
The running shoes have seen a remarkable evolution, transitioning from an era where neutral shoes held the spotlight to the current dominance of performance-focused ones. The shift, as much as it looks challenging, the primary problem here is to create a selling point. While neutral trainers have traditionally been known for their dependable performance, the likes of Saucony are boldly innovating and keeping it not just lively, but also competitive. 

But hey, what are neutral trainers? Neutral trainers are running shoes designed to provide a balanced level of cushioning and support for runners with [neutral pronation](https://geeksonfeet.com/run/eversion/), offering a versatile option for different types of runs. Next, why Saucony’s Ride 16? Two reasons. Firstly, our previous reviews of their recent lineups have been consistently positive. Secondly, personally, despite reviewing or owning numerous neutral trainers from different brands, the Ride series had noticeably been absent from my collection until this moment. 

The Ride 16 is a neutral daily trainer, a line-up not just intended to be a workhorse, but also to compete with other brands' daily trainers like Pegasus and Ghost. _Before we delve into the details, however, it's important to note that this particular pair of Ride 16 was graciously provided to us by Saucony India for review purposes._ Rest assured, this review remains entirely impartial – it is neither a sponsored post nor does it bear any influence from Saucony India.


<ShoeCard shoeCode="006009016M"></ShoeCard>


##### What makes up Ride 16?

The Ride 16 is a modern-day neutral trainer with a lot of focus on aesthetics, comfort and build quality. The shoe is primarily designed to be an all-rounder, that is, to be able to do everything that's out through the feet, the easy runs, long runs, tempo runs and even handle the race day, if this is the only running shoe on your rack.

Ride 16 is one of the lightest in the daily trainer segment, and even marginally weighs lighter than the Puma Velocity Nitro 2, our favorite so far in this segment. The shoe weighs 250 grams for UK8, compared to 255 grams for the Ride 15, reflecting a positive trend in the daily trainers segment - lighter, the better. The Ride 16 is a mid-cushion shoe with a stack height of 35mm in the heel and 27mm in the forefoot, offering an 8mm heel-to-toe drop. The stack height has felt comfortable for me since day one, as I have predominantly trained in mid-cushion shoes over the years.

Ride 16 in India is priced at ₹12,990, which is slightly more expensive than the competition. Saying that, the shoe has always been available on discount. Even on the day of writing this review, the shoe was available under ₹7,500 on Flipkart, which makes it an exciting offering. 


**_Midsole_**

The midsole of the Ride 16 uses PWRRUN foam, which has been the case since the Ride 13. PWRRUN foam is designed to offer a balance of cushioning, responsiveness, and durability. Since this is the first Ride we are reviewing, we are unfortunately not in a place to compare the performance of earlier versions of the foam. Ride 16 maintains a notable level of firmness, as indicated by its durometer score of 29. This differs from my previous review of the Shift 3 a few months ago, where the foam felt noticeably softer with a durometer score of 25. 

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-ride16_6.jpg" caption="Firm midsole, but the insole tops it" alt="" ></LightBox>

Similar to the Ride 15, the Ride 16 features an insole powered by PWRRUN+ foam. The insole is about 6 mm thick and has a durometer score of 11, affirming it's plush and soft feel, strikingly in contrast to the midsole which feels firm. The insole feels similar to what is found in the Triumph series. 

The midsole features a heel bevel to aid the overall ride. Apart from this, the midsole flares on the forefoot to offer some stability. 

**_Upper_**

The upper is where the shoe really gets exciting. It incorporates a dual-layer, engineered mesh that provides exceptional comfort to the foot, and yet is the most breathable mesh I've ever encountered. The generously sized ventilation holes in the upper significantly enhance air circulation, aiding in keeping the foot cool and comfortable. On both the lateral and the medial side is a lace strap which is connected through the heel and forefoot offering a much secured lockdown. This set-up is better than the one in Triumph 20 I had reviewed a year ago. In the Triumph 20, both ends of the lace were only connected to the forefoot, whereas the Ride 16's design secures not only the forefoot but also provides added support for the ankle. Additionally, the upper incorporates reflective elements to enhance visibility.

