saucony ride vs saucony guide
Saucony’s Ride and Guide represent their core daily training shoes, catering to diverse runner needs. The primary distinction lies in support: Ride is neutral, while Guide offers guidance.
Overview of Both Models
Both the Saucony Ride and Saucony Guide are designed as versatile daily trainers, intended for consistent mileage and a broad range of running workouts. The Ride consistently appears as a neutral option, prioritizing cushioning and a comfortable ride for runners who don’t require additional support. Conversely, the Guide is engineered as a “guidance” shoe, meaning it offers subtle stability features to assist runners with mild to moderate overpronation.
Recent iterations, like the Ride 18 and Guide 17, continue this tradition, with updates focused on midsole foam and upper construction. Both models aim to deliver a balance of responsiveness and comfort, making them suitable for everything from easy recovery runs to tempo workouts. They represent Saucony’s commitment to providing reliable, everyday running footwear.
Target Runner Profile
The Saucony Ride ideally suits neutral runners who prioritize comfort and a smooth ride. It’s a great choice for those logging consistent daily miles without needing pronation control. Runners seeking a flexible, cushioned experience for various paces will find the Ride appealing.
The Saucony Guide, however, targets runners who exhibit mild to moderate overpronation – a slight inward rolling of the foot. It’s also beneficial for those desiring a touch more support and structure during their runs. The Guide is well-suited for longer distances where foot fatigue can exacerbate pronation tendencies, offering a stable and controlled experience.
Key Differences: Neutral vs. Guidance
The fundamental difference is that the Saucony Ride is a neutral shoe, while the Saucony Guide provides guidance, impacting stability and support levels.
Ride: Neutral Running Shoe
The Saucony Ride is designed for runners with a neutral gait, meaning their feet don’t excessively roll inward (pronate) or outward (supinate) during their stride. It excels as an everyday trainer, offering a comfortable and cushioned experience suitable for various distances.
Notably, the Ride often features a more responsive foam compared to the Guide, enhancing the overall running feel. The upper construction prioritizes breathability, making it a great choice for warmer weather runs. It provides ample cushioning where needed, without imposing unnecessary structure or support features.
Essentially, the Ride allows the foot to move naturally, promoting a smooth and efficient running motion for those who don’t require additional stability.
Guide: Guidance Running Shoe
The Saucony Guide is categorized as a guidance shoe, designed to assist runners who exhibit mild to moderate overpronation – an inward rolling of the foot upon impact. It’s crucial to understand this differs from a full stability shoe, and isn’t intended for severe overpronators.
A key feature of the Guide is its medial post or half-ring construction, providing subtle support to prevent excessive inward motion. The upper often incorporates more structure to enhance foot grip. While slightly less breathable than the Ride, it offers a secure and supported feel.
The Guide aims to gently guide the foot into a more neutral position, promoting efficient biomechanics.
Midsole Technology & Cushioning
Both the Saucony Ride and Guide utilize advanced midsole technologies, but differ in composition and feel, impacting cushioning and overall ride quality.
Ride Midsole Composition
The Saucony Ride boasts a midsole crafted with PWRRUN foam, known for its balanced cushioning and responsiveness. Recent iterations, like the Ride 18, feature enhanced PWRRUN+ cushioning in key areas, providing a more energetic and comfortable ride. This foam blend aims to deliver a versatile experience suitable for various paces and distances.
The midsole is designed to offer a smooth transition and ample impact absorption without sacrificing ground feel. Saucony focuses on creating a midsole that adapts to the runner’s stride, promoting a natural and efficient running form. The foam’s durability ensures lasting performance throughout the shoe’s lifespan.
Guide Midsole Composition
The Saucony Guide utilizes a midsole construction incorporating PWRRUN foam, similar to the Ride, but with strategic additions for guidance. It features a PWRRUN+ cushioning blend, particularly in the heel, enhancing comfort and shock absorption. Crucially, the Guide incorporates a medial post, or what Saucony calls a “half ring,” constructed from a firmer density of PWRRUN foam.
This medial support element aims to gently guide the foot and reduce overpronation. The midsole’s design balances cushioning with stability, offering a supportive yet responsive feel. Saucony engineers the Guide to provide a controlled ride, especially beneficial for runners needing mild support.
Cushioning Feel Comparison
Comparing cushioning, the Saucony Ride generally offers a softer, more plush experience due to its focus on neutral cushioning. Runners often describe the Ride’s feel as more forgiving and comfortable for everyday mileage. Conversely, the Saucony Guide, while still cushioned with PWRRUN and PWRRUN+, presents a slightly firmer sensation.
