Saucony Guide 15 Review: Completely Revamped Stability
By Chief Editor Matt Klein, Senior Contributor David Salas, and Contributor Ryan Flugaur
Whenever we hear a shoe is going to be overhauled, there is a combination of excitement and apprehension. Often times many shoe lines will remain similar for years and definitely need the overhaul. Other times a series works well for people and it is worrisome whether drastic changes will be too much. The Saucony Guide 15 is an excellent example of a complete overhaul that pushes a design-forward in every way. Using new-age concepts of guidance, increasing stack height, losing weight and smoothing out the ride are all huge changes that come with the new Saucony Guide 15. This is a shoe we have been watching for some time and are excited to finally talk about.
Price: $140 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 9.5 oz, 271 g (men's size 9), 8.2 oz, 233g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 35 mm / 27 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Classification: Moderate Stability Daily Trainer
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
Matt: The Saucony Guide 15 returns as a completely redone and new age stability shoe. A new HOLLOW-TECH system, heel and forefoot sidewalls, and a deep guideline provide unrestricted guidance throughout the length of the shoe. An improved rockered sole combined with increased stack height provides a smoother and more cushioned ride. A solid weight drop and a slightly snug and secure upper make for a faster feel and the ability to pick up the pace. The Saucony Guide 15 retains its roots as a solid stability shoe but has now evolved into a refined, lighter, and smoother moderate stability daily trainer.
David: The Saucony Guide 15 is a daily training stability shoe that for a long time has resembled the "traditional" build. The shoe has used a relatively firm EVA midsole alongside a plastic medial post-like cage through the late rearfoot and midfoot. The Guide 15 encompasses some of the traditional elements but makes the shoe a little more rounded to newer standards. The Guide 15 contains a slightly more rockered geometry, reduced weight, and a new hollowed out posting through the heel and midfoot. The result is a slightly more cushioned feeling under foot (though still on the firmer end) as well as a more fluid transitioning shoe through toe off without sacrificing the traditional feel of a post.
Ryan: The Saucony Guide 15 is a moderate stability daily training shoe with some big changes over the 14. The new Hollow-Tech medial post does an excellent job guiding the foot forward while not feeling too obstrusive. The Guide 15 also shaves off some weight coming in at a respectable 9.5 oz. This makes it feel lighter during tempo and faster paced runs. The new PWRRUN midsole is on the firmer side but doesn’t feel too firm underfoot allowing for a cushioned landing. These features make the Guide 15 a good pick for the runner looking for a daily training shoe that can handle a variety of paces and also offers stability through the midfoot and heel.
FIT
Matt: The Saucony Guide 15 fits me true to size in my normal US men's size 10. The upper is slightly snug and will likely work for those with normal to narrow width feet. There is a solid heel counter in the rearfoot with thin heel collar cushioning. The heel counter did not bother me, as it has both an internal component with an external reinforcement. Those that are sensitive to heel counters should still approach with caution, but I found this double layer to provide solid heel security. I did not have to lace lock the shoe at all and found the laces plenty secure even with uptempo work. The mesh is lighter with solid breathability. There is an internal booty construction that connects to the tongue (which is gusseted and secure). The inner mesh is incredibly comfortable and also works well for sockless wear. The forefoot is slightly snug. There are additional overlays on the medial and lateral aspects of the front that provide additional security. I had no issues with rubbing there thanks to the additional protection and layer from the internal booty. The overall fit does stretch a little, but again will work best for those with normal to narrow feet. However, the internal mesh is extremely comfortable and has the versatility for sockless wear also thanks to solid breathability.
David: The fit of the Saucony Guide 15 definitely felt like it moved in the right direction. The fit is true to size in my normal men's 9.5 and the dimensions are pretty sound throughout. The shoe is normal width through the heel and midfoot with a slightly wide to wide toe box and forefoot. The shoe does have a heel counter present that is lightly padded and helps keep the shape of the shoe and security. The counter wraps around the heel and to the distal rearfoot/proximal midfoot both medially and laterally. The lacing system is done really well in the 15, containing a portion near the 3rd from the top eyelet where a light strap of fabric is held down lower than the eyelet line both medially and laterally that help the laces lock down the material over the dorsum of the foot even better. Because of this I did not need to lace lock the shoe and the hold on my foot was good throughout. The mesh itself is pretty comfortable as well and does contain minor overlays throughout that do seem to help with reinforcement and some security. The shoe is normal length to slightly long, but overall the upper was really well done.
