7 Best Saucony Walking Shoes

We cannot pick any other Saucony walking-running shoe apart from Ride 18 considering all the aspects that compose an outstanding shoe. From its light and loose build, bouncy ride, and excellent durability—this pair was a remarkable surprise in our wear and lab tests.

Our feet feel cushioned and supported all day with Ride 18’s 35.0/26.6 mm stack. We had plenty of foam to mute out the harshness of the ground without feeling too bulky. Our durometer reveals a 26.1 HA foam reading, which means it's 24.3% firmer than average, translating to a stable and springy sensation underfoot.

This shoe feels comfortable for long runs or walks because it’s easy to maneuver. Our bend test validates it’s 9.6% more bendable than average. Plus, our scales show it’s lighter than average at only 9.0 oz (255g)!

We brought Ride 18 indoors, to cities, and to light trails and the outsole proved to be durable! Measuring the outsole hardness, we realized that at 85.0 HC, it’s 6.5% harder than average. It also displayed a shallower dent in our Dremel test vs. average. However, we find that its grip is lacking on wet terrain. Those who need maximum traction should look elsewhere.

Light and loose, here’s a chill kick for our daily walks and runs. Our lab tests prove Saucony Guide 18 seamlessly guides our strides without being intrusive, offering a reassuring hand when needed. It delivers all-day pleasure with its cushioned and flexible midsole, an unusual stability feature, offering the best arch support in the Saucony walking-running lineup.

While it’s not the lightest shoe out there, Guide 18 is remarkably light in the stability realm. At 9.8 oz (278g), it beats the 10.1 oz (286g) average of its counterparts. Offering a lighter sensation on the foot is the unresisting midsole which showed 8.9% higher flexibility than average in our bend test. These elements deliver an effortless and burden-free ride.

Guide 18 managed to impressively maintain a light build despite its above-average 36.0/27.7 mm stack. Our durometer reveals it’s a balanced 23.0 HA, offering leg protection and relieving the strain off our arches.

To enhance stability, Guide 18 has several reinforcing elements such as the midsole walls, heel flare, and vast landing base. Each stride feels secure as we have much room to find our footing. Our lab reveals the midsole measures 7.8/14.3 mm wider than the average forefoot and heel.

What we found lacking is the grip for wet surfaces. Those who often encounter puddles and rain should find a pair with better traction.

Our walks received a significant upgrade while sporting Saucony’s Triumph 22. Our lab assessment reveals it features the premium PWRRUN PB midsole, which our legs truly savored due to its responsive feel and leg-saving properties. In the realm of cushioning, the Triumph 22 is beyond comparable to the brand’s walking-running shoe lineup.

The plush and generous cushioning makes us forget the harshness of the ground. Our caliper reveals a generous serving of cushioning, rising to a massive 38.6/28.9 mm. Pushing our durometer against the foam shows a gentle 18.3 HA, yet springs us forward with pleasant energy return. The whole package takes good care of our joints and muscles on prolonged on-foot travels.

Thankfully, its height doesn’t compromise support as the midsole sidewalls and vast width ensure our surefootedness. These stability features are very subtle, highlighting the shoe’s emphasis on comfort. Our caliper confirms the landing base is a very spacious 120.1/98.2 mm vs. the 113.8/90.4 mm average.

The upper also feels very plush and stretchy on foot. While it excels in comfort and protection—with a 4/5 toebox durability score on our Dremel test—it sacrifices a well-ventilated experience. Given its 3/5 breathability rating, we cannot recommend this pair in warm weather.

Our search for the best Saucony hiking shoe involved hours of outdoor walks and lab tests. It was all worth it when we found Saucony Peregrine 14, the best all-rounder because of how it turned complicated trails into a breeze with its uncomplicated and minimalist build. What we only found extreme is its grip, making our treks as smooth as possible.

Peregrine 14 has a modest 27.3/25.1 mm stack that still feels cushioned enough to buffer shock. Its low 2.2-mm heel drop delivers a natural ride, enhancing our agility. This is the main reason why this trail shoe weighs a low 9.4 oz (266g) vs. the 10.4 oz (294g) average.

