Saucony Guide 18 Review
The Saucony Guide 18 is a road running shoe designed for daily training, offering pronation support for runners who over-pronate and need a supportive shoe. When the runner’s foot strikes the ground, the arch compresses to absorb shock and stabilize the runner. The arch should then reshape, propelling the runner into the next step and allowing them to push off from the end of their big toe. In some cases, the arch doesn’t reshape quickly enough, causing the foot to roll inwards. This inward roll affects the leg and knee, leading to the runner pushing off from the inside of their big toe. Instead of the whole leg, knee, and hip absorbing the stress, a small section of the shin, just under the kneecap, and the outside of the thigh bear much of the force. Since running is a repetitive motion, this can result in aches and pains in the ankles, shins, patellar tendon (just below the knee cap), and the outer thigh. Blisters on the inside of the foot are also common.
Shoes like the Saucony Guide 18 are designed to guide the foot into a proper toe-off from the end of the big toe. In the case of the Guide 18, this is achieved by the foot sitting within the midsole, with the high side providing support and ensuring the foot follows a natural path from impact to toe-off. The heel-to-forefoot drop is 6mm, which reduces heel height to discourage heavy heel striking. Heel striking creates a braking force that increases pronation, so by lowering the heel height, Saucony may have reduced the amount of pronation.
The midsole features a rocker curve designed to keep the foot moving when it touches the ground. This helps transition the runner from heel to forefoot quickly, limiting the time available for pronation to occur. A curved midsole also helps maintain a quick cadence, promoting a more upright posture and positioning the foot closer to the runner’s center of gravity. This reduces the braking force at impact, further minimizing pronation.
Older pronation-support shoes had a firmer midsole on the inside of the shoe, which physically stopped the foot from rolling inwards. While effective for many runners, this method prevented the foot from functioning naturally, preventing strength development. The rocker in the Guide 18 allows the foot to function naturally while promoting better posture and a quicker cadence, reducing pronation over time.
Many pronation-control shoes have firmer midsoles than their neutral counterparts to reduce the amount of foot roll. The Guide 18 uses PWRRUN foam, a nitrogen-infused material that provides a soft, cushioned feel with excellent rebound. Nitrogen infusion seals the foam, preventing air and water from escaping, which makes it feel bouncier. The Guide 18 also features a PWRRUN sock-liner, which is sealed and maintains its bounce without compressing over time. Combined, the midsole and insole give the Guide 18 a soft, cushioned ride, similar to a neutral shoe. If you’re a neutral runner who prefers a supportive shoe, the Guide 18 could be a good option, as it doesn’t actively control pronation.
The Saucony Guide 18 is almost identical to the Guide 17, with the midsole and outsole unchanged. The main difference is in the upper, which has been streamlined with more padding in the heel cup, improving the step-in feel and comfort.
The stack height is 35mm in the heel and 29mm in the forefoot, with the men’s UK 8 weighing 272 grams and the women’s UK 5 weighing 245 grams. The fit is snug in the heel and midfoot but roomy in the forefoot, with a straight big toe line that allows the feet to function naturally. A wide width option is available for both men and women to ensure a perfect fit.
Saucony shoes are similar in length to those from Brooks, 361, Topo, and Altra. If you wear New Balance, Hoka, Karhu, or Inov-8, we recommend trying half a UK size smaller in Saucony to achieve a similar fit (e.g., a Hoka UK 11.5 is equivalent to a Saucony UK 11).
The ride is soft, but the rocker prevents the Guide 18 from feeling sluggish. It’s easy to settle into a rhythm and find yourself running faster than your easy or recovery pace. For this reason, the Saucony Guide 18 is versatile enough for steady runs, tempo runs, as well as easy, recovery, and long runs.
Other Considerations
361 Kairos 2: These are a very similar shoe to the Saucony Guide 18 in that they have a quite controlling rocker designed to guide the foot to toe off. The difference is that the midsole of the Kairos is a bit firmer and feels more responsive. These are also available in two width men’s and women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/361-degrees-kairos-2-review/
Karhu Ikoni 3: The Karhu Fulcrum similarly controls the posture of the runner but, feels less controlling and noticeable when you are running in them. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/karhu-ikoni-3-review/
Hoka Arahi 7: A soft feel to the foam but, not quite as soft as the Saucony Guide 18. The rocker isn’t quite as noticeable. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-arahi-7-review/
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24: The 10 mm heel to forefoot drop of the Brooks Adrenaline gives them a different ride. The midsole has more bounce and no rocker. Available in three width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/brooks-adrenaline-gts-24-review/
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14: New Balance Fresh Foam X is soft at the heel to cushion the impact but firm and responsive in the forefoot. Available in three width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/new-balance-860v14-review/
Topo Ultrafly 5: A broad rounded toe box gives the feet room to spread on impact and function inside the shoes. The midsole is firmer and more responsive to encourage foot function. There is no rocker to allow for a more natural running action. Available in two width men’s and one width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-ultrafly-5-review/
Altra Paradigm 7: A broad rounded toe box and zero drop encourage a more midfoot landing and allow the feet the room to spread and function inside the shoes. As with the Topo Ultrafly the midsole is more responsive to encourage the feet to function. Available in two width men’s and women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-paradigm-7-review/
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