This firmness stems from the integrated medial post, which adds density to the inner arch. The Guide prioritizes a balanced feel—cushioned yet supportive—rather than maximum softness. The difference isn’t drastic, but noticeable; the Ride prioritizes comfort, while the Guide balances it with control.
Upper Construction & Fit
Both shoes share a similar overall fit, but the Guide features a more structured upper for enhanced foot grip, while the Ride prioritizes breathability.
Ride Upper Materials & Breathability
The Saucony Ride emphasizes a comfortable and breathable experience through its upper construction. Utilizing engineered mesh, the Ride 18 (and previous iterations) allows for ample airflow, keeping the foot cool and dry during runs. This focus on breathability is a key differentiator compared to the Guide.
While providing a secure fit, the mesh material is generally softer around the toes, contributing to overall comfort. However, this softness comes with a slight trade-off in structural support. Runners seeking a more locked-down feel might find the Ride’s upper a bit less substantial than the Guide’s.
Guide Upper Materials & Structure
The Saucony Guide’s upper is designed with a focus on providing a more secure and supportive fit. Compared to the Ride, the Guide incorporates a slightly stronger, more structured mesh material. This construction aims to enhance stability and grip around the foot, particularly beneficial for runners needing mild guidance.
The Guide 16, and likely continuing in newer models, features increased structure. While not sacrificing all comfort, the upper prioritizes a locked-down feel. This results in slightly reduced breathability compared to the Ride, but offers enhanced control and a more confident stride for those who benefit from added support.
Fit Similarities and Differences
Generally, the Saucony Ride and Guide share a fundamentally similar fit, appealing to runners already familiar with the Saucony feel. Both models aim for a comfortable, accommodating experience in the heel and midfoot. However, subtle differences exist due to the Guide’s stability features.
The Guide often feels slightly more snug and secure, particularly through the arch, thanks to the medial support elements. This isn’t a drastic change, but noticeable for those sensitive to fit variations. Runners seeking a more spacious, unrestricted feel may prefer the Ride, while those wanting a secure hold will lean towards the Guide.
Stability Features
The Saucony Guide incorporates a medial post and half-ring for guidance, while the Ride lacks these features, remaining a truly neutral platform for runners.
Guide’s Medial Post/Half Ring
The Saucony Guide distinguishes itself through integrated stability features, specifically a medial post and a half-ring construction. This medial post, positioned on the inner side of the shoe, is crafted from a firmer density foam. It proactively resists excessive inward rolling of the foot – known as overpronation – during the gait cycle.
Complementing the medial post is the half-ring design. This element, typically a plastic component, wraps around the medial side, further enhancing support and guiding the foot into a more neutral alignment. These combined technologies aim to provide subtle, yet effective, stability for runners who require a touch of guidance.
Ride’s Lack of Stability Features
In contrast to the Saucony Guide, the Ride is intentionally designed as a neutral running shoe, meaning it completely lacks dedicated stability features like medial posts or guiding components. This minimalist approach allows the foot and ankle to move more naturally throughout the gait cycle.
Runners with efficient biomechanics and a neutral gait pattern will benefit from this freedom of motion. The absence of corrective elements encourages the foot’s natural cushioning and propulsion mechanisms to function optimally. This design philosophy prioritizes a smooth, unrestricted running experience for those who don’t require pronation control.
Guidance vs. Stability Explained
It’s crucial to differentiate between “guidance” and “stability” in running shoes. The Saucony Guide offers guidance, subtly assisting the foot’s natural motion, rather than forcefully correcting it. True stability shoes, designed for significant overpronation, employ rigid medial posts for maximum control.
The Guide’s half-ring technology provides a gentler level of support, ideal for runners needing mild assistance. This nuanced approach allows for a more natural feel while still addressing slight imbalances. Guidance shoes aim to encourage proper form, while stability shoes aim to change it.
Ride Performance Characteristics
The Saucony Ride excels in responsiveness, making it a fantastic choice for daily training. It delivers a comfortable and enjoyable running experience with each stride.
Ride’s Responsiveness
Saucony’s Ride is frequently praised for offering a superior running feel, largely attributed to its foam composition. Compared to the Guide, runners often note the Ride provides a more energetic and springy sensation underfoot. This enhanced responsiveness isn’t about aggressive speedwork; instead, it contributes to a more enjoyable and efficient daily run.
The different foam utilized in the Ride contributes to this sensation, making each stride feel a little more lively. This makes it a preferred choice for those who appreciate a shoe that doesn’t feel sluggish during everyday mileage, offering a touch of pep without sacrificing comfort.
