Saucony Guide 16 vs. 17⁚ A Detailed Comparison
The Saucony Guide 17 features a brand new midsole construction and support system. This article breaks down what’s changed from the Saucony Guide 16 to Guide 17 ⎼ and what to expect. The major update is a new support system called Center Path technology. A new era of stability has been ushered in, and the Saucony Guide 17 is no exception. We’ve seen more and more of our favorite stability shoes transition from firm, medial postings to more innovative and holistic approaches that feel smoother and more accommodating to different foot shapes.
Introduction
The Saucony Guide series has long been a favorite among runners seeking a reliable stability shoe for everyday training and long-distance runs. The Saucony Guide 16, released in 2023, was praised for its comfortable ride and effective support. However, Saucony has taken things to the next level with the Saucony Guide 17, introducing a completely redesigned shoe with a focus on enhanced cushioning, stability, and a smoother, more accommodating ride. This detailed comparison will delve into the key changes between the Saucony Guide 16 and 17, examining their cushioning, stability, upper and fit, performance, and overall feel. We’ll also provide tech specs for each shoe and discuss who each model is best suited for, helping you determine which Guide is the perfect fit for your running needs.
The Saucony Guide 17 has been met with positive feedback from runners and reviewers alike, with many hailing it as a significant improvement over its predecessor. The transition from a traditional medial post to the innovative Center Path technology has been particularly well-received, offering a more natural and comfortable support system. The Guide 17 boasts a wider base, strategically placed rubber, and higher sidewalls, contributing to its enhanced stability. The shoe’s plush interior and comfortable fit make it a great choice for both workouts and daily wear, while its versatility allows it to excel in a variety of running conditions.
Key Changes in the Saucony Guide 17
The Saucony Guide 17 introduces several significant changes compared to its predecessor, the Guide 16. The most notable update is the introduction of Saucony’s new Center Path technology, which replaces the traditional medial post with a more holistic approach to stability. This innovative system provides a smoother and more accommodating ride, supporting the foot throughout the gait cycle without feeling restrictive. The Guide 17 also features a wider base, higher sidewalls, and strategically placed rubber for enhanced stability and support. The PWRRUN midsole has been updated, offering a softer and more cushioned feel than the Guide 16. The shoe’s stack height has been reduced from 8mm to 6mm, providing a slightly lower drop and a more responsive feel.
The Guide 17 also boasts a redesigned upper, featuring an engineered mesh that is breathable and comfortable. The upper is more secure and provides a better lockdown, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. The Guide 17 also features a more sculpted sole than the Guide 16, promoting support throughout the foot instead of isolating it on the medial side. These changes contribute to a more versatile and adaptable shoe that can handle a wider range of running styles and conditions. Overall, the Saucony Guide 17 represents a significant upgrade over the Guide 16, offering enhanced cushioning, stability, and a smoother, more accommodating ride.
Cushioning and Stability
One of the most significant changes between the Saucony Guide 16 and 17 lies in the cushioning and stability. The Guide 17 embraces a softer and more cushioned ride, thanks to the upgraded PWRRUN midsole. This change provides a more comfortable experience, especially during long runs or for runners with a preference for a plush feel. While the Guide 16 offered a firmer, snappier ride, the Guide 17 prioritizes comfort and a smoother transition. Despite the increased cushioning, the Guide 17 maintains its stability by incorporating Saucony’s new Center Path technology.
This innovative system replaces the traditional medial post with a wider base, higher sidewalls, and strategically placed rubber. This approach provides a more holistic and accommodating support system, guiding the foot throughout the gait cycle without feeling restrictive. The Guide 17’s stability is further enhanced by its asymmetric design, which promotes a more natural and efficient movement; The Guide 16, on the other hand, relied heavily on the medial post for stability, which some runners found to be overly firm and restrictive. The Guide 17’s focus on a more balanced and comfortable approach to stability makes it a more versatile and adaptable shoe for a wider range of runners. Whether you’re looking for a cushioned daily trainer or a shoe that can handle long runs, the Guide 17’s blend of comfort and stability makes it a compelling choice.
Upper and Fit
The upper of the Saucony Guide 17 has received a significant upgrade compared to its predecessor, offering a more breathable and comfortable fit. The engineered mesh upper is designed to reduce sweating and discomfort, making it suitable for extended periods on your feet. While neither the Guide 16 nor the Guide 17 are ideal for all-day wear, the Guide 17’s improved upper makes it a better option for longer periods of standing or walking. The Guide 17 features a more sculpted sole than the Guide 16, promoting support throughout the foot instead of isolating it on the medial side; This design element contributes to a more natural and comfortable gait, enhancing the overall experience. The upper of the Guide 16, while functional, was less breathable and offered a slightly less comfortable fit, particularly for runners with wider feet. The Guide 17’s upper has been designed to provide a secure and comfortable fit, ensuring a snug lockdown that prevents slippage and maximizes performance.
The Guide 17’s upper is also designed to accommodate a wider range of foot shapes, thanks to its more generous fit. This makes it a suitable choice for runners with wider feet who might have experienced discomfort with the narrower fit of the Guide 16. The Guide 17’s upper features a more contoured design, which provides a more comfortable and secure fit around the heel and midfoot. The Guide 16’s upper, while functional, was less forgiving in terms of fit and could feel restrictive for some runners. The Guide 17’s upper is a testament to Saucony’s commitment to providing a comfortable and supportive fit that caters to a wider range of runners.
