

The last few years have been exciting for neutral daily trainers, with brands working on continuous innovation in an already competitive space. Saucony has been no different, revamping most of its lineup in late 2023, including the Ride series. The Ride 16 ([review here](https://shoegeeks.in/review/saucony-ride16-006009016/)) was one of my favorites in 2023 and my go-to neutral trainer throughout the last marathon season. The complete overhaul of this series caught my attention, and I quickly grabbed them, though the off-season delayed this review. Spoiler alert: it’s a bit of a hit and miss, especially if you have or had the Ride 16. Let’s dive into the detailed review.

_Disclosure: Saucony India provided this pair of Saucony Ride 17s for review. Please be assured that our review is neutral and unbiased. This is not a sponsored post, and Saucony India has no influence over the content of this review._

<ShoeCard shoeCode="006009017M"></ShoeCard>

##### What makes up Ride 17?

I will not be surprised if you confuse the Ride 17 with the Triumph 20/21—the blue colorway looks strikingly similar. The similarity is not just limited to the look but also extends to the midsole and the upper. The primary excitement that drove me to get these months ago was the integration of the PWRRUN+ midsole, borrowed straight from the Triumph series—hands down, my favorite from Saucony. Unlike the Triumph, which is a maximal shoe, the Ride series is a reliable and durable daily trainer in Saucony’s lineup. This modern-day daily trainer is expected to be an all-rounder, suitable for easy runs, tempo runs, recovery runs, and even race day if it's the only shoe you have.

The Ride 17 has a stack height of 35mm at the heel and 27mm at the forefoot, featuring an 8mm drop, which is the same as the Ride 16. Beyond the stack height, the Ride 17 has undergone a complete revamp, with significant changes to the midsole, upper, and outsole. The Ride 17 also sees an increase in price, now priced at ₹14,990, though it is often available at a discount and was available for ₹11,990 when writing this review. The pricing pushes this trainer further into the premium category.

**_Midsole_**

The heart of the shoe—the midsole—was the sole excitement for me behind the Ride 17, as it features PWRRUN+ foam, an upgrade from the PWRRUN foam. While on paper, the upgrade doesn't look huge, it is a significant leap from incorporating the traditional EVA-based PWRRUN foam to a more resilient TPU-based PWRRUN+ foam. The PWRRUN+ midsole is borrowed from the premium maximal daily trainer, the Triumph, my favorite in Saucony's lineup. The change in foam is primarily to enhance the shoe's softness, energy return, and durability. The softness is evident with the durometer score of 21, similar to the Triumph 20. With a 35mm stack height at the heel, the shoe feels more grounded than the newer Nike Pegasus 41 and the Asics Novablast 4. Additionally, there is an additional insole, likely made of TPU-based foam, offering more softness to the run.

<LightBox src="/images/ride-17_4.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>

**_Upper_**


I really loved the upper in the Ride 16 and rate it as one of the best I have ever experienced in the daily trainer segment. Unfortunately, this changes with the Ride 17. While the newly engineered mesh hugs the foot comfortably and is very accommodating, the Ride 17 lags behind in breathability. The generously large ventilation holes fail to improve air circulation, especially at faster paces. In terms of fit, the shoe runs true to size for my UK 7 and has enough room to accommodate someone with a wide forefoot. The lateral side and the heel counter incorporate reflective elements to enhance visibility when running in the dark.


**_Heel_**

The Ride 17 features a rigid heel counter but isn't as generously padded as the Ride 16. I experienced heel slippage from the first stride, my initial complaint about this shoe, forcing me to stop and switch to heel-lock lacing. However, I didn't have any heel sensitivity issues, a positive, especially for someone with a Haglund's deformity. The heel counter has high sidewalls on both sides, making the ride stable at all paces. There's also a heel bevel, intended to aid gait efficiency, but it wasn't as effective as the implementation in Saucony's Shift 3.

