Saucony Ride 9 is the newest edition of the successful shoe line of Saucony brand. This version does make some changes compared to previous models and promise to provide greater trainer for runners. I’m sure that you are wondering what the difference between these shoes from previous versions. My article will give you the best answer.
Saucony Ride 9 - Updated and new features
This newest version of Saucony Ride is incorporated with new features and technologies in order to provide runners wonderful running experience.
Saucony Ride 9 Review
This newest version of Saucony Ride is incorporated with new features and technologies in order to provide runners wonderful running experience.
Comfort
It is extremely comfortable compared to the Nike Frees that I used to wear. In the first use, I felt like running on air. It is so light and comfortable. These shoes use EVERUN foam that keeps the ride of the Ride 9s more comfortable without padded feeling.
The upper of the shoes also have many features to enhance comfort. The open mesh in the upper made of breathable lightweight fabric not only keep the feet dry and cool but also create soft and comfortable feeling when running.
Especially, the great cushioning system featured in this version always makes you feel comfortable whenever training in them.
Fit
It has a new upper design to improve the overall fit. I order a 1/2 size bigger than my normal size. At first, I felt these are a little narrow for my feet. But after some times wearing, they fitted better with no blisters. I recognized that these shoes need time to break in for perfect fit. Besides, they have moderate stretch laces offer a snug fit on your feet, even when they expand during long run.
Cushioning
The high cushioning blown rubber used in the midsole provides cushy and responsive feeling for the shoes. The SSL EVA- premium midsole material called SuperLight EVA makes sure runners experience the well-cushioned mid-sole. It also has SRC (Super Rebound Compound) that adds extra cushioning near the outer rear heel for better shock absorption during landing. Besides, durable carbon rubber of the outsole also contributes to add more cushioning.
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Support
Most of the shoes in the Ride series are suitable for neutral runners, and The Saucony Ride 9 is no exception. These shoes provide this type of runner with necessary support and moderate amount of cushioning. Moreover, this is also very comfortable with good medium to high arch support. I tend to moderate pronate when I walk, and these shoes are neutral, so they allow my feet to pronate more as they have to. It is better if you know your foot arch and pronation type before choosing a pair of running shoes in order to have the best support.
Stability
I really like the stability the shoes provide during landing. It is so amazing. However, these are not stability running shoes. If you need a lot of stability for your training, find other running shoes such as Asics’s.
Flexibility
Its flexibility mainly is provided by the iBR+ placed in the forefoot of outsole. This flexible material offers great cushioning and responsive ride as well. Additionally, the features in the midsole also enhance flexibility of the shoes. It has the Vertical Flex Groove that increases the forefoot flexibility. Thanks to this feature, the forefoot of the shoes may follow feet movement to avoid injuries. Its reduced weight feature also offers better foot flexibility.
Breathability
The shoes seem to be pretty breathable. The open mesh in the upper is made of breathable lightweight fabric. This is very useful in keeping your feet dry and cool during running. The Saucony’s RUNDRY material in the heel helps get rid of moisture inside the shoes. This is the answer for runners who are having problem with wet feet.
Durability
Saucony features industrial standard arrangement of carbon rubber at the heel and toes area of the shoes not only for more cushioning but also enhanced durability. Saucony’s blend (durable materials) of blown rubber (iBR+) and carbon rubber (XT-900) are the same when used in the Ride 9.
Especially, EVERUN material put on top sole is claimed to be 3x more durable than EVA foam. SSL EVA used in the midsole is Saucony’s premium material which helps promote comfort as well as durability. Finally, the Contour Last feature presenting in this version also helps offer a long lasting durability.
Traction and terrain
Tri-Flex layout placed in the Ride 9 provides better ground contact than the rubber layout in previous models, which enhances the traction of these shoes. The traction is also provided by XT-900 in the outsole supports your feet, especially when running trails or in wet conditions without sliding or falling. Besides, traction and grip of the shoes are ideal to run on the road, track, gravel and treadmills.