Ryan: The Saucony Guide 15 fits me true to size in both length and width in my mens size 9. The upper is constructed of a nylon mesh without much elasticity or flex. This provides a nice lockdown for the foot with adequate room in the toe box. A toe guard wraps around both the medial and lateral sides of the shoe helping to add structure and protection. An internal heel counter is formed using solid plastic that improves stability in the heel. It is reinforced with a thin layer of rubber on the outside of the shoe. I experienced no issues with heel slippage but did use all the available eyelets to ensure a secure fit. The Guide has a strap on each side of the shoe that is constructed using a thick nylon material. The shoe lace runs through the strap and can be adjusted to form a more individualized lockdown which I found to be a nice addition. The tongue is gusseted, forming an extra liner in the shoe that keeps the tongue secure over the dorsum (upper part while standing) of the foot. I never felt the need to adjust the tongue during any of my runs as it stayed in place nicely. Overall, the fit is secure without any size issues and continued to feel more comfortable as I added on the miles.
Editor's Note: Looking for the neutral version of the Guide? Read the Saucony Ride 15 review here.
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Saucony Guide 15 is a lighter weight daily training shoe that now features increased stack height, a more significant rocker and softer underfoot PWRRUN cushioning than previous. The midsole foam is still on the firmer end, but has much more give than the previous. The slightly firmer nature adds to the responsiveness of the shoe and improves the ability to pick up the pace. There is still an 8mm drop like previous versions, but the rocker seems to hide this. The geometry is quite different as there is a full rocker with a far more significant heel bevel than the previous. This creates a smooth heel transition upon rearfoot landings. The bevel is slightly lateral, which guides the foot in well. The forefoot is a little stiffer but thankfully features a longer toe spring. This makes transitions off the front of the shoe relatively smooth, but even better at uptempo paces. The rocker is important given the increased stack height underfoot. The additional foam adds to the cushioning changes mentioned previously, but the Guide 15 still managed to drop to 9.5 oz. Despite the increased stack height, the Guide 15 still feels lighter weight and on the nimble side for trainers. While excelling with daily mileage and being a slightly lighter training option for long runs, the Guide 15 can easily pick up the pace. I have done hill repeats, uptempo segments and fartleks without any issues. The rocker and slightly firmer midsole make for snappy transitions. Although not the fastest shoe or something I would choose to race in, this would be an excellent option for the runner looking for a shoe that can handle multiple things (ie high school runner). The durability has been excellent on this shoe. I am not seeing any fraying of the upper and the outsole only has minor abrasion in my normal spot (posterior lateral left heel) after 35 miles. I would expect this shoe to last for an above-average number of miles (your mileage may vary based on your unique mechanics).
David: The Guide 15 really surprised me with performance. The ride of the shoe was much more alive than that of the 14. The PWRRUN midsole does still lean on the firmer end but secondary components make this shoe feel much more responsive. The first is the geometry. The heel is rounded out a little more in the 15 compared to the 14. The shoe utilizes a deep groove that extends from the medial/midline of the rearfoot through the midfoot and down the lateral aspect of the forefoot. It almost seems like the shoe wants you to follow that pathway when loading onto the post and then resupinating at toe off. The forefoot is relatively filled in with outsole but does have some exposed regions of EVA that almost resemble 3 pillars. These components do seem to soften the shoe up some, but the ride does still lean on the firmer end. Don't get me wrong, there is certainly enough cushioning for daily training and I actually like the firmer composition with this model specifically. The next big thing is the weight reduction. With the slightly more rockered design and weight reduction the shoe feels much more flowy on foot when running. The "post" is also integrated much better than the 14. The post is hollowed out with a plastic oval essentially that runs from the late rearfoot through the midfoot medially. The hollowed out nature does make it seem much less jarring on foot while still maintaining the shoes integrity and geometry when loading it. Even though there is a slight toe spring integrated with the shoe, there is still a decent amount of time on the forefoot when loading the shoe compared to the other transitions. With that in consideration, I do think the shoe could benefit from having a small amount of flexibility up front, potentially adding some light flex grooves into the forefoot. Otherwise, they knocked it out of the park with the Guide 15. A lightweight firm riding daily stability shoe with quick transitions throughout.
