Saucony Ride vs Guide⁚ A Comprehensive Comparison
The Saucony Ride and Guide are both popular daily trainers from Saucony, offering a comfortable and versatile ride. They share a similar design and stack height but differ in their support features. The Guide, with its medial support system, is designed for overpronators, while the Ride provides neutral support, making it suitable for neutral runners or those with high arches.
This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of both models, including cushioning, fit, weight, ride, and target runner, helping you determine which shoe is the perfect match for your needs. Whether you’re looking for stability or a neutral ride, this guide will provide the insights you need to make an informed decision.
Introduction
The Saucony Ride and Guide are popular choices among runners seeking a comfortable and versatile daily trainer. Both models share a similar design and stack height, featuring Saucony’s PWRRUN midsole foam for a cushioned and responsive ride. However, they diverge in their support features, catering to different foot types and running styles. The Saucony Guide, with its medial support system, is designed to prevent overpronation and provide stability for runners with flat feet or those who tend to roll inward during their stride.
On the other hand, the Saucony Ride offers neutral support, making it suitable for runners with normal to high arches who don’t require gait correction. This comparison will explore the key differences between the Ride and Guide, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine which shoe best suits your individual needs and running goals.
Cushioning and Support
Both the Saucony Ride and Guide feature Saucony’s PWRRUN midsole foam, delivering a cushioned and responsive ride. The Ride 17 boasts a plusher, softer cushioning from heel to toe, making it a great option for recovery days and long, slow runs. This softer cushioning helps absorb shock and provide a comfortable feel, especially on longer distances. The Guide 17, while still comfortable, prioritizes stability over softness, offering a firmer ride under the medial arch. This firmness helps control overpronation and provides a more stable platform for runners with flat feet.
The Guide’s medial support system, known as Hollow Tech, is a TPU element placed in the rear of the shoe to provide stability and guide the foot. This feature helps prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot, promoting a more efficient and comfortable stride for overpronators. While the Ride 17 lacks this specific support system, it still provides good stability for neutral runners and those with high arches, thanks to its overall construction and midsole design.
Fit and Design
The Saucony Ride and Guide share a similar design aesthetic, with a sleek and modern look. Both models feature a breathable mesh upper that provides flexibility and a secure fit. The upper is designed to hug the foot comfortably, offering a precise lockdown for a secure feel during runs. This secure fit helps prevent slippage and blisters, ensuring a comfortable experience even during longer distances. The Ride and Guide both have a 35mm stack height in the heel and a 27mm stack height in the forefoot, resulting in an 8mm heel-to-toe drop. This configuration provides a comfortable level of cushioning for a variety of runs, from leisurely jogs to longer races like marathons.
The Guide’s upper, however, features a bit more structure and support than the Ride’s. This added structure helps provide a snug and supportive fit, particularly for runners who need more stability. The Ride’s upper, while offering a comfortable fit, is slightly softer around the toes, providing a more flexible feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize a secure and supportive fit, the Guide might be a better choice, while the Ride offers a more breathable and flexible option for those who prefer a less structured feel.
Weight and Durability
While both the Saucony Ride and Guide are designed for daily training, there are slight differences in their weight and durability. The Ride is generally considered the lighter option, with a women’s size weighing in at 8.6oz and a men’s size at 9.7oz. The Guide, on the other hand, is slightly heavier, with a women’s size at 9.4oz and a men’s size at 10.5oz. This weight difference is primarily attributed to the Guide’s added stability features, which contribute to its heavier construction. Both models utilize Saucony’s PWRRUN midsole foam, known for its responsiveness and durability. The PWRRUN foam in the Ride is slightly softer and more plush, while the Guide features a firmer midsole for added support. This difference in midsole firmness also contributes to the overall weight of each shoe.
In terms of durability, both the Ride and Guide are well-regarded for their ability to withstand the rigors of regular use. The durable outsole and the robust construction of both models ensure they can handle a significant number of miles. However, the Ride’s softer midsole may experience a slight decrease in cushioning over time, while the Guide’s firmer midsole is likely to maintain its support and responsiveness for a longer period. Ultimately, the longevity of both shoes depends on individual running habits and usage patterns.
Ride and Performance
The Saucony Ride and Guide offer distinct rides, catering to different runner preferences. The Ride, with its plusher PWRRUN foam, provides a smooth and cushioned ride, making it ideal for long, easy runs and recovery days. The softer midsole absorbs impact effectively, minimizing fatigue and promoting comfort. The Ride’s responsiveness, while not as pronounced as some other models, is still noticeable, making it suitable for tempo runs and faster sessions.
