Saucony Guide 18

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Saucony Guide 18: Review

“A stability shoe for daily running with excellent breathability.”

Overview


The Saucony Guide 18 is a running shoe designed to provide stability and comfort for runners. This shoe is known for its balance of cushioning and support, making it a reliable choice for those who need a bit of extra help with their stride.

Key Features:

  • PWRRUN Midsole: Offers a soft yet stable ride, ideal for long distances.
  • Engineered Mesh Upper: Provides excellent breathability and a secure fit.
  • XT-900 Rubber Outsole: Ensures durability and reliable traction on road surfaces.

The Saucony Guide 18 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize stability and cushioning for daily running. Its breathable upper offers comfort, making it suitable for long runs and everyday training.

Verdict

The consensus on the Saucony Guide 18


The Saucony Guide 18 is a solid choice for runners seeking a stable and comfortable shoe for daily running. Its PWRRUN midsole provides a soft yet supportive ride, although some may find it lacks the bounce of more modern foams. The engineered mesh upper offers exceptional breathability, making it a great option for hot weather runs. While the shoe's outsole could benefit from more durable materials, the XT-900 rubber in high-wear areas does provide decent traction. The shoe's fit is true to size, with a slightly wider forefoot that accommodates a range of foot shapes. However, the midsole's firmness might not appeal to those looking for a more responsive feel. Overall, the Guide 18 delivers dependable stability and comfort, making it a reliable choice for everyday training. For runners seeking a stable, breathable shoe for daily use, the Saucony Guide 18 is a commendable option.

Updates to Saucony Guide 18


The Saucony Guide 18 introduces subtle updates from its predecessor, the Saucony Guide 17. The most notable change is the enhanced breathability of the upper, thanks to larger ventilation holes. The midsole remains largely the same, continuing to use the PWRRUN foam for stability and cushioning. The outsole design has not seen significant changes, maintaining the use of XT-900 rubber in high-wear areas. Overall, the Guide 18 builds on the strengths of the previous model, offering improved airflow and a slightly wider fit.

Comparable Shoes


The ASICS GT-2000 13 is a good alternative for those seeking a stability shoe with a focus on holistic support. Like the Guide 18, it offers a balance of cushioning and stability, but with ASICS' 3D Guidance System. This system provides similar support to Saucony's Center Path Technology, making it a comparable option for overpronators.

The HOKA Arahi 7 offers a different approach to stability with its J-frame technology. This design provides a supportive ride with a focus on medial support, similar to the Guide 18. However, the Arahi 7 may appeal to those who prefer a more cushioned feel, as it is part of HOKA's lineup known for its plush cushioning.

The PUMA ForeverRun Nitro is a suitable choice for runners seeking more bounce and responsiveness. While the Guide 18 focuses on stability, the ForeverRun Nitro offers a more energetic ride with its advanced foam technology. This makes it a better option for those who prioritize a lively feel without sacrificing support.

7 Saucony Guide 18 Pros & Cons


4 Pros

Exceptional breathability with engineered mesh upper.
Stable ride with PWRRUN midsole and high sidewalls.
Wide platform provides a secure base for landings.
True to size fit with roomier forefoot for comfort.

3 Cons

Lacks bounce and energy return compared to modern foams.
Exposed foam on outsole may affect durability.
Midsole runs a bit firm, not ideal for those seeking a softer feel.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Saucony Guide 18 is crafted from engineered mesh, providing excellent breathability and a secure fit. This design ensures that the shoe remains comfortable during long runs, as it allows for ample airflow, reducing the risk of overheating. The mesh is also supportive, helping to keep the foot in place without feeling restrictive. This makes the Guide 18 a great choice for runners who value a well-ventilated shoe that doesn't compromise on support.

Midsole

The midsole of the Saucony Guide 18 features the PWRRUN foam, an EVA-based compound that offers a balance of cushioning and stability. This foam is designed to absorb shock effectively, providing a comfortable ride over long distances. While it leans towards the firmer side, it ensures a stable platform for those who need extra support. The midsole's design also includes high sidewalls, which help to guide the foot and enhance the shoe's overall stability.

