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JOIN NOWSaucony Guide 16, Support Road Running Shoes
Category
Summary
Average Weight: Men's 269g / Women's 221g
Offset: 8mm (35mm/27mm)
Super comfortable, durable and reliable road running shoe, with medial support for over-pronation. A fantastic option for everyday running.
Features
Upper
- Perfectly shaped upper delivers personalised fit from top to bottom
- Added loop on the midfoot connect midsole with the lacing system for secure fit
- Lightweight breathable mesh with minimised layers for a sleek structure
- 78% of collar lining and tongue lining are made from recycled materials
- Upper, sockliner cover and strobal board are made 100% from recycled materials
Midsole
- PWRRUN cushioning is soft and lightweight
- Lightweight HOLLOW-TECH guidance system to decrease over-pronation
- 8mm heel-drop for a super smooth ride
Outersole
- Added outsole rubber for increased durability
- Increased flexibility in the forefoot for an easy ride
Pros
- Super comfy feel in the upper, like a hug for your feet
- 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
- Eco-conscious, using more recycled materials than ever in the upper
- Men's version is also available in the wide fitting
Cons
- I can't find any. There have been complaints in the past that the fit in the heel of Saucony shoes is not snug enough, causing slipping for some people. I have a really narrow heel, so I usually loop-lace mine out of habit, but I don't even need to do that with the Guide 16. The heel in the upper has such soft padding, it naturally moulds to the shape of your foot, and holds it securely.
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.
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 15 checked all the boxes for me, so I was happy to be back to my old friend. This season, the Guide 16 is even better than ever before!
The 16 is significantly lighter and springier than the 15. Although it's slightly higher off the ground, the 8mm heel-to-toe drop is the same as before. Because of the design of the midsole and upper, your foot feels more sunken down into the shoe, so the ground contact seems similar, but with a feeling of 360° cushioning and support.
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