Saucony Ride 13
94/100
Our Score
General Impression
You’re going to like the Ride 13s if you liked the older versions of the Saucony Ride.
Compared to the Ride ISO 2 sneakers, this pair features a new type of upper, updated midsole tech, and an extra durable rubber outsole.
Their versatility makes them great for long runs, everyday running, and even some speed work.
This review looks at what makes them solid shoes that you’ll enjoy for miles.
Saucony Ride 13 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and durable PWRRUN midsole
- Reflective elements
- Excellent shock absorption
- Suitable for wide feet
- Protective and flexible outsole
Cons
- The upper’s padding limits the Ride 13s breathability
- Their stretchy laces get dirty quickly
Upper
The Ride 13s feature a Formfit upper. This upper technology is a 3D approach that provides a personalized fit by comfortably cradling the foot.
With a Formfit upper, the cushioning and lacing system adapt to the shape of one’s foot.
Formfit is a huge improvement over the Ride ISO-fit. While comparing the two, one of our testers said he felt the ISO Fit upper was unnecessarily complicated. It was a lacing system that defined the entire upper and fit based on lockdown.
From the reviews we read, ISO Fit proved particularly problematic because of its poor support and dated ride. That’s why most runners came to appreciate the Ride 13s plush and comfortable Formfit upper.
We took them out for a spin, and they felt really comfortable at step in. The upper is secure and locks the midfoot down. Our testers liked that they didn’t need to tie down all the laces to keep their feet in place. Best of all, those with narrow heels still had room for heel lock lacing.
The upper consists of a double layer mesh. It’s porous and secure on the outside but stretchy on the inside. The mesh is engineered to provide structure or stretch where needed. Even though it’s light, it doesn’t feel flimsy.
Mesh is breathable, but the tongue’s design interferes with the shoes’ ventilation. Saucony added extra padding to the collar and tongue. The thickness is a nice touch in terms of comfort, but it adds warmth to the upper.
Our testers felt the tongue could be a bit thinner. Otherwise, the shoes are better suited for running in cold weather or seasons. They might not stay in your rotation through the summer because of the breathability issue.
On the plus side, the thick tongue helps prevent lace bite. You’ll never experience irritation or discomfort on the front part of your ankle.
After several hours of testing, we found that the Ride 13s are very Achilles-friendly. They have an internal heel cup that creates some structure and provides good heel support.
One tester with sensitive Achilles loved the shoes because they didn’t feel any pressure from the heel.
Not everyone likes the stretchy laces, but they are light, and the elasticity keeps them tied.
Sole
Compared to the Ride ISO 2, the 13s offer a springy, responsive cushioning. They feature Saucony’s PWRRUN cushioning material which balances high bounciness and durability.
The midsole material is 28% lighter and stronger than the previous Saucony foam material.
It provides an 88% energy return and stays consistent across different temperatures.
Our testers said the cushioning made the miles feel easy.
The rebound was lively, and it offered great support. One reviewer mentioned that they could happily rack up a substantial number of miles thanks to the midsole.
For maximum flexibility, the 13s feature Saucony’s Triflex outsole. This is a type of rubber outsole with tri-flex lugs. Its design provides a smooth, steady run on any surface.
The outsole’s traction and durability were impressive.
We liked how the shoes handled everything we threw at them. One of our testers claimed that a wet patch on the road didn’t throw them off course.
A reviewer also mentioned they felt like they were floating when they ran ten miles in the rain.
Overall, we like the blown rubber compared to Ride ISO 1 and 2’s crystal rubber outsole. The rubber is more flexible, responsive, and durable.
It also protects the foot and the rest of the platform from abrasive elements.
Materials
The generous use of materials and the amount of rubber on the outsole give the impression that the shoes are heavy.
However, to our surprise, the shoes felt lighter than their actual weight. You’ll like the Ride 13s if you want added cushioning in a lightweight package.
The midsole isn’t too soft or bouncy. PWRRUN paired with the blown rubber outsole makes the underfoot feel a bit firm.
But it isn’t on the harsh side since the cushioning still has a springy ride and protects the foot from impact. You’ll like it if you’re looking for the sweet spot between comfort and firmness.
We found the Ride 13s’ cushioning and bounciness make them great for speed and long distances. The shoes also work great in a variety of places.
Fit
As for the fit, we found them true to size and width. None of our testers had issues with hot spots, blisters, pinching, or rubbing. You can order a size up for more room if your feet tend to swell up when it’s hot.
Our feet felt fully supported and comfortable. We didn’t experience any issues when going downhill or around corners. Saucony added structure to the Ride 13s, so your feet won’t slide as you run. The structure keeps the form of the shoes intact for miles.
If you like bright colors, you’ll love the Mutant colorway. The flashy colors add some fun to the Saucony Ride 13 collection. Some of our testers said they were excited to wear the shoes because of the bright colorway. Try them out if you’re tired of dreary-colored trainers.
Verdict
The Ride 13s are durable, comfortable, and supportive. They are a pleasure to run in and good neutral shoes, especially for high arches.
We recommend them for runners who appreciate quality sneakers with an exceptional fit and high-performance cushioning.
Grab a pair if you’re looking for reliable comfort from trainers that can go any speed or distance.