Performance and Feel
The Saucony Guide 17 delivers a smoother and more cushioned ride compared to the Guide 16, despite having similar amounts of foam underfoot. The Guide 16’s ride was described as snappier and firmer, while the Guide 17’s ride is noticeably more cushioned, providing a more comfortable experience for longer runs. The Guide 17’s new Center Path technology plays a significant role in achieving this smoother ride. This technology provides a more holistic approach to stability, guiding the foot forward with a super smooth feel. The Guide 17’s wider platform, higher sidewalls, and asymmetric design offer greater stability and perform well under easy and long run conditions. It provides a comfortable and stable ride, making it a suitable choice for daily training and long-distance running. The Guide 17 has been praised for its versatility, making it a great option for overpronators seeking stability and comfort.
The Guide 17’s increased cushioning and smoother ride make it a more versatile shoe than its predecessor. It can handle a wider range of paces and distances, making it suitable for everything from easy runs to tempo runs. The Guide 17’s improved cushioning also makes it more comfortable for everyday wear, making it a great option for runners who want a shoe that can handle both training and casual wear. The Guide 16, while a solid stability shoe, was not as versatile as the Guide 17. It was better suited for shorter runs and tempo runs, and its firmer ride could be uncomfortable for some runners during longer runs. The Guide 17’s improved performance and feel make it a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering a more comfortable and versatile experience for runners of all levels.
Saucony Guide 17 vs. Saucony Guide 16⁚ Tech Specs
The Saucony Guide 17 and Guide 16 share some similarities in their tech specs but also have some key differences that impact their overall performance. Both models feature a PWRRUN midsole for cushioning, but the Guide 17 offers a more plush and comfortable ride due to its upgraded PWRRUN midsole. The Guide 16, on the other hand, provides a snappier and firmer ride. Both shoes also have a similar stack height at the heel (35mm), but the Guide 17 has a lower stack height at the forefoot (27mm) compared to the Guide 16 (29mm), resulting in a reduced heel-to-toe offset of 6mm in the Guide 17 compared to 8mm in the Guide 16. This lower drop in the Guide 17 contributes to a more natural and efficient gait.
The Guide 17 incorporates Saucony’s new Center Path technology, which provides a holistic approach to stability. It replaces the medial plastic piece found in the Guide 16 with significant sidewalls, a wider base, a highly rockered design, and internal geometry that guides the foot forward. This innovative support system creates a smoother and more accommodating ride for different foot shapes. The Guide 17’s engineered mesh upper is breathable, reducing sweating and discomfort during long periods of standing. Both shoes have a secure fit, but the Guide 17’s upper feels more plush and comfortable than the Guide 16’s upper. These tech specs highlight the key differences between the two models, demonstrating how the Guide 17 offers significant improvements in cushioning, stability, and comfort.
Who Should Buy the Saucony Guide 17?
The Saucony Guide 17 is a versatile running shoe that caters to a wide range of runners, particularly those seeking stability and comfort for their daily training and long-distance runs. It’s an excellent choice for overpronators who want a shoe that provides support and guidance without feeling overly stiff or restrictive. If you’re looking for a shoe that can handle your daily runs, weekend long runs, or even a marathon, the Guide 17’s plush cushioning and responsive ride make it a solid option. The Guide 17’s wider base and higher sidewalls provide excellent stability, making it ideal for runners who need extra support to prevent overpronation. The shoe’s smooth transition and rockered design also promote a natural and efficient gait, reducing the risk of injuries.
Additionally, the Guide 17’s breathable upper helps keep your feet cool and comfortable, even during long runs or extended periods of standing. If you’re looking for a comfortable and versatile stability shoe that can handle a variety of running activities, the Saucony Guide 17 is a great choice. Its upgraded PWRRUN midsole, Center Path technology, and overall design make it a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Guide 16, offering a smoother, more accommodating ride with enhanced stability and comfort.
Who Should Buy the Saucony Guide 16?
While the Saucony Guide 17 boasts a more modern and cushioned ride, the Guide 16 still holds its own as a solid stability shoe for certain types of runners. If you prefer a firmer, more responsive ride and appreciate the snappier feel of the Guide 16’s medial post, then it might be a better fit for you. The Guide 16 is also a great choice for runners who are looking for a lightweight daily trainer. Its lower stack height and less cushioned midsole make it slightly lighter than the Guide 17, which can be beneficial for speed workouts or shorter runs.
The Guide 16’s classic approach to stability, with its medial post, might also appeal to runners who are used to traditional stability shoes. It provides a firm and reliable sense of support that some runners find more predictable and reassuring. If you are looking for a shoe that provides a comfortable and stable ride without sacrificing responsiveness, the Guide 16 might be a good option for you. It’s a reliable and durable shoe that is well-suited for daily training and shorter runs. While the Guide 17 offers a more cushioned and modern ride, the Guide 16 still holds its own as a solid stability shoe for runners who prefer a firmer feel and a more classic approach to support.
Final Verdict
The Saucony Guide 17 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The new Center Path technology provides a more natural and comfortable ride, and the increased cushioning makes the Guide 17 a more versatile shoe that can be used for a wider range of activities. For runners looking for a comfortable, stable, and versatile daily trainer, the Guide 17 is a clear winner. It’s a well-rounded shoe that provides excellent support, cushioning, and a smooth ride. The Guide 16 is still a great shoe, but the Guide 17 is simply a better overall package. However, if you are looking for a firm and responsive ride, or you prefer the classic stability design of the Guide 16, then you might want to stick with the previous model.
Ultimately, the best shoe for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a comfortable and supportive shoe that can handle a variety of running styles, the Guide 17 is a great option. If you prefer a firmer ride or you are used to the traditional stability design of the Guide 16, then you might want to consider sticking with the previous model. Both shoes offer a lot to runners who are looking for a stable and comfortable daily trainer. The Saucony Guide 17 is a well-rounded shoe that offers a comfortable and supportive ride, while the Guide 16 is a solid choice for runners who prefer a firmer feel and a more classic approach to stability.
