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SHOE REVIEW: Saucony Guide 15

Saucony has lightened up its most popular stability shoe even more to give you more support with less weight

Photo by: Matt Stetson

The Guide is Saucony’s most beloved shoe in the stability category, and the newest version, the Guide 15, won’t leave fans disappointed. With a pillowy liner and even softer cushioning, the Guide 15 gives runners who are looking for a controlled, stable ride more of what they want with less weight.

Category: Structured cushioning
Drop:
 8 mm
Stack height: 32.5 mm
Weight: 233 g (women’s) 271 g (men’s)
Price: $170 CAD

The upper

Photo: Matt Stetson

In the last iteration of the shoe, Saucony began paying more attention to the upper and used it as a way to offer additional support to your foot. The brand has taken that concept a step further with the 15, using the POWRRUN+ sockliner that gives the shoe a comfortable, slipper-like feel that hugs and supports your foot.

Like the Ride 15, this version of the guide has done away with the poofy tongue and thick, round laces in favour of a sleeker design, but the midfoot lock system actually helps wrap the foot more securely to enhance stability and improve the running experience for overpronators. Overall I found this shoe to be very comfortable, and it seemed to contour well to my foot, even on the first run. Similar to the Ride, I was concerned that the higher wrapping around the heel might cause some uncomfortable rubbing around my ankles, but I didn’t seem to have any problem.

The midsole

Photo: Matt Stetson

Saucony’s PWRRUN cushioning has been re-formulated for the 15 to be even softer than the 14, which means the brand was able to lighten the shoe even more without losing any underfoot cushioning. The other big difference with the 15 is the sunken midsole, which has space carved out so your foot can sink more deeply into the footbed to offer more support. I found the shoe had a smooth, soft ride, and while the Guide is not as light as its “sister shoe,” the Ride, it was surprisingly light for a stability shoe.

What sets the Guide apart from the Ride is the HOLLOW-TECH guidance system, which is centered in the shoe to provide underfoot support without restricting your stride. The increased flexibility in the forefoot also allows for smoother transitions, and unlike many support shoes, I didn’t feel like my foot was being restricted in any way during my run.

The outsole

Photo: Matt Stetson

Saucony has added more rubber to the outsole where you need it while removing it from unnecessary places to avoid adding excess bulk and weight to the shoe. This resulted in a stable ride, even on wet sidewalks, and I think the shoe is durable enough to last through several weekly long runs and mileage days.

Final thoughts

If a stability shoe is what you need, look no further. The Saucony Guide 15 is heavier than the average performance shoe (as most stability shoes are), but they don’t feel clunky or bulky on your feet. While I wouldn’t use these for speedwork or in a race situation (I prefer something lighter with a greater rock for that), this shoe would be excellent for long runs and easy training runs if you require a bit of added stability.

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