Today we’ll be breaking down two popular road running shoes, with the Saucony Freedom vs Ride. Both hailed as neutral running shoes, they cater to the needs of runners who prefer a lack of support in their footwear. The Saucony Ride, slightly heavier than its counterpart, boasts a plush cushioning experience, while the Freedom takes a minimalist approach with a lower drop and stack height. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of each. Exploring their fits, performances, and key takeaways to help you make an informed decision in the world of Saucony running shoes. Whether you lean towards the lightweight versatility of the Freedom or the well-balanced daily training prowess of the Ride, understanding their nuances is crucial for finding the ideal companion for your runs and beyond.
Saucony Freedom vs Ride Key Differences
- They are both neutral running shoes. Making them great for most runners that don’t need support running shoes.
- The Saucony Ride is the heavier of the two shoes. With the men’s weighing 0.4 oz more and the women’s weighing 0.5 oz more.
- While the Freedom has a much lower drop, at 4 mm. This is half the 8mm drop featured on the Ride.
- The Freedom also has a much lower stack height at 27 mm / 23 mm. Compared to the Ride at 35 mm / 27 mm.
- Overall the Ride has more cushion. Offering a softer impact and more energy return.
- Saucony’s Freedom is more of a minimal shoe compared to most on the market. With its lower drop and stack height making it a good fit for both running and crosstraining.
Saucony Freedom Review
Men’s Weight: 8.4 oz,
Women’s Weight: 7.3 oz
Stack Height: 27 mm heel, 23 mm forefoot
Drop: 4 mm
The Saucony Freedom is a versatile and sleek shoe designed for various activities beyond running. Featuring a low-profile design with a PWRRUN PB midsole, it offers a grounded feel but faces concerns about low midfoot volume leading to a snug fit and potential pressure points, attributed partly to the gusseted tongue. In terms of performance, it excels in stability for activities like running and gym workouts but falls short in responsiveness compared to plated shoes. Despite this, it transitions smoothly and proves to be a lightweight, multi-purpose option for those seeking versatility in an active lifestyle, excelling in running, lifting, and casual wear.
Fit:
The Saucony Freedom is described as a versatile shoe with a low profile and sleek design suitable for various activities beyond running. It features a full-length PWRRUN PB midsole that provides a suspensive sensation and a flat geometry that contributes to a grounded feel. While the shoe’s overall fit is generally positive, there are concerns about the midfoot volume being low, leading to a snug fit and potential pressure points. The gusseted tongue is noted as a factor affecting volume, and users with wider feet may need to consider this aspect when choosing the shoe.
Performance:
In terms of performance, the Saucony Freedom is recognized for its flat geometry, full-contact outsole, and PWRRUN PB midsole, contributing to a stable and grounded sensation. The shoe is seen as versatile for various activities, including running, gym workouts, and lifestyle wear. However, the running experience is described as slightly underwhelming, with a firm and minimally responsive ride. The absence of a plate is highlighted, affecting the shoe’s energy return compared to other models with PWRRUN PB. Despite this, the Freedom is praised for its smooth transitions and suitability as a multi-use shoe, excelling in activities beyond running.
Stability:
The Saucony Freedom 5 strikes a balance between versatility and stability, especially considering its predominantly neutral design. The shoe’s flat geometry, coupled with a full-contact outsole, provides a grounded sensation that enhances stability during various activities. The PWRRUN PB midsole, while softer, contributes to a stable platform, particularly in the absence of a plate. The lockdown is commendable, offering support through the heel counter and a wider landing platform. Traction on diverse surfaces is reliable, adding to the overall stability of the shoe. The midsole’s slight suspensive quality adds a touch of softness, promoting proprioception. However, individuals with stability concerns related to softer midsoles may find the midfoot less supportive during high-load activities. Overall, the Saucony Freedom 5 offers a stable experience for those with neutral mechanics, showcasing its adaptability across running, lifestyle wear, and gym activities.
Key Takeaways:
- The Freedom fits true to size but tends to run on the snug side, with concerns about low midfoot volume, potentially causing pressure points.
- The gusseted tongue may contribute to volume issues, impacting comfort.
- While lacking the responsiveness of plated shoes, the Freedom provides a smooth and balanced ride for various activities.
- The shoe offers a stable and grounded feel, suitable for running, gym activities, and lifestyle wear.
- The Saucony Freedom serves as a lightweight, multi-purpose shoe for those seeking versatility in an active lifestyle.
- It excels in running, lifting, and casual wear, with a flat geometry and full-contact outsole enhancing its crossover capabilities.