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-ride16_3.jpg" caption="As airy as it can get" alt="" ></LightBox>

**_Heel_**

The Ride 6 features a firm and rigid heel counter that offers an overall snug fit. It feels very stable. There's ample padding along the heel counter that enhances comfort. For someone with [Haglund deformity](https://www.physio-pedia.com/Haglund%27s_deformity), the heel counter is something that worries me, since I have had shoes that have irritated my achilles, but that hasn't been the case with Ride 16. What's notably absent (referring to Saucony's recent lineups)? Ah, the pull tag! Does it make a difference? Absolutely not! Reflective elements on the heel counter is always a good and safe feature to have. 

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-ride16_10.jpg" caption="Well padded, and is stable" alt="" ></LightBox>


**_Bottomsole_**

Saucony uses its proprietary XT-900 rubber on the outsole. Known for its thickness and durability, the rubber is strategically positioned to ensure adequate traction but leaves a chunk of midsole exposed with no rubber. This is my only concern about Ride 16. We have loved the outsole coverage in Puma Velocity Nitro 2, whereas the one in Ride doesn't even come close. Nonetheless, it's worth noting that the Ride 16 still ranks as the second-best in terms of outsole within Saucony's present lineup, with the Triumph series taking the top spot.

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-ride16_7.jpg" caption="Decent grip, works well for most conditions" alt="" ></LightBox>


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

A daily trainer for warm days has always been a necessity for me, and that's why I decided to give the Ride 16 a try. To be honest, Ride 16 wasn't my initial choice at all. I ordered Hoka's Rincon 3, known as one of the best shoes for warm days, after stumbling upon a good deal. Unfortunately, due to logistical reasons, it was never delivered. As days went by, I bought Puma Velocity Nitro 2 (VN2), primarily to own all of the neutral trainers. While I loved VN2, I realized that on hot days, which are quite common in Mumbai, it tended to feel warmer even on easy run days. That's when I reached out to the Saucony India team, who generously provided the Ride 16 for review purposes. So, finally, I had a shoe to tackle the hot and humid days, but did it serve its purpose effectively? I'll delve into that further below.


##### Ride Experience 

I have run more than 160 kms on Ride 16, and the experience has been amazing. The shoe did require some break-in since the initial few runs felt more firm. I have used it for all kinds of runs - easy, speed work, tempo, and long runs with a max distance of 18 kms. I was impressed with the weight of the shoe right from the initial few runs. Previous few daily neutral trainers I have tested have been Nike Pegasus, Brooks Ghost, and all of them are on a little heavier side. Furthermore, I was coming fresh out of reviewing [Asics Gel Nimbus (review here)](https://shoegeeks.in/review/asics-gelnimbus25-004005025/) which probably is the heaviest shoe I own. Like the other shoes I mentioned, Ride 16 is a little more exciting, but nothing compared to the Triumph 20, the one I pick on the days I don't feel motivated to run. 

I have used the shoe for a couple of speed intervals and tempo runs, and not surprisingly it is not the best.  While Saucony markets PWRRUN foam to be bouncy, the one in Ride 16 lacked the bounce whereas, [Saucony's Endorphin Shift 3](https://shoegeeks.in/review/saucony-endorphinshift3-006002003/), the other shoe that on-paper uses the same foam, offers an amazing performance here. I would pick Shift 3 over the Ride 16 for intense runs, but hey [Endorphin Speed 3](https://shoegeeks.in/review/saucony-endorphinspeed3-006012003/) is even better. I have Asics's Magic Speed 3 sitting on my rack to be unboxed, so make sure you stay tuned in for another review soon.

With a firmer sole, I didn't expect long runs to feel nice, but the plush and soft insole comes to rescue here. While Ride 16 can easily conquer distances over the half marathon, I would pick Triumph if the goal is to keep it easy and steady, otherwise Endorphin Speed 3 for closer to race pace runs.

**Fit and Comfort**

The shoe fits true to size.  The forefoot is generously spacious and will be a deal-maker for those with wide feet. Personally, I lean towards a consistently snug fit, but I don't have any complaints in this regard because there are aspects that still contribute to a secure feel. 