Outsole

The outsole of the Saucony Guide 18 is made with XT-900 rubber in high-wear areas, providing reliable traction and durability. However, there is a significant amount of exposed foam, which may affect the shoe's longevity and grip on certain surfaces. Despite this, the rubber used is wear-resistant, ensuring that the shoe can handle regular use on road surfaces. This design choice helps to keep the shoe lightweight while still offering decent protection against wear and tear.

Size/fit

The Saucony Guide 18 fits true to size, with a slightly wider forefoot that accommodates a variety of foot shapes. This makes it a suitable option for runners with medium to wide feet, as it provides enough room without compromising on security. The shoe's design includes a secure lockdown, ensuring that the foot remains stable during runs. This versatile fit is ideal for those who need a shoe that can adapt to different foot widths while maintaining comfort.

Comfort

Comfort is a key feature of the Saucony Guide 18, thanks to its well-cushioned design and breathable upper. The PWRRUN midsole provides a soft yet supportive feel, making it suitable for long runs and everyday training. The shoe's engineered mesh upper enhances comfort by allowing for excellent airflow, reducing the risk of overheating. Additionally, the shoe's fit is designed to accommodate a range of foot shapes, ensuring a comfortable experience for most runners.

Cushioning

The Saucony Guide 18 offers ample cushioning with its PWRRUN midsole, providing a soft yet stable ride. This cushioning is designed to absorb shock effectively, making it suitable for long-distance running. The shoe's cushioning is complemented by a PWRRUN+ sockliner, which adds an extra layer of comfort and responsiveness. While the midsole is on the firmer side, it ensures a stable platform for those who need additional support during their runs.

Breathability

Breathability is a standout feature of the Saucony Guide 18, thanks to its engineered mesh upper. This design allows for excellent airflow, keeping the foot cool and comfortable during runs. The oversized ventilation holes in the toebox further enhance the shoe's breathability, making it an ideal choice for runners who often experience overheating. This feature is particularly beneficial for those running in hot weather or during intense training sessions.

Stability

Stability is a key focus of the Saucony Guide 18, making it a great option for runners who need extra support. The shoe features high sidewalls and a wide platform, which help to guide the foot and provide a stable base for landings. The PWRRUN midsole also contributes to the shoe's stability, offering a firm yet comfortable ride. This combination of features ensures that the Guide 18 can effectively support runners with overpronation, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a stability shoe.

Durability

The durability of the Saucony Guide 18 is supported by its XT-900 rubber outsole, which provides reliable traction and wear resistance. However, the presence of exposed foam in the outsole may affect the shoe's longevity, particularly in high-wear areas. Despite this, the rubber used is designed to withstand regular use on road surfaces, ensuring that the shoe can handle the demands of daily running. This makes the Guide 18 a durable option for those who need a shoe that can withstand frequent use.

Grip

The grip of the Saucony Guide 18 is provided by its XT-900 rubber outsole, which offers reliable traction on road surfaces. This rubber is strategically placed in high-wear areas to enhance the shoe's grip and durability. However, the presence of exposed foam in the outsole may affect the shoe's grip on certain surfaces, particularly in wet conditions. Despite this, the rubber used is designed to provide a secure footing, making the Guide 18 a dependable choice for road running.

Flex

The flexibility of the Saucony Guide 18 is enhanced by its engineered mesh upper and PWRRUN midsole. While the shoe is designed to provide stability, it also allows for a natural range of motion, accommodating the foot's natural gait cycle. This balance of flexibility and support makes the Guide 18 a versatile option for runners who need a shoe that can adapt to different running styles. The shoe's design ensures that it remains comfortable and supportive, even during long runs.

Who should buy the Saucony Guide 18?


