By Paul Freary
The best-selling support category shoe from Saucony, the Guide gets minor updates but performs better in this, the 19th iteration of the model.
Stats
Saucony | Guide 19 |
|---|---|
Best for | Those who require a little more support in a shoe |
Support | Support/Control shoe for overpronators |
Cushion | Mid Stack, responsive cushioning |
Stack Height | 35mm heel /29mm forefoot |
Drop | 6mm |
Weight | Men 275g (9.7oz) Women 252g (8.9oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $150 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 8.7/ 10 |
Design
While the technology remains the same in the new Guide 19, as do the over stats of the shoe, there are minor improvements.
Saucony tell us the PWRRUN cushioning is a little softer to provide a little more bounce. The shoe does feel a little softer on the whole. It’s not a massive difference, but it’s certainly welcome.
The brand’s centrepath technology remains. This is essentially the overall shape and geometry of the midsole. A slight offset helps keep the foot central and in a neutral position, and along with a straighter last on the medial side of the shoe, it does an excellent job of controlling excessive pronation.
Sidewalls on the upper side of the midsole also help keep the foot seated centrally within the shoe and contribute to a stable stance.
Guide 19
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Fit
The fit of the new Saucony Guide 19 is true to size in length, with a roomier upper that adds both extra width and volume to the shoe. This makes the shoe great for those with a higher instep or higher volume feet, as well as those who simply prefer a slightly more generous fit.
Performance
The most noticeable difference between the previous model and the new Guide 19 lies in the ride quality. The Guide 18 delivered a relatively firm, structured feel typical of traditional stability shoes.
With the Guide 19, Saucony has softened the overall feel. The updated midsole uses a more refined blend of PWRRUN foam, creating a smoother, more cushioned ride with greater underfoot comfort.
Crucially, this doesn’t come at the expense of stability. The Guide 19 uses a subtle, geometry-based support system. The result is a shoe that feels less intrusive underfoot, allowing for a more natural transition from heel to toe.
Shoes Like the Guide 19
At this price, competitors to the Guide 19 are the New Balance 860v14, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS25.
New Balance 860v14
Of these, the New Balance offers the most similar level of effective stability control, as well as offering a similar cushioned ride.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 22
The Mizuno is perhaps a little softer, but not quite as strong in terms of overall stability, so best suited to those requiring just a small amount of control.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
The Brooks Adrenaline is aimed at the same customer, but many runners are finding they have to step up to the slightly more expensive Brooks Glycerin GTS23 to get a better degree of control
My Verdict
The Saucony Guide 19 isn’t a radical overhaul, but it is a great evolution.
Where the Guide 18 felt structured and traditional, even a little clumpy, the Guide 19 is softer, smoother, and more adaptable, reflecting a broader shift in how stability shoes are designed and evolving. It offers support without being overly corrective, cushioning without excess weight, and flexibility that suits a wider range of runs.
For runners who found the Guide 18 a little too firm or restrictive, the Guide 19 is a clear upgrade. And for those entering the stability category for the first time, it may be one of the most approachable options yet.
And for users of previous-generation Guide models, the shoe simply feels better!
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