Saucony Ride 16 Long-Term Review: 169 Miles In

Introduction

After 169 miles, the Saucony Ride 16 has proven itself as a dependable neutral daily trainer. It sits in the same category as the Nike Pegasus, Mizuno Wave Rider, and Asics Cumulus: the everyday workhorse for runners who want one shoe to handle most of their mileage. Over the course of this testing block, the shoe has held up really well. The DNA is still there, and the running experience has not changed too much, even as the shoe has broken in.

Key Specs at a Glance

In men’s size 9, the Ride 16 weighs 8.8 ounces (250 grams), and in women’s size 8 it comes in at 7.8 ounces (221 grams). The stack height measures 35 millimeters in the heel and 27 millimeters in the forefoot, which makes for an 8-millimeter drop. It retails for $139.95, keeping it comparable with other daily trainers in the neutral training category.

Ride Feel and Ride Geometry

The Ride 16 has a very gradual rocker feel. It hesitates to call itself a true rocker shoe because the rounding is slight, but there is some shaping in the heel and a little in the forefoot. What stands out most is that this is a shoe that lets you run the way you want to run in it.

The sole also features some flaring to help with a touch of stability in either direction. In the heel, there is almost a slight bucket sensation that keeps the feel locked in and secure through footstrike.

Fit and Lockdown

The lacing system includes extra little grooves embedded in the upper, which help with getting a better lockdown and cinching down. That system still works really well after 169 miles. The upper material has expanded a little over time, but it is not problematic; it actually feels kind of nice and more accommodating than when the shoe was fresh.

Durability and Traction

Traction has held up well. There is no slipping, though the rubber is starting to show wear, with a small bevel forming where the shoe is beginning to dig into the rubber. Importantly, the wear has not reached the EVA underneath, which is a good sign at this mileage.

In the forefoot, there is some exposed foam and visible abrasion, but nothing has cut open or become problematic. Some initial grooves in the EVA in the middle of the forefoot have started to smooth out, so the shoe is evolving slightly there. The forefoot has also become a little more flexible as the foam has broken in, which is a welcome change.

Buying Advice

At just shy of 170 miles, it is realistic to expect another 100 miles of use, probably more. A shoe that stays comfortable and functional past 100 miles is one worth keeping in rotation, and this has been a go-to daily trainer when not testing other shoes. For runners seeking a neutral workhorse for everyday miles, the Ride 16 makes a compelling case at its $139.95 retail price.

Conclusion

The Saucony Ride 16 has aged gracefully through 169 miles. The ride character remains intact, the lockdown still works as intended, and wear on the outsole and forefoot foam remains within normal expectations. For a neutral daily trainer that keeps its feel long after the first runs, it is an easy recommendation.