The Saucony Guide 18 is ideal for runners who need a stability shoe with excellent breathability. It's a great choice for those who run on road surfaces and require a shoe that can handle daily training. Runners with medium to wide feet will appreciate the slightly roomier forefoot, which provides a comfortable fit without compromising on security. If you prioritize cushioning and support for long-distance running, the Guide 18 is a reliable option.

Who should not buy the Saucony Guide 18?


Runners seeking a highly responsive shoe may find the Saucony Guide 18 lacking in energy return. The PWRRUN midsole, while stable, does not offer the bounce found in some modern foams. Those who prefer a more agile and lightweight shoe might find the Guide 18's build a bit bulky. If you're looking for a shoe with a softer, more flexible feel, consider alternatives like the PUMA ForeverRun Nitro. Additionally, runners who need a shoe with enhanced grip for wet conditions might want to explore other options.

Saucony Guide 18: What's it good for?


The Saucony Guide 18 is well-suited for daily running and long-distance training on road surfaces. Its stability features make it a great choice for runners with overpronation, providing the support needed for a consistent stride. The shoe's breathable upper ensures comfort during hot weather runs, while its cushioning offers protection for longer distances. Overall, the Guide 18 is a versatile option for those who need a reliable shoe for everyday training.

4 Saucony Guide 18 FAQs


What makes the Saucony Guide 18 suitable for overpronators?

The Saucony Guide 18 is designed with stability features such as high sidewalls and a wide platform, which help guide the foot and provide support for overpronators. The PWRRUN midsole also contributes to the shoe's stability, ensuring a firm yet comfortable ride.

Is the Saucony Guide 18 breathable?

Yes, the Saucony Guide 18 features an engineered mesh upper with oversized ventilation holes, providing excellent breathability. This design allows for ample airflow, making it a great choice for runners who often experience overheating.

How does the Saucony Guide 18 compare to the previous model?

The Saucony Guide 18 offers improved breathability with larger ventilation holes in the upper compared to the Guide 17. The midsole and outsole remain largely unchanged, continuing to provide stability and cushioning for daily running.

What type of runner is the Saucony Guide 18 best suited for?

The Saucony Guide 18 is ideal for runners who need a stability shoe with excellent breathability. It's suitable for those who run on road surfaces and require a shoe that can handle daily training, particularly for those with medium to wide feet.

Saucony Guide 18 alternatives



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Weight
Weight
M: 272 g
W: 244 g
M: 289 g
W: 235 g
M: 298 g
W: 252 g
M: 335 g
W: 278 g
M: 303 g
W: 266 g
M: 283 g
W: 227 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
29 mm
28 mm
30 mm
33 mm
29 mm
27 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
8 mm
8 mm
10 mm
12 mm
Heel
Heel
35 mm
28 mm
38 mm
41 mm
39 mm
39 mm
Usages
Usages
Daily running
Daily runningGymDaily runningDaily runningDaily runningDaily running
Brand
Brand
Saucony
AltraNew BalanceMizunoBrooksBrooks
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
ComfortableMaximalist
Low dropZero dropComfortableMaximalistComfortableMaximalistComfortableMaximalistMaximalist
Breathable
Breathable
Techs
Techs
OrthoLiteNew Balance Fresh Foam
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Saucony Guide 18: what the experts say (1 review)

Saucony Guide 18 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2143)
TerrainRoad (+1437)
UsagesDaily running (+1195)
BrandSaucony (+133)
Support TypeStability (+223)
Pronation TypeOverpronation (+209)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1185)Heel strike (+1162)
Arch TypeLow arch (+215)
Shoe TypeComfortable (+294)Maximalist (+478)
FitMedium toe box (+920)
FeaturesBreathable (+804)Orthotic friendly (+541)Removable insole (+524)
MaterialsMesh (+1019)Reflective (+230)
ColorwaysApricot, Ballad / Skydiver, Black / White, Cloud, Cloud / Black, Cloud Olive, Flint / Navy, Fuchsia Navy, Ivory, Navy / Apricot
Specificationsvs Average
Model
18
Measurements
Weight
M: 272 g
W: 244 g
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
Heel
35 mm
Forefoot
29 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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