Ride’s Suitability for Daily Training
The Saucony Ride excels as a versatile daily trainer, designed to handle a wide range of running workouts. Its neutral platform and comfortable cushioning make it ideal for logging consistent mileage, from easy recovery runs to moderate-paced efforts. Runners appreciate its ability to provide adequate support and impact absorption without feeling overly bulky or restrictive.
The breathable upper enhances comfort during warmer conditions, and the overall design prioritizes a smooth and reliable ride. It’s a dependable choice for runners seeking a workhorse shoe capable of handling the demands of regular training, day in and day out.
Guide Performance Characteristics
The Saucony Guide delivers noticeable support during runs, particularly beneficial for maintaining proper form. It’s well-suited for longer distances, aiding foot stability and reducing fatigue.
Guide’s Support During Runs
The Saucony Guide distinguishes itself through integrated support features designed to assist runners who require mild stability. Unlike its neutral counterpart, the Ride, the Guide incorporates a medial post, or more recently, a half-ring construction within the midsole.
This element strategically reinforces the arch side of the foot, gently counteracting overpronation – the inward rolling motion of the foot during the gait cycle. This support isn’t about forceful correction; rather, it aims to guide the foot towards a more natural and efficient movement pattern. Runners will experience a secure and controlled feel, especially during extended runs where fatigue can compromise form.
Guide’s Suitability for Longer Distances
The Saucony Guide excels as a reliable companion for longer runs, offering sustained support and comfort when fatigue sets in. Its inherent stability features become increasingly valuable as mileage accumulates, helping to maintain proper form and reduce the risk of injury.
The medial post or half-ring construction combats the tendency for foot motion to break down over distance, providing a consistent and controlled ride. Runners logging significant weekly mileage, or training for half or full marathons, will appreciate the Guide’s ability to deliver dependable support mile after mile.
Who Should Choose the Saucony Ride?
Runners with a neutral gait and those prioritizing a comfortable, responsive feel will benefit from the Saucony Ride. It’s ideal for daily training and logging miles.
Runners with Neutral Gait
The Saucony Ride is specifically designed for runners who exhibit a neutral gait pattern. This means your foot lands evenly, without excessive pronation (rolling inward) or supination (rolling outward). If you don’t require additional support to correct your foot strike, the Ride’s neutral platform allows your foot to move naturally.
Choosing a neutral shoe like the Ride prevents unnecessary interference with your biomechanics. It allows for a more efficient and comfortable running experience, letting your body work as intended. Runners with a neutral gait often appreciate the Ride’s responsiveness and cushioning, making it a versatile option for various training runs.
Runners Prioritizing Comfort
The Saucony Ride excels in providing a comfortable running experience, making it ideal for runners who prioritize cushioning and a smooth ride. Its well-padded midsole absorbs impact effectively, reducing stress on joints during longer runs or daily training. The Ride’s upper construction often features breathable materials, enhancing overall foot comfort.
Compared to the Guide, the Ride generally offers a softer, less structured feel. This makes it a great choice for runners who prefer a more forgiving shoe that prioritizes comfort over rigid support. If you value a plush underfoot sensation and a relaxed fit, the Ride is a strong contender.
Who Should Choose the Saucony Guide?
The Saucony Guide suits runners needing mild support or those with slight overpronation, offering stability through its medial post and structured upper.
Runners Needing Mild Support
The Saucony Guide is specifically designed for runners who experience a subtle degree of overpronation – where the foot rolls inward excessively upon impact. Unlike shoes geared towards severe overpronation, the Guide provides a balanced level of support. This is achieved through its innovative medial post and half-ring technology, gently guiding the foot into a more neutral alignment.
Runners who find themselves tiring easily during runs, or noticing increased wear on the inner edges of their shoes, may benefit from the Guide’s support. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a touch of stability without feeling overly restricted or forced into a specific motion, promoting a more efficient and comfortable running experience.
Runners with Slight Overpronation
The Saucony Guide excels for runners exhibiting slight overpronation, a common biomechanical issue where the foot rolls inward too much. This model doesn’t aim to correct significant pronation, but rather to guide the foot towards a more neutral position, reducing stress on joints and muscles. The integrated medial post and half-ring work synergistically to achieve this subtle support.
If you’ve been advised to consider a stability shoe, but don’t require aggressive correction, the Guide is a strong contender. It offers a harmonious blend of cushioning and support, preventing excessive inward motion without feeling overly stiff or intrusive, enhancing comfort and efficiency.
