8 Best Saucony Shoes of 2026

The Saucony Men’s Ride 18 explodes onto the scene with a revolutionary PWRRUN+ midsole, transforming every stride into a plush-yet-lively experience that few in its class can match. With its 8mm heel-to-toe offset and hourglass silhouette, it strikes a masterful balance between cushioning and agility, making it ideal for daily training runs where responsiveness matters just as much as comfort. Runners who’ve struggled with stiff, over-cushioned shoes will rejoice in how this model delivers cloud-like softness without sacrificing transition speed—a true do-it-all workhorse.

In real-world testing, the Ride 18 shines on everything from 5K tempo efforts to long Sunday jogs, thanks to its 30mm stack height and resilient foam that rebounds mile after mile. The engineered mesh upper breathes exceptionally well, keeping feet cool even during summer runs, while the XT-900 rubber under the heel and forefoot offers reliable grip and impressive abrasion resistance. It handles wet pavement with confidence and maintains flexibility across varied terrain—though it’s clearly optimized for roads, not trails. The only hiccup? Some testers noted a slightly snug fit in the midfoot, especially for wider feet.

Compared to the heavier, max-cushioned Saucony Hurricane 24, the Ride 18 positions itself as the smarter, more versatile daily trainer—perfect for runners who log consistent miles without needing orthopedic-level support. It’s not as plush as the Hurricane, but it’s significantly more agile and better suited for moderate to high mileage. For neutral runners seeking a responsive, durable, and balanced ride that bridges performance and comfort, the Ride 18 stands tall—offering more refinement than the budget Cohesion 18 while costing less than premium stability models.

The Saucony Women’s Ride 18 lands as a masterclass in balanced cushioning, delivering a luxuriously soft yet responsive ride that feels tailor-made for the everyday runner who refuses to choose between comfort and performance. At its core lies the PWRRUN+ foam, a game-changing material that rebounds with energy return usually reserved for pricier racing flats, while still absorbing road shock like a true daily trainer. The 8mm offset and hourglass shape promote a smooth heel-to-toe transition, making it a dream for both recovery runs and moderate-paced efforts.

On the road, this shoe proves its mettle with consistent performance across distances—whether you’re logging 3 miles or 13, the cushioning stays reliable without packing down. The engineered mesh upper hugs the foot with a secure, sock-like fit, while strategic ventilation zones prevent overheating even on humid days. The XT-900 carbon rubber in high-wear areas boosts durability, a rare win in women’s models that often skimp on outsole coverage. However, like its men’s counterpart, it can feel narrow for wider forefeet, especially during longer runs when swelling occurs.

When stacked against the Guide 18, the Ride 18 is the clear pick for neutral runners who want maximum comfort without stability crutches. It lacks the TPU frame of the Guide, but that also means less weight and more natural movement—ideal for those with healthy biomechanics. For runners prioritizing cushioning that feels alive, not mushy, this model outperforms many in its tier and even challenges higher-end options. It’s not the softest max-cushion shoe, but it’s the most well-rounded daily performer in Saucony’s women’s lineup.

The Saucony Women’s Hurricane 24 roars in as the king of max cushioning, engineered for runners who demand insane levels of comfort and protection without tipping into instability. Built around the PWRRUN PB superfoam, it delivers a bouncy, resilient ride that feels like running on premium memory foam—yet it somehow avoids the dead, sluggish sensation common in ultra-plush shoes. The full-length medial post and CENTER PATH TECHNOLOGY guide overpronators with quiet confidence, making each stride feel aligned, supported, and effortlessly smooth.

In long-run testing, the Hurricane 24 truly earns its keep on recovery days and endurance miles, where joint protection is paramount. The high stack height soaks up concrete punishment like few others, while the ORTHOLITE insole adds an extra layer of cloud-like softness that feels luxurious from mile one. It’s a bit heavier than neutral trainers, but the trade-off is justified for runners needing maximum shock absorption and gait correction. That said, it’s not built for speedwork—try to take it beyond an 8:30/mile pace and the lack of snappy responsiveness becomes obvious.

Next to the Guide 18, the Hurricane 24 is the more protective, more cushioned big brother—ideal for runners logging high weekly mileage or those with a history of shin splints or plantar fasciitis. It doesn’t offer the same agility, but for long-haul comfort and stability, it’s unmatched in Saucony’s current lineup. While the Guide is more versatile, the Hurricane dominates when the goal is miles over mechanics, making it the go-to for runners who need armor underfoot.

The Saucony Women’s Guide 18 steps forward as the undisputed champion of balanced performance, merging lightweight stability with responsive cushioning in a package that feels refined, not overbuilt. With its PWRRUN foam midsole, it delivers a springy, energetic ride that encourages turnover without compromising support—making it a rare stability shoe that actually feels fast. The TPU guidance frame works silently in the background, correcting mild overpronation without clunky transitions or rigid structures that restrict natural motion.

On real-world runs, the Guide 18 excels as a daily trainer for overpronators who don’t want to sacrifice speed or comfort. The engineered mesh upper breathes beautifully and locks the foot down without pressure points, while the durable rubber outsole grips confidently on wet roads, treadmills, and gym floors. It shines in tempo runs and long training sessions alike, offering enough cushioning for recovery days and enough responsiveness for faster efforts. The only downside? It’s one of the pricier models in the lineup, though the build quality justifies the investment.