<LightBox src="/images/ride-17_7.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>


**_Outsole_**

The outsole is where the Ride 17 outshines the Ride 16. I had concerns about the outsole in the Ride 16, which I mentioned in my review, and thankfully, Saucony has addressed them. The outsole coverage has been increased, and while it doesn't compare to the Nike Pegasus, this upgrade is certainly welcome. The rubber used is hard and durable, ensuring good friction and longevity.

<LightBox src="/images/ride-17_3.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>


##### WHY DID I CONSIDER TO REVIEW?

I was a big fan of Ride 16, and the rumours of PWRRUN+ foam integration in Ride 17 excited me, especially given its impressive performance in the Triumph 20. Since I also loved the breathability of Ride 16, I wanted one for this summer, although it did not quite live up to the expectations.

##### Ride Experience 

I've run over 120 kilometers in the Ride 17, and my experience has been mixed. My first run was terrible, as I had to stop due to heel slippage. Since then, I've used heel-lock lacing, which immediately solved the issue. I've used the shoe for almost all kinds of runs, except long runs. The maximum distance I've run in them is 10K, with a few speed and tempo runs as well, mainly because I was easing through the off-season. Now that the running season is resuming, I'm still unsure if I'll lace up the Ride 17 for any runs exceeding 10K, as I have better options, including the Ride 16. The shoe required a break-in period and was initially difficult to run in.

While they felt soft when walking, they ran firmer and lacked energy return, even with the PWRRUN+ foam. The Ride 17 only comes alive at higher paces, with some energy return; otherwise, it feels clunky due to the added weight. At 282 grams for a UK size 8, it's almost 20 grams heavier than the Ride 16. On the positive side, the Ride 17 feels very stable and secure, thanks to the midsole's wide and flared-out design.

**Fit and Comfort**

Ride 17 fits true to size, and I have no complaints in that regard. Like the Ride 16, the forefoot is generously spacious, which is great for runners with wide feet. Since I use heel-lock lacing, the fit isn't as snug as the Ride 16 or Pegasus, but that's a personal preference. My main concern is breathability. Coming from the highly breathable Ride 16, I was disappointed. On a hot, humid day, I'd definitely choose the Ride 16 over the Ride 17. To be fair, the breathability isn't terrible; certainly not like the Asics Gel Nimbus; but it doesn't meet my expectations for the Ride series. On the plus side, the Ride 17 performed well on a heavy thunderstorm day, effectively wicking away water. I wasn't a fan of the semi-gusseted asymmetrical tongue, but it wasn't a deal-breaker.

<LightBox src="/images/ride-17_8.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>

**Stability**

Like its predecessor, the Ride 17 is a neutral trainer, but it offers an exceptionally stable ride. The addition of side walls on both the lateral and medial sides, along with a wider midsole, which flares out at the forefoot, contributes significantly to this stability. I’ll put Ride 17 in the neutral stable category, providing the necessary support for mild pronators.

**Road Grip**

The monsoon season has kicked-in for a month now, and I have been reaching for the Ride 17 for all my rainy runs, even during heavy thunderstorms. The shoe offers excellent traction, thanks to the increased rubber coverage. I have not taken them on any trails, and honestly, I would not recommend it. This is where the Ride 17 will fall slightly behind the likes of the Nike Pegasus, but this is not a deal-breaker. Thanks to the increased rubber coverage, the Ride series is more durable than ever. With over 120KMs on them, the rubber has softened only in the medial side of the heel, while they remain intact in forefoot as it was on day one.

##### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="006009017M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
"Stability: The Ride 17 offers exceptional stability, thanks to side walls on both sides of the heel counter and a wider midsole that flares out at the forefoot. It provides necessary support even for mild pronators.",
"Accommodates wide feet: The shoe runs true to size and has a generously spacious forefoot, making it a great option for runners with wide feet.",
"Comfortable: Despite some issues with breathability, the Ride 17 is generally comfortable, with a soft feel when walking and adequate cushioning for most runs.",
"Durable: The outsole has increased rubber coverage compared to the Ride 16, offering good traction and durability. After over 120km of running, the rubber shows minimal wear, primarily on the medial side of the heel."
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "Heavier than the previous version: The Ride 17 weighs 282 grams (UK size 8), making it almost 20 grams heavier than the Ride 16. This added weight is noticeable during runs and contributes to a clunkier feel, especially at slower paces.",
"Lacks breathability: Despite having large ventilation holes, the Ride 17's upper doesn't provide the same level of breathability as its predecessor. This can lead to discomfort during runs in hot and humid conditions.",
"More expensive than the Ride 16: The Ride 17 is priced at ₹14,990, pushing it further into the premium daily trainer category. While discounts are often available, the higher price point might deter some runners, especially considering the mixed performance compared to the Ride 16.",
"Heel slippage: Some users might experience heel slippage, requiring adjustments like heel-lock lacing to ensure a secure fit."
  ]}
/>


<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
The Saucony Ride 17 won't be an easy choice like its predecessor, as the upgrade seems largely hit-and-miss. I'd recommend the Ride 16 over the Ride 17 any day, with the only area where the Ride 17 scores well being durability. Undoubtedly, it's still a reliable trainer with more energy return than its predecessor, but there are better shoes out there, especially if you're a one-shoe person like I was a few years ago. If I could only afford and manage one shoe, I'd be more inclined towards Saucony's Shift 3, which is amazing. It excels in everything and can even be your race-day shoe, including for marathons.

For me, the Ride 17 would be a short-distance, medium-pace companion. I'd pair it with the Triumph series for long runs, the Shift 3 for speed runs, and the Speed 3 for race day. If you're looking for a worthy daily trainer, the New Balance Rebel V4 ([review here](https://shoegeeks.in/review/newbalance-rebelv4-009001004/)) is an excellent choice. It's extremely versatile and lightweight for its category, offering a more responsive and stable ride than the Ride 17. If you have the Ride 16, I'd recommend skipping the Ride 17. If not, this is still a good option.
</InfoCard>

The premium daily trainer gets an upgrade which is largely a hit-and-miss!

Saucony Ride 17 Review


The Nike Pegasus series, introduced in 1983, is now in its 41st edition.  Pegasus has been a go-to shoe for runners and one of the most versatile shoes in the market. I've used many daily trainers including several editions of Pegasus, with Peg 41 being my 4th pair after 35, 38, and 39. 

Not a rule, but generally Pegasus series saw major upgrades for every two editions.  Pegasus 40 is a minor upgrade to Pegasus 39.  So a major upgrade was due with Pegasus 41, and hence there was quite a bit of hype around its launch in the running world.  Indeed Nike has made significant changes with Pegasus 41. 

_Let's see if it lives up to the hype._

<ShoeCard shoeCode="002010041M"></ShoeCard>

### What makes up Pegasus 41?

These features summarize what Pegasus 41 it is all about

* **Breathable Upper:** A redesigned engineered mesh upper 
* **Grippy Outsole: **The signature waffle-inspired rubber outsole 
* **Comfortable Fit:** A plush collar, tongue, and sock liner create a secure fit that feels soft and supportive.
* **Responsive Midsole:** The all-new ReactX foam (first introduced in Infinity RN4) midsole is 13% more responsive than the previous React foam
* **Increased Stack height:** At 37mm, the midsole is 4mm higher than the previous edition
* **Sustainable Construction:** Nike has incorporated recycled materials into the Pegasus 41, using 70% recycled content to create a more environmentally conscious shoe.


__Midsole__

The midsole comprises new React X foam plus two Air Zoom units (front and rear). Nike claims the midsole is 13% more responsive, and I did notice a slight increase in responsiveness, although there was no significant bounce. The shoe has a 10mm drop.  Another major update in midsole is the much needed increase in the stack height.  At 37mm, it is about 4mm higher than the previous edition. 

<LightBox src="/images/nike-peg-41_3.jpg" caption="Midsole is of React X foam and has two airbags" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Upper__

The upper is highly breathable and light mesh. I ran in extreme heat and high humidity (93%) with no discomfort from sweat or wetness. The mesh feels similar to Puma Liberate Nitro's but offers better humidity management.

