Short answer
The Saucony Ride 18 represents a highly calculated, performance-focused evolution in Saucony's flagship neutral daily trainer line, delivering a reliable true-to-size (TTS) length profile with refined structural updates. Moving away from the baggier upper material of its predecessor, this iteration features a re-engineered upper that provides a significantly more dialed-in, secure, and snug fit across the midfoot.
Runs true to size
Cross-sizing: what size to buy
Find a shoe you already own and read across to the Saucony Ride 18 size to buy.
| Reference Shoe | US | EU | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your usual | Buy | Your usual | Buy | |
| Nike Pegasus 41 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 44 | 44 |
| Brooks Ghost 17 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 44 | 44 |
| Puma Velocity Nitro 3 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 44 | 44 |
| Saucony Ride 17 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 44 | 44 |
-
Nike Pegasus 41
Your usual Buy US 10.0 10.0 EU 44 44 -
Brooks Ghost 17
Your usual Buy US 10.0 10.0 EU 44 44 -
Puma Velocity Nitro 3
Your usual Buy US 10.0 10.0 EU 44 44 -
Saucony Ride 17
Your usual Buy US 10.0 10.0 EU 44 44
Fit Notes
- Nike Pegasus 41
- Both the Nike Pegasus 41 and the Saucony Ride 18 fit true to size in standard linear length. The Pegasus 41 is known for a notoriously narrow and snug midfoot architecture that can feel restrictive around the arch. Transitioning to the Ride 18 in the same size provides immediate relief, offering a more accommodating midfoot wrap and slightly more breathing room in the forefoot. If you previously sized up in the Pegasus 41 solely to compensate for its narrow midfoot width, you can safely return to your true biological length size in the Ride 18.
- Brooks Ghost 17
- Both models track identically true to size regarding overall length. However, the Brooks Ghost 17 features a more traditional, roomier, and classically tapered toe box. In contrast, the Ride 18 wraps the lateral side of the outer toes more snugly, though it compensates by offering significantly greater vertical height for toe movement. Runners who require substantial horizontal forefoot width should opt for a dedicated wide width option in the Ride 18 rather than adjusting their length size.
- Puma Velocity Nitro 3
- Puma running models are notoriously narrow and feature some of the lowest toe-box volumes in the daily trainer category, frequently forcing runners to size up a half-size just to acquire necessary horizontal width. The Saucony Ride 18 offers a significantly wider, more accommodating platform. Therefore, to avoid an excessively long fit, runners should adjust for this compensation factor and return to their true biological length size (US 10.0 / EU 44) instead of carrying over an inflated size from Puma.
- Saucony Ride 17
- While both models share an identical true-to-size length profile, the Ride 18 introduces a redesigned, deeply padded heel collar that pushes the foot slightly forward. This structural update causes the Ride 18 to feel initially shorter and more snug in the toe box than the baggier upper of the Ride 17. No change in size is required, as the premium collar padding will compress and restore standard length after a brief break-in period.
Sizing FAQ
Does the Saucony Ride 18 run true to size?
Yes, the Saucony Ride 18 fits true to size in terms of standard athletic shoe length, and it is recommended that runners order their standard size. However, the initial step-in feel may present a false sensation of shortness due to the increased volume of plush collar padding in the redesigned heel counter, which pushes the foot slightly forward. After a brief break-in period, this padding compresses and molds to the Achilles, allowing the heel to seat deeply and restoring standard true-to-size length.
Is the Saucony Ride 18 good for wide feet?
For runners with structurally wide feet, the standard width of the Ride 18 may feel overly restrictive, particularly along the outer toes where the lateral side of the engineered mesh upper tapers in quickly and applies localized pressure to the pinky toe. However, the shoe features an exceptionally generous vertical volume that prevents friction on top of the toes. To ensure optimal comfort, wide-footed runners are strongly encouraged to select Saucony's dedicated wide sizing options (2E for men, D for women) rather than sizing up in length.
How is the arch support on the Saucony Ride 18?
The Saucony Ride 18 is a neutral daily trainer that lacks aggressive, built-in structural arch support systems like medial posts or rigid plastic shanks. The midfoot region of the sole unit is relatively narrow, but the shoe utilizes subtle, raised foam sidewalls along the borders of the midsole to act as gentle guide rails that keep the foot centered. Additionally, due to its deep vertical upper volume and a removable premium PWRRUN+ sockliner, the Ride 18 is exceptionally compatible with custom-molded orthotics and rigid aftermarket insoles.
Specs & Sizing
| Weight | 259 g |
|---|---|
| Retail price | $145 |
| Price on Amazon | $107.95 - $145.00 |
| Release year | 2025 |
| Upper | Engineered mesh with enhanced breathability and stretch |
| Midsole | PWRRUN+ foam, reformulated for lighter, softer, and more responsive feel |
| Outsole | XT-900 carbon rubber with flex grooves for durability and grip |
| Technologies | PWRRUN+ foam, Rocker geometry, PWRRUN+ insole |
| Fit & sizing | True to size, but snugger than Ride 17; consider sizing up half size if preferring roomier fit or for wide feet |