Saucony Guide 18

Summary

Average Weight: Men's 272g / Women's 245g
Offset: 6mm (35mm/29mm)

The Guide 18 is your perfect partner for conquering the roads. Unleash your potential and experience the perfect blend of support and freedom with this running shoe.

Men's Saucony Guide 18

£130

Women's Saucony Guide 18

£130

Features

Upper

Perfectly shaped upper delivers personalised fit from top to bottom
Lightweight breathable mesh with minimised layers for a sleek structure
Contains recycled materials
Padded heel collar and tongue
New lacing system for locked-in feel

Midsole

PWRRUN cushioning is soft and lightweight
Complete redesign of the support structure – externally and internally without the use of the traditional medial post, slight rockered ride
Using Centre Path Technology – uniquely designed to the individual runner, moving through a central path
6mm heel-drop for a super smooth ride
Higher sidewalls for extra stability in absence of the medial post

Outersole

Increased flexibility in the forefoot for an easy ride
XT-900 carbon rubber outsole provides durable traction
Broader platform for extra stability

Women's Saucony Guide 18, Support Road Running Shoes

Pros

Super comfy feel in the upper, like a hug for your feet
Eco-conscious, using more recycled materials than ever in the upper
Springy cushioning, but not too soft and squishy, so you can still feel in control
Anti-pronation support extends to the midfoot, so if you're a midfoot or forefoot striker it can still offer stability

Cons

I can't find any

In Testing

Right from the moment I put these on, I felt at home – they're like a pair of favourite slippers.

The upper is brilliantly designed with lovely padding where you want it – especially around the heel. The mesh is breathable without being too flimsy, so it'll withstand a bit of weather and wear. Totally recommend if you prefer or seeking slightly wider toe box. Compared to previous version this feels spacious.

Full disclosure: I don't do a lot of mileage. But there's bags of cushioning if you do – both in the heel and forefoot. It's springy without being spongy, so you can feel some energy return.

I'm a midfoot striker, mild-to-moderate overpronator with high arches, and I find the support is bang on for me. It stops my arch collapsing over without compromising on flexibility throughout the rest of the footstrike.

Verdict

I absolutely LOVE these shoes.

Years ago I had one of the really early Saucony Guide models, and found it brilliant. I was then into Brooks for many years, especially the early GTS. I couldn't get on with later models though, partly due to running a bit further forward on my feet, and also because I have high arches I like the feeling of being held in the upper. When I had a natural gait analysis last season, the Guide 17 checked all the boxes for me, so I was happy to be back to my old friend. This season, the Guide 18 is even better than ever before!

The 18 is springier than the 17. Although it's slightly higher off the ground, the 6mm heel-to-toe drop is lower than before, I didn't notice that much difference from the way my gait worked. In fact it felt more natural with each stride as I land mostly midfoot. Also a fan of the slight rocker technology, pleasant addition for days where I might be working on my pace.

Men's Saucony Guide 18

£130