Model Updates: Ride 18 vs. Guide 17
Ride 18 and Guide 17 continue Saucony’s daily trainer legacy, with incremental improvements to foam, upper materials, and overall fit for enhanced performance.
Ride 18 Key Changes
The Saucony Ride 18 builds upon its predecessor with notable updates focused on enhancing the running experience. While specifics are still emerging, early reports indicate improvements to the midsole foam, aiming for a more responsive and comfortable ride. The upper construction receives attention, potentially offering increased breathability compared to previous versions.
Inspiration sources suggest the Ride 16 was already praised for its breathable upper, so the Ride 18 likely refines this aspect further. Expect subtle adjustments to the outsole for improved durability and traction. Overall, the Ride 18 appears to be an evolution rather than a revolution, focusing on refining existing strengths to deliver a consistently excellent daily training shoe.
Guide 17 Key Changes
The Saucony Guide 17 continues the line’s tradition of providing guidance for runners needing mild support. Updates focus on refining the balance between cushioning and stability. A key feature remains the medial half-ring, offering a subtle yet effective level of pronation control. Expect enhancements to the upper, potentially with a more secure and structured fit compared to the Ride 18.
Sources indicate the Guide 16 already featured a stronger upper for better foot grip. The Guide 17 likely builds on this, offering a refined lockdown. Subtle adjustments to the midsole geometry may further enhance the shoe’s guidance properties, ensuring a smooth and supported ride.
Price Comparison
Generally, the Saucony Ride and Guide models are priced similarly, typically around $130-$140 USD, though prices can fluctuate based on retailer and sales.
Ride Pricing
The Saucony Ride 18, as a current model, generally retails for approximately $140 USD. However, older versions like the Ride 17 or Ride 16 can often be found at discounted prices, ranging from $90 to $120 depending on sales and availability.
Retailers such as Running Warehouse, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Saucony’s official website frequently offer promotions. Checking these sources can yield significant savings. Price variations also occur based on colorways and men’s versus women’s sizing. Expect to see potential price drops during seasonal sales events like Black Friday or end-of-season clearances.
Guide Pricing
The Saucony Guide 17 typically carries a retail price around $140 USD, mirroring the Ride 18’s price point. Previous iterations, such as the Guide 16, are frequently available at reduced costs, generally between $90 and $120, contingent on ongoing sales and stock levels.
Comparable to the Ride, retailers like Running Warehouse, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Saucony’s official online store regularly feature discounts. Monitoring these platforms can uncover substantial savings opportunities. Price fluctuations can also depend on color options and gender-specific sizing. Look for potential price reductions during major sales events.
Alternatives to Consider
For stability, explore the Saucony Tempus. If prioritizing a neutral daily trainer, consider options from brands like Brooks, New Balance, or Hoka.
Saucony Tempus as a Stability Option
If you find yourself needing a bit more stability than the Saucony Ride provides, but aren’t quite ready for the full guidance of the Guide, the Tempus is an excellent alternative to explore. Discussions on platforms like Reddit’s r/RunningShoeGeeks highlight the Tempus as Saucony’s offering for runners seeking stability.
Unlike the Guide which utilizes a medial post or half-ring, the Tempus employs a broader, more holistic approach to stability. It’s designed for those who appreciate a Saucony feel but require additional support to manage mild to moderate overpronation. This makes it a compelling choice for runners wanting a stable, yet comfortable, daily trainer.
Other Neutral Daily Trainers
Beyond the Saucony Ride, the market boasts numerous excellent neutral daily trainers. Runners prioritizing comfort and a smooth ride might consider options from brands like Brooks, New Balance, and Hoka. The Brooks Ghost is a popular choice, known for its balanced cushioning and versatility.
New Balance’s 880 series offers a similar profile, providing a reliable and durable option for daily mileage. Hoka Clifton provides maximum cushioning for those seeking a plush experience. Exploring these alternatives allows runners to find the perfect fit and feel, complementing or even surpassing the Ride’s performance.
Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, selecting between the Saucony Ride and Saucony Guide hinges on individual biomechanics and preferences. Neutral runners seeking a comfortable, responsive experience will likely favor the Ride. Those needing mild support or addressing slight overpronation will benefit from the Guide’s added stability features.
Consider your gait, typical running distances, and desired feel. Trying both models is highly recommended. Remember the Tempus offers a stability alternative within the Saucony lineup. Prioritize fit and comfort to ensure enjoyable and injury-free miles, making the right choice for your running journey.