Weight
The special thing about this version is that it has the stacks that are 1mm taller in comparison with the Ride 8, but the 9th version is still 0.1 ounces lighter than previous model. That makes a difference when running in The Ride 9. Moreover, in the midsole, Saucony uses SSL EVA foam to keep the weight down while returning the correct amount of energy back in each stride. Generally, it is considered as neutral running shoes designed for daily training and long mileage.
Use
These shoes are highly recommended for neutral runners because of the cushioning in a durable package they provide. Also thanks to great durability and traction provided by rubber in the outsole, they perform well on road and track surfaces. Coming with large amount of cushioning and lightweight, the Ride 9 is considered racing shoes for long distances without worrying about getting tired. Many runners who are using these have also realized the great improvement in their running performance.
Also read: Best lightweight running shoes
Before purchasing these shoes, I referred to many reviews about the price and found many same ideas that the price is a bit high. However, after using and testing myself, I feel the price is very reasonable and even at higher price I would still buy them. But keep in mind that the shoes have sold at different price levels at different locations. For me, Amazon.com is always a reliable retailer with the best price of any products.
Style
I can find colorful trainers instead of just black as most of the other brands supply. They are sleeker and attractive compared to previous models. I really feel satisfied with the Ride 9 from design to color. I hope Saucony will retain these in their next versions.
Saucony Ride 9 - Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
There are also other improvements over the Ride 8 that makes me prefer the Ride 9. I would like to recommend these to any neutral runners who are looking for comfortable, responsive and durable shoes.
Similar running shoes to Saucony Ride
The Puma Faas 800, Altra’s The Torin and Brooks Glycerin are three typical similar running shoes to Saucony Ride. These also deliver runners the same great features and wonderful running experience like the Saucony Ride.
Firstly, the Puma Faas 800 is designed to be very efficient in aspects of comfort and durability, which you are looking for at the Saucony Ride. They are also very flexible and offer enough stability that can support any type of running you want to conquer. Aside from this, the shoes are lightweight (but not lighter than Saucony Ride) so they are perfect for long running. In terms of price, Puma Faas 800 is cheaper than Saucony Ride.
The next cushioned running shoes similar to the Saucony Ride are the Altra Torin. In terms of comfort and cushioning, these shoes are heavy competitor of many running shoes in the market. The shoes only have minimal stability features. The forefoot cushioning is very soft if I don’t want to say this is the softest cushioning right now. They also have a super thick slab of soft foam allow runners to adapt to any kind of surfaces.
Although they have maximum cushioning, they are still very lightweight and soft which provide more comfort and barefoot experience to runners with enough protection in underfoot.
Another shoes you can consider as the best replacement for Saucony Ride is the Brooks Glycerin. Like Saucony Ride, these neutral running shoes also have high performance and durability. They are specially designed for neutral pronators.
Many runners appreciated the excellent and high heel cushioning system, which offer wonderful cushioning and fit. This feature also provides necessary protection to make sure you will not get any foot injury during your run. It is very ideal for heavy runners. You will have a chance to enjoy a good and soft ride with the Brooks Glycerin thanks to its new super DNA midsole. However, the price is a bit expensive compared to the Saucony Ride.
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Previous versions of Saucony Ride 9
Saucony Ride 5
The Saucony Ride 5 meets all demands about durability, weight and price. Both men and women will feel happy with the special and unique features incorporated in the shoes. The XT-900 presents in almost every shoes of Saucony is also used in the outsole of the Ride 5. It is perfect for long mileage and routine runs thanks to its high durability and lightweight. The SSL EVA combines with the Contour Last enhances durability to endure long runs. The Vertical Flex Groove found in midsole adds more flexibility and comfort while still decrease the risks of injuries.
The construction and fashionable design also provide runners good vibrant feel in adjustable and breathable shoes. The Saucony Ride 5 is especially designed for neutral runners and moderate pronators. Saucony’s unique feature in the outsole provides not only durability for the shoes but also good traction, which allows you to use these on road, track and gravel during any weather condition.
