Saucony Guide 16 Review: If it Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It
By Content Manager Bach Pham and Chief Editor Matthew Klein
The long-running Guide series from Saucony has typically filled the category of medial stability with moderate-level cushioning for the brand since its inception. Before last year, it acted as the sibling to the Hurricane series, which was higher cushioned in comparison. 2022 brought a major update to the Guide. Saucony removed the Hurricane from its lineup altogether and elevated the cushioning in the Guide to maximal territory. Now the signature daily training stability shoe for the brand - with the Tempus as its performance-oriented cousin - the Guide continues the slowly-fading legacy of posted stability.
Shop: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 9.5 oz, 269 g (men's size 9), 8.4 oz, 221 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 35mm / 27mm
Drop: 8mm Drop
Classification: Mild/Moderate Stability Daily Training Shoe
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
Matt: The now surprisingly nimble Saucony Guide series returns with mild refinements that continue to to progress it forwards in performance and comfort. A refined upper provides a little more room while still providing a secure and comfortable fit for those with narrow to normal-width feet. A new PWRRUN+ insole provides a softer and slightly bouncier ride compared to the previous model. The Hollow Tech support frame continues to provide a moderate level medial support along with several other guidance based approaches. The Saucony Guide 16 continues as a comfortable stability daily trainer that runs on the lighter end while providing consistent and well-integrated new-age support.
Bach: Continuing the success of last year's excellent redesign, the Saucony Guide 16 keeps this year's update light, but impactful with only a few alterations. This year's major change helps greatly improve upper fit to match the impactful changes underneath from the 15. A PWRRUN+ insole that amps up the model's comfort with a softer instep. Last year introduced Saucony's new medial support system entitled Hollow Tech, which provides a much lighter, less intrusive version of a post to guide the runner forward. That and the PWRRUN midsole remain intact for this year's model.
SIMILAR SHOES: New Balance 860v12, Mizuno Wave Inspire 19
FIT
Matt: The Saucony Guide 16 fits me true to size in my normal men's US Size 10. The with is normal to slightly snug with just enough volume to provide a secure but comfortable feel. The forefoot is normal to slightly snug in width with mild stretch from the mesh upper. The midfoot features both a gusseted tongue that wraps the foot as well as a gilley system that wraps into the laces to provide additional security. I had no slippage or security issues in this shoe and did not even try lace-locking it. The heel is normal in width with a solid and large heel counter. The heel collar cushioning is only mild to moderately thick, but the counter did not bother me. Those that are sensitive to counters should be cautious with this shoe, but the round shape of the counter seemed to fit my heel well. It extends farther forward almost to the midfoot, which further secures the heel. The internal mesh is quite comfortable and with socks was great. I had some mild rubbing while running sockless from the toe guard, so would suggest most people use socks. The upper overall feels simple until you realize the number of elements that combine to provide solid security without being overbearing.
Bach: The Guide 16 slips on and locks down with zero fuss or fanfare. The shoe fit true to size for me and had more than enough volume throughout to be comfortable. The laces and upper do an excellent job of keeping the foot dialed in. An updated tongue has more padding that helps make it easy to lace down the shoe without any discomfort. Comfort in general is really emphasized in this year's Guide. The new PWRRUN+ insole is plush and feels great on step in, and everything just fits nicely with no frills.
There was one downside though. I put the Guide through a very wet and rainy run and found the shoe to get pretty easily soaked and cold quickly. Some of the water got in and made the insole feel a bit damp and slightly spongy. While the shoe itself performed fine on wet surfaces, it just was a very soggy run and I don't know if I would use it again on a heavier rain day. On light rain days though and days where the road itself is wet, the Guide performed fine.
