Saucony Ride 17

• Posted on 31 December 2023
• By Running Lab Staff
• 0

THE INTRO

The Ride 17 got a major upgrade here. I'm not merely referring to just its appearance. The Ride 17 features a softer PWRRUN+ midsole. That plus stands for soft, compared to the original PWRRUN (no plus) foam which was firmer feeling. The upper has also been upgraded with a new engineered mesh hugging your feet in all the right places. 

Now I knew this was a good shoe when Toni said she would have her review done in time. Toni is a busy lady so getting reviews from her is a task. However, when she finds something she is passionate about, gear up because she will let you know every single detail on why it is the greatest thing ever.

Keep reading to find out why Toni is in love with this new upgrade. 

THE SPECS

Support: Neutral 

Weight: 9.9 oz / 282 g (men), 8.4 oz / 238 g (women)

Stack Height: 35 mm in the heel, 27 mm in the forefoot 

Midsole Drop: 8 mm

Cushion Level: Mid

ON THE RUN 

TONI: Running in the Saucony Ride 17 is energetic. When my foot strikes the ground, I feel the PWR RUN+ midsole compress slightly but then something magical happens. It pops back immediately. It almost feels like a rubber band, when there is no pressure put on it, it becomes soft and light but then when pressure is applied to it stretches and blasts off.

Every run I have in this shoe feels effortless. It has got to be the PWR RUN + impact on this update to give me the relaxed feeling on my body to be able to push my pace. Last year, I was unable to reach some of the pace splits I am hitting consistently this year in the Ride 17. I have had this shoe for a month and have been drawn to wear this shoe for almost all of my road runs.

You know when you have the one thing that makes you feel so good? But then you misplace it and have to tear apart your home to find it? But you won't settle for anything else? So you keep tearing apart your home until you locate it? Yep... That has happened to me with the Ride 17. I just want to run in this shoe all of the time.

Now I want to know, when is Saucony going to put PWR RUN + in the Peregrine. That would be amazing! 

THE FIT 

TONI: The fit of the upper is nice. There is great space for my foot. I typically prefer a wide toe box shoe from natural fitting footwear brands but I have to say that the fit on the Saucony Ride 17 is not too crowding. I have been able to run in the shoe for short runs and long runs of 16+ miles without feeling tightness on my foot or angry toes.

I usually wear a women's 10.5 medium in my running shoes and the length of the Ride 17 is a perfect fit. I have no concerns of the shoe being too short or too long.

The only ill fitting part of the Saucony Ride 17 is the heel counter. I need to heel lock while lacing it up to keep the heel from sliding in the back. But I would take this setback 200 times over and over again to be able to run in this shoe. It isn't a deal breaker or a setback. 

THE FEEL

TONI: I don't prefer to run in plated footwear, but I like the feel of a performance driven midsoles. The design of super shoes don't personally jive for my boy. Finally I have a daily trainer in the Saucony Ride 17 that I can put my daily miles in with the great feel of a high quality midsole. The midsole is made of Saucony's PWR RUN + is a high quality midsole foam that they use in the high cushioned Saucony Triumph. The Saucony Triumph is too soft for me. I want a shoe that I don't smush into but still gives me a little cushion. I know! I'm waaaay too particular but I want a balanced run when it comes to the performance of my shoe.

Saucony Ride 17's midsole is Energy + cushion = a happy runner :) 

THE NITTY GRITTY

TONI: The Saucony Ride 17 is the most inclusive shoe for all runs. When you experience a run in this shoe, you can feel the capabilities of how this shoe is going to benefit all of your runs. I have completed some long runs in the shoe and it felt consistent from start to finish. The Saucony Ride 17 never seemed to tire on me.

Short fast runs are fun because of the PWR RUN+ midsole. It simply pops back and feels ever so energetic.

Comparing the Saucony Ride 17 to the Saucony Ride 16 is easy. It is completely enhanced. If you liked the Ride 16 you will love the Ride 17. Doing the comparison you will think, "holy cow! I cannot believe the difference?!" But when you look at the two versions side by side you might think, "Big deal! It looks the same." But trust me, its better. You have got to put the shoe on your foot and run in it. Even if you run in place or around the store in it, I promise you will feel the upgrade. 

THE RUNDOWN

TONI: If you haven't completely read my review on the Saucony Ride 17, I will sum it up as the best update I have experienced in the history of the shoe. I recommend this shoe for all runners of all abilities.

I have loved running in this shoe and in fact, I need to stop typing so I can get outside and enjoy another run in the Saucony Ride 17 right now. 

Get your own pair HERE!

MEET TONI

The Running Lab world goes round because Toni is in it. She is our vibrant and supportive leader who plays disco music through the store and convinces us all that we can do anything. Running Lab is what it is and we are who we are because Toni is a part of it. 

Favorite shoe: Saucony Zealot