Saucony Guide 15 Review
New Look Same Guidance
Likes
- Lightweight
- Spacious toe box
- Unobtrusive stability
- Contoured fit that hugs your midfoot
Dislikes
- Firm underfoot
- Minimal energy return
- Feels dated
What's New
Saucony completely overhauled the Guide 15 with a new PWRRUN+ foam, FORMFIT upper, and HOLLOW-TECH support system. PWRRUN+ is lightweight and soft, giving the shoe an effortless and smooth transition from heel to toe. The stability mechanism is a medial posting Saucony calls HOLLOW-TECH, which provides a more natural stability that is not intrusive to the gait cycle. Saucony's FORMFIT upper has key overlays and specifically designed tie-downs that provide support right where you need it. The upper ties into extended elements of the midsole to form a footbed that cradles around the foot for added protection and stability. Inside the shoe is a PWRRUN sock liner that further increases comfort and energy return. The Saucony Guide 15 is almost a totally new shoe, but it still delivers the reliable stability and comfort that the line is known for.
The Bottom Line
Our tester found the Saucony Guide 15 to provide excellent stability with a firm and comfortable ride. She appreciated how the HOLLOW-TECH support system felt unintrusive and created a rocker effect during the gait cycle. Despite this rocker, the shoe lacked energy and had a firmer ride. Our tester felt that the shoe was great for runs up to an hour, but past this, her legs felt fatigued and beat up. The highlight of the shoe was the extremely comfortable and supportive upper. The way the upper ties into the midsole created a welcome fit for our tester, giving her plenty of space and ventilation. Although the Guide 15 is not the most cushioned stability shoe around, it should be a great option for runners looking for a reliable trainer that provides moderate stability without restricting the foot's natural movement.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptable
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
Kaitlin: "The cushioning in the Guide 15 is very dense, with only a little bit of give. It was good on short runs, but pushing mileage over 6, I noticed the firmness a little more and I was getting hot spots under my forefoot from repeated pressure."
Ride/Energy Returni
Kaitlin: "The energy return was okay. This shoe feels lightweight and nimble, but it lacks the bouncy return that I would prefer. The underfoot feel is a bit lackluster, like running on little lightweight blocks. It feels a little more responsive when picking up the pace, but as a daily trainer, it didn't feel as energetic as I would like for logging miles."
Underfoot Protectioni
Kaitlin: "My body felt noticeably protected during and after my runs in the Guide 15. Many of the knee and hip issues that I typically have in a softer or less stable shoe were not there, but my feet felt a little beat up."
Flexibilityi
Kaitlin: "This shoe is rigid and only has a little bit of flexibility in the forefoot. The rigidity does give the shoe a slight rocker-like feel at toe-off that helped create some energy return in my gait."
Upper Supporti
Kaitlin: "The Guide 15 has a secure lockdown through the heel collar and midfoot. The forefoot structure is spacious and breathable."
Men's Saucony Guide Running Shoes
Women's Saucony Guide Running Shoes
Individual Thoughts
While the Guide 15's fit ran true to size for me, the forefoot felt roomy and breathable. The fit and upper support were probably the best parts of this shoe for me. The ride performed well for short runs, but it was a little too firm for me overall. I appreciated the way the stability felt inherent, with more of a rocker-like feel. I think this would be a good option for someone newer to stability shoes who really needs the support.