Saucony Ride 8 — $120 — Weight: 8.5 oz.
A word from Adam, our shoe expert: This neutral, plush trainer was modified from the previous version to enhance the fit with new FlexFilm no-sew overlays in the upper that comes with no added weight. The breathable upper also features reflectivity and stretch lacing for dynamic comfort and impressive security. With an 8mm offset, the Ride is certainly not a minimalist trainer but with a lightweight EVA midsole and coming in at less than 10 oz, it is still quite svelte and the engineering of the transition zones of the mid- and outsoles makes for a buttery heel-to-toe transition. The carbon outsole is durable and so these make great high-mileage or every day trainers for those seeking comfort and cushioning without much heft.
Laura’s take: Running in the Saucony Ride 8 was effortless and fun. I felt incredibly light on my feet, which was surprising due to the amount of cushioning and comfort this shoe provided. It felt supportive and firm, but also responsive and flexible. It took a few runs to get the feel of the Ride 8, but I love having them in my weekly shoe rotation. I would recommend these to anyone — they have proved to be a reliable shoe for putting in miles with no surprises.
Natalie’s take: The Saucony Ride 8 is a plush shoe. Really, really cushioned and unbelievably comfortable. They are bulkier than some of the other shoes in my collection, weighing in at 8.5 ounces, so I’d keep these in the closet for a speedwork day. These shoes offer a great amount of stability without being a stability shoe and are anything but stiff. Truly neutral, but I felt supported even at the end of long runs when form gets a little shaky. I’ll be taking these on my next long run.
Guest reviewer Emily’s take: I don’t need a new shoe, nor am I looking for something to replace the brand/style I’ve been wearing for 13 years. But then this happened: I put on the Saucony Ride 8 for a six-mile morning run, and it was lovely! They were soft under the balls of my feet but never felt stiff the way some new shoes do. On the next day’s run, my shoes felt too familiar. I glanced down at my feet. Did I put on the Ride 8 or accidentally lace up my old pair? But it was the Ride 8. They were hugging my feet and beaming up at me. (Literally. They are shiny silver.) The next time I need to buy new shoes, I’ll definitely compare prices on the legacy brand and the Ride 8. These comfy and immediately familiar shoes are welcome in my rotation.