasn’t perfect. At times, the midsole felt overly soft, hindering response at toe-off. That was especially prevalent at higher paces, where it felt like running on an exercise mat. The midsole plushness also created slight instability, as my foot rolled inward or outward at foot strike.
The upper’s pliable nature detracted from its lockdown, and it lost some support over a more standard material. But it wasn’t that noticeable once on the run.
Final thoughts on the Saucony Ride 18 Summer
While summer running can bring joy and pain, more than anything, it brings fun. For that, the Saucony Ride 18 Summer is an ideal tool. Its lightness, softness, and appearance make it the beach sandal of running shoes, for runs that feel like a stroll by the coast. The shoe is also great if you attend run clubs, where its fun feeling and great looks are perfect for social miles and a beer at the local pub. With summer’s arrival and the temps rising, this is the shoe to truly enjoy the season.
