Saucony Guide 17

A few weeks ago I received the new Saucony Guide 17 for review and the impression I got when I opened the box was a big surprise as it is a totally different shoe from the previous version.

The Saucony Guide 17, together with the Ride 17, are two of the first novelties that the American brand will present during 2024. They are two of the most popular running shoes of the North American brand and, in this version, they take a big leap forward in different aspects.

Saucony Guide 17 vs Saucony Guide 16: most relevant differences

During 2023 we had the opportunity to test the previous version, the Saucony Guide 16, so this test has been a great opportunity to compare both shoes and see the similarities and differences between the two models.

The differences go beyond an exterior design that, in this version (and this is a personal opinion) has improved a lot, with a much more modern and attractive aesthetic.

The sensations from the first moment have been different, while the previous version was clearly designed for runners in need of extra stability, the new version is much more versatile and can also be used by runners with neutral footprint.

The outsole is another of the differential aspects between both models, with a totally different design that stands out for the lower presence of rubber in the new version.

Review of the Saucony Guide 16

First impressions and features of the Saucony Guide 17

As I mentioned at the beginning, the first impression was very positive just by looking at it, since it presents an updated design and much more attractive than the previous version, but it is clear that, even if a shoe is attractive to the eye, it has to work and respond properly on the feet.

We started testing it and our suspicions were confirmed as they are very comfortable shoes that meet the expectations we had in them.

We have done training on asphalt (mostly) but we have also combined them with stretches of trails with small stones and compacted earth in which we have also been comfortable. The lack of rain prevented us from testing on wet and/or damp terrain.

The fit of the foot inside the shoe is perfect, in which we highlight the padding in the heel area, perhaps a little excessive if possible, which provide great comfort and fit of the foot inside the shoe, yes, we have to run with the right size because if we choose a smaller size we may not enjoy the comfort provided by the padding.

The redesigned philosophy affects the stability control of the shoe, which is affected as it does not have the internal part of the shoe that provided good stability in previous versions. In contrast, and to compensate for that absence, an upper elevation of the sides of the shoe is added to provide that necessary stability when running.

Best running shoes from Saucony

The cushioning is reasonable, we still have the PWRRUN technology that is increased with a PWRRUN + insole, but the truth is that it is still one of the aspects to improve. The new Saucony Ride 17 already incorporates superior cushioning (PWRRUN +) and we believe that the shoe would gain even more if it incorporates this compound in future versions.

The outsole design, as mentioned above, has been modified with respect to the previous version, with less rubber, which does not penalize the durability of the outsole (although we would need to run hundreds of kilometers more with the shoe to be 100% sure).

What kind of runners are the Saucony Guide 17 for?

The new version adapts to a wider profile of runners that goes beyond those who need a shoe with stability control, as it can also be used by runners with neutral footstep during their daily running workouts.

Medium to heavy runners (over 75 kilos) will fit perfectly into the shoe, which, with the new higher midsole sidewalls, will give them the stability they need for their daily workouts.

For what distances do we recommend the Saucony Guide 17?

These are shoes with which we can cover all kinds of distances, from short to long distances (depending on the technique and weight of the runners), being in the middle distance where they perform best.

What we liked the most about the Saucony Guide 17

The truth is that we liked them more than we expected. We tested the Saucony Guide 16 which worked well but without great boasts and this version has changed in many aspects for the better.

We find positive the reduction of the drop of the shoe, which in this version has a drop of 6 mm2 mm lower than the previous model) that gives it a plus of versatility that we believe favors it. More dynamism when running with the shoes and a more attractive design are other aspects that we liked about the shoe.

Opportunities for improvement in the Saucony Guide 17

We still think the same as the previous version, it is a pity that the cushioning in the midsole is not updated with a compound that gives us more cushioning such as PWRRUN +. The presence of the insole with this compound is not enough to provide that friendlier cushioning that would make it gain more followers. The padding at the back of the shoe may cause some chafing in the Achilles heel area during the first training sessions.

With which models can we compare the Saucony Guide 17?

Saucony Guide 17 Final Conclusions

Saucony has evolved one of its shoes aimed at runners who need extra support and stability, introducing improvements that, in our opinion, have been very successful, such as the widening of the sole width and the elevation of the sidewalls to provide that necessary stability but that does not penalize neutral runners who want to run with the shoe.

The shoe has a much more attractive design and is much closer to its sister shoe, the Saucony Ride 17, one of the American brand's rolling shoes par excellence and in which the big difference lies in the introduction of the PWRRUN + cushioning.