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Saucony Trip 18: One minute evaluate
I need to admit I wasn’t an enormous fan of the Saucony Trip 17. Whereas it was a strong all-rounder, I discovered the inner molding fairly intrusive and it all the time felt like I used to be carrying a help shoe somewhat than a impartial coach. Ultimately, it simply didn’t work for me, and I handed it on to a buddy (who cherished it!).
Because of this, I used to be hesitant to strive the Trip 18, despite the fact that I knew it was a well-liked mannequin with loads of nice credentials, however I used to be pleasantly stunned. With just some refined tweaks, Saucony has created a much more snug shoe which appears to mould to my ft completely.
It simply goes to point out that small modifications could make all of the distinction. Elevated construction within the higher, a contact extra heel cushioning and bonus foam content material are specific highlights. Better of all, the coach comes at an inexpensive worth, that means it’s an awesome value-for-money workhorse, excellent for these straightforward and lengthy runs.
Very similar to Brooks Ghost, the Trip 18 is prone to stay a agency favourite for these searching for a cushioned trip. It’s been a whole recreation changer for me and the Trip 18 is now my go-to highway shoe for simple runs and on a regular basis coaching.
Saucony Trip 18 evaluate: Specs
|
Element |
Saucony Trip 18 |
|
Weight |
Round 228g (Womens) 259g (Males’s) |
|
Higher |
Engineered mesh with interior sleeve |
|
Midsole |
PWRRUN+Foam |
|
Outsole |
Sturdy Rubber |
|
Heel-to-toe drop |
8mm |
Saucony Trip 18 evaluate: Worth and availability
- $145 USD / £130 GBP / AU$239.99
- Inexpensive contemplating it is a workhorse
- Regularly discovered on sale
The Saucony Trip 18 is without doubt one of the extra inexpensive highway footwear. Priced at $145 USD / £130 GBP / AU$239.99, it may be discovered at discounted costs, however restricted sizes can be found.
We’ve noticed it as low-cost as £105.00 within the UK at Sports activities Direct (link) (sportsdirect.com), at $144.95 within the US on Highway Runner Sports activities (link) (roadrunnersports.com), and as little as AU$210 on Sports activities Direct Australia (link) (au.sportsdirect.com).
Saucony Trip 18 evaluate: Design
- Additional cushioning foam
- Extra pronounced grooving
- No extra heel pull-tab
The Saucony Trip 18 retains a lot of the DNA that made its predecessor fashionable, but introduces a collection of refined refinements that mix to ship a extra responsive and comfy trip. The coach nonetheless employs an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, a specification that appeals to runners in search of a balanced transition with out the sensation of a pronounced incline. Underfoot, the PWRRUN+ midsole materials has been enhanced with extra cushioning foam, leading to improved vitality return regardless of a marginal discount in general weight. This elevated foam content material not solely makes the shoe really feel livelier underfoot, but additionally boosts the consolation issue.
A better take a look at the outsole reveals extra pronounced grooving in contrast with the Trip 17. The extra quite a few flex grooves present enhanced grip on a wide range of surfaces and encourage a extra secure, assured stride. The redesigned tread sample additionally seems extra wear-resistant, suggesting it is going to preserve efficiency over an extended lifespan.
Above the midsole, the engineered knit higher has been reworked to supply larger stretch and conformity across the foot. The device-knit building wraps the midfoot snugly, eliminating the noticeable inner arch of the earlier mannequin and offering a smoother, extra uniform strain distribution. An additional layer of padding within the heel collar additional secures the foot in place, stopping slippage with out inflicting discomfort or hotspots throughout prolonged runs.
Within the forefoot, the beneficiant but not cumbersome toe-box quantity permits pure toe splay with out feeling unfastened. The tongue padding has been optimized to strike a steadiness between consolation and minimalism, providing sufficient cushioning to forestall lace-bite with out bulking up. The lace system now consists of an extra eyelet, enabling numerous lockdown configurations for a customized match. The heel pull-tab has been eliminated, however this all the time gave the impression to be superfluous to me, anyway.
General, the Trip 18’s design updates – enhanced foam, refined tread, adaptive higher and tailor-made match – mix right into a bundle that feels smooth, mild and supportive.
Saucony Trip 18 evaluate: Efficiency
- Stable observe shoe
- Handles mild trails in addition to roads
- Good for many distances
I put the Saucony Trip 18 by means of its paces on each my common highway runs and interval observe periods, the place I used to be doing 400m and 800m reps, or pacing athletes to smash 5k PBs. On the observe, the shoe felt exceptionally easy and constant, providing simply sufficient pop from the responsive midsole to maintain a metronomic tempo with out fatigue. Transitions from heel to toe remained fluid, even when shifting speeds between repeats.
Regardless of its observe prowess, the Trip 18 proved versatile sufficient for highway outings and lightweight path adventures. The dependable cushioning and grip impressed confidence on different surfaces, making the pair reliable for something from a brisk parkrun to a 20-mile future. The outsole’s traction dealt with damp tarmac and gravel alike.
Though succesful generally interval periods, the Trip 18 does nonetheless lack the ultra-lightweight really feel and snappy responsiveness of a devoted racing flat or carbon-plated shoe (however then once more, it’s not designed for this type of operating). However for on a regular basis coaching, tempo runs and mixed-surface routes it strikes a formidable steadiness of consolation, stability and efficiency.
Saucony Trip 18: Ought to I purchase?
Purchase it if…
You worth on a regular basis versatility
The Trip 18 adapts from highway to mild path, and from velocity to straightforward operating, with out lacking a beat, making it your go-to coach for combined exercises.
You admire constant cushioning
Its balanced PWRRUN Plus midsole delivers a smooth, dependable bounce mile after mile, retaining your legs feeling contemporary.
You want a comfortable, safe match
An adaptive knit higher and padded heel collar maintain your foot comfortably in place, so you’ll be able to focus in your stride.
Do not buy it if…
You demand razor-sharp responsiveness
For race-day flats or super-snappy velocity periods, the Trip 18 feels a contact too plush and mellow.
You’re tackling ultras
Whereas it’s sturdy, the cushioning isn’t as luxurious as specialist long-distance fashions, so your ft might tire on very lengthy runs.
You favor hardcore off-road
For technical trails or deep mud, you’ll need deeper lugs and bolstered safety that this pair can’t present.
Additionally take into account
First reviewed: July 2025