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-ride16_8.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>

To begin with, the lacing reminds me of the flywire lacing from the Pegasus series, which I've always admired. In the Ride 16, this laces, while minimalistic, effectively secures your foot from the heel to the forefoot. To improve the secure lockdown, the tongue is adequately cushioned and partially gusseted along the sides of the shoe. Additionally, the overall upper has a softer texture, further enhancing overall comfort.

Lastly, even though the upper features dual layer, it is one the best breathable neutral trainers out there. The ventilation holes are large enough to aid air circulation and if I remember, just twice I ever felt warm, and this was predominantly when I was putting in intense pace on hot days. Ride 16 is one the best warm-day shoes in the market. 

**Stability**

Out of the box, Ride 16 is a neural daily trainer, but it offers an excellent neutral-stable ride. The moment you are on the feet putting them on, you realize how stable the forefoot feels. This is because the shoe packs a few neutral-stable elements. Firstly, it boasts a broad forefoot that gradually widens towards the midsole, promoting a stable foundation. Additionally, the lock down features I previously discussed further contribute to this sense of stability. Overall, for someone with mild over pronation and if the weight of the shoe is a deal-maker like for me, this should be on the top of your cart. 

**Road Grip**

While the primary goal was to have a warm day shoe, I laced up Ride 16 for all rainy-day runs and had no concerns in offering good traction. This is considering the XT-900 rubber being only strategically placed. Was I confident enough to run through puddles? Yes, but I did lack confidence on wet muddy stretches, and hence wouldn’t consider it for my occasional trail runs. I have Puma Velocity Nitro 2 and Pegasus 39 to get non-technical trails sorted, but hey, I also got Xodus Ultra so Ride 16 is never going on trails, and is neither meant to be. 

**Aesthetics & Ergonomics**

The Ride 16 offers an impressive range of color combinations, but unfortunately, the choices are somewhat limited in India. As soon as the shoe was released internationally, I was drawn to the dual-tone blue color scheme. However, this particular color option is not available in India, leaving me with the next best choice, which happened to be white/gravel. This colorway has a light blue and light orange touch to it which is eye-catching. In India, the available color options include the marigold/lava and the recently introduced black/white. These options not only look visually appealing but also boast a well-constructed design. Indeed, the Ride 16 stands out as one of the most aesthetically pleasing shoes in my collection. On two occasions, I've even paired them with casual outfits for work, and I've received positive feedback from onlookers.

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-ride16_1.jpg" caption="Aesthetically pleasing.." alt="" ></LightBox>

But hey, white colorway and rain aren't the best friends. Between unboxing and writing this review, for a little over 160 kms, I had to wash them thrice already. Do I regret getting this colorway? Absolutely not! This is gonna shine once again post rains. 

##### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="006009016M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
"Firm midsole, and yet offers softer ride", 
"Breathable upper",
"Accommodates wide feet", 
"Offers decent stability for a neutral trainer",
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "Rubber on the outsole could’ve been generous",
    "Pricier compared to the competition", 
  ]}
/>



<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
The Saucony Ride 16 stands as an excellent choice for a neutral daily trainer and narrowly edges out our beloved Puma Velocity Nitro 2. Weight and breathability has always been a major decision maker for me, and this is personally where Ride 16 has triumphed. What particularly impressed me was the softer ride combined with a firmer midsole, prompting me to select the Ride 16 for all easy runs and long runs up to the half marathon distance. The presence of stability in a neutral trainer is always a welcomed bonus, and Ride 16 achieves this without adding excessive weight.

For my shoe rotation, the Ride 16 earns its place as my go-to for easy days, while the Triumph 20 takes the lead for long runs, the Shift 3 for Interval Runs, and the Speed 3 for tempo runs. Outside of the Saucony lineup, the Ride 16 remains my preferred choice for easy runs, occasionally switching to Brooks Ghost 15.

Ride 16 is a daily trainer that deserves to be in your shoe rack.
</InfoCard>

As exciting as a neutral daily trainer can get!

