Saucony Guide 16 running shoe with blue and white laces, showcasing its upper design and lacing system
The Good
Saucony’s Guide 16 brings notable upgrades, primarily in the upper construction. The latest iteration features a more robust material in the forefoot and along the shoe’s sides. This enhancement is designed to offer improved protection against external elements and ensure greater durability. Additionally, subtle refinements to the heel counter padding contribute to a more secure and comfortable foot lockdown. Remarkably, despite these enhancements to create a more substantial upper, the shoe has managed to shed a few grams in weight – a testament to Saucony’s engineering prowess.
The midsole of the Guide 16 remains unchanged, and for good reason. Saucony’s strategic decision to maintain the midsole is a smart move, especially considering the effectiveness and popularity of their SpeedRoll technology. This technology has become a hallmark of Saucony, particularly praised for its smooth transitions, a feature not commonly associated with stability running shoes. While other brands are incorporating rocker designs into their stability offerings, Saucony’s implementation in the Guide 16 continues to stand out.
The combination of 1-2 Hollow-Tech and PWRRUN within the midsole delivers a balanced ride. It provides a welcome alternative to heavily cushioned, maximal stability shoes, such as the Asics Gel-Kayano and Hoka Arahi. The firmer underfoot feel of the Guide 16 allows for an efficient push-off, facilitating quicker paces without requiring excessive effort. This responsiveness is a key attribute for runners looking for a stability shoe that doesn’t compromise on speed or agility.
The outsole of the Saucony Guide 16 is carried over from the previous version, maintaining a design that prioritizes weight reduction and provides reliable traction across various surfaces. While not a significant update, the outsole continues to perform adequately in diverse running conditions, although it may have limitations on more challenging terrains.
For runners with wider feet, the Saucony Guide 16 also caters to broader foot shapes. This moderate stability shoe is designed for consistent daily mileage and incorporates a PWRRUN midsole paired with a Hollow-Tech plastic plate. This combination effectively delivers stability without resorting to a traditional medial post. The experience underfoot is characterized by a stable yet firm feel. The forefoot offers a degree of flexibility, while the midfoot and heel sections are engineered to be more rigid, enhancing support and motion control. The Hollow-Tech technology plays a crucial role in preventing excessive pronation, particularly as fatigue sets in during longer runs.
The engineered mesh upper of the Guide 16 is designed for comfort, complemented by light padding in the tongue and heel collar. These elements work together to provide a comfortable and secure wrap for the foot. While the midfoot area may feel slightly snug for some, this is attributed to the foot sitting lower within the shoe and the supportive embrace of the higher midsole sidewalls. The weight of a US men’s size 10.5 2E comes in at a lightweight 9.9 oz (280 g), further highlighting the shoe’s efficient design.
