Saucony Guide 16 Introduction
The Saucony Guide will always hold a special place in my heart. Along with the ASICS GT-2000 they were my first trainers I ran in when I got back into running 14 years ago.
They got me through some of my first 10ks and half marathons. The last version of the guides I reviewed were the 13s. I was excited to revisit them.
Saucony has three stability trainers, the Guide, Omni and Tempus. The tempus was unveiled as the new top tier stability trainer this past year. Both the Guide and Omni offer moderate stability by different methods. The guide uses hollow tech technology while the Omni has a dual density medial post. They are priced at 140 and compete with the ASICS GT-2000, Hoka Arahi, and New Balance 860.
Saucony Guide 16 First Impressions
The colorway of the Saucony Guide immediately grabbed my attention and hasn’t let go since. The deep red is a unique color you don’t often see on runners’ feet. The pops of sky blue and black throughout the upper were perfect complimentary colors. I love wearing these on runs along with daily wear.
Upon slipping these on for the first time I noticed a bit of tightness in the midfoot area. I also noticed a slight stiffness as well. I chalked both up to being a new trainer that I hoped would loosen and soften over time. While walking around in them they became more comfortable.
The maiden voyage of the Saucony Guide 16 was a 4 and a half mile run. They provided a ride that brought back memories of the comfortable miles I have run in other editions of the Guides.
They provided a tailored fit with ample stability. I was excited for more miles in these.
Saucony Guide 16 Upper
The engineered mesh that comprises the upper has undergone a few small updates. It balances both flexibility and structure. It holds your feet in place while adapting to them as you run. It is breathable and comfortable as these were tested when the weather was getting warmer.
The gusted tongue adds to the comfort of the upper. It helps hold your feet in place but also allows them to move as you run . It is a tailored fit in the upper from heel to toe. This might be a drawback for runners with wider feet but for me it was comfortable.
The result is a secure fit, adding to the stability of the trainer. Even with the tailored fit there is room for your forefoot to splay out helping with toe offs. The internal heel counter and cushioning is effective in holding your feet in place.
One difference of the upper since the last time I reviewed these was the added stability ribbons. They are a similar idea to the Innovarch found in the Altra Provision.
There are two found on the trainer, one on the medial and one on the lateral side. The laces run through the ribbons and you can adjust the fit of the shoe based on how tight or loose you have the laces pulled on them. This was an added benefit to an already impressive upper.
Saucony Guide 16 Sole Unit
Let’s start from the ground up. The outsole is covered by a thin but effective layer of rubber. It is thin but effective. It has traction, durability and gives the midsole some added flexibility. It is also strategically placed in the areas you need.
Last year they unveiled the HOLLOW-TECH system to provide support. It is a medial post composed of a hard plastic and is curved like a semi circle. This is a slimmed down version of what they’ve done in the past in terms of stability. It provides a light to moderate amount of stability. It may take a few runs to adjust to it since many brands have ditched the medial post in recent years.
While this has been a change it hasn’t been drastic enough to turn off Saucony loyal runners . It reminded me that a medial post is simple, yet effective while I was running in the Guide.
The midsole compound is PWRRUN, a lightweight balanced foam used for the last few editions of Saucony’s stability trainers. There is a break in period to feel the full effects of the midsole. Once broken in, it absorbs the impact of your stride and transitions to effective toe offs. Its 8mm drop helps provide a comfortable and smooth ride. One drawback is the narrowness of the midsole. This could bother some runners with wider feet.
Saucony Guide 16 Conclusions
Slipping on a pair of Saucony Guides brought back many fond feelings and memories. Would the Guide 16 elicit similar feelings and provide opportunities to make more memories? The simple answer is a resounding yes.
The Saucony Guide 16 is truly an everyday trainer built for whatever. Whether it is tempo runs or a long run. It can handle whatever you run in it. The PWRRUN midsole takes a little while to feel broken in but once it does the comfort and performance of the shoe improves. It is a balanced, stable and comfortable ride. The HOLLOW-TECH stability system proves that traditional medial posts still work.
The upper of the Saucony Guide underwent small tweaks to improve an upper that is already a strength of the trainer. Comfort continues in the upper with the engineered mesh and gusted tongue. This provides a structured and stable, yet flexible and adaptable fit. This is a tailored fit throughout the upper with aspects you can adjust to improve the fit depending on your preference.
Overall, I was reminded of why I love Saucony while reviewing the Guides. They bring a level of stability and comfort you don’t find in other trainers.
While there is a longer than average break in time, once broken in they keep you coming back to them no matter the type of run. If you are in the market for a traditional stability trainer, the Saucony Guide would be at the top of my list of recommendations.
