Saucony Ride 14
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By Tara Summerville Editor’s Conclusion
The Saucony Ride 14 is a no-nonsense neutral running shoe. While other shoes may get lost in the weeds with additional bells and whistles that may or may not work on your runs, this shoe opts for a more simplistic approach.
It is composed of lightweight and responsive features that keep your stride light and bright. I would suggest this shoe for runners that like to keep things interesting by working in HIIT, short tempo runs, or long distances.
The midsole is a little on the firmer side and provides a light and bouncy ride that takes it easy on your joints. Plus, the design of the rubber outsole boasts a slightly tacky finish that really grips slick surfaces, and the grooves in the rubber are also ideal for modest trail running as well. Overall, this is a great well-rounded, and versatile shoe that is ready to tackle whatever you can throw at it.
Below, I wanted to take a deep dive into the advanced features that make the Saucony Ride 14 a great neutral running shoe.
It is composed of lightweight and responsive features that keep your stride light and bright. I would suggest this shoe for runners that like to keep things interesting by working in HIIT, short tempo runs, or long distances.
The midsole is a little on the firmer side and provides a light and bouncy ride that takes it easy on your joints. Plus, the design of the rubber outsole boasts a slightly tacky finish that really grips slick surfaces, and the grooves in the rubber are also ideal for modest trail running as well. Overall, this is a great well-rounded, and versatile shoe that is ready to tackle whatever you can throw at it.
Below, I wanted to take a deep dive into the advanced features that make the Saucony Ride 14 a great neutral running shoe.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Very responsive ride
Lightweight and breathable upper
Excellent lockdown
PWRRUN EVA midsole
Grippy rubber outsole is perfect for slick sidewalks or trails
Many color options are available
Great for speed or long distances
Cons
The midsole is a little too firm for some
Slightly expensive price point
Key Features
Key Features
MIDSOLE
Just like its predecessor, the Saucony Ride 14 utilizes their PWRRUN EVA foam cushioning. I was initially expecting this shoe to be quite squishy and was surprised to find that it’s fairly firm. Even as things start to heat up and you put a few miles behind you, the midsole on this design stays stiff and firm. This midsole may be stiff, but it performs quite well for speedy sets or long distances.
At first, I felt that this firm midsole was a misstep, so to speak. However, this firm design provides a lot of support and incredible energy return. Long runs on hard and forgiving surfaces are a little less painful on my joints, and runners feel that they can push themselves just a little further.
The pop of cushioning in the toe box allows runners to spring through their toe-offs, and the 8 mm drop offers extra cushioning in the heel. The construction of this midsole feels like a stability shoe as it guides your gait without the extra weight.
OUTSOLE
This model boasts a strong and durable outsole that isn’t too heavy or bulky. It is composed of a lightweight rubber that boasts a slightly tacky finish. When running on slick sidewalks, the rubber grips the surface under your feet for unmatched stability and control.
This rubber also boasts small grooves and shallow lugs that work quite well on rocky surfaces or even modest trailheads. Overall, this is a shoe you can wear to the gym or out on the trails in the summer.
Finally, runners have reported that this outsole can withstand hundreds of miles before it starts to show any real signs of general wear and tear. It’s lightweight, versatile, and a perfect companion when you want to put a lot of road behind you.
UPPER
One of the biggest changes made to the overall design of the Saucony Ride 14 is the construction of the upper. This upper has faced a complete redesign, and these big changes make this shoe more lightweight, breathable, and stylish.
Unlike other neutral running shoes, the upper of this design provides a good deal of internal and external padding. The heel collar and tongue boast lightweight padding that locks your foot in place and cuts down on the initial break-in period.
Saucony also improved this upper by cutting ore perforated holes into the mesh. This helps move hot air up and away from your feet. It also utilizes suede overlays along the sides of the foot to provide modest stability without hindering overall flexibility.
The design of this upper offers excellent comfort and breathability while shaving off a few ounces when compared to previous versions.
PERFORMANCE
Overall, I would suggest the Saucony Ride 14 for runners that have feet. It may be simplistic in its design, but it is made for most styles or runners. If you like to go on nice and easy tempo runs, the supportive midsole and breathable upper provide a good deal of support and energy return.
If you are a long-distance runner, the grippy and durable outsole is made to hold up for hundreds of miles. For those that like to supplement running with weights or cross-training, the lightweight and flexible frame is ideal for lateral movements.
