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After 489 miles in my Hoka Clifton 9s, it was finally time to retire them. The cushioning had noticeably broken down, and I began feeling foot and knee soreness during and after runs—clear signs that the shoes had reached the end of their life.
I headed to my local Fleet Feet for a fresh shoe fitting. After a foot scan, they recommended two options: the Brooks Glycerin 22 and the Saucony Ride 18.
I tried both in-store and ultimately chose the Ride 18 for two big reasons:
- Weight – they felt noticeably lighter on my feet compared to the Glycerins.
- Price – the Sauconys came in at $145 versus $165 for the Brooks.
First Run Test
For my first outing, I logged 3.85 miles at a 9:54 pace on a mostly flat road course with minimal elevation change. Here’s what stood out:
- Lightweight Feel – True to my first impression in-store, the Ride 18s felt light and responsive underfoot.
- Cushion & Firmness – Compared to my old Hokas, these felt a little firmer. As a midfoot striker, I didn’t mind the firmer ride and actually found it stable.
- Fit (Wide Version) – Even though I purchased the EE (wide) fit, the toe box felt slightly narrower than expected. I’ll need a few more runs to see if they loosen up with time.
- Grip – Traction was solid on dry pavement, with no slipping or sliding.
- Breathability & Design – The upper feels airy and breathable, and I like the clean, sleek design. My only gripe is that wide sizes don’t offer the same variety of colorways as standard widths.
How It Compares: Saucony Ride 18 vs Brooks Glycerin 22
Both shoes are considered daily trainers but with slightly different personalities:
- Brooks Glycerin 22: More plush, heavier, designed for max comfort and longer runs. Ideal for runners who want a “pillowy” ride.
- Saucony Ride 18: Lighter, more responsive, slightly firmer. Better for runners who want a balance of cushioning and speed at a lower price point.
If you prefer softness and don’t mind weight, Brooks is the pick. If you want versatility and lighter turnover, Saucony wins.
Performance Breakdown
- Cushioning: Firmer than Hokas, softer than many traditional trainers. Good balance for daily training without feeling sluggish.
- Durability: Saucony’s outsoles are known to hold up well. I expect these to last 400–500 miles, which is standard for a daily trainer.
- Ride & Responsiveness: Feels smooth and energetic, especially at moderate paces. Not a true speed shoe, but definitely capable of tempo runs.
- Fit & Comfort: Heel and midfoot lock-in are solid. Toe box (even in wide) could be roomier, so runners with very wide feet may need to size up or consider another model like the Saucony Triumph.
- Breathability: Excellent. The engineered mesh upper kept my feet cool during my test run.
Who Is the Saucony Ride 18 Best For?
This shoe is a great fit for:
- Beginner to intermediate runners looking for a reliable daily trainer.
- Runners transitioning from max-cushion shoes who want something lighter and more responsive.
- Those training for 5Ks, 10Ks, or half marathons who need a versatile shoe for easy runs and the occasional tempo workout.
- Value-conscious runners—at $145, it’s more affordable than many competitors in the daily trainer category.
First Impressions Verdict
So far, I’m happy with my purchase. The Saucony Ride 18 is light, breathable, and has a firmer but stable ride. I plan to use them for more short-to-medium runs before testing them out on longer distances.
If you’re looking for a daily trainer that balances weight, cushioning, and price, the Ride 18 is definitely worth considering—especially if you don’t mind a slightly narrower toe box in the wide fit.
I’ll update with a more in-depth review after I log some higher mileage in them.
