Saucony Guide 18 Review: No Changes, No Problem

Introduction to the Saucony Guide 18

SAM: They say the more things change, the more they stay the same. What do they say about the less things change? The more different they become? We will have to workshop that one. Consistency is king when it comes to running, and something I would argue is king when it comes to running shoes. Keeping a consistent product with the constantly changing technologies, training fads, and mileage totals is a challenging task.

Some of the best shoes have been overhauled or completely axed, to the dismay of the running community. The OG Kinvara has never been the same. Nike got rid of the beloved Epic React Line. Asics got rid of the Kayano Lite series, the pinnacle of stability running in the expert opinions of Mercer and myself. This process can occasionally change things for the better. Take the Saucony Guide 17, for example. From versions 16 to 17, we got a completely different shoe — no more medial guide post, a whole new midsole geometry, and a large slab of PWRRUN foam.

It was a change for the better, and we loved the shoe. The Saucony Guide 18, on the other hand, did not change at all. Things are changing, but also staying the same. Let’s talk about what that means for this shoe.

What we like about the Saucony Guide 18

SAM: The Saucony Guide 18 is everything we loved about last year’s edition and more. The way I describe this shoe to people is it feels the way I imagine the Hoka Clifton is meant to feel — wide, stable, cushioned, and has a smooth rocker. Unlike the Clifton (in my experience), I feel all of those things when I wear the shoe. The Saucony Guide 18 retains the smooth, cushioned rocker of its predecessor, making it a shoe that looks soft and is soft, providing plenty of both for easy and long runs.

The sharp rocker and 6 mm offset provide just enough to keep you rolling despite the cushion, and I often found myself moving at faster-than-easy run paces while trying to stay easy. I think most of these benefits come from Saucony sticking with its PWRRUN midsole foam. It keeps the shoe light, cushioned, and simple, and the PWRRUN PB sockliner provides enough cushion for the shoe to not get firm. I would argue this is the only shoe I’ve enjoyed a cushioned sockliner in.

The Saucony Guide 18 is not the most stable shoe in the world, but it has subtle stability that comes from multiple components, which can be summed up under the name Center Path Technology. It’s a combination of asymmetrical build and raised sidewalls, which give the impression that the shoe is taller than it actually is, but in reality, your foot sits into the shoe, and this keeps it “centered” in the stride. I don’t find that the sidewalls did much of anything for me while running in the shoe. They’re only noticeable when looking at it and do not make a huge difference while running.

I would argue the majority of the stability comes from the asymmetrical build. The wide platform and heel bevel do enough to keep your feet stable while running. There is enough subtle stability to make this a viable option for the average runner looking for support, but if you need serious pronation prevention, this might not be the shoe for you.

To wrap up the pros, I love the fit of this shoe. The upper is a bit heavy but fits like a glove and is extremely comfortable. Shoutout to Saucony for including the pull tab as well. I love pull tabs, and they made this shoe very easy to get on. While the blue I got isn’t the best, the other colors available look great as well. Overall, the Saucony Guide 18 has a great fit, a great ride, and is simply a great shoe to run in.

What we don’t like about the Saucony Guide 18

SAM: I’m writing this review after 200 miles of running in the Saucony Guide 18, and I’ve only started to notice any issues. First of all, I’ve never been the biggest fan of shoes that only include zonal outsole rubber. In my opinion (completely uninformed and usually ignorant of the truth), I always hope that shoe designers take weight out of other areas and leave enough rubber on the bottom for front-to-back traction.

The rubber on the Guide 18 feels more durable than the 17 but it has started to become an issue with the wet and cold conditions we have been dealing with in Baltimore this winter. If you live somewhere where winter weather has been a problem, this might be a shoe to avoid.

Another issue I have noticed is that the foam is beginning to “die” in this shoe. Foam death is a subjective matter but is usually characterized by a general decrease in responsiveness in the shoe. I see this being a problem because the shoe will quickly lose its stability and softness, and there is no plate or dual density foam to keep the shoe moving. I still believe that this shoe will last until 250, but if you’re hoping for a long-haul daily trainer to get 300-plus miles out of, I’d look elsewhere.

Final thoughts on the Saucony Guide 18

SAM: I loved the Saucony Guide 17 and continue to love the Saucony Guide 18. It’s a shoe I try to recommend to people seeking out light stability after running injuries or during heavy training blocks, and I have gotten nothing but good reviews from people brave enough to try it. It’s not glamorous, but it’s an effective daily trainer — soft, smooth, supportive, and slightly responsive. As things are changing, Saucony is keeping many aspects of true daily trainers alive. We salute them for it.

You can pick up the Saucony Guide 18 for $140 on February 1, 2025, from Running Warehouse (featuring free shipping and 90-day returns) by using the buttons below.