No running brand has stood the test of time quite like Saucony. Founded back in 1898, this Boston-based company boasts over a century of experience creating renowned and reliable running shoes, sportswear, and stylish and comfortable everyday shoes.
Despite this long-standing legacy, Saucony doesn’t rely on traditional or dated designs and technologies. The beloved brand continues to innovate and adapt to new trends, bringing the latest and greatest in running shoe technology to its trusted running shoe lines.
And if you’re looking for a shoe that embodies Saucony’s mission to help people feel and perform their best, look no further than the Saucony Guide.
Now on the 18th iteration, this moderate cushion stability shoe is a fan favorite among runners, walkers, and all kinds of athletes. And despite building a loyal fanbase over 18 versions of the shoe, Saucony continues to update the Guide and incorporate new design elements and technologies for the best running experience possible.
So how does the Guide 18 stack up against previous versions? And what makes it worth trying over other moderate cushion stability shoes?
If you have questions about the newest addition to the Saucony Guide line, keep reading for a complete overview and deep dive into everything the Guide 18 has to offer.
Our Review Process
Whether you’re a consistent runner, just getting into it, or prefer walks or gym visits, you likely spend a lot of time on your feet. So it’s crucial to have a shoe that feels comfortable, fits right, and works with your needs and gait.
Today, there are more and more running shoe brands and models coming out, all claiming to offer top support and comfort. It can feel overwhelming to narrow down the options on your own and find the perfect choice for you.
Our Marathon Sports review team is here to help. We test out every new shoe on a variety of runs and terrains – from speed work on the track to long runs on pavement and trails, and everything in between – to learn everything there is to know about how shoes feel and perform.
Once we know a new shoe model inside and out, we’re prepared to make the best recommendations and help you know exactly what to expect when you slide on a shoe for the first time.
Curious about whether or not the Saucony Guide 18 is right for you? We dove into all the specs and put the shoe to the test on a variety of runs so we can help you decide if the Guide is the perfect choice for your next running shoe.
Saucony Guide 18: A Quick Overview
Here’s a quick rundown of all the specs and highlights you need to know about the newest Guide update:
- Moderate cushion stability shoe with mild, unobtrusive support
- Men’s weighs 9.6 oz, women’s weighs 8.6 oz
- Stack height: 35 mm/29 mm
- 6 mm offset
- Midsole made from responsive PWRRUN foam
- CenterPath technology ensures mild support and correction for overpronation
- Engineered mesh upper is lightweight and breathable
- Fits true-to-size, with a slightly roomy toe box
- Carbon rubber outsole adds durability in high-wear areas
- Available in standard and wide width
- Price: $139.95
A Closer Look at the Saucony Guide 18
The Guide 18 combines classic, reliable Saucony technology with some of their newest, innovative design features. Here’s a closer look at all the features that make – or break – the newest Saucony Guide.
Stability Features
Running shoes generally fit into two categories – neutral and stability shoes. Neutral shoes are more flexible and allow for natural movement of the arches and ankles, while stability shoes reduce overpronation, or excessive inward rolling of the feet, arches, and ankles.
The Guide 18 is a stability shoe, meaning it’s designed to help prevent this inward rolling and promote a healthy neutral gait.
Previous versions of the Guide incorporated a stiff medial post to reduce inward rolling. However, the Saucony 17 saw a complete redesign. Saucony removed this traditional support method and moved towards its more adaptive CenterPath technology.
The Guide 18 continues this trend, using CenterPath technology to provide subtle, unobtrusive support to help with mild overpronation. This innovative tech includes several design features incorporated throughout the shoe, including:
- A wide platform for inherent stability
- High sidewalls that cradle and guide the foot through each stride; and
- An asymmetrical build to center your feet and provide extra cushioning and support along the medial side
These features work together to gently support your feet and arches, without making the shoe feel too stiff or corrective.
Responsive Cushioning
Just looking at the Guide 18, it’s evident that the shoe has a lot of plush cushioning under the foot. While Saucony hasn’t added any foam in the newest update, the Guide 18 maintains a moderate-to-high stack height of 35 mm of foam under the heel and 29 mm under the forefoot.
The midsole is made up of Saucony’s PWRRUN foam, a dependable EVA foam that provides soft yet responsive landings. This cushioning absorbs shock and impact on daily runs without feeling too soft and spongy, making the Guide 18 a great workhorse for everyday training or more uptempo runs.
And despite the high stack height, the wide platform and low 6 mm heel-to-toe drop ensure a natural, grounded, and stable underfoot feel.
Engineered Mesh Upper
Side by side, the Saucony Guide 17 and Guide 18 are very similar. While the 17 saw a massive design overhaul, the 18 maintained everything that we loved about the update. The biggest difference between the two shoes, however, is the fit and feel of the upper.
Like the Guide 17, the Guide 18 uses a lightweight engineered mesh upper that offers plenty of ventilation and breathability on runs. But with the newest update, this mesh is much more accommodating for all foot types. The secure lacing and padded heel collar keep your feet comfortable and locked into the shoe, while the wider toe box offers extra room for natural toe splay.
Durability and Traction
One area where our reviewers felt the Guide could use some improvement is in the overall durability and traction.
The Guide 18 features an XT-900 carbon rubber outsole along high-wear areas of the shoe. While this provides a touch of extra traction on wet and slippery surfaces, the minimal outsole also leaves a lot of the soft cushion exposed.
Runners looking for a shoe that will hold up well in wet, slippery conditions or on trails may want to look elsewhere – our reviewers found the exposed sole fell a bit short when it came to grip and traction. And while the outsole reduces some wear along the heel and toes, the exposed cushioning does reduce the overall longevity of the shoe.
The Road Test: How Does the Guide 18 Truly Perform?
