Saucony Guide 19 Review
By Bach Pham and Matthew Klein
Saucony Guide 19Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 9.7 oz, 275 g (men's size 9), 8.9 oz, 252 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 35 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot
Drop: 6 mm
Shoe Purpose: Stability Daily Trainer
Pros: Midsole slightly more versatile and responsive, well-priced
Cons: Best for fairly mild stability needs
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Saucony Guide 19 is the brand's signature stability daily training model. The shoe retains the "Center Path" technology which focuses on combining higher sidewalls, shoe width, and firmness to create the shoe's guidance-based stability. The Guide features an updated PWRRUN (EVA) midsole using a compressed mold which does change the feel of the shoe on the run from past versions. A slightly greater amount of forefoot flexibility and new engineered mesh upper round out the changes to the latest long-running stability shoe in the Saucony line-up.
SIMILAR SHOES: Hoka Arahi 8, On Cloudrunner 2
PAST MODEL: Saucony Guide 18
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Saucony Guide 19 fits me true to size in my normal men's US size 10. Initially I thought the toe box was more tapered, but the adaptable mesh upper lives up to its name and quickly adapted to my feet. The upper is fairly simple with a normal width and a normal to slightly higher volume due to the stretchy mesh. The toe box is still slightly tapered but opens up into a stretchy, slightly wider forefoot (especially with time). The midfoot fits fairly normal with a moderately thick and well-gusseted tongue. The gusset, tongue, and overlays lock down the foot well. I had no issues with security and did not have to tie the slightly thicker laces down any tighter than normal. This continues into a normal to slightly snug heel. There is a mildly flexible heel counter with moderate to high padding at the heel collar. There was enough padding that it did not bother my heel, although those with extreme sensitivities (irritable haglund deformity or insertional Achilles tendinopathy) may still find it bothersome. The inner liner of the upper is quite comfortable except the thicker toe guard. Most people should wear socks with this shoe for that reason.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Brooks Launch 11, Diadora Mythos Vigore 3
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra
Bach: The Saucony Guide 19 provided a fairly no-frills fit for me. I didn't have to do anything special with the heel to lock things down and had just enough volume in the forefoot. The midfoot was just a touch wide for me and I could feel my foot occasionally just slightly slipping left to right on the run, but nothing that bothered me greatly. I would like the midfoot to lockdown just a little more in the future. The heel counter is fairly rigid like most typical stability shoes. The laces were simple and reliable, providing no bite on the tongue. Overall, the upper does just enough without being memorable in any good or bad way.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit Bach well: Nike Pegasus 40, Saucony Guide 17, Mizuno Wave Inspire 19, Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, Nike Structure 25
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Asics Kayano 30, Puma Electrify Nitro, Brooks Hyperion, Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
Shoes that have fit large: Hoka Gaviota 5, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Moderately
How Flexible is the Shoe: Lightly
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Is This Shoe Orthotic Friendly: No
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: High
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Saucony Guide 19 is a daily running/walking shoe with a softer midsole. The new PWRRUN midsole (now compression molded EVA) provides a softer ride underfoot from heel to toe. However, the midsole is not responsive, making it a better option for slower miles, recovery runs and walking. I have actually prefer this shoe for walking, particularly with the adaptable upper, as the rockered and mildly stable midsole are great for all-day wear. There is a decent bevel that, despite still being angled slightly medial, transitions smoothly thanks to how well the midsole compresses on the lateral side. This creates smooth heel transitions. The forefoot is equally smooth thanks to an early forefoot rocker and moderately flexible front. Those with toe mobility problems will not find enough stiffness here, while those wanting a smooth, soft ride with some flexibility will do fine.
Durability-wise, this shoe has been great. The outsole is holding on well, and there is almost zero wear after 30 miles of road use. The new outsole also gives decent traction on dry and wet ground. I would be less inclined to use this on trail, but the grooves in the outsole also hold on decently well on dirt and reminds me of some of the older Kinvara models that also did decent on smooth trail. The amount of exposed midsole will not do well with hard rocks but I was able to transition between smooth dirt and road without issue. However, most will find this shoe best for road.
Bach: The Saucony Guide 19 is by far the most versatile version of the series I have run in. The new compression molded PWRRUN provides a slightly firmer feel than the 17 and 18, in part for me due to the greater midfoot outsole coverage which firms that region up a touch. This in turn gives the shoe much more even responsiveness and less muddiness than prior in my experience of all three version of the Guide. (Note: I land midfoot forward.)
The updated PWRRUN midsole is plentiful and provides more than enough cushion for daily miles and middle distance runs. I would likely prefer extra cushioning from something like the Hurricane for anything over an hour and half, but the Guide 19 is plenty capable of long runs still. Back to fit, I do have a touch of extra midfoot width that doesn't totally lockdown, which does bring some irritation to my flat feet over the later portions of a long run. I think that is the one thing that would deter me from taking the shoe over a very long run.
The shoe being less plodding than past editions also allows room for light workouts and strides. While not a replacement to something like the Tempus for those activities, runners who do want versatility out of one shoe will get a little more of that this go-around with the Guide. Additionally, the midsole has been very consistent from first run to my last testing run. In the past there was mild break-in, but I felt every run has been like the last which is something I love seeing.
The outsole is plentiful and durable. I have not made a dent in mine after 30 miles. The outsole did fine on wet roads and just okay on other terrain like grass. This is also a very comfortable walking shoe. I took the Guide on an hour-long walk and all-day errands comfortably.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Guide 19 is a mild stability/guidance daily training shoe. It does not have traditional stability methods, instead relying on large sidewalls, a wide base, a decent rocker and "center-path" technology (asymmetrical components in the sole). While the medial arch is noticeable while walking, most of the elements combine together to keep the foot centered rather than pushed. The medial sidewall is most noticeable as it is integrated with the higher medial arch and runs from the heel to the forefoot. This contrasts to the lateral sidewall that extends from the heel to the midfoot. The small outsole extension on the medial side may also provide a tiny bit of stiffness on the medial forefoot, but I have not felt this. The softer midsole offsets many of these components as it compresses more during running. I have found it to be a more stable shoe during walking, whereas during running it feels slightly guided and almost like a stable neutral shoe.
