The Saucony Guide 18 proves that you don’t have to change everything to create something great. This edition features a tried-and-true design that offers stability, exceptional comfort, and consistency. If you’re familiar with this line of shoes, the latest model won’t surprise you. It’s only new in name. Inside, it’s still the reliable companion you know and love for everyday running.
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The Saucony Guide 18 is a stable training shoe that works well for runners looking for support, especially those who overpronate. It is best suited for people weighing up to 90 kg who want to comfortably train every day. Its versatile construction provides a comfortable fit on both hard surfaces and gravel roads. It’s a reliable choice for those who just want an easy run without any surprises underfoot.
Pros
- very high cushioning that does not “sludge”
- lightweight contouring under the forefoot for easy rolling and improved dynamics
- stability and stabilization
- very lightweight for a shoe with stabilization (among the 14% lightest shoes with stabilization)
- plenty of room for toes
- drop reduced to 6 mm
Cons
- slightly stiffer than alternative models from competitors
- little rubber on the outsole, which means it can wear out quite quickly
What’s New in the Latest Edition
| SAUCONY GUIDE 17 | SAUCONY GUIDE 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stack | 35/29mm | 35/29mm |
| Drop | 6mm | 6mm |
| Weight | 269g men’s 232g women’s | 272g men’s 245g women’s |
| Foam | PWRRUN | PWRRUN |
| Stabilization | CenterPath | CenterPath |
| Upper | Engineered mesh | Engineered mesh |
| Outsole | rubber + EVA | XT-900 |
Saucony Running Shoes – Lineup
For years, the Saucony Guide has been the stabilizing counterpart to the brand’s most popular model, the Saucony Ride. While both shoes have similar cushioning and construction, they differ in one key aspect: support level. The Guide is designed for runners with overpronation, while the Ride is better suited for those with a neutral foot strike.
Want to see more models? Check out our Saucony running shoe guide.
| NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | HIGH STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Triumph 22 |  Hurricane 24  Tempus 2 | |
| very high cushioning |  Ride 18 |  Guide 18 |  Omni 22 |
| high cushioning |
Similar to Saucony Guide 18
Although the selection of stability running shoes is smaller than that of neutral shoes, there are many alternatives to the Guide model. Fortunately, proven classics such as the Asics GT-2000 and Brooks Adrenaline are still available. Learn more about these and other models for pronators in our running shoe guide.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Supernova Solution 2 | 36/26 | 10 | 292 | 242 | 150 |
| Asics GT-1000 12 | 36/28 | 8 | 270 | 235 | 130 |
| Asics GT-2000 13 | 36/28 | 8 | 279 | 235 | 160 |
| Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 | 36/24 | 12 | 283 | 249 | 150 |
| Hoka Arahi 7 | 34/29 | 5 | 281 | 228 | 150 |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 | 36/24 | 12 | 295 | 246 | 160 |
| New Balanace Vongo v6 | n/a | 6 | 303 | 243 | 180 |
| Nike Zoom Structure 25 | 30/20 | 10 | 322 | 263 | 130 |
| Saucony Guide 18 | 35/29 | 6 | 272 | 245 | 150 |
Reliable and Stable Cushioning
As in previous editions, the Saucony Guide 18 uses PWRRUN foam for cushioning throughout the midsole. Its height remains unchanged: It is 35 mm under the heel and 29 mm under the forefoot. But that’s not all. Inside, there is an additional layer of PWRRUN+ foam in the insole. This softer material, placed directly under the foot, makes the shoe feel soft from the first step.
The Guide 18 has a 6 mm drop, or the difference in height between the heel and the toes. This is lower than many classic training shoes, which encourages more forefoot engagement while running. This can help you achieve a more dynamic stride, especially at faster speeds. However, due to the ample cushioning, this difference may not be noticeable to everyone. For many runners, the shoe will simply be a comfortable and neutral companion for everyday training.
