The Saucony Ride 16 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Saucony Ride 16 is a versatile daily trainer designed for runners seeking a reliable and stable platform during their workouts. Ideal for those who prefer a mix of speed and comfort, the Ride 16 features a robust design that ensures a secure lockdown thanks to its improved upper. With a firm underfoot feel and notable performance characteristics, this shoe provides a smooth ride whether tackling a quick 5K or an extended run.


Pros

  • Responsive and well-cushioned midsole
  • Good for speedwork
  • Excellent impact dampening
  • Can gobble up miles
  • Provides great stability
  • Secure and comfortable lockdown
  • Grippy and durable outsole capable of mild trails

Cons

  • Upper durability leaves much to be desired
  • Break-in period required

Key Features

  • PWRRUN foam midsole delivers a softer stack of cushioning for optimal comfort during runs.
  • Designed for a seamless transition from heel to toe, providing an amazingly fluid ride.
  • The higher sidewalls allow you to sit into the shoe, rather than on top of it, enhancing the underfoot sensation.

Specifications

  • Fabric type: Synthetic-and-rubber
  • Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
  • Sole material: Synthetic Rubber
  • Outer material: Mesh

Saucony Ride 16 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Saucony Ride 16 ASICS Gel Contend 9 On Cloudrunner 2 Saucony Ride 18
Price $140 $70 $150 $140
Pace Daily running Daily running Daily running Daily running
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 9.3 oz / 264g 9.7 oz / 275g 9.7 oz / 275g 9 oz / 255g
Drop lab Drop brand 7.9 mm 7.8 mm 8.5 mm 8.4 mm
Strike pattern Mid/forefoot Mid/forefoot Heel Heel
Size Slightly small True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Balanced Balanced
Difference in midsole softness in cold Big Small Small Small
Toebox durability Bad Bad Decent Decent
Heel padding durability Bad Good Decent Good
Outsole durability Good Decent Decent Good
Breathability Breathable Moderate Moderate Breathable
Width / fit Narrow Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Medium
Stiffness Moderate Moderate Stiff Moderate
Torsional rigidity Flexible Moderate Moderate Flexible
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Flexible
Heel lab Heel brand 33.3 mm 31.2 mm 33.6 mm 35.0 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 25.4 mm 23.4 mm 25.1 mm 26.6 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season Summer All seasons All seasons Summer
Removable insole
Ranking Top 46% Bottom 14% Top 35% Top 28%
Popularity Bottom 45% Top 24% Top 21% Top 15%