Bach: The Saucony Guide 19 continues to provide a modern combination of stability elements to create a guidance-based stability. Tall sidewalls, a wide base, a firmer sole and a light rocker help provide a a reliable forward motion. There is some extra firmness in the medial rim of shoe, partly thanks to a thick layer out of outsole, that helps add extra support without being as forward as a medial post. The design suited my flat feet well on the run and provided plenty of stability underfoot for several hour long runs I had in the shoe.
Comparison with the Guide 17, 18 with the Guide 19
By Bach Pham
The biggest difference runners will find with the Guide 19 is the midsole. I always found the 17 and 18 to be plodding when it came to things like hills or just faster efforts in general. The new compression molded EVA found in this version of the Guide really helps add that bite and versatility that its sibling the Ride has for both daily miles and workouts. If you run in really flat terrain, I don't think you need to necessarily worry about getting the latest and greatest as it does find just rolling along. You might be okay with just pounding miles with the Guide 17/18 and getting a Tempus 2 (RIP) or something stable and fast for your workouts. If you want a bit more of a do-it-all in one shoe though or have those hills in your daily run where you want a bit more pep to get through, the Guide 19 is worth the consideration.
Stability-wise, there are few changes and I think you'll get that same support through any version here. If you want even softer miles and something for those really long runs, look instead to the Hurricane 25. Those who want even more medial support should check out the Omni, which features medial support similar to the Guide 15 and 16.
Matt's look at the various Guides is quite different from me! Check out our YouTube for his thoughts on the two versions (releasing on 1/8 on YouTube).
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: I have mixed feelings about the Guide 19. I do agree with Bach that the new PWRRUN blends makes the shoe far more comfortable. However, the Guide series is steadily getting heavier and less responsive. I understand if Saucony wants this to be a walk/run shoe, which it is. It just sits in a different place from the Ride/Triumph/Hurricane, but maybe that is the point. The upper is comfortable, I just expected more of an evolution rather than subtle tweaks over versions 17-19. Right now, it feels more like a walking shoe than the excellent faster/lighter running shoe that version 16 was. That place has clearly been taken by the Azura, which I feel is more medially stable and faster than the Guide 19 is. I think the Guide series just needs some clarification on what it is. It has been a top walking shoe for many of my patients, so maybe this is me processing what it is.
Bach: I am a big fan of the change to the Guide 19. They were able to do a nice refresh of the PWRRUN which keeps the shoe at a good price point for the category. I think my only change would be to have slightly more midfoot lockdown to really dial in the shoe. I have a touch of midfoot drift in the shoe and I think being able to really dial in the shoe a touch more would make it outstanding. I would also think that a natural progression if we continue on the PWRRUN train would be to make it nitrogen injected to get it lighter and lighter, which is always the goal when it comes to daily trainers.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Saucony Guide 19 continues its trajectory as a mild guidance/stability, rockered shoe for easy runs and walking. The upper will work best for those who want an adaptable fit that isn't too wide but stretches to accommodate normal to slightly wider feet. The sole will work for those who want a soft, rockered, centered ride with moderate forefoot flexibility for easy miles and walking. This is not a fancy shoe but a simple one that will work great for newer runners or those who don't want crazy midsoles. The improved outsole durability is a welcome change. However, the continued lack of responsiveness makes this drastically different than versions before 17. I (again) want to note that the Azura may be the faster, guidance shoe that some may be looking for. Whether that was intentional or not, we'll have to find out.
Bach: The Saucony Guide 19 remains a steady, reliable daily trainer for those with mild stability needs. The updated midsole, for me, adds just enough liveliness to enhance the shoe's experience on the run. Fans of the 17 and 18 will continue to enjoy the series with this release. Like the Ride, the Guide 19 is a solid workhorse shoe that will get a lot of things done for runners. This may not be the most techy, liveliest stability trainer in the market, but if you don't care about technology or paying for the most premium shoe and just want something that will get you from point A to point B while providing mild stability, this will get the job done.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: A- (Comfortable, adaptable fit. Slight taper from toe guard but otherwise fit adapts to feet)
Performance: B (Smooth, softer ride that is better at relaxed running and walking paces)
Stability: B+ [Mild Guidance] (Sidewalls, geometry that makes for subtle guidance that borders on stable neutral))
Value: A- (Price reduction is good and with the durability makes this a solid value especially among those using this for both walking and running)
Personal: B- (A great walking shoe but not responsive and slightly boring running shoe. Gets the job done and may be better for newer runners or those who don't want an exciting ride)
Overall Design: B+
Bach
Fit: A- (Good fit all-around, no heel issues or volume issues. A touch wide in the midfoot for me)
Performance: B+ (A very solid shoe that can do a little of everything. Not super exciting, but very reliable)
Stability: B+ (Very subtle, but efficient stability that gets the job done for daily miles)
Value: A (Well ahead of its peers in price point)
Personal: A- (Maybe the most reliable choice to recommend runners who have mild stability needs. I really enjoyed ticking off hour long runs in this and would have no problem doing it for hundreds of miles. Great update from the 18)
Overall Design: A-
SHOP | SUPPORT DORSaucony Guide 19Price: $140 at Running Warehouse
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FURTHER READING
ASICS for those with max stability needs.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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