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Saucony Guide 16 is a daily training shoe for easy and long runs. The ride is fairly smooth throughout the length of the shoe, with a mild increase in softness thanks to a full-length PWRRUN+ insole. The PWRRUN midsole continues to provide a slightly firmer ride, which combined with the insole creates a balanced level of cushioning. Among stability shoes, the addition of PWRRUN+ puts it on the softer side of things with the exception of the Tempus. There is an 8mm heel drop and it feels exactly as it is listed. The rockered sole makes this feel unobtrusive. The heel features a large and slightly lateral heel bevel that guides landings in well. The forefoot has a slightly longer forefoot rocker that provides a smooth transition when combined with the mild flexibility at easy paces. The ride is consistent and comfortable, best for getting miles both short and long. While the insole provides a little more bounce than previous versions, it still feels best at relaxed and daily efforts.
The outsole is mostly smooth and makes this shoe best for road miles. While it can handle groomed trails, its traction is better on dry or mildly wet smooth surfaces. The XT-900 rubber has held up decently well for my normal scuffing over 25 miles with only mild wear. I expect an average number of miles for a daily training shoe out of the Guide 16.
Bach: The Guide 16, though a stability shoe, doesn't ride like one at all. The mid-to-forefoot transitions are fluid, and the massive forefoot itself is a pleasure to land and drive-thru. Getting into rhythm in the Guide is very easy, and on flat terrain in particular it just goes and goes with pleasure. On hillier runs, the PWRRUN foam is just okay at helping turnover. I found it harder to push uphill in the Guide responsiveness wise (besides the Hollow Tech in the rearfoot, it basically is a big slab of PWRRUN), but great for downhill takes to the shoe's stability. The midsole is comfortable, neither too soft or firm. Compared to other stability shoes I've tried recently (Mizuno Horizon, Hoka Arahi, Mizuno Wave Inspire, On Cloudrunner), it is one of the softer midsoles in the genre (with enough firmness to make the shoe stable). I found the Guide perfect for daily runs, and fine for longer efforts. The foam is resilient enough for a long run, but those who are used to super shoe foams or even just the Saucony Tempus may find that they want a little more responsiveness underfoot. Those who want a flatter geometry, less rockered stability shoe though will still find the Guide 16 a solid choice for the long run.
The shoe can pick up for strides decently well for a trainer, but I wouldn't use this for a full workout. This is definitely more of a pure mileage eater.
The guidance through the rearfoot with the posting was felt on first run, but settled quickly and overall became a relatively mild presence underfoot. The integration is well done, providing a subtle firmness when landing on the rearfoot to push the runner forward. There is a very mild rocker which helps add to the guidance. The forefoot has just a minor amount of flexibility. In general, the shoe is fairly stiff throughout. The shoe aims to use its guidance mechanisms to assist and propel the runner gently, and it does it well.
The outsole is a relatively smooth material, which also helps with providing swift transitions. As mentioned earlier, it does fine on wet roads. On extremely slick, borderline icy surfaces, I felt the need to be a touch careful. I would not use this shoe for any offroading. Durability-wise, I have not had any issues after 60 miles, but am typically lighter on my feet than others on the team.
For those who are also looking for the Guide to double as a walking shoe, I have found it to be very comfortable and capable. The flatter geometry makes it feel more traditional on foot and the PWRRUN+ insole is more noticeable in comfort for everyday errands.
It's worth noting that this weighs as much as most traditional daily
trainers today, which is remarkable and probably one of the standout
parts of the Guide 16 compared to its peers in the stability genre. A
hair under 10 oz in my size, it weighs less than even some neutral daily
trainers available today, and with more underfoot. The weight of the
shoe also plays into the ride feeling light and easy in comparison to its peers in the market. Really well done
here, Saucony.
STABILITY
Matt: The Saucony Guide 16 is a mild to moderate stability shoe that varies depending on you. The initial step in feel almost made me think it was stable neutral until I started running and the medial Hollow Tech frame became more noticeable. The frame is noticeable at the medial heel and midfoot and pushes back the more you press into it. The Guide 16 also features a large number of stable components outside of that. Sidewalls are present on both the medial and lateral sides of the shoe. This is not just present in the heel/midfoot, but also extends all the way into the forefoot. The forefoot has an additional raised medial edge that combined with medial and lateral sole flare provides a centered and guided ride.