The Guide, on the other hand, prioritizes stability over a plush ride. Its firmer midsole, combined with its medial support system, provides a more controlled and stable experience, particularly for overpronators. While the Guide may not be as soft as the Ride, it delivers a responsive and supportive ride, ensuring a smooth and efficient stride. The Guide’s stability features ensure proper foot alignment and minimize the risk of injuries, making it a reliable choice for runners who need extra support.
Target Runner
The Saucony Ride and Guide are designed for different types of runners, catering to their specific needs. The Saucony Ride is primarily intended for neutral runners or those with high arches, who don’t require additional support to control their gait. It’s a versatile shoe that can handle a variety of paces and distances, making it an excellent choice for daily training, easy runs, and even some faster sessions.
The Saucony Guide, on the other hand, is specifically designed for overpronators, runners whose feet roll inward excessively during their stride. The Guide’s medial support system helps to control this inward motion, providing stability and reducing the risk of injuries. This makes it a reliable option for runners who need extra support to maintain proper foot alignment and a comfortable, injury-free running experience.
Key Differences
The Saucony Ride and Guide, while sharing a similar design and stack height, differ primarily in their support systems. The Ride is a neutral shoe, lacking any gait-corrective features, making it suitable for runners with neutral pronation or high arches. Conversely, the Guide incorporates a medial support system designed to control overpronation, providing stability for runners whose feet roll inward excessively.
Another key difference lies in the weight. The Guide, with its added stability features, tends to be slightly heavier than the Ride. This difference in weight might be noticeable, especially for runners sensitive to heavier shoes. The Ride’s lighter weight might be preferred for faster runs or longer distances where minimizing weight can enhance performance.
Saucony Ride 17
The Saucony Ride 17 is a versatile daily trainer designed for neutral runners. It boasts a plush, responsive ride thanks to its PWRRUN midsole, offering a comfortable experience for both long, slow runs and faster sessions. While heavier than its predecessor, the Ride 17 provides a more modern feel with improved energy return.
The upper is crafted from breathable mesh material, providing flexibility and a secure fit. It’s a popular choice for runners seeking a comfortable, well-cushioned shoe suitable for various distances and paces. The Ride 17 excels in versatility, making it a reliable companion for daily training, recovery runs, and moderate-paced workouts.
Saucony Guide 17
The Saucony Guide 17 is a stability shoe engineered to provide support for overpronators. Its medial support system, known as Hollow Tech, helps guide the foot and prevent excessive inward rolling, offering stability and control during runs. While sacrificing some of the Ride’s softness, the Guide 17 still delivers a comfortable and cushioned ride.
The upper is constructed from breathable mesh, providing a secure fit and allowing for good airflow. The Guide 17 is a solid choice for runners seeking a stable and supportive shoe for daily training, recovery runs, and longer distances. Its firm cushioning and medial support make it a reliable option for overpronators who need a shoe that helps them maintain proper foot alignment.
Ultimately, the choice between the Saucony Ride 17 and the Guide 17 depends on your individual needs and running style. If you’re a neutral runner or have high arches, the Ride 17 offers a comfortable and responsive ride with excellent versatility. On the other hand, if you overpronate and require additional support, the Guide 17 provides stability and control, ensuring a comfortable and injury-free running experience.
Both shoes are well-constructed and offer great value for the price. They’re suitable for a wide range of runs, from daily training to longer distances. By considering your pronation type and desired level of support, you can make an informed decision and choose the Saucony model that best suits your running goals.
Recommended Use Cases
The Saucony Ride 17 and Guide 17 are versatile daily trainers, each suited for specific running needs. The Ride 17, with its neutral support, excels as a go-to shoe for daily training, easy runs, and recovery days. Its plush cushioning makes it ideal for longer runs and marathon training, while its responsiveness allows for faster sessions and tempo runs.
The Guide 17, on the other hand, is a perfect choice for runners who overpronate or need extra stability. Its medial support system provides a secure and comfortable ride, preventing overpronation and reducing the risk of injuries. It’s a reliable option for everyday training, long runs, and even tempo runs.
Ultimately, the best use case for each shoe depends on your individual pronation type and running preferences. Whether you seek a cushioned and responsive neutral ride or a stable and controlled experience, both the Saucony Ride 17 and Guide 17 offer a comfortable and reliable running experience.