assistant: Your Ride 18 is a solid shoe — neutral, responsive, and versatile. If you want to stay in that ballpark but add cushioning without breaking the bank, you've got a couple of smart moves. **Saucony Guide v18** keeps the Saucony fit and geometry you know, but trades the Ride's neutrality for mild stability and adds a touch more cushioning (39/33mm stack vs. your Ride's 37/29mm). The tradeoff: it's 2mm lower drop (6mm vs. 8mm), so the ride feels slightly more forefoot-focused. Doctors of Running notes it's snappier than the v19 and a solid value on sale — think of it as your Ride's cushioned, stability-leaning sibling. **ASICS Glideride Max v2** is the maximal-cushion play: 46/40mm stack (noticeably plushier than your Ride), neutral like your current shoe, and lighter despite the extra foam. It's $170 (slightly above your range), but Doctors of Running calls it a meaningful upgrade over v1 and prefers it for the rocker and stability feel. If you can stretch $30, this is the most cushioned option here. **New Balance 880 v15** splits the difference — high cushion, excellent stability (though still neutral-leaning), and a pronounced rocker that makes it feel smoother underfoot. It's $140, same price as your Ride, and reviewers praise its structured platform. Which direction appeals more: staying in the Saucony ecosystem, or are you open to switching brands if the cushion upgrade is worth it?