Nuestra conclusión

Saucony took a cautious approach with the Guide 18, refining the upper for an ultra-breathable design while making only minor tweaks to flexibility and materials. We tested it extensively and found that while it remains a solid choice for stability seekers, Saucony missed a real opportunity to enhance the outsole and upgrade the foam. That said, it still delivers excellent value and dependable pronation control, living up to its name!

Pros

  • Upper now has exceptional breathability
  • Stable yet non-restrictive ride
  • Cushioned enough for long runs
  • Handles walking too
  • Impressively wide platform
  • PWRRUN PB insole
  • Secure and comfortable lockdown
  • Excellent heel rocker design

Contras

  • Lacks bounce
  • Too much exposed foam on outsole
  • Feels bulky and not agile
  • Midsole runs a bit firm

Veredicto de los usuarios

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Who should buy

The Saucony Guide 18 is a subtle update from the previous model, ideal for:

  • Runners seeking a stable shoe at a reasonable price.
  • Those who found past Guide models lacking ventilation—this one excels in airflow!
  • Individuals with mild pronation looking for a reliable daily trainer with just the right touch of support and a flexible heel counter.

Saucony Guide 18

Who should NOT buy

We believe the Guide 18 is not the best option for runners seeking a responsive ride. The PWRRUN midsole lacks energy return, making it feel flat and uninspiring compared to modern foams. For those looking for more bounce without sacrificing stability, we recommend the PUMA ForeverRun Nitro.

Additionally, we found that the outsole design leaves too much foam exposed, which could be a durability concern for heavy strikers. If rubber coverage is a priority, the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 is a far superior choice—it provides significantly better grip and protection while still offering a supportive, cushioned experience at a reasonable price.

Saucony Guide 18 parts

Amortiguación

Altura de la suela en la zona del talón

The Saucony Guide 18 features 36.0 mm of heel cushioning—once considered maximalist but now just standard for daily trainers. In our view, it strikes a great balance, delivering ample underfoot protection while maintaining the shoe’s impressively stable ride.

This also confirms how little has changed from last year’s model, as our lab measurements show just a minor 1.1 mm increase from the 34.9 mm we recorded in 2024.

Saucony Guide 18 Heel stack
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 36.0 mm
Media 34.1 mm
En comparación con 389 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
22.5 mm
Altura de la suela en la zona del talón
46.3 mm

Altura de la suela en el antepié

The forefoot also offers generous cushioning at 27.7 mm, making it a reliable choice for forefoot and midfoot strikers of all heights and sizes, even for long runs!

Saucony Guide 18 Forefoot stack
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 27.7 mm
Media 25.5 mm
En comparación con 389 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
13.7 mm
Altura de la suela en el antepié
37.1 mm

Drop

The drop of this shoe is quite an interesting case. Saucony officially lists it as 6 mm, both on their website and in product specs, but our precise measurement came in at 8.3 mm. The crazy part? The insole itself has "8 mm offset" printed on it. Check it out:

Saucony Guide 18 drop

We even double-checked with a Saucony representative, who stood by the 6 mm figure—despite the insole’s contradiction and our result. We measure every shoe at World Athletics' designated points, and based on our test runs, it also feels like an 8.3-mm offset, making it better suited for midfoot and heel strikers.

Saucony Guide 18 Drop
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 8.3 mm
Media 8.5 mm
En comparación con 389 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Suavidad de la mediasuela

The Saucony Guide 18 sticks with the same EVA-based PWRRUN midsole, which, in our view, is where this shoe starts to fall behind. We understand saving the full-length PWRRUN PB for premium models, but we think PWRRUN+ would have been the ideal upgrade here. Maybe for v19.

For runners who aren’t focused on energy return, this isn't a deal-breaker. The foam delivers what’s expected in a mild-stability shoe—leaning toward the firmer side. That was confirmed in our lab with the durometer, measuring 23.0 HA, reinforcing its stable underfoot feel.

Saucony Guide 18 Midsole softness
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 23.0 HA
Media 20.9 HA
Utilizamos la media de cuatro pruebas. La foto muestra una de esas pruebas.
En comparación con 316 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
8.5 HA
Suavidad de la mediasuela (de blanda a firme)
38.9 HA

Rigidez de la mediasuela en frío (%)

Our freezer test delivered impressive results—after 20 minutes inside, the Guide 18's midsole became only 8% firmer, showcasing its ability to maintain consistency in colder conditions.

Saucony Guide 18 Midsole softness in cold (%)
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 8%
Media 25%
En comparación con 316 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
0%
Rigidez de la mediasuela en frío
63%

Grosor de la plantilla

The firm and uninspiring PWRRUN midsole gets some redemption thanks to the ultra-thick 6.1-mm insole. Made from PWRRUN PB—the same Pebax-based foam found in high-end Saucony models like the Endorphin Speed 4—it injects a touch of responsiveness into the ride.

If only Saucony had flipped the script using PWRRUN for the insole and PWRRUN PB for the midsole, this shoe could have been amazing!