The rocker on this shoe is well-integrated and purposeful. The heel bevel is positioned slightly lateral to guide in rearfoot landings and the forefoot rocker is also positioned just slightly lateral to guide those who may collapse to far medially. There is a guidance line in the outsole the stays more lateral. The heel counter wraps into the midfoot on both sides of the shoe to further add to a centered ride a the rear. The Saucony Guide 16 provides a well-integrated level of medial stability at the heel, midfoot and forefoot without being to pushy except to keep you going forward.
Bach: The shoe really emphasizes "Guide" through all of its mechanics. From the hollow tech posting to the mild rocker and large forefoot that really expresses forward motion, the shoe really aims to push you forward and not inward. There are also some sidewalls which bucket you into the shoe and foster that centering.
Nothing feels too intrusive with the Guide 16, which makes me uncertain if this would meet the needs of anyone who specifically is used to more aggressive posting shoes like the Guide 14 or older, or any older posting model. I'm typically pretty sensitive to posting despite being a flat footed runner and did just fine in the Guide 16. I also have one foot that's more sensitive to stability compared to the other, and didn't have any issues with either foot here.
On the flipside, people looking for a milder guidance-based stability shoe will find the Guide 16 an appealing option. I appreciated the shoe's full ground contact, wide forefoot, and generous sole flaring of the forefoot which made it feel really confident landing and taking off.
Culture Corner: Changing Tides
By Bach Pham, Content Manager
Posting, that firmer section of midsole around the rear to midfoot, has been the cornerstone of stability footwear for ages. Not too long ago, it was basically a requirement to have this type of shoe in their running lineup. From the 860s at New Balance to the Guide and Hurricane at Saucony to the older versions of the Adrenaline and Ravenna at Brooks and the Kayano from Asics, there was a wealth of similar stability options to choose from.
In the past few years though, stability has taken a big turn away from posted shoes, offering stability alternatives that challenge the notion of what we once knew. Whether it be more guidance based like the GuideRails from Brooks or J-Frame in Hoka's Arahi, or geometry based like the new Asics Kayano Lite or Mizuno Wave Horizon, companies have greatly broadened the stability landscape.
From a runner's perspective, this is great for accommodating a larger base of runners. There are much more options to choose from to suit individual needs. There is a negative though: with so many options from different brands on the table, making a decision of what feels good and works for the runner from both the buyer and retailer perspective is so much harder than ever before.
Do I need stability? Do I need a post, or a shoe with guidance, and if so, what levels of stability am I looking for? Would a stable neutral shoe work better for me? (Do I know what a stable neutral shoe is??) If you're a long-time follower, you'll know our answer will always start with comfort and finding what feels best for you. If possible, take the time to try as much as you can and feel the differences out. Subtleties can exist within a type of shoe; the posting in the Guide may work for you, but the 860 or Kayano's post may be too much. If this is your first running shoe, don't be afraid to also ask to try some neutral shoes to see if they may work for you without having to go into stability. Trying a variety of models, even just to affirm or reaffirm they don't work for you, will help inform what you like and dislike in a shoe and narrow things down to what you are looking for.
To learn more about our thoughts on stability, check out our Guide to Stability for a broader breakdown. Also check out our latest podcast on Stability for more of this discussion.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Bach: Saucony, give the Guide a Runshield variation (the brand's
water resistant upper). Running through wet, extremely soggy days
recently and struggling with getting the insole soaked made me really
wish the Guide came in a Runshield model. The other change would be
incorporating some PWRRUN+ to help add a little springiness to the shoe
for longer efforts. A layer incorporated into the forefoot would be a
nice addition to just liven up the ride for further iterations. I don't
know if PWRRUN+ through the entirety of the shoe would enable it to be
appropriately stable, but I think some would be a positive direction.