<LightBox src="/images/nike-peg-41_2.jpg" caption="Upper is soft and breathable" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Outsole__

Outsole uses the iconic waffle pattern, a design still thriving in Pegasus from the original. The rubber compound used is quite hard and durable. The outsole has a firm grip.

__Heel__

The midsole under the heel features a React Zoom Airbag.  The heel is well-padded around the ankle, providing good comfort and grip.  The heel counter is stiff enough and offers good stability, making it suitable for heel strikers. 

<LightBox src="/images/nike-peg-41_6.jpg" caption="Heel is stable and well padded" alt="" ></LightBox>


### Why did I consider this shoe?

Having used Pegasus trainers in the past, I wanted to experience the hype around the Peg 41. I bought them at full price with extra shipping charges, hoping they would make excellent daily trainers.

### Ride in Pegasus 41

I've run 100+ km in these shoes.  My runs include tempo runs, easy long runs, and runs in various weather conditions. It performed well in all kinds of runs. However, it lacks the springiness, making it less ideal for pacy runs. 

Compared to my other daily trainers like Saucony's Kinvara or Puma Liberate Nitro, both of which offer better bounce, the Peg 41 falls a bit short in this aspect.

The Pegasus 41 is a true daily trainer, handling grunt work efficiently. It is neutral with excellent grip, comfort, and lightness. 

<LightBox src="/images/nike-peg-41_4.jpg" caption="Pegasus 41 is a true daily trainer" alt="" ></LightBox>


**Fit and Comfort**

Highly comfortable for 20+ km runs, thanks to the React X foam and two Air Zoom units. The padded tongue and ankle support are excellent, and the laces stay in place. The slightly wider toe box compared to previous editions, and the new upper provides plenty of breathability. The weight is equally distributed, and it fits true to size (I wear a US 8.5 for women).  (In case anyone decides to gift me!) 

**Stability**

As a neutral shoe, it provides excellent support with its reasonably rigid heel counter, waffle-checkered outsole and comfortable outsole grip. 

**Road Grip**

It performs well in rain, on wet roads, and on trails, providing a reliable grip.

<LightBox src="/images/nike-peg-41_1.jpg" caption="Pegasus 41 performs well in rain, on wet roads, and on trails" alt="" ></LightBox>

**Aesthetics**

The Pegasus 41 is visually appealing and climate-conscious, made from recycled materials. It offers a variety of colors and a custom fit. Comfort, fit, and overall design are commendable.

### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="002010041M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "Breathable Upper: The redesigned engineered mesh upper is highly breathable, providing comfort even in extreme heat and high humidity.", 
    "Grippy Outsole: The signature waffle-inspired rubber outsole offers a firm and durable grip, performing well on wet roads and trails.", 
    "Comfortable Fit: The plush collar, tongue, and sock liner create a secure and soft fit, suitable for long runs.",
    "Responsive Midsole: The new ReactX foam is 13% more responsive than the previous React foam, providing a slightly increased responsiveness.",
    "Sustainable Construction: Made with 70% recycled content, the shoe is environmentally conscious.",
    "Good Stability: The rigid heel counter and well-padded heel provide good stability, especially for heel strikers.",
    "Visual Appeal: The shoe is visually appealing and available in a variety of colors, with an emphasis on climate-conscious design."
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "Lacks Springiness: Despite the responsive midsole, the shoe lacks significant bounce, making it less ideal for pacy runs.",
    "Pricey: Compared to the earlier editions, the Peg 41’s price is on the higher side."
  ]}
/>


<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
The Nike Pegasus 41 is a versatile and reliable daily trainer with a breathable upper, durable grip, and comfortable fit. It's suitable for a variety of runs and various weather conditions, providing good stability and a visually appealing design. However, it may not be the best choice for runners seeking significant bounce and springiness for speed workouts.
</InfoCard>


Nike Pegasus 41 Review

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Reviews

Saucony Ride 17 Review

Nike Pegasus 41 Review