The best part of reviewing any shoe is getting the chance to try it out on a variety of different runs. This road test process gives us key insight into how a shoe performs, how it holds up, and the areas where a shoe thrives or could use some work.
Sliding the Guide 18 on for the first time, our reviewers were impressed with the immediate comfort right out of the box. The engineered mesh upper was snug around the heel, while the generous forefoot felt incredibly spacious and accommodating. The cushioning around the heel was a nice touch as well, adding some immediate step-in comfort.
At Marathon Sports, we were impressed with the bold and drastic changes Saucony made to the Guide 17, and we were happy to see the Guide 18 maintained these innovative changes that countless runners loved about the previous version.
As we took the Guide 18 out on a variety of different runs, we found the PWRRUN midsole foam to offer a dependable, comfortable, and balanced ride. If you’re looking for a reliable, no-frills daily trainer that can carry over from uptempo days to recovery days, you can’t go wrong with the Guide 18.
Another key feature worth pointing out is the subtle yet supportive CenterPath technology. Some stability shoes can feel too stiff or obtrusive underfoot, making the shoe uncomfortable for longer mileage. The adaptive support and subtle stability features avoid this pitfall, offering mild support without sacrificing plushness and comfort.
We were also impressed with the slight rocker geometry the Guide 18 offers. While the PWRRUN cushioning itself isn’t particularly lively or energetic, the curved rocker shape propelled us forward on runs, guiding us through each stride and transition.
Overall, between the balanced cushioning, accommodating fit, and unobtrusive support, the Guide 18 served as a versatile shoe that can be used for nearly every type of runner, for almost any type of run.
These guidance features all work together to create a smooth and comfortable ride. However, while our reviewers enjoyed the discreet support, runners who overpronate significantly may find that they need more aggressive support than the Guide 18 offers.
We also ran into some minor issues when it came to durability and traction. We tested the Guide 18 on a range of different terrains, including wet pavement and dirt trails. While it exceeded expectations on dry roads, pavements, treadmills, and tracks, the minimal outsole lacked the traction and grip for slippery pavement or off-road runs.
Pros and Cons
As much as we wish there was a perfect running shoe out there, every shoe has its pros and cons. Here are a few positives and negatives to keep in mind if you’re considering trying out the Saucony Guide 18.
Pros:
- Offers a straightforward, no-frills, reliable daily trainer from a trusted running shoe brand
- Cushioning is plush yet balanced, making this a great option for nearly any type of run or workout
- Engineered mesh upper is breathable and lightweight, with extra padding to keep your feet comfortable on runs
- Unique CenterPath technology corrects for mild overpronation without giving the shoe a stiff, intrusive underfoot feel
- Toe box offers a more accommodating fit with extra wiggle room. A wide width is also available to accommodate even more foot shapes and sizes
Cons:
- While the shoe maintains a lightweight feel (9.6 oz for men’s shoes and 8.6 oz for women’s), the weight did increase from the previous iteration, giving the shoe a slightly bulky feel
- The rubber outsole is only along high-wear areas of the shoe, leaving lots of exposed cushioning and limiting longevity and traction on different surfaces
How Does the Guide 18 Stack Up Against Similar Shoes?
The Saucony Guide has consistently earned a reputation as one of the best stability running shoes on the market today. But how does the shoe stack up against comparable models in a saturated running shoe market?
Runners looking for a comparable shoe with a bit more support for overpronation may want to look into the Hoka Arahi 7. The Arahi shares many similarities with the Guide 18, including a low drop (5 mm for the Arahi, 6 mm for the Guide), a moderate stack height, and a plush yet balanced midsole. However, Hoka’s J-Frame technology offers a more aggressive approach to stability, and will likely work better for significant overpronation than the Guide 18’s subtle stability elements.
The Asics GT-2000 13 is another great choice for runners looking for support and versatility without sacrificing cushioning and comfort. This moderate cushion Asics shoe uses an adaptive 3D guidance system, similar to CenterPath technology, to support the foot without adding additional stiffness or weight. While they share similar approaches to support and lightweight construction, heel strikers may appreciate the slightly higher drop and rearfoot PureGel technology for soft landings. The narrow upper may also appeal more to runners with narrow feet who tend to prefer a more snug fit.
If you’re looking to stick with Saucony but aren’t sure if the Guide 18 offers enough support or cushioning, you’re in luck. The Saucony Hurricane 24 provides a similar plush feel, with a higher stack height, a dual-layered midsole for extra shock absorption, and more noticeable support for overpronation.
Saucony Guide 18: Final Thoughts
Over the course of 100+ years and countless running shoe designs and models, Saucony has earned its reputation as a staple in the running shoe world.
And while the company has had massive success over the years, it’s evident by its continuous innovation and new technology that Saucony isn’t resting on its laurels. The brand continues to work to improve its running shoe lines to create the best possible running experience for every type of athlete.
This effort to consistently grow, improve, and adapt is clear in the Guide running shoe line. The latest iteration, the Guide 18, incorporates some of their reliable tech, such as their PWRRUN cushioning, with new, modern innovations such as CenterPath technology.
The result? A dependable, comfortable, and versatile daily running shoe that can work for both neutral runners and overpronators alike.
And if you’re not sure if the Guide 18 is the right shoe for you, don’t worry. You have plenty of options out there, and you don’t have to go through the process of finding the perfect running shoe on your own. At Marathon Sports, we’re here for you every step of the way.
Between our knowledgeable and passionate footwear experts and our proven Right Fit process, you’ll have all the tools and resources you need to find the perfect running shoe for you. Stop in today to try out the Guide 18 or some of the other top running shoe lines. No matter where you are in your running journey, getting fit for the right pair of shoes is the perfect step to keep you running happy and pain-free!