Saucony Ride 16 Review

I first used Kinvara when it was introduced in India in 2021.  Since then I ran in all the editions of Kinvara, 12, 13, and now Kinvara 14. The Saucony Kinvara first released in 2009 quickly became a favorite among runners for its low drop (4mm), and its lightweight that promoted natural running. My running experience with Kinvara 12 & 13 has been good. But Kinvara 13 felt dated when compared to the modern light weight trainers such as Puma Liberate Nitro 2, Adidas Adizero Takumi. You can read my review of [Kinvara13](https://shoegeeks.in/review/saucony-kinvara13-006003013/) here. When I first heard of Kinvara 14, I was hoping it will be a very different shoe from 13.

*So how does it compare to other modern light weight trainers? Does it continue to remain true to original design philosophy?  Read on below for full review.*

<ShoeCard shoeCode="006003014M"></ShoeCard>

##### What makes up Kinvara 14?

The first thing one notices about the shoe is its lightness. The UK size 10 shoe that I weighed was 226 grams. The official weight is 200 grams for a UK size 8 (US size 9). This means that the shoe has shed about 15 grams from the previous edition. This is truly impressive given its stack height of 31mm, which is 3mm higher than the previous edition. The higher stack and lighter weight make it a contender in two shoe categories: lightweight speed trainers and daily trainers.

__Midsole__

The Kinvara 14 has the most flush midsole of any Kinvara to date. It features PWRRUN foam, which is very responsive but not the softest. The durometer measurement is about 32, slightly softer than the earlier edition. What is more interesting is the PWRRUN+ sockliner, which is the softest sockliner I have ever seen in a running shoe. It measured 12 on durometer and is also one of the largest in terms of height. Together, the midsole and sockliner provide the most comfortable experience of any Kinvara so far.

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-kinvara14_1.jpg" caption="Midsole stack has increased, and is softer than before" alt="" ></LightBox>

The other surprising update is the higher toe-spring, which effectively makes the Kinvara a rocker shoe.  Kinvara 14 looks like more like an Endorphin and less like Kinvara. (Our reviews of [Endorphin Speed 3](https://shoegeeks.in/review/saucony-endorphinspeed3-006012003/), [Endorphin Shift 3](https://shoegeeks.in/review/saucony-endorphinshift3-006002003/), and [Endorphin Pro 2](https://shoegeeks.in/review/saucony-endorphinpro2-006001002/)). The toe-spring is almost the same as the one that you see in Endorphin Speed series, may be a bit smaller.  One should expect a completely different ride experience in Kinvara 14.

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-kinvara14_4.jpg" caption="Kinvara 12, 13 and 14 side by side" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Upper__

The upper has also been significantly updated. It uses the same engineered mesh upper as the Endorphin Pro 3, which is one of the best uppers I have seen on any shoe. In addition the mono mesh on the Endorphin Pro 3, a layer of reinforcement with a softer inner layer is added, which makes it feel almost like a sock. One could probably run in the shoe without socks.

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-kinvara14_9.jpg" caption="Major upgrade in the upper" alt="" ></LightBox>

The gusseted tongue has also been made lighter. It is just barely enough to protect your feet from the laces. However, the laces are super soft and comfortable. They are stretchy, and much better than the ones found on the Kinvara 13.

The eyelets have also been updated in an interesting way. A 5+1 eyelet pattern is used, as opposed to the 6+1 eyelet pattern used in most shoes. The 5+1 pattern is becoming more common, as seen in Puma's Velocity Nitro and Deviate Nitro shoes. What is more interesting is that the first 3 eyelets are looped. I am not sure if this helps with the fit, but it does make it much more convenient to adjust the lacing.

__Heel__

The Heel shoe has not changed significantly from earlier editions. It is very comfortable, with adequate padding. The internal heel counter is also very supportive. I particularly liked the generous elastic pull tab on the back of the heel, which makes it very easy to put on the shoe. I recently saw this feature in the Puma Foreverrun Nitro ([review here](https://shoegeeks.in/review/puma-foreverrunnitro-005015000/)), and I hope all shoe designers will be as generous with such pull tabs in the future.

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-kinvara14_3.jpg" caption="Elastic pull tabs are a nice addition" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Outsole__

The Outsole is more or less the same as previous editions. The outsole is exposed, and there are couple of hotspots where hard rubber is placed.  That said, PWRRUN midsole is very durable.  