If you prefer a high level of soft cushioning, this shoe may not be ideal for you. While it offers very modest stability features in the upper, the midsole on this design runs a little stiff. Even after a few miles, the PWRRUN midsole material is just as stiff at mile 5 as it was at mile 1.
This stiff design offers excellent energy return and helps to support your joints, but it just doesn’t offer that plush step-in feel that some runners prefer.
FIT
Reports from runners find that this shoe runs true to size. If you are a size 9 in other Saucony training shoes, the same can be said for the Saucony Ride 14. If you have never tried Saucony shoes before, be sure that you take ample measurements of your feet and compare them to their detailed and reliable sizing chart.
Whether your feet are a little narrow or wide, the redesigned upper is made to accommodate most sizes of feet. It boasts an internal bootie system that contours to the shape of your foot. The construction of the upper doesn’t provide a good deal of stretch, which helps to enhance its overall lockdown.
The firm upper works in tandem with the internal bootie system to provide a customized fit without affecting the shoe’s overall lockdown.
STYLE
Previous versions of the Ride were a little too boxy and stale for my tastes. The shoe performed fine, but there wasn’t a lot to get excited about in terms of style. The Saucony Ride 14, however, has a completely redesigned upper that you can get excited about.
Overall, they have reworked the silhouette of the upper to offer a more sleek, slim, and modern design that sits lower on your foot. The shape of this upper is anything but boxy and offers a good deal of movement as you zip around the track in style.
I also love that this shoe comes in a wide variety of color options. Whether you like more neutral and understated tones, or you want a bright pop of color, there is a color palette in this lineup aimed to please just about everyone.
PRICE
The price tag of this shoe is slightly higher than your average neutral running shoe. While I think that the price is just a little high, the overall durability and versatility make it an excellent value. It’s a shoe that you can wear at the gym or on the trails and will show little signs of wear and tear even after the 100-mile mark.
If you can swing the extra cost, this shoe is an excellent investment for runners that like to switch up their workouts and keep things interesting!
Just like its predecessor, the Saucony Ride 14 utilizes their PWRRUN EVA foam cushioning. I was initially expecting this shoe to be quite squishy and was surprised to find that it’s fairly firm. Even as things start to heat up and you put a few miles behind you, the midsole on this design stays stiff and firm. This midsole may be stiff, but it performs quite well for speedy sets or long distances.
At first, I felt that this firm midsole was a misstep, so to speak. However, this firm design provides a lot of support and incredible energy return. Long runs on hard and forgiving surfaces are a little less painful on my joints, and runners feel that they can push themselves just a little further.
The pop of cushioning in the toe box allows runners to spring through their toe-offs, and the 8 mm drop offers extra cushioning in the heel. The construction of this midsole feels like a stability shoe as it guides your gait without the extra weight.
OUTSOLE
This model boasts a strong and durable outsole that isn’t too heavy or bulky. It is composed of a lightweight rubber that boasts a slightly tacky finish. When running on slick sidewalks, the rubber grips the surface under your feet for unmatched stability and control.
This rubber also boasts small grooves and shallow lugs that work quite well on rocky surfaces or even modest trailheads. Overall, this is a shoe you can wear to the gym or out on the trails in the summer.
Finally, runners have reported that this outsole can withstand hundreds of miles before it starts to show any real signs of general wear and tear. It’s lightweight, versatile, and a perfect companion when you want to put a lot of road behind you.
UPPER
One of the biggest changes made to the overall design of the Saucony Ride 14 is the construction of the upper. This upper has faced a complete redesign, and these big changes make this shoe more lightweight, breathable, and stylish.
Unlike other neutral running shoes, the upper of this design provides a good deal of internal and external padding. The heel collar and tongue boast lightweight padding that locks your foot in place and cuts down on the initial break-in period.
Saucony also improved this upper by cutting ore perforated holes into the mesh. This helps move hot air up and away from your feet. It also utilizes suede overlays along the sides of the foot to provide modest stability without hindering overall flexibility.
The design of this upper offers excellent comfort and breathability while shaving off a few ounces when compared to previous versions.
