There are very few running brands out there that can say they have as much experience in the industry as Saucony. Since 1898, Saucony has been driving innovation in the running shoe world with its comfortable, reliable, and constantly evolving running shoe models.
Branded “the original running shoe company”, Saucony has truly earned this title with over a century of fantastic running products. And two of these Saucony running shoes that stand out the most are the Saucony Ride and Saucony Guide.
While the brand has countless running products, from carbon-plated racing shoes to durable trail shoes, Saucony’s daily trainers are its bread and butter. Now both on their 19th iteration, the Ride and Guide are two of Saucony’s best and most beloved running shoes.
But with two great Saucony daily trainer options out there, how do you know which one is right for you?
If you’ve narrowed your search down to these two running shoes but aren’t sure which to choose, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover all the key differences between the Saucony Ride and Saucony Guide to help you figure out which one is right for you.
Keep reading for an in-depth look at all the main features, technologies, and design elements that set these two reliable workhorse trainers apart.
Ride vs. Guide: A Summary
At first glance, the Saucony Ride 19 and Guide 19 have an abundance of similarities. Both advertised as daily trainers, the two shoes offer a moderately cushioned, breathable, lightweight shoe for runners looking for an everyday trainer.
The Ride was first released as a neutral trainer with responsive and balanced cushioning. While the shoe has changed, adapted, and innovated over 19 versions, it remains true to its roots as a lightweight and reliable everyday shoe.
Released as a stability counterpart to the Ride, the Guide has also seen its fair share of innovation and change over 19 iterations. But despite changes over the years, both shoes continue to serve runners, walkers, and gym-goers at all skill and experience levels.
Even with all these similarities, however, these two shoes have some main differences that can help you determine which one is right for you.
Ride vs Guide: Cushioning
When it comes to the amount of cushion under each shoe, the Ride 19 and Guide 19 are pretty similar. The Ride 19’s stack height is 36 mm in the heel and 28 mm in the forefoot, while the Guide 19 has 35 mm in the heel and 29 mm of cushion in the forefoot.
The main difference in the midsole stems from the two different types of cushion used in these shoes.
The Guide 19 relies on the brand’s EVA PWRRUN foam to give it a plush, cushioned, and soft underfoot feel. The most recent update is all about comfort and padding, adding even more of this soft cushion to the shoe for a luxurious feel with immediate step-in comfort.
In contrast, the Ride 19 uses a PWRRUN+ foam. This foam is designed to be lighter and more responsive than alternative foams and even offers 10% more energy return with every landing. Despite the similar stack heights, this PWRRUN+ foam gives the Ride 19 a bouncier, more responsive running experience compared to the soft and stable Guide 19.
Ride vs Guide: Stability Features
Another major difference between the Guide and Ride is in the amount of support and the differing stability features in each shoe line.
The Ride 19 is a neutral running shoe, meaning it doesn’t add any corrective support. It’s designed to aid with your natural running gait without trying to alter your stride. However, the most recent update does incorporate a wide base and flex grooves throughout the base for flexible stability that guides you forward through every stride.
The Guide 19, on the other hand, is designed for runners and walkers who need a bit more support. Stability shoes such as the Guide help those who overpronate, meaning their arches and ankles collapse inward while walking or running.
Previous versions of the Guide included a stiffer plastic support on the medial side for stability. The more recent iterations of the Guide, however, use a more modern approach to support and stability with its CENTERPATH technology. Saucony continues to use this unique CENTERPATH technology in the Guide 19.
Saucony’s CENTERPATH tech includes features such as a wider flared platform, raised sidewalls, and an asymmetrical profile to guide your foot through every stride and prevent overpronation. This updated guidance system allows the Guide 19 to be supportive while staying soft and flexible. These stability features also feel a lot more subtle and natural compared to a more obtrusive, stiffer medial post.
Both shoes offer some mild stability, but if you need some extra support during your workouts, the Guide 19 could be the right choice for you.
Ride vs Guide: Overall Design and Fit
In the 100+ years Saucony has been designing shoes, they’ve mastered some of the design elements that make a running shoe comfortable and efficient. With both the Guide and Ride, you can find these fantastic design elements that make Saucony shoes so popular.
Both shoes have a refined engineered mesh upper that’s lightweight and breathable. No matter which option you choose, both the Guide and Ride shine in keeping your feet cool and comfortable in any climate.