Matt: I have enjoyed the Saucony Guide 16, especially with the medial forefoot sidewall that provides some guidance for my sometimes challenging forefoot hypermobility. It was slightly snugger than I prefer but was far better than the narrow fitting upper from the previous year. While the ride continues to be on the nimble side for stability shoes, it continues to be heavier and less nimble than its neutral counterpart, the Ride 16. While I can do workouts, tempo efforts, training and just about anything in the Ride 16, the Guide 16 continues to suffer from "Stability Syndrome" whereby the shoe is heavier and less responsive than its neutral counterpart. I would like to challenge Saucony to see if this can be remedied and I think Bach's suggestion of adding additional PWRRUN+ into the sole may be helpful. It does not have to be the entire sole, but using even a top layer in addition to the insole may be helpful for a little more bounce. Outside of that, the Saucony Guide 16 is a solid stability shoe that maintains an important place among this category. Despite the new age concepts, it continues to provide medial heel and midfoot (and some forefoot) stability that many people who lament the decreasing number of posted shoes may still do well with.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR
Matt: The Saucony Guide 16 is for runners looking for a daily training shoe with mild to moderate medial heel/midfoot stability in a slightly lighter package. The upper has a high level of security at the midfoot thanks to both gusseting and an external gilley system that locks the foot in well. The fit provides a little more volume with a normal to slightly snug fit width-wise. The ride is balanced between firm and soft with a tiny bit of bounce thanks to a new PWRRUN+ insole. The Hollow Tech medial support frame provides medial stability while being lighter than a traditional post. Sidewalls continue through the length of the shoe, with some rare guidance in the forefoot. The Guide 16 continues as a refined medial stability shoe for those wanting to get daily mileage in a trustworthy shoe that melds
Bach: The Saucony Guide 16 is for runners looking for a medial-posted, guidance-based stability shoe. The shoe is very appealing from a ride and weight standpoint, offering a solid ride for everyday miles. The stability elements work well together to give runners with medial needs a centered ride. Additionally, the fit and step-in comfort is excellent. This is also going to double well for those looking for a stable walking shoe.
Rotation-wise, the easy recommendation is the Tempus to add in for workouts and longer runs. You could also dip a bit further back and explore the more minimal Fastwitch. For nontraditional options, I've really enjoyed the Hoka Mach Supersonic which is a firmer, more stable version of the Mach if you are looking for a faster option to have on hand. It sits more in the stable neutral category, but has suited me well as a go-to for faster days.
GRADING
Matt
Fit: A- (Secure fit for normal-width feet that want a secure midfoot)
Performance: B+/A- (A solid stability shoe on the lighter end for daily and longer training miles)
Stability: A- [Moderate Stability] (Adaptable Hollow Frame that still provides plenty of medial stability with sidewall and rockered guidance that gently keeps things centered or more lateral)
DPT/Footwear Science: A- (A shoe that looks simple but is anything but. Continued improvements with small changes, especially with the PWRRUN+ insole. Would still like to see the shoe more comparable to its neutral counterpart).
Personal: A- (A well-done stability shoe for those that want medial support. One of the rare shoes that doesn't make you overthink and lets you focus on the run)
Overall: A-
Bach
Fit: A- (Lovely fit for most standard to slightly wider feet)
Performance: B+/A- (A solid everyday trainer. It doesn't have huge versatility which keeps the grade a touch lower, but will get most daily miles handled fine)
Stability: A- (Tons of guidance elements and a unique posted design make for fairly good stability throughout that may accommodate more runners than a typical stability shoe)
DPT/Footwear Science: A- (Saucony's ability to cram technology for guidance while keeping weight low is impressive)
Personal: A- (An easy shoe to slip on and just go out into the world with most days of the week with little fuss)
Overall: A-
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FURTHER READING
Tracksmith Eliot Runner - All-new trainer from the apparel brand, featuring a peba midsole
Guide to On Running Shoes
Hoka Transport - A new sustainable commuter for the brand that dips in hiking as well
Saucony Kinvara 14 - Higher stacked than ever, and lighter as well
All Your Stability Questions, Answered | DOR Podcast #125
Saucony Echelon 9 - A wide-fitting, high cushion shoe that also fits orthotics perfectly well
Adidas Takumi Sen 9 - An upper update drops the weight down to a swift 6.4 oz for race day
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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