PERFORMANCE
Overall, I would suggest the Saucony Ride 14 for runners that have feet. It may be simplistic in its design, but it is made for most styles or runners. If you like to go on nice and easy tempo runs, the supportive midsole and breathable upper provide a good deal of support and energy return.
If you are a long-distance runner, the grippy and durable outsole is made to hold up for hundreds of miles. For those that like to supplement running with weights or cross-training, the lightweight and flexible frame is ideal for lateral movements.
If you prefer a high level of soft cushioning, this shoe may not be ideal for you. While it offers very modest stability features in the upper, the midsole on this design runs a little stiff. Even after a few miles, the PWRRUN midsole material is just as stiff at mile 5 as it was at mile 1.
This stiff design offers excellent energy return and helps to support your joints, but it just doesn’t offer that plush step-in feel that some runners prefer.
FIT
Reports from runners find that this shoe runs true to size. If you are a size 9 in other Saucony training shoes, the same can be said for the Saucony Ride 14. If you have never tried Saucony shoes before, be sure that you take ample measurements of your feet and compare them to their detailed and reliable sizing chart.
Whether your feet are a little narrow or wide, the redesigned upper is made to accommodate most sizes of feet. It boasts an internal bootie system that contours to the shape of your foot. The construction of the upper doesn’t provide a good deal of stretch, which helps to enhance its overall lockdown.
The firm upper works in tandem with the internal bootie system to provide a customized fit without affecting the shoe’s overall lockdown.
STYLE
Previous versions of the Ride were a little too boxy and stale for my tastes. The shoe performed fine, but there wasn’t a lot to get excited about in terms of style. The Saucony Ride 14, however, has a completely redesigned upper that you can get excited about.
Overall, they have reworked the silhouette of the upper to offer a more sleek, slim, and modern design that sits lower on your foot. The shape of this upper is anything but boxy and offers a good deal of movement as you zip around the track in style.
I also love that this shoe comes in a wide variety of color options. Whether you like more neutral and understated tones, or you want a bright pop of color, there is a color palette in this lineup aimed to please just about everyone.
PRICE
The price tag of this shoe is slightly higher than your average neutral running shoe. While I think that the price is just a little high, the overall durability and versatility make it an excellent value. It’s a shoe that you can wear at the gym or on the trails and will show little signs of wear and tear even after the 100-mile mark.
If you can swing the extra cost, this shoe is an excellent investment for runners that like to switch up their workouts and keep things interesting!
Comparisons to Previous Versions
Comparisons to Previous Versions
There isn’t a whole lot that has changed between the Saucony Ride 13 and the Saucony Ride 14. Surprisingly, they kept the PWRRUN EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and didn’t utilize one of their newer midsole materials, which I find to be a bit of a misstep. Overall, the build and performance of these two shoes remain the same, with the exception of the upper.
Saucony has completely redesigned the upper to provide runners with a shoe that is lighter and more comfortable. It scrapped the hot plastic overlays that were stiff and uncomfortable and opted for suede overlays instead. They added a few more perforated holes in the upper to enhance breathability, and overall the silhouette of the upper is more sleek and modern, and less boxy.
Saucony has completely redesigned the upper to provide runners with a shoe that is lighter and more comfortable. It scrapped the hot plastic overlays that were stiff and uncomfortable and opted for suede overlays instead. They added a few more perforated holes in the upper to enhance breathability, and overall the silhouette of the upper is more sleek and modern, and less boxy.
Verdict
Verdict
The Saucony Ride 14 is the type of shoe that excels in everything that it does. The fairly simple overall design makes this shoe a lot more versatile and perfect for the track, trails, treadmill, and even the gym.
It’s lightweight and comfortable, offers excellent breathability, and the slightly stiff midsoles provide excellent energy return. It may not be as soft and cushioned as some of the other neutral runners out there on the market, but what it lacks in the plush cushioning, it far makes up for with heightened stability and overall performance.
If you are on the hunt for a pair of running shoes that are made to tackle just about anything, the Saucony Ride 14 is worth checking out!
It’s lightweight and comfortable, offers excellent breathability, and the slightly stiff midsoles provide excellent energy return. It may not be as soft and cushioned as some of the other neutral runners out there on the market, but what it lacks in the plush cushioning, it far makes up for with heightened stability and overall performance.
If you are on the hunt for a pair of running shoes that are made to tackle just about anything, the Saucony Ride 14 is worth checking out!
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