Saucony Guide 18 Insole thickness
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 6.1 mm
Media 4.4 mm
En comparación con 385 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
1.5 mm
Grosor de la plantilla
7.3 mm

Rocker

One of the biggest changes Saucony has made to the Guide in recent years is the increased midsole curvature, helping offset the higher stack height introduced in its latest redesigns. This subtle-yet-effective tweak enhances transitions without compromising stability.

Saucony Guide 18 side

The heel curvature is particularly pronounced, paired with a substantial heel flare that works seamlessly to support heel strikers, though it may be a bit extreme for some. Up front, there's also a mild toe rocker, contributing to a smoother, more natural forward roll.

Saucony Guide 18 Rocker

Tallaje y ajuste

Talla

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Anchura de la parte delantera - zona más ancha

Here in the lab, we created a 1:1 gel mold of the toebox and measured the widest part of the forefoot at 96.3 mm. This puts it slightly wider than most running shoes but still within an average range.

We’re convinced that Saucony designed this shoe with a versatile fit in mind, aiming to accommodate a broad spectrum of foot shapes without leaning too narrow or excessively wide.

Saucony Guide 18 Toebox width - widest part
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 96.3 mm
Media 95.6 mm
En comparación con 135 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
90.9 mm
Anchura de la parte delantera - zona más ancha
101.1 mm

Anchura de la parte delantera - dedo gordo

The big toe area follows the same approach, measuring 73.6 mm—again, right in the average range. It feels comfortable but doesn’t offer expansive room for toe splay, which could be limiting for runners with wider feet.

Saucony Guide 18 feet

However, this is one of the few models on the market available in regular, wide, and extra-wide sizes, making it an accommodating option for a broad range of foot shapes. We tested the standard D width in the lab.

Saucony Guide 18 Toebox width - big toe
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 73.6 mm
Media 73.5 mm
En comparación con 135 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
67.9 mm
Anchura de la parte delantera - dedo gordo
82.4 mm

Altura de la parte delantera

What truly caught our attention was the impressive toebox height—perfect for those who crave extra vertical space in the toe area.

We measured a towering 34.3 mm, a substantial increase over its predecessor’s 29.3 mm.

Saucony Guide 18 Toebox height
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 34.3 mm
Media 27.1 mm
En comparación con 134 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
22.4 mm
Altura de la parte delantera
32.5 mm

Estabilidad

Prueba de estabilidad lateral

This shoe sits between neutral daily trainers and ultra-stable models, making it a versatile option for a wide range of runners. Neutral runners won’t feel restricted, while those with significant pronation can comfortably incorporate it into their rotation for added support.

It features substantial midsole sidewalls, a firm-ish foam, and an extra-wide landing base that provides stability and guides every stride. From our on-field experience, this setup works impressively well.

Rigidez torsional

One noticeable change from the v17 is the increased torsional rigidity, which we rated 4/5 instead of 3/5.

What does that mean? Runners who prefer a more flexible, daily-trainer-like feel might see it as a downgrade, but as a stability shoe, this adjustment undeniably enhances support.

Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 4
Media 3.4
En comparación con 368 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
1
Rigidez torsional
5

Rigidez del contrafuerte del talón

On the flip side, we were surprised to find a relatively flexible heel counter, which we rated 2/5. Unusual for a stability-focused shoe, but runners with Achilles sensitivity or Haglund’s deformity will find the Guide 18 a great option.

Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 2
Media 2.9
En comparación con 352 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
1
Rigidez del contrafuerte del talón
5

Anchura de la mediasuela - antepié

The Guide 18, just like last year, is ultra-wide. We’ve observed that brands are embracing an extra-broad design for stability shoes, and our measurement of 121.9 mm in the forefoot confirms it.

From our perspective, it’s a logical move—a wider platform enhances support and balance.

Saucony Guide 18 Midsole width - forefoot
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 121.9 mm
Media 114.1 mm
En comparación con 390 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
103.3 mm
Anchura de la mediasuela - antepié
126.9 mm

Anchura de la mediasuela - talón

However, this approach has its drawbacks—the biggest being a clunky feel while running.

Unfortunately, that could be the case with the Guide 18, featuring a huge 105.0 mm heel. For a balance of stability and agility, the Nike Structure 25 could be a better deal.

Saucony Guide 18 Midsole width - heel
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 105.0 mm
Media 90.8 mm
En comparación con 390 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
73.0 mm
Anchura de la mediasuela - talón
106.6 mm

Flexibilidad / Rigidez

Despite its massive build, we measured a low stiffness result at 25.6N. This is a plus, as it enhances comfort at easy paces and while walking, adding much-needed versatility to the shoe.

Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 25.6N
Media 28.1N
En comparación con 372 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
2.2N
Flexibilidad <> Rigidez
72.1N

Peso

We found nearly the same weight (9.80 oz or 278g) as last year’s model, with only a minor 0.1 oz (3g) difference—well within manufacturing tolerances—so for us, it’s unchanged.

And like the rest of the shoe, the weight is unremarkable: not light enough to praise, nor heavy enough to complain about!

