saucony guide 16 vs 17

Saucony Guide 16 vs 17: A Comprehensive Comparison

The Saucony Guide series has long been a favorite for runners seeking a balance of comfort‚ support‚ and responsiveness. The Guide 17 represents a significant evolution‚ prompting a detailed comparison against its predecessor‚ the Guide 16‚ which had traditional guidance.

The Saucony Guide series has established itself as a reliable choice for runners seeking a blend of cushioning and stability. As a daily trainer‚ the Guide caters to a wide range of runners‚ from those needing mild pronation control to individuals simply desiring a supportive and comfortable ride.

Known for its balanced design‚ the Guide series has consistently delivered a blend of features designed to enhance the running experience. These include a supportive upper‚ a responsive midsole‚ and a durable outsole‚ all working together to provide a stable and smooth transition from heel to toe. The Guide has been a popular option for both daily training and longer runs.

The Saucony Guide series aims to provide a supportive yet not overly intrusive experience‚ making it suitable for runners who prefer a more natural feel. This design philosophy has contributed to the series’ enduring appeal‚ with each new iteration building upon the successes of its predecessors while incorporating the latest advancements in running shoe technology. The Guide is a cushioned stability running shoe.

Key Updates in the Saucony Guide 17

The Saucony Guide 17 marks a significant departure from previous versions‚ introducing several key updates designed to enhance the running experience. One of the most notable changes is the implementation of Center Path Technology‚ a new approach to stability that replaces the traditional medial post with a broader platform.

This updated midsole offers a more adaptive and supportive feel‚ guiding the foot through its natural motion without the rigidness often associated with traditional stability shoes. The Guide 17 also features an updated PWRRUN midsole foam‚ providing a plusher and more responsive ride compared to the Guide 16. The Guide 17 has more cushion.

Furthermore‚ the outsole design has been refined to improve grip and durability‚ ensuring reliable traction on various surfaces. Aesthetically‚ the Guide 17 receives a modern makeover with a sculpted sole. These updates collectively contribute to a smoother‚ more comfortable‚ and more stable running experience‚ positioning the Guide 17 as a substantial upgrade over its predecessor. The main headline is the switch from HOLLOW-TECH stability to Center Path Technology.

Center Path Technology: A New Approach to Stability

Saucony’s Center Path Technology represents a paradigm shift in stability shoe design‚ moving away from the traditional reliance on medial posts. Instead of forcing the foot into a corrected position‚ Center Path Technology employs a broader platform and higher sidewalls to cradle the foot and guide it through its natural gait cycle.

This innovative approach aims to minimize fatigue by promoting a more balanced and efficient stride. The wider base provides inherent stability‚ while the strategically designed sidewalls offer gentle guidance without feeling overly restrictive. This contrasts with the Guide 16’s Hollow Tech support arc‚ which offered a more traditional‚ and some might say‚ intrusive form of stability.

By focusing on pressure distribution underfoot‚ Center Path Technology accommodates a wider range of footstrike patterns and arch profiles‚ making the Guide 17 a more versatile option for runners with varying stability needs. This new-age stability shoe offers a super smooth ride. This system ensures a smooth and accommodating experience‚ differing significantly from older methods.

Midsole and Cushioning Comparison: PWRRUN Foam

Both the Saucony Guide 16 and Guide 17 utilize PWRRUN foam in their midsoles‚ a material known for its balanced cushioning and responsiveness. However‚ subtle differences in the midsole construction and geometry contribute to distinct ride experiences. The Guide 17 features a slightly higher stack height‚ providing a touch more cushioning underfoot compared to the Guide 16.

This increased cushioning‚ combined with Center Path Technology‚ creates a softer and more forgiving ride‚ particularly beneficial for longer runs. While the Guide 16 offered a firmer feel‚ the Guide 17 prioritizes comfort and impact absorption. The PWRRUN foam in the Guide 17 contributes to its pillowy soft‚ max-cushioned feel‚ making it a suitable choice for everyday training.

The Guide 17’s midsole is also more sculpted‚ promoting support throughout the foot rather than isolating it to the medial side. This design enhances the shoe’s overall stability and contributes to a smoother transition from heel to toe. This sculpted design also promotes a more modern‚ updated feel compared to the Guide 16.

