Test: Saucony Guide 15 - Stability for high mileage and pace! (2024)

After having run in the Saucony Guide 15, I have learned that it is a really good shoe to have in your "arsenal". With the responsive PWRRUN foam in the midsole and the improved fit in the upper, this is a shoe that can take you really far on the vast majority of your runs.

Specs

Category: Neutral/pronation

Shock absorption: PWRRUN midsole and PWRRUN+ insole

Drop: 8 mm (35/27)

Weight:Men 269 g / Women 236 g

Outsole: XT-900 rubber

A shoe that is suitable for most types of runs

Saucony Guide 15 is a stability shoe that can be used by runners with pronation and a neutral running style. The extra support in the sole helps to ensure a natural pronation in the foot, thus benefiting the vast majority of runner types. Moreover, the SPEEDROLL-inspired construction of the midsole provides support for pronation, as well as a faster push off.

Comfortable but firm midsole

The properties of the midsole provide both dynamic shock absorption, as well as a responsive push off that is well suited for my running pace and speed. If you are into this type of running comfort, the shoe can easily be used for the longer distance runs, seeing as the PWRRUN material provides the appropriate support your feet and joints need. For the longer runs, however, I prefer wearing the Saucony Hurricane, which, due to the PWRRUN + foam in the midsole, provides softer and in my eyes more comfortable shock absorption.

Nevertheless, in my opinion, the Saucony Guide 15 has a pretty firm midsole. I'm not entirely sure whether this is due to the actual construction or the extra millimeter of foam that has been added, but when I run, it seems quite stiff. This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage, as I actually feel that I can achieve a slightly quicker pace, yet at the same time it takes away from the comfort.

Fit of the Shoe

The unique FORMFIT construction creates an excellent fit around the entire foot. My foot feels safe and stable, when I run. The upper and midsole, with its raised edge at the arch, meet each other and "hug" my foot to provide a really comfortable fit.

With Saucony's new insole in PWRRUN+, you get a more energetic and slightly gentler shock absorption. This also contributes to a better fit.

The shoe provides good support around the heel and heel pad, but is more open around the midfoot and forefoot, so there is more room for movement of the forefoot and toes when you're running.

The upper is made of a malleable, seamless and breathable mesh built from recycled material combined with a stabilizing 3D-printed structure around the midfoot. This special design helps to ensure added stability and support.

Outsole for sure footing

The outsole is made of XT-900 rubber, which is a durable material. Due to the "wavy" or "serrated" design of the outsole, it can achieve a very good grip on surfaces. This gives a reassuring feeling of standing sure and steady on the ground, and that all your energy is being used to propel you forward.

Saucony Guide 14 vs. Saucony Guide 15

Guide 15 has undergone major improvements, such as lower weight, greater comfort, improved fit and as much as 18% more shock absorption. The new and high midsole wraps itself around the foot to provide stability in a much better way than before.

In addition, Saucony has placed a greater focus on the new insole compared with previous models. The new insole in the Saucony Guide 15 is made of the highly comfortable PWRRUN + material, and features upgraded shock absorption closer to the foot. In my opinion, this has been a very welcome move on their behalf, as experience has taught me that many shoe manufacturers don't pay enough attention to the design of the insoles. After all, this is the component which your feet are most in contact with.

Saucony Guide 15 vs. other running shoes

If you are not quite familiar with the Saucony Guide 15, then let me briefly tell you about which shoes it falls into the same category as. If you've heard of Mizuno Wave Inspire, Nike Air Zoom Structure, or Asics GT-2000, then all these shoes are very similar to the Saucony Guide 15. They are all stability shoes that are extremely versatile and are ideal for long running sessions, as well as sessions where there is a need for speed.

In terms of how well the Saucony Guide 15 fits the foot and what sort of running experience it provides, I would say that it is probably most similar to the Mizuno Wave Inspire and Asics GT-2000. Both these models are slightly firmer in their construction, and thus feel slightly more responsive.

What should Saucony Guide 15 be used for?

The Saucony Guide 15 is at the slightly lighter end of the scale for high-mileage training shoes. It should be worn for your daily training, where you both go for longer running sessions, as well as shorter and slightly higher paced sessions.

If you are looking for a shoe with a softer and more forgiving midsole, this is not the shoe you should choose. If this is the case, you might want to check out the Saucony Hurricane.

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