Not just the Ride 5, Saucony always introduces to customers the best products at affordable price. In short, the shoes are more secure, comfortable and even have better flexibility and breathability than theirs previous versions.
Saucony Ride 6
After the Ride 5, customers of Saucony continue being satisfied by the 6 version with more useful features and significantly lighter weight than its previous models. Aside from the Saucony’s special technology called XT-900 used for enhanced durability and good traction, the outsole also has a lightweight material that contributes to comfort and reduce weight. The flexibility and durability are improved thanks to various technologies such as the SSL EVA and the Vertical Flex Groove found in the midsole.
Coming with the perfect cushioning and fit, the Ride 6 allows you to enjoy marathon, routine trainings and long runs. Despite the added cushioning, the weight still remains the same and even gets lighter compared to previous version. In terms of comfort, it also features RunDry Collar Lining to provide comfort by reducing and getting rid of moisture inside the shoes. This is an ideal feature for people having problems with wet feet.
The Saucony Ride 6 has great support, not only protect the feet but also stabilize them to suit any type of runner. Especially it is supportive for moderate pronators. It is better if you only use on roads, not other more challenging terrains because it does not offer enough support and traction for harsh weathers and terrains. People with wider feet should be careful with these shoes because theirs fit only suit medium to normal sized feet.
Saucony Ride 7
There are many new and updated features and technologies in the Saucony Ride 7 to provide a responsive and smoother ride. With the comfort provided by its great cushioning system, these are ideal for long mileage running without putting too much pressure and strain on your feet. Aside from this, the RunDry technology is used to deal with wet feet issues and make sure your feet always dry and comfortable during long running.
A new feature of the Ride 7 is the increased forefoot flare, which provides a better propulsion platform to make running easier. Besides, Saucony also updates some features and technologies in the previous versions such as the heel-to-toe PowerGrid that gives you a cushioned ride with better stability and shock absorption.
The Saucony Ride 7 is a good choice for neutral pronators or those who have moderate to high arches. The support and stability provided certainly help these types of runner reduce their problems as well as give a better running experience. They will give you an efficient and comfortable ride on flat and even terrain such as gravel, road and track, but not on harsh and uneven terrain because of lacking of necessary features to perform on such terrains. Its comfort and durability are proven and this is a good choice for enthusiasts and professional runners.
These shoes come with available various color schemes for both men and women. It is not difficult to have a pair of this in your favorite color.
Saucony Ride 8
Compared to previous models, Saucony Ride 8 has more technologies and features but not hinder the lightweight feature. This version enhances the fit while still maintains a moderate weight profile.
The outsole is made from the IBR+, which is lighter material than rubber used in other shoes. This material has a reliable durability and combines with The XT-900 carbon rubber to offer strength as well as great traction.
Additionally, the lightweight of the Ride 8 is promoted thanks to the Super Light EVA materials of Saucony placed in midsole unit. This offers more bounce to assists well in rebound capability of runners.
The strong foam material is mixed with a GRID design provides runners with more comfortable and responsive wearing experience. The Super Rebound Compound Impact Zone featured in the shoes reduces landing shock for the entire foot to prevent injuries. Despite many features used to create these shoes, the Ride 8 still gives enough flexibility for the foot. Vertical flex grooves add more flexibility.
This version retains good features in the upper of previous version such as open mesh and the RUNDRY Collar Lining for the best breathability. Especially, Saucony uses the outside support post called FlexFilm Technology, which improves support and strength of the shoes.
Like other Saucony Ride versions, the 8 is also suitable for neutral runners. And with its minimal stability features, this is a good choice for neutral pronating feet. You can use these shoes to run on road, concrete tracks or use inside the gym for daily workouts. It looks bulky on the outside; however, you will be amazed at the lightweight, comfort, flexibility as well as improvement performance they supply for your long runs.
My rating:
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Saucony Ride 9 - 9.2/109.2/10
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