The Guide 19 and Ride 19 both fit true to size, although the Guide does run a bit roomier in the forefoot. In comparison, the Ride 19 feels a bit more snug and secure as it wraps the foot. Saucony also offers both shoes in a wide width to accommodate a larger range of sizes and foot shapes.
The two shoes both have a moderate heel-to-toe offset to them – a 6 mm drop for the Guide and an 8 mm drop for the Ride. While the difference is pretty negligible to some runners, heel-strikers may prefer the Ride’s higher drop.
Along with a slightly lower drop, the Guide 19 also has a more prevalent rocker shape to propel the foot forward and guide you through each stride, offering an overall smooth and natural running experience.
Ride vs Guide: Performance
With some daily trainers, the softness and amount of cushioning limits their versatility when it comes to long run days, tempo days, and workouts. Fortunately, the balanced feel of the Ride and Guide makes them both incredibly versatile and adaptable daily trainers.
While neutral runners may prefer the more natural and flexible feel of the Ride, the mild and unobtrusive nature of the Guide’s stability features make the shoe a good choice for both overpronators and neutral runners who may prefer a touch of extra support. The updated guidance technology provides a smooth ride without oversupporting, so the shoe can be enjoyed by all types of runners.
However, despite this adaptability, you may find that the Guide 19 functions best when it comes to long runs and everyday training. The extra cushioning and softer padding keep you comfortable throughout longer runs and recovery days, but also may feel too soft when you try to pick up the pace.
The Guide 19’s weight is one drawback when it comes to performance. At 9.7 oz for men’s shoes and 8.9 oz for women’s, the shoe is slightly heavier than the Ride. But with lots of cushioning and subtle support and guidance, many runners won’t mind the extra ounces, especially during longer runs or recovery days.
When it comes to versatility, the Ride 19 is the clear winner. There’s plenty of cushioning to get you through long run days, but the higher energy return and stiffer, more responsive foam make it a better option for tempo runs and even speed workouts.
If you value softness, cushioning, and support for your training runs, you can’t go wrong with the Guide. But if you want a daily trainer that can carry over well between different types of runs, the Ride 19 is the way to go.
Ride vs Guide: Durability
When you’re looking for a staple running shoe, you want something that can handle all the miles you throw at it. Fortunately, improvements to durability in both the Ride 19 and Guide 19 ensure these shoes are up for the challenge.
The Guide 19 uses a strategically placed rubber outsole in high-wear areas of the shoe to help the cushion last longer and prevent premature wear. This durable rubber helps you get more miles out of the shoes and makes sure they hold up through your everyday mileage.
While the Guide 19’s outsole is certainly an improvement from past models of Saucony shoes, the Ride 19’s outsole offers even more durability and grip. The blown rubber outsole covers more of the shoe, allowing for more longevity and traction. The improved PWRRUN+ foam also offers more durability than alternative foams so you can log more miles in these reliable trainers.
At $145 for the Ride and $150 for the Guide, both shoes offer plenty of value for your money. But with a slightly more durable foam and outsole, you may get more mileage out of the Ride 19 than the Guide 19.
Ride vs Guide: Verdict and Final Thoughts
There are so many factors to consider when buying running shoes. Fit, cushioning, and overall design are all part of the equation. But when it comes to choosing the perfect running shoe, the decision ultimately comes down to your own individual needs, preferences, running style, and goals.
The Guide 19 is a soft, cushioned, and comfortable stability shoe that offers some extra guidance and support through CENTERPATH technology and a pronounced rocker geometry. While the softer underfoot feel and added stability features make this a great shoe for long runs and everyday workouts, it may not be the best choice if you prioritize speed and are looking for a shoe to help you reach your next PR.
In comparison, the high energy return and bounciness of the Ride 19 means that this is a shoe that can do it all. The 36mm/28mm stack height offers plenty of padding and cushion for long runs, while the springier and more responsive cushion helps you pick up the pace with no issues.
While this guide can steer you in the right direction, you don’t really know how a shoe feels until you try it on for yourself. When you stop by a Marathon Sports, running shoe specialists can help you determine which shoe is right for you with the Right Fit Process.
If you’re unsure if you need the Guide 19’s extra support or just don’t know if you prefer a softer or firmer shoe, these specialists will help you navigate this decision and ensure you end up in the perfect shoe for you and your running needs.
If one of these shoe models sounds like the right choice for you, it might be time to stop into your local Marathon Sports and see how they feel for yourself! With the right shoes and running gear, you’ll be ready to hit the road and enjoy mile after mile of your running journey.