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-kinvara14_7.jpg" caption="Outsole is similar to earlier editions" alt="" ></LightBox>

##### Why did I buy it?

Having used the last two editions, and loved them for the natural runnning feel they provide, I want to try out the newest edition.  Kinvara 14 however, was more pricier (Rs 11,990) than earlier editions (Rs 9,990), which made me deliberate on the purchase.  But generous sale discount offered on sauconyindia.com made the decision very easy.  I bought it an effective price of 8,990.  At this price, this is probably one of the best value daily trainers out there.

##### Kinvara 14 Ride

I have logged approximately 120 kilometers in this shoe. I have run several long runs of more than 2 hours, one of which was 28 kilometers. I have also run many easy runs, tempo runs, and intervals.
As expected, the ride of the shoe is quite different from earlier editions of the Kinvara. It is still fast, but no longer has the firmness that earlier editions had. This also makes the new Kinvara the most versatile.

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-kinvara14_10.jpg" caption="Very versatile and comfortable" alt="" ></LightBox>

The shoe's light weight makes it an excellent choice for speed training. It is responsive despite its lack of firmness. The rocker in the Kinvara is not as aggressive as the Endorphin Speed, but it is sufficient to help with fast transitions. I have used the shoe for a session of 600m speed intervals and several sessions of longer threshold intervals. It is an excellent choice for both. It has a good bounce and offers decent underfoot cushioning, which makes it easy to push off.

The shoe also has enough cushion and softness for longer runs. It is very comfortable even in the closing miles of a 28km run. The shoe is easy on the feet, making it a good choice for easy and recovery runs. The 4mm drop makes it quite natural to run in. Overall, I found it to be the most versatile Kinvara to date.

__Fit and Comfort__

I wear a size UK 10, and the Kinvara 14 fits me true to size and is very comfortable. If you wear a size UK 10 in Nike, Puma, or Saucony shoes, the same size will likely fit well in the Kinvara 14. The forefoot fit is excellent, neither too tight nor too loose. The new upper is very comfortable and supportive. Despite the loss of padding in the tongue, the midfoot is quite comfortable and secure. The looped lacing system is very flexible, allowing for a customized fit. The heel fit is also excellent. The padding and counter work well to keep the rear foot stable and comfortable. In summary, the Kinvara 14 is the best Kinvara to date for me in terms of fit.

__Stability__ 

Although this is not a stability shoe, it is reasonably stable for a neutral trainer. I was able to tackle uneven surfaces with confidence. The harder foam at the bottom prevents excessive medial compression. It is suitable for most runners, unless they require extra stability.

__Road Grip__

Like the earlier editions, the shoe doesn’t have much rubber at the bottom. The Outsole's tread pattern is a bit different from earlier editions, but is primarily designed for road use.  It performs well on tarmac, but caution should be exercised when running on slippery surfaces such as wet roads, especially at high speeds. The shoe is not suitable for mixed road and trail running.

__Aesthetics & Ergonomics__

I own the Citron/Black colorway, and it is a stunner  in every way. It is the most beautiful Kinvara I have ever seen. The upper feels very premium, and the curvy inset patterns on the midsole add a touch of class. The shoe design is well-thought-out and carefully crafted. Saucony designers have definitely made a significant improvement over the Kinvara 13.

### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="006003014M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
title="PROS"
pros={[
"Extremely Lightweight",
"Responsive and durable",  
"Versatile and can handle most run types",
"Very comfortable upper and is highly breathable", 
"Lacing system that makes it quite easy to adjust the fit"
]}
/>

<ConsCard
title="CONS"
cons={[
"Pricier than earlier editions (if you do not consider the generous discounts).",
"Grip could be better"
]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
Saucony Kinvara 14 delivers a lightweight, versatile, and comfortable running experience. It is a major upgrade from the previous edition and is the best Kinvara in the recent times. If you are looking for alightweight speed cum daily trainer, Kinvara 14 is highly recommended.  If you own shoes in Sauconcy Endorphin series such as Endorhpin Speed or Endorphin Pro, It makes a very good companion for speed training and easy running.
</InfoCard>


Reviews

Saucony Ride 16 Review

Saucony Kinvara 14 Review