Saucony Ride Review
Men’s Weight: 8.8 oz,
Women’s Weight: 7.8 oz
Stack Height: 35 mm heel, 27 mm forefoot
Drop: 8 mm
The Saucony Ride stands out as a versatile and well-balanced daily training shoe in this comprehensive review. Boasting a normal-width fit, the shoe ensures comfort and security for various foot shapes, facilitated by a breathable mesh upper, gusseted tongue, and lace straps. The dimensions across the heel, midfoot, and forefoot contribute to a well-fitted experience, with a padded heel collar enhancing overall comfort. Weighing under 9 ounces, the Ride 16 combines a lightweight design with a 35mm/27mm stack height, featuring a PWRRUN midsole for a balanced and slightly firmer ride, complemented by a PWRRUN+ insole for added bounce. Despite signs of early outsole wear after 35 miles, the shoe’s performance remains commendable, excelling in versatility for various paces, stability through features like full-length sidewalls, and comfort without sacrificing lockdown.
FIT AND PERMANENCE:
The Saucony Ride maintains its position as a versatile and balanced daily training shoe. With a normal-width fit, the shoe provides a comfortable and secure upper, accommodating various foot shapes. The mesh material offers breathability, and the gusseted tongue, along with lace straps, ensures a lockdown fit without creating pressure points. The heel, midfoot, and forefoot dimensions cater to normal widths, contributing to a well-fitted experience. The padded heel collar enhances comfort, while the overall security of the upper allows the shoe to virtually disappear during runs.
PERFORMANCE:
The Saucony Ride, weighing under 9 ounces, combines a lightweight design with a 35mm/27mm stack height. The PWRRUN midsole offers a balanced and slightly firmer ride, complemented by a PWRRUN+ insole for added bounce. The shoe’s versatile nature allows it to transition seamlessly between easy recovery runs and uptempo efforts. The stability of the shoe is enhanced by features like full-length sidewalls and sole flare, making it suitable for a broad range of runners. The durability of the outsole is a potential concern, showing signs of wear after 35 miles, but the shoe’s overall performance makes it a top choice.
Stability
While the Saucony Ride is primarily a neutral shoe, it exhibits some features that contribute to a borderline stable neutral experience. The full-length sidewalls in the heel and midfoot, along with a medial forefoot sidewall, aid in centering the foot. The shoe’s upper, with excellent lockdown and security, enhances stability. However, it remains a classic neutral daily trainer with no aggressive rockers or traditional stability elements. The Ride stability is described as trustworthy, and its balanced geometry allows for a natural ride while maintaining some stability through the well-integrated upper.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Fit and Comfort: The Saucony Ride provides a secure, adaptable fit with a normal width throughout. The upper, with lace straps and gusseted tongue, ensures lockdown without sacrificing comfort.
- Performance: With a lightweight design, balanced ride, and versatility for different paces, the Ride caters to a wide range of runners, making it suitable for both daily training and uptempo workouts.
- Stability: Despite being a neutral shoe, the Ride 16 offers stability through features like full-length sidewalls, making it a reliable option for runners with mild stability needs.
- Durability Note: While the shoe’s overall performance is commendable, the early signs of outsole wear suggest that it may have slightly below-average durability for a daily training shoe.
Conclusion: Saucony Freedom vs Ride
In the dynamic world of road running, the choice between the Saucony Freedom vs Ride models boils down to your unique preferences and running style. Both being neutral running shoes. They cater to runners who thrive on the freedom of movement without the constraints of additional support. Let’s distill the key differences and insights to guide you in making the right decision for your runs and beyond.
Saucony Freedom: Versatility and Minimalism
The Saucony Freedom, with its lightweight profile and minimalist design, emerges as a versatile companion for runners seeking a multi-purpose shoe. The lower drop and stack height contribute to a grounded feel. Making it suitable for various activities beyond running, including gym workouts and casual wear. While its snug fit and concerns about midfoot volume may pose considerations. The Freedom excels in stability, providing a smooth and balanced ride despite its minimally responsive nature. If you prioritize versatility in an active lifestyle, the Saucony Freedom stands as a compelling choice.
Saucony Ride: Balance and Daily Training Prowess
On the other side of the spectrum, the Saucony Ride positions itself as a well-balanced daily training shoe. Offering comfort and security for a wide range of foot shapes. With a slightly heavier build, the Ride compensates with a plush cushioning experience, making it ideal for runners who appreciate a balanced and slightly firmer ride. Its versatility shines through, seamlessly transitioning between easy recovery runs and uptempo efforts. While the early signs of outsole wear warrant attention. The Ride’s overall performance, stability features, and adaptability make it a top contender for those seeking a reliable daily training companion.
Which One Should You Buy?
In essence, the Saucony Freedom and Ride cater to different preferences within the realm of neutral running. The Freedom leans towards minimalism and versatility. Excelling in various activities, while the Ride emphasizes balance, comfort, and daily training prowess. Consider your priorities – be it the desire for a lightweight, all-encompassing shoe or a well-rounded daily trainer – as you lace up for your next run. Your choice between the Saucony Freedom vs Ride will undoubtedly shape your running experience. Ensuring that each stride is supported by the footwear that aligns perfectly with your individual needs.