The Guide 17 has more cushion compared to the Guide 16.

Outsole Differences: Grip and Durability

The outsole design and rubber composition are crucial for both grip and durability. The Saucony Guide 16’s outsole‚ while durable‚ was noted to be quite hard‚ leading to subpar grip‚ especially on wet surfaces. With a hardness of 92.0 HC‚ it lacked the flexibility needed for optimal traction.

Saucony addressed this concern in the Guide 17 by making changes to the outsole. The Guide 17 boasts strategically placed rubber that enhances grip across various surfaces. While specific durometer measurements for the Guide 17’s outsole aren’t readily available‚ user reviews suggest improved traction compared to the Guide 16.

Furthermore‚ the Guide 17 features a wider base and more extensive rubber coverage‚ contributing to enhanced stability and durability. This design choice aims to withstand premature wear‚ particularly in the heel area‚ even for runners who typically experience durability issues. The Ride 17 has thicker rubber and more of it.

The Guide 16 included more extensive rubber coverage for its stability purposes.

With such outstanding durability‚ we’re confident in asserting that the Guide 17 will withstand premature wear in the heel area.

Upper Design and Fit: Comfort and Breathability

The upper design significantly impacts the overall comfort and breathability of a running shoe. In the Saucony Guide series‚ subtle changes in the upper can lead to noticeable differences in fit and feel. The Saucony Guide has more structure and support in the upper compared to the Saucony Ride.

While the Guide 16 boasted a plush 7.7 mm cushioning in the tongue‚ the Guide 17 features a slimmer 4.0 mm tongue. This reduction in tongue padding might leave something to be desired for runners seeking maximum plushness‚ although it could also enhance breathability and reduce bulk.

The Guide 17 is updated with an improved mesh upper and a wider platform. The upper fit is precise for a secure foot lockdown.

Generally‚ Saucony aims for a secure and comfortable fit in both models‚ utilizing breathable materials to promote airflow and prevent overheating during runs. Runners should consider their personal preferences for padding and overall fit when choosing between the Guide 16 and Guide 17.

The technical differences are the improved mesh upper‚ wider platform.

The Guide 17 offers plush support and ergonomic design.

Weight and Drop: Impact on Running Experience

The weight and heel-to-toe drop of a running shoe are crucial factors that influence a runner’s experience. The Saucony Guide 16 and Guide 17 have different specifications in these areas‚ contributing to distinct ride characteristics. Understanding these differences is essential for selecting the shoe that best suits individual needs and preferences.

In Guide 16 the offset helps to aid in.

The Guide 16 weighs about 0.5 oz more as it includes more extensive rubber coverage for its stability purposes and a single plastic Hollow Tech support arc at mid foot.

The Guide 17 has a slightly higher stack‚ slightly softer feel and slightly lower drop. The Guide 17 has a visibly more sculpted sole than the Guide 16‚ promoting support throughout the foot instead of isolating it on the medial.

Weight: 221g (womens)‚ 269g (mens) Heel/toe drop: 6mm

Both versions offer a balance of comfort‚ support‚ and responsiveness.

The Guide and Ride have the same stack height and drop (35 mm in the heel and 27 mm in the forefoot for a heel-to-toe drop of 8 mm).

Ride Quality: Smoothness and Responsiveness

Ride quality‚ encompassing smoothness and responsiveness‚ dictates the overall feel of a running shoe. The Saucony Guide 16 and 17 offer distinct ride experiences due to their differing midsole compositions‚ support systems‚ and outsole designs. Evaluating these aspects helps runners determine which shoe aligns with their preferred running style and performance goals.

The Guide 17 is a new-age stability shoe with a super smooth ride‚ and truly lives up to its name as a Guidance shoe. The Guide 16 provided a snappier ride that was firmer‚ whereas the Guide 17 felt smoother and notably more cushioned. The Guide 17 has a more modern ride than version 16 due to its upgraded PWRRUN midsole. It has noticeably more energy return but it comes in at a much heavier weight. The Guide 17 has more cushion when compared to the Guide 16 and is crafted with Saucony’s