Compared to the Hurricane 24, the Guide 18 trades some cushioning depth for greater agility and a more natural ride—making it better suited for runners who want stability without bulk. It’s not as plush, but it’s far more versatile across paces and distances. For runners seeking a do-it-all stability shoe that performs across training types, the Guide 18 is the best overall choice, offering a smarter blend of support, comfort, and efficiency than any other model in the Saucony women’s range.

The Saucony Men’s Excursion TR15 charges through rugged terrain with ruthless grip and trail-ready durability, making it a no-nonsense warrior for technical paths and muddy descents. Its carbon rubber outsole bites into loose soil and wet rocks with authority, while the aggressive lug pattern ensures you won’t slip when the trail turns treacherous. Underfoot, the VERSARUN cushioning strikes a smart middle ground—soft enough to absorb root strikes, firm enough to maintain trail feedback and prevent ankle rolls.

In real trail testing, the TR15 proves its worth on everything from forest fire roads to rocky singletrack. The trail-specific mesh upper shrugs off debris and puddles, while supportive overlays keep your foot anchored during sharp lateral cuts. It’s not the lightest trail shoe out there, but the slightly heavier build pays off in protection and longevity. That said, it lacks the plushness of max-cushion trail models and feels underwhelming on long road connectors—this is a true trail-first shoe.

When measured against the Excursion TR17, the TR15 is the more focused, aggressive trail runner, while the TR17 leans toward road-to-trail versatility. If your runs are mostly off-pavement and you need dependable traction and rugged build, the TR15 is the stronger pick. It doesn’t offer the all-terrain flexibility of the TR17, but for runners who live on the trails, it delivers unmatched confidence at a steal of a price.

The Saucony Men’s Cohesion 18 emerges as the unsung hero of all-day comfort, delivering surprisingly plush cushioning and a secure fit at a price point that feels almost too good to be true. Packed with ample VERSARUN foam and a plush sockliner, it turns errands, standing shifts, or post-run walks into pain-free experiences—without the bulk of a recovery shoe. The engineered mesh upper breathes well and stretches slightly for a forgiving fit, making it ideal for wider feet or swelling during long days.

In daily wear testing, it outperforms many dedicated lifestyle sneakers, offering soft landings and consistent support whether you’re on concrete or carpet. The XT-900 rubber zones enhance durability in high-impact areas, and the flexible forefoot promotes natural movement. It’s not built for speed or long runs, but as a lightweight, cushioned cruiser, it nails the brief. The only letdown? It lacks the snappy responsiveness of higher-end Saucony models, feeling a bit flat during actual runs.

Compared to the Ride 18, the Cohesion 18 is the budget-conscious alternative—less bouncy, less refined, but still impressively comfortable. It doesn’t match the Ride’s energy return or transition polish, but for non-runners or casual walkers, it delivers 90% of the comfort at a fraction of the cost. If your priority is all-day wearability over performance, this is the smartest value play in Saucony’s lineup.

The Saucony Men’s Excursion Tr17 blurs the line between trail toughness and road-ready comfort, making it the ultimate hybrid for hikers who refuse to limp back to the car. With VERSARUN cushioning underfoot, it absorbs rocky descents and long pavement stretches with equal ease, while the grippy rubber outsole maintains confidence on damp trails and gravel switchbacks. Its design is sleek enough for town wear, yet rugged enough to tackle moderate hikes—no need to pack extra shoes.

In mixed-terrain testing, the Tr17 shines on rail trails, urban hikes, and light backpacking, where versatility matters more than extreme specialization. The mesh upper breathes better than most hiking shoes, and the supportive midfoot wrap prevents slippage on uneven ground. It’s not waterproof, so deep puddles are a no-go, and serious mountaineers will want more ankle support. But for day hikers and adventure walkers, it’s a dream—light, cushioned, and ready for anything.

Against the Excursion TR15, the Tr17 is the more road-friendly, lifestyle-oriented sibling, trading aggressive lugs for smoother transitions on pavement. It doesn’t grip as hard on technical trails, but it’s far more comfortable on long road sections. For those who hike, walk, and explore without committing to hardcore terrain, the Tr17 offers a smarter, more adaptable balance—making it the best trail-to-road crossover in Saucony’s catalog.

The Saucony Women’s Cohesion 16 storms the budget arena with unbeatable value and surprisingly thoughtful design, proving you don’t need to spend big for solid cushioning and reliable durability. The VERSARUN midsole absorbs impact efficiently, making it a great starter shoe for beginners or a no-risk backup for seasoned runners. The lightweight mesh upper keeps feet cool and comfortable, while the trusted rubber outsole pattern delivers consistent traction across sidewalks, treadmills, and park paths.

In real-world use, it holds up impressively for the price—logging 100+ miles without noticeable compression or tread wear. It’s not as bouncy as PWRRUN+ models, and the fit is more generic than precision-tuned, but for walkers, light joggers, or budget-conscious buyers, it’s a revelation. The shoe doesn’t excel in any one area, but it competently handles everything without glaring flaws. Just don’t expect race-day pep or elite-level support.

Next to the Cohesion 18, the 16 is the leaner, more affordable cousin—slightly less cushioning, slightly older tech, but nearly identical performance for daily wear. It lacks the plush sockliner of the 18, but for those who want a no-frills, dependable shoe at the lowest price, the Cohesion 16 is the best budget-friendly entry in Saucony’s women’s lineup. It’s not flashy, but it’s smart, durable, and shockingly capable for the cost.