The Peregrine 14 doesn't just shield us from impact; it also keeps us safe on tricky trails with its rock plate and its unwavering traction. We didn’t miss our footing on any surface we tested, wet or dry, thanks to the deep 4.7 mm lugs. 

It promotes natural strides for better balance on uneven ground. We discovered through our bend test a flexibility rating (28.5N) close to the average (29.2N), proving Peregrine 14’s versatility.

We advise avoiding this shoe in the summer heat as it only scored 3/5 in breathability. For long trails under the sun, more ventilation is needed for a comfortable experience.

The Kinvara 15 is a standout lightweight shoe from Saucony’s walking-running line that made our outdoor testing as natural and easy as possible. From its airy and agile figure, grounded platform, and flexible midsole, it kept our strides smooth. Even our lab confirms its uncomplicated nature.

We knew the shoe was feathery light as soon as we slipped it on, but the number on the scale still took our breath away. At a mere 6.8 oz (194g), it’s 26.8% lighter than average and even lighter than other racers!

Its flexible midsole emerged 53.3% more pliable than average, explaining the free movement and comfort we experienced during prolonged walks. This can be attributed to its minimal 27.9/23.5 mm stack that gives great ground connection while maintaining protected landings.

However, its rubber underfoot measures softer and thinner than average, indicating limited outsole durability. Those who prefer shoes with a longer lifespan should look elsewhere.

Laborious testing of Saucony walking shoes led us to the decision of surmounting Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 as the best for all-day wear. We found that it isn’t only perfect for day to night because of its unbelievable in-shoe feel but because of its versatility and stylishness. No pain, all gain - this is what this shoe is all about!

One of the many reasons why we didn’t mind being in Shift 3 for hours was its fantastic ventilation. The air smoothly circulates in and out of the shoe as clearly shown in our breathability test. We pumped smoke inside it and the upper easily coughed the smoke out, scoring 4/5 in breathability.

Whether we were touring or working, we didn’t feel like we were carrying weights down our legs with Shift 3. Our weighing scale displayed a 9.4 oz (266.0g) weight, which is only 1.9% lighter than average. This was surprising for us because it felt so much lighter than on paper.

We also loved the cushioning of Shift 3, which made it seem like we were stepping on pillows. We turned to our durometer and we discovered that the midsole is 22.0 HA soft, which is 10.6% softer than average. What sucked was that the shoe wasn’t that accommodating. Using our caliper, we learned that the widest part of the toebox measured 94.2 mm. This is 3.7 narrower than the average. So if you have bunions or generally have wide feet, we suggest skipping this pair.

In our quest for the ultimate budget-friendly Saucony walking running shoe, our runs and lab analysis have led us to crown the Saucony Axon 3 as the undisputed champion. Priced at a mere $100 vs. the $136 average, it’s more than dependable for collecting mileage, boasting plush cushioning, a lightweight ride, and a heavy-duty outsole.  Weighing in at a breezy 8.6 oz (244g), Axon 3 feels delightful on foot. This makes it 11.6% lighter than the average. Its airy feel is further accentuated by the well-ventilated upper, which earned an impressive 4/5 rating in our breathability tests.

A plush PWRRUN foam carries us underneath, delivering a soft and supportive ride for long hours on foot. Our durometer measurements confirm a gentle 18.3 HA, 22.1% softer than average. The above-average stack height of 33.6/27.9 mm, adds to its luscious level of cushioning.

The Carbon Rubber outsole emerges as a standout feature, catching us off guard with its reliable traction and remarkable durability. After numerous outdoor tests on various surfaces, we observed minimal signs of wear, backed by lab measurements indicating that the rubber is harder and thicker than average.

Runners who prefer high flexibility should look elsewhere. Axon 3 feels quite stiff for easy runs and walks. Our lab shows its rigidity score is closer to the average running shoe.