Ryan: I was surprised just how good the Guide 15 felt on foot, especially at faster paces. The Guide 15 offers a smooth transition from initial contact to toe off thanks to its nicely done heel bevel and toe spring. The PWRRUN foam is on the fimer side but still feels soft underfoot, especially compared to last year's guide 14. The toe spring is nicely incorporated and thanks to the flexibility of the forefoot it creates a smooth toe off. The higher stack of 35 mm places the Guide 15 in the max cushion category similar to the New balance Vongo V5, with a stack height of 34 mm. In comparison, the Asics Kayano 28 has only 23 mm in the heel. Higher stacked shoes have the potential to be more unstable, but the geometry of the Guide 15 helps to counteract this. I will discuss this further in the stability section.
Coming in at only 9.5 oz (in mens size 9) the Guide 15 feels light on foot. The shoe is lighter than most stability trainers today and worked reasonably well for faster paced run. I experienced no issues running at workout paces. Daily mileage paces felt good and during longer runs (greater than five miles) the guide 15 disappeared on foot thanks to being lighter weight, and its comfortable upper. The outsole is durable and provides good grip over a variety of surfaces. I was able to run in snow, rain, and gravel without issues of slipping. The rubber over the posterior lateral aspect of the shoe is more rugged which allows it to handle more abrasive conditions as that is a common landing position for many runners. I have around 65 miles on my pair and they continue to display very little wear. I anticipate them to last 200-300 miles for the majority of runners.
STABILITY
Matt: The Saucony Guide 15 is a moderate stability shoe with an incredible number of well-integrated methods of guidance. The Guide series no longer uses a post, instead possessing a medial plastic cage that seems to compress well but still provides guidance in the medial heel and midfoot. Those who liked the design in the Mirage series will find this one to be far more refined and integrated. This was noticeable to me at first, but in a supportive and non-obtrusive way (those who do not like stability methods though may not do well with this). The are solid sidewalls in a large number of areas. Both the lateral and medial sides of the heel possess solid but balanced sidewalls that provide gentle guidance. These also exist in the forefoot, which was interesting and provides guidance upfront along with Saucony's traditional forefoot flare. There is a large guideline seen on the outsole that seems to add to the excellent transition forward. The Guide finally has a more significant beveled heel, which compresses nicely and transitions the runner forward well. The larger stack height requires more of a rocker, which the Guide 15 integrates well with both the bevel and solid toe spring. This does make the ride a bit stiffer initially, but this breaks in with more miles during the run and on the shoe. These methods all provide a moderate level of guidance throughout the length of the shoe. None of them are overbearing (although some may notice the cage), but they all work well together to provide solid stability/guidance.
David: I alluded to a lot of this above but the Guide 15 does a few things with integrating stability. The first is the integration of the hollowed post (functioning as a post but not the traditional dual density method) in the medial aspect of the rearfoot and midfoot. The post provides some rigidity through that region and seems to keep the shape of the shoe not allowing for excessive collapse from the foot onto the platform. The part that I like most though is that the hollowed nature of the post seems to soften that region ever so slightly and make the post non jarring. I did have some discomfort from the 14 because of how thick that post was. The second is a relatively wide base in the heel and forefoot, creating good cross-sectional area to land on. The midline groove also helps keep motion feel like it wants to move forward in a linear fashion as well. The upper locks down very well throughout and security has no issues there. The upper material also has some extra mesh laid down medially which really does seem to keep the material nice and secure and also acts as a sidewall for the foot to use in linear motion. The forefoot also uses the midsole to create some sidewall and sole flaring, which gives a really stable feel under foot. Overall, the construction of the shoe is very stable on foot and helps give the shoe rigidity and area in the right kinds of ways.
Ryan: The Guide 15 is completely revamped to now include the Hollow-Tech medial post. This medial post is constructed using an “exo-skeleton” plastic component that helps guide the foot forward. As the post is hollow, it allows some of the midsole foam to be incorporated into the post. This may help to blend the post into the shoe making it less obstructive while running. The heel counter is made of rigid plastic and wraps over both the medial and lateral aspects of the shoe. This helps secure the posterior (rear) aspect of the foot, keeping it pointed forward. Staying at the posterior aspect of the shoe, the sole is slightly flared creating a broader platform preventing the Guide 15 from collapsing both medial and lateral. The Guide 15 does a great job incorporating stability by using geometric features as well as more traditional components such as a medial post. These components work well together by providing a smooth, lightweight ride without feeling too obstructive.
Over the past few years it has been exciting to watch stability shoes get features typically only seen in neutral daily trainers such as weight reduction, well-done rocker soles, and non-obstructive posts. All of which the Saucony Guide 15 does very well.
