DAVE: I’m not sure the last year and a half was the best time for Saucony Running. Yes, we saw outstanding performances on the roads from two all-time faves, Jared Ward and my fellow Central New Yorker Molly Huddle, but the overall sku catalog was beginning to lag behind some of our other favorite brands here at BITR.
A lot of this was due to design flaws in ISO fit. I know it may have worked for some, but for a majority of runners, it was a lacing nightmare. I struggled tremendously to get my foot to fit comfortably in everything from the Ride to the Guide.
But you know what I like? Companies that listen. Companies that really give two flyin’ saucers about what runners are saying about them. Saucony just proved that this fall.
Leading the charge is the new PWRRUN+ midsole platform, a full-length responsive cushioning compound that provides a springy and responsive underfoot feel. That probably sounds like a lot of midsole marketing these days.
Whatever, it works. Saucony is throwing some punches—the PWWRUN+ is outstanding.
DAVE: First of all, PWRRUN+ is just in the topsole of Guide 13. But I like that. Remember, this is a light stability shoe; posts that are too tough can throw you on your heels quite quickly. I’m not sure this shoe even needs more help in the heel, anyways.
However, Guide 13 is smooth. I am a neutral runner who is a slight heel striker and light supinator. Stability shoes do not bother me when they are done right. And this baby is done right! It transitions quickly from heel strike to midfoot load.
Enter the PWRRUN+. You’ve built up some good steam to the middle portion of your gait cycle, now feel the fun!
It explodes for a posted shoe. So much so, that I feel the firmer ride of the shoe, but sometimes think I have a Saucony Ride on my foot (if that makes sense). I like that.
Uppers were very strong last year from Saucony. Some of my favorites. But ISO fit ruined it. The ditched the ISO but kept the same quality materials surrounding it. Guide 13 continues to boast a ballin’ engineered jacquard mesh. It’s slipper-like, and the lace-up is much easier and secure with the absence of ISO fit. Any previous fit issues have been erased.
Onto the medial post (i.e. the TPU guide frame). It’s there, sure. But it doesn’t overwhelm the shoe. I see this shoe running well for a few kinds of runners: 1) those who are dealing with too much foot rotation, 2) neutral runners who just want a firmer, not overly-controlled daily trainer, and 3) where I like it— as an “I’m banged up” recovery day shoe.
The weight is 10.4 oz. and you wouldn’t even know it. Guide 13 tips the scale very nicely for a stability shoe. That summer diet paid off.
The drop is 8 mm.
Shop Saucony Guide 13 – US
DAVE: I think I’m well on my way to a midlife running shoe crisis as I approach 40. I’m almost over the hill, man. This year I’ve reviewed a hell of a lot of really bad shoes. Well, “bad” for my picky ass. That said, there have been a couple where I really had no bad things to say about the shoe.
The Saucony Guide 13 is in that category. I honestly have found nothing wrong with this shoe. It’s reliable, a tad sturdy and rolls right along. It does everything it’s supposed to.
Shop Saucony Guide 13 – US
DAVE: *insert golf clap* Well done sawww coney. Sometimes it’s best to just listen and you did when you got rid of ISO fit. Then you went the extra mile and doubled down with a new killer midsole. Yeah, I can get behind that.
Light stability wearers are going to love some effortless miles in this shoe. Neutral runners looking for a less-plush Saucony Triumph may want to slip into these as well.
You can pick these up at Running Warehouse for $119.95 (featuring free 2-day shipping and free returns!) using the shop link below.
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I think there is a difference between pwrrun+ and pwrrun. Guide has the latter, which is a mix with eva, I believe.
I hope Saucony is using better glue for the treads. I had 2 Saucony Triumph ISO 2’s and both the front tread strips came unglued. When it happened the 2nd time (both with less than 15 miles) made me shy away from the outsole design that has the smaller more durable rubber strips glued onto the foam outsole that flexes.
That’s certainly unfortunate. No issues here so far, but hopefully they took care of it for you.
For me the ISO fit and EVERUN were both colossal failures….glad they are gone.
Sawwwwwww-kuh-knee.