The Saucony Guide 17’s midsole offers solid cushioning, albeit in a style that differs slightly from the most popular, very soft models of the competition. This cushioning is springier and more stable, especially compared to the softest and most cushioned running shoes. The Guide 18 may seem stiffer by comparison, but this feature makes it predictable and stable. It also makes the contouring designed to facilitate foot roll and running more noticeable. The shoe flows smoothly through the miles.
This construction works well for heavier runners (up to approximately 90 kg) and those who dislike the feeling of sinking excessively into the midsole. It is also ideal for those who prefer a gentle “rocker” underfoot.
Stability that Leads the Way
The Saucony Guide 18 provides stability without the need for a stabilizing block in the midsole. The midsole’s construction is key here — its stiffness prevents the shoe from “floating” sideways, even during dynamic running. Additionally, the midsole is sufficiently wide, particularly in the front and rear, and it extends slightly beyond the upper, which increases stability further. Finally, the midsole is slightly asymmetrical and contoured more on the inside. The result? When you put your foot on the ground, the shoe acts as a guide, helping you walk straight and preventing you from twisting uncontrollably.
Importantly, this stabilization is gentle. For people with neutral feet, it will be almost imperceptible. However, if you tend to pronate or have weak ankles, the Guide will gently correct this without making your run feel like marching in armor. However, it may not be suitable for runners with flat feet. The raised edge on the inside may irritate the foot and make running uncomfortable.
More Durable Outsole, but…
The Guide 18 has a slightly different outsole. Its shape is very similar to that of the previous edition of this model. There are relatively few rubber elements, which only cover the areas that come into contact with the ground. This exposes the foam to faster wear. However, according to the manufacturer, the material used for the rubber elements has changed. In the previous edition, the rubber elements were made of a mixture of rubber and EVA foam, which is a lighter but faster-wearing material. In the latest edition, it is only rubber. The outsole is therefore slightly heavier, but it should wear out more slowly.
The grooves themselves are shallow at 1.1 mm deep, the same as the previous model. Considering the small amount of rubber, this is a shoe designed for urban running. You should only run on gravel roads occasionally.
Upper – Classic and Roomy
The Saucony Guide 18’s upper is a classic design. Made of lightweight technical mesh, it is thin and breathable, ideal for warmer workouts. In areas prone to wear, the mesh is reinforced with a stiffer material to improve durability and stabilize the foot. The most important elements for increased stability are the medial side reinforcements. These reinforcements provide support without being intrusive or uncomfortable.
Like its predecessor, it has ample space. At its widest point, the upper measures 108.7 mm, making this model one of the widest in the stability training shoe category. The front of the shoe provides ample room for your toes — ideal for those with wider feet or who prefer more freedom. However, if you prefer a tight, “wraparound” fit, this shoe may not be for you.
The heel counter is another example of the “classic but effective” design philosophy. It features high internal reinforcement that provides good heel support. Additionally, the edges of the midsole are slightly raised to act as an extra stabilizing collar. The result? The heel stays where it should and the entire foot is well supported. The stability is noticeable, yet not overwhelming; the proportions are well-balanced.
Lightweight Construction
According to the manufacturer, the Saucony Guide 17 weighs 272 grams for men and 245 grams for women. For size 12 US, the shoe weighs 313 grams, which is not bad for a stabilization training shoe. This places it among the 14% lightest models in this category.
This lightness is an advantage, especially when you feel like speeding up after many easy kilometers. The shoe is not heavy and does not slow you down or remind you of itself with every step. This is a significant benefit if you prefer to feel light and fluid during your daily runs.
Summary
The Saucony Guide 18 is a solid, versatile training shoe with stability that doesn’t try to be anything it’s not—it just gets the job done. They offer firm but comfortable cushioning, great stability, and plenty of room for your toes, which runners with wider feet will appreciate. Despite its stability, the shoe is not clunky—it remains light and dynamic. A great option for pronators and anyone looking for a safe, reliable partner for everyday miles.