Saucony Guide 18 Weight
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 9.81 oz (278g)
Media 9.38 oz (266g)
En comparación con 390 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
5.61 oz (159g)
Peso
12.59 oz (357g)

Transpirabilidad

When we unboxed the shoe, the first thing that caught our attention was the oversized ventilation holes in the toebox. That was all the excuse we needed to instantly grab our smoke-pumping machine and put its breathability to the test.

After running our lab test, it was an easy call—this shoe scored a perfect 5/5. The massive perforations make it an excellent choice for runners whose feet overheat quickly or for anyone tackling hot summer runs. Ventilation is simply top-tier here.

We also noticed that Saucony added some perforations to the rear section of the shoe. However, when we tested them with a light, we confirmed that they are purely aesthetic. On the bright side, the lateral toebox remains well-ventilated—something that isn’t always guaranteed in every model.

Saucony Guide 18 microscope

Curious to see more, we used our digital microscope.

Saucony Guide 18 mesh

The results were impressive—this shoe has one of the tightest spacing between perforations we’ve seen in an engineered mesh upper. Wider gaps are much easier (and cheaper) to produce with precision.

For us, the upper itself strikes a balance between breathability and padding. The heel area is generously cushioned with soft foam, but don’t expect an ultra-plush, pillow-like feel throughout—it’s designed with airflow in mind over everything else.

Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 5
Media 3.8
En comparación con 319 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
1
Transpirabilidad
5

Durabilidad

Durabilidad de la parte delantera

Engineered mesh uppers with oversized ventilation holes often struggle in this test, yet the Guide 18 delivered an unexpectedly strong performance.

While 4/5 it’s not a max score, we believe that it’s quite impressive considering the airflow-first toebox design.

Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 4
Media 2.5
En comparación con 253 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
1
Durabilidad de la parte delantera
5

Durabilidad del acolchado del talón

Unfortunately, the heel padding fell short compared to the toebox, which was surprising since we usually see the opposite in the lab. It scored a 2/5, which is far from ideal.

Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 2
Media 3.2
En comparación con 249 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
1
Durabilidad del acolchado del talón
5

Dureza de la suela

Now it's time to analyze the outsole, and we found it a bit disappointing. It combines blue durable XT-900 rubber (87.5 HC) in high-wear areas but leaves plenty of exposed—though slightly reinforced—foam, which sacrifices grip and longevity while helping to reduce weight.

Saucony Guide 18 outsole design

On dry surfaces, the traction is solid, and it holds up decently on slightly wet ground. However, when conditions get tricky or if you're considering light off-road use, we don’t recommend it.

Saucony Guide 18 Outsole hardness
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 87.5 HC
Media 79.9 HC
Utilizamos la media de cuatro pruebas. La foto muestra una de esas pruebas.
En comparación con 370 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
60.3 HC
Dureza de la suela
93.0 HC

Durabilidad de la suela

At least the XT-900 rubber proves highly wear-resistant, showing only 0.6 mm of damage after our Dremel test.

Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 0.6 mm
Media 1.0 mm
En comparación con 231 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
0.0 mm
Desgaste de la suela
2.0 mm

Grosor de la suela

The outsole thickness stands above average at 3.4 mm, effectively easing concerns about early wear. However, if you tend to wear down areas not covered by the blue rubber, this added thickness won’t provide much benefit.

Saucony Guide 18 Outsole thickness
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 3.4 mm
Media 3.2 mm
En comparación con 389 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
1.0 mm
Grosor de la suela
6.0 mm

Varios

Elementos reflectantes

The Saucony Guide 18 provides all-around reflectivity, though the elements could be larger for better visibility.

It's a crucial upgrade for runners who head out at night, especially during winter.

Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18

Acolchado de la lengüeta

The tongue features a strap that doubles as a loop to keep it centered and serves as a convenient pull tab. We also appreciated the simple yet effective eyelet chain, reinforced with multiple TPU pieces for added durability.

Saucony Guide 18 tongue

At 4.1 mm, the tongue isn't overly thick but finds a sweet spot between comfort and weight savings. In our experience, we never felt the need for extra padding, and any reduction in unnecessary bulk is always a welcome refinement!

Saucony Guide 18 Tongue padding
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 4.1 mm
Media 5.8 mm
En comparación con 387 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
0.5 mm
Acolchado de la lengüeta
14.2 mm

Lengüeta: tipo de refuerzo

We were pleased to find that the tongue is semi-gusseted—a sometimes-overlooked feature in mid-tier running shoes.

Saucony Guide 18 Tongue: gusset type
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 Ambos lados (semi)

Tirador del talón

There's a finger-loop heel tab, though it doesn’t seem the most durable. To be safe, pull gently.

Saucony Guide 18 Heel tab
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18 Tirador de dedo

Plantilla extraíble

Removing the FormFit insole is effortless, and as mentioned in the "Drop" section, the "8 mm" marking is printed directly on it.

Saucony Guide 18 Removable insole
Resultados de las pruebas
Guide 18