Saucony Guide 18 Review: Soft Meets Supportive
Can the Guide 18, available February 1, provide the best of both worlds? Or will it sacrifice support in the name of softness?
Saucony Guide 18
Features
Step into the perfect blend of cushioning and stability with the Saucony Guide 18.
For runners and walkers seeking a soft and supportive ride, the Guide 18 adapts seamlessly to your stride, providing a smooth, stable experience with every step. It works by combining Saucony’s soft and responsive PWRRUN foam with their Center Path Technology which keeps the foot centered and supported.
“I like how the Guide 18 feels less bulky,” says Spencer in our full Saucony Guide 18 review. “Sometimes weight can be a tradeoff when adding more cushion, but this latest model seems lighter weight and more agile.
Details:
- Upper: An engineered mesh upper keeps the fit breathable and secure while leaving enough space to accommodate wider foot shapes if needed. A gusseted tongue helps to lock down your foot for a comfortable and distraction-free run.
- Midsole: PWRRUN foam delivers soft yet responsive cushioning, striking the perfect balance for long-lasting comfort. Plus, Center Path Technology gives you smooth transitions and plenty of support thanks to the broader platform, higher sidewalls and asymmetric profile to guide your stride.
- Outsole: The XT-900 carbon rubber outsole gives you durable traction made to last.
Tech Specs
Saucony Guide 18
| Weight |
8.6 oz (W), 9.6 oz (M)
|
|---|---|
| Stack height (heel/forefoot) |
35 mm/29 mm
|
| Heel-to-toe drop |
6 mm
|
| Surface |
Road
|
| Ride | 2/5 on the Firm to Plush Scale |
| Cushioning | 3/5 on the Minimum to Maximum Scale |
| Energy | 2/5 on the Relaxed to Propulsive Scale |
| Category | stability |
What's New
The Saucony Guide 18 features subtle but welcomed updates, including a broader base and higher sidewalls for better stability. The redesigned fit is asymmetrical, so it accommodates a variety of foot shapes while still giving you a snug and supportive feel.
Who It's Best For
Built to deliver both comfort and support, this versatile stability trainer is ideal for runners and walkers seeking gentle guidance without compromising a plush ride.
“The Guide 18 is great for anyone wanting a stable, supportive ride that still allows you to move freely and naturally. Stability version footwear can sometimes feel too intrusive - not here,” says Spencer in our Saucony Guide 18 review.
Why You'll Love It
You’ll love the Guide 18’s unique combination of softness and support that helps you feel confident and comfortable, no matter the distance.
Popular Women's Stability Running Shoes
Star Rating is 5 / 5
Great running shoes!
These shoes have really enhanced my running! The soles are well insulated and have that hammock feel. They glide forward super well. I am pretty picky about my running shoes- these have exceeded my expectations.
Star Rating is 1 / 5
Not the same, very stiff!
Totally different from the 17’s! Very stiff and painful! No cushion like the Guide 17! The Guide 18’s are a very strict stability shoe that offers no movement whatsoever. Not happy with this model. Returned it and waiting on my refund.
Star Rating is 5 / 5
Great running shoe for over pronaters
Loved this shoe! Great support and great cushioning
Star Rating is 5 / 5
Just a little wide
The shoes have great support but are a little wide for people with narrow feet.
Star Rating is 5 / 5
Walking Shoe
Great fit and cushioning.
Star Rating is 5 / 5
Running shoes from Sauco
Comfortable Stable
Star Rating is 4 / 5
Saucony Guide not the same
Shoes are a good fit and I still think Saucony Guide is a good running shoe, but seems like the tread isn’t as thick and defined as it used to be, so it doesn’t last as long … maybe by design? I’ve purchased a new version of the Guide every year for as long as I can remember.
Star Rating is 5 / 5
Great experience
The gentleman that helped my son, used his knowledge and listened to his needs and fit him with a shoe that felt great
Star Rating is 5 / 5
So Comfortable!
It's been amazing how comfortable the shoes are. So thankful I stopped into the Fleet Feet store in S.C. while on vacation. I learned a lot from them which is helping me purchase the correct fit for me. Definitely buying another pair.