THOUGHTS AS A DPT / FOOTWEAR SCIENCE
We have given a great deal of attention to sidewalls in shoes recently as an alternative way to provide guidance. Sidewalls are elevations of the midsole up around the foot. They often provide guidance through resistance to the foot rolling or moving in that direction. These are often great at providing central guidance versus support as they are usually positioned on both sides of the foot. Sidewalls are mostly found in the heel and the midfoot. However ,in the Saucony Guide 15 there are some sidewalls in the forefoot. They are not nearly as large as the ones in the heel, but are noticeable enough especially when I fatigue later on runs. These are a great addition for someone who needs guidance upfront. The only caution is that if you get excessive forefoot movement, you may be at risk for blisters. This is a general risk for sidewalls, most commonly seen with the Hoka arch blister from the prominent sidewalls they use (which is also why most of their shoes are inherently stable). Saucony typically does guidance in the forefoot through medial and lateral sole flare, which is also present in this shoe and makes for a centered forefoot transition.
Like any part of the foot, there are a variety of ways that people can transition through the forefoot. Optimally people should transition off the big toe (Hallux) as that is the largest joint (and therefore can handle the most forces). The extension of the first toe in particularly engages a large number of both active and passive structures that usually help lift the arch and stiffen up the foot in preparation for the forces generated during the toe-off phase of running gait. Of course, not everyone has a healthy first toe joint or enough mobility, so others may go off the lateral side of the forefoot. This can be a bit problematic as the bones on the lateral side of the forefoot are significantly smaller and thus may not be as optimal a place to load due to a risk for bone stress injuries. Obviously, this are less options available if someone has an arthritic big toe, gout or issues preventing them from transitioning normally over the medial side.
Saucony deals with all these issues well with forefoot stability and toe spring that keeps the toes relatively neutral. The increase in stack height makes for a maximalist ride. The thicker midsole means more toe spring is needed given the loss of the natural forefoot rocker. So in this case, having a centered forefoot ride may work well for a variety of people that want a more centered transition through the forefoot but still want a smooth transition from a well-placed and designed toe spring. When dealing with the changes and variations that happen to the human body, sometimes "optimal" movement can look very different from person to person. That is why using the term "natural" movement can be difficult, especially when someone has limitations in certain areas. Our jobs as physical therapists are sometimes to help people get around things so they can keep moving and these design elements may be beneficial for those looking to keep moving when faced with some of the above issues.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: The Saucony Guide 15 is by far the best version of the Guide series so far. The lighter weight, higher stack height, increased responsiveness and refined upper make for a solid shoe in every aspect. I really like this shoe and how well many forms of guidance were integrated here. My only recommendation is to consider focusing a bit more of an external heel counter vs an internal counter. I was impressed by external counter used in the Saucony Endorphin Shift and would love see some of that integrated here to keep the solid heel security but reduce press on the calcaneus. A split heel counter may also be an option here.
David: The Saucony Guide 15 was my favorite Saucony Guide to date. With that said the new geometry could be altered ever so slightly. I really like that the transitions were a little quicker throughout the shoe, but I think the design of the shoe could benefit from just a tad more flexibility through the forefoot. This could be accomplished by integrating some small flex grooves throughout the forefoot. That would increase the flexibility a tad when loaded without changing the ultimate construction or ride of the shoe drastically.
Ryan: The Guide 15 brings some much welcomed changes to the guide series. Despite this, there may be a few changes I would recommend. I would love to see the midsole softened slightly and have a bit more flexibility in the forefoot. There recommendations are minor however as the Guide 15 already quite well.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR
Matt: The Saucony Guide 15 is for those with normal to narrow width feet who want a more maximal but lighter shoe with guidance. Several methods of stability are used here without being aggressive, including a plastic cage in the arch, sidewalls, an outsole guideline, well-placed flare, a solid rocker and forefoot sidewalls. The upper is secure but comfortable against the foot. The midsole feels more protective with more give underfoot, but thanks to the lighter weight still feels good enough to pick up the pace and go for easy runs. Those wanting solid and well-integrated guidance in a shoe that excels as a daily trainer but can handle a variety of things, the Saucony Guide 15 returns as a fantastic new moderate stability/guidance trainer.
David: The Saucony Guide 15 is a daily training stability shoe for those that like a lightweight and firm ride, but do have some stability needs. The shoe has a gently rockered sole throughout that feels lively in combination with the firmer midsole and hollowed posting. The stability throughout this shoe is integrated very well. The overall geometry is pretty rigid throughout and if one likes having that underfoot they will do very well. For those that need a little more flexibility they may want to look into some similar constructions but with a tad bit more flexibility up front.
