If you’ve been following along on my running journey, you know I don’t recommend gear unless I’ve truly put it to the test. Shoes especially. The Saucony Ride 17 has been one of those rare finds that checks almost every box for me as both a daily trainer and a race-day option. I’ve gone through two pairs already, and my last pair carried me through three half marathons. After hundreds of miles, I feel like I can finally give them the thorough review they deserve.
Fit and Feel
Right out of the box, the Ride 17s felt comfortable without that “break-in” period some shoes require. The upper is soft but supportive, and the shoe has enough structure to hold my foot in place without feeling overly stiff. I’ve worn them on everything from easy runs to tempo workouts, and they’ve consistently felt secure yet flexible.
Cushioning and Ride
What I love most about the Ride 17 is the balance between cushioning and responsiveness. Saucony uses their PWRRUN+ midsole foam, which gives a soft landing but still enough bounce to pick up the pace when needed. For long runs and races, that cushioning has been a lifesaver for my legs. Even after 13.1 miles, my feet never felt beat up the way they sometimes do in other trainers.
Durability
This is a big one for me, since I tend to rack up miles quickly. The outsole on the Ride 17 holds up incredibly well. My first pair lasted close to 500 miles before I noticed significant wear, which is impressive compared to some shoes that barely make it past 250. They’ve been reliable on pavement and light trails, and I’ve never had an issue with traction.
Race Performance
Here’s the part that really sold me: I wore the Ride 17 for three different half marathons. Each time, they felt light enough for racing but cushioned enough to carry me comfortably across the finish line. For a shoe marketed as a “daily trainer,” that’s pretty remarkable. I never felt like I was sacrificing speed or comfort.
Final Thoughts
The Saucony Ride 17 has earned a permanent spot in my rotation. It’s the kind of shoe I can lace up for almost any type of run—easy, long, or race day—and know it will perform. They’ve become my go-to recommendation for runners who want one shoe that can truly do it all.
And because I’m already a fan, I can’t wait to try the Ride 18. I’ve heard they’ve made some great updates, and if they’re even a little better than the 17, they might just be my marathon shoe.
Gear and Links
If you’re building out your running toolkit, having the right gear makes all the difference. Along with reliable shoes, I swear by quality socks, a GPS watch, and a few key recovery tools. I’ll link some of my favorites below for anyone looking to upgrade their running setup.
