The Saucony Ride is one of Saucony's most popular trainers. It's versatile, it's affordable and it's durable. Over the years, it's had some radical updates. This comparison will tell you if the Ride 17 or the Ride 16 is better suited to your running style.
The Ride 17 has a midsole consisting of PWRRUN+, one of Saucony’s more premium midsole foams. It’s a beaded TPU foam which has excellent cushioning, durability and energy return. It also has a PWRRUN+ insole which provides extra cushioning.
The Ride 16 has a midsole which is made of PWRRUN, an older Saucony midsole foam which is EVA foam. This foam is lighter than TPU but it has less cushioning and energy return. The Ride 16 also has a PWRRUN+ insole to provide more comfort and cushioning.
The Ride 17 has a softer ride with more cushioning. This makes it better for slow runs and long runs. It has more long-distance comfort and its better for long distance runs. The Ride 16 is firmer and lighter which makes it more suited to short and fast runs. It’s easier to pick up the pace in the Ride 16 due to its firmer ride.
Stability is better in the Ride 16. Not only is its ride firmer but it also has a 2mm lower stack height than the Ride 17 in the heel and the forefoot. Your foot sits lower to the ground in the Ride 16 so there’s less lean bias.
When it comes to outsoles, the Ride 17 has thicker rubber and more of it. The exposed midsole foam is also more durable than the exposed foam of the Ride 16. The Ride 17 has the more durable outsole and should wear down slower than the Ride 16.
The Ride 17’s upper has a more accommodating fit than the Ride 16. It also has ventilation holes in its side panels so breathability is better in the Ride 17.
The Ride 17 upper feels plusher and more comfortable than the Ride 16 but the Ride 16 has a more streamlined feel. Both shoes fit true to size and are available in a variety of widths.
If you want a trainer for mainly easy, slow runs or slow long runs, the Ride 17 is the shoe for you. It has more cushioning, more long-distance comfort and a softer ride. It has the more durable outsole and it has a more accommodating fit if you have high volume feet.
If you want a trainer for faster runs or short runs, the Ride 16 is better for you because it’s lighter and firmer. It has better stability and it has a more snug fit which feels more streamlined. Ride 16 also has more ground feel.