Ryan: The Guide 15 is for the individual looking for a moderately stable daily trainer with a slightly firmer ride. The stability components are integrated nicely and the rocker sole helps create a smooth ride. The upper fits normal to slightly wider feet while the laces and heel counter provide a secure lockdown. The lighter weight allows the shoe to be used during faster paced runs yet remains comfortable during a slower paced recovery run. If you are looking for one shoe that perform well at a variety of paces and have some moderate stability needs, the Saucony Guide 15 is a great option.
GRADING
Matt
Fit: A- (Comfortable upper with internal booty that works well with and withou socks for those with normal to narrow feet)
Performance: A- (More maximal stack height without feeling bulky. Solid cushioning that isn't mushy. Lighter, so handles mileage well but can also pick up the pace for moderate workouts. Still slightly )
Stability: A (Excellent guidance found in several methods throughout the length of the shoe.)
DPT/Footwear Science: A (Rationale for grade)
Personal: A- (My go-to trainer right now. Dependable ride that can handle long runs, easy runs and some workouts. Still slightly firmer so the shoes takes a mile to break in, but that continues to improve as I get more miles on them. )
Overall: A/A- (A fantastic update for those with normal to narrow feet who want a solid lighter moderate stability/guidance trainer)
David
Fit: A- (A tad long but otherwise the lacing system, materials, and security throughout the upper was done very well)
Performance: B+ (Definitely firm but lively ride with a gently rockered sole throughout, could benefit from a tad bit more flexibility up front)
Stability: A (Great stability throughout with solid upper lockdown, integrated posting and rigidity, as well as a gently rockered design with some groove guidance)
DPT/Footwear Science: A- (I am really happy to see Saucony integrating so many different components throughout this shoe. The posting integration and slight rocker geometry did great for influencing the ride in a positive way. The forefoot felt like it needed to make a decision though, stay firm with a little more toe spring or remain the same with slightly more flexibility)
Personal: B+ (The shoe does still lean a little firmer than I normally run in, however the ride is very smooth throughout and I am happy with the stability components and integration throughout)
Overall: A- (A really well done stability training shoe. Firm riding but still protective with a really well integrated post and gently rockered geometry. The shoe feels lively and new with some rocker elements but still traditional and grounded.)
Ryan
Fit: A- (Fits true to size. Shoe disappeared on foot as it become very comfortable when running longer distance greater than 5 miles)
Performance: A- (Impressed with the light weight that allows the guide to be used during a variety of paces. Midsole is on the firmer side but still feels soft underfoot)
Stability: A (The upgraded hollow-tech post is a nice addition to the guide. Stability features are nicely integrated and provide a smooth ride for those individuals with moderate stability needs.)
DPT/Footwear Science: A- (Excited to see stability shoes get features typically only seen in daily trainers such as weight reduction, rocker soles, and non obstructive posts)
Personal: A- (I feel the midsole could be a touch softer. Otherwise, the Guide 15 has become my go to daily trainer especially since I am able to use it during some of my workout paced runs.)
Overall: A- (Good moderate stability trainer. The lighter weight allows the Guide 15 to be used during a variety of paces and the nicely done heel bevel and toe spring make for a smooth transition)
SHOP | SUPPORT DOR
Saucony Guide 15
Price: $140 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
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FURTHER READING
Saucony Ride 15 - Find the neutral counterpart to the Guide here
Mailbag: Super Shoes for Woman, Morton's Neuroma and more | Podcast #80
Saucony Axon 2 - A highly valued rockered ride at $100
Saucony Freedom 5 - A super foam in a minimally stacked, cross-training package
Hoka Arahi 6 - A refined upper headlines Hoka's stability shoe update
Asics Gel Kinsei Blast - A jam-packedd, max cushion shoe from Asics
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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Matthew Klein, PT DPT PhD(c) OCS FAAOMPT
Dr. David Salas is a 135 lb male with notable PRs ranging from 3:54 in the 1500m to 1:08:36 for half marathon. He typically runs 60 to 70 miles per week and trains from about 7:30 recovery runs to fast shorter efforts at 4:30 pace. He normally prefers neutral shoes with a firmer ride, but is completely open to other types of shoes. He is a footwear enthusiast at heart and will always appreciate a high quality shoe when it comes around. For updates on training or testing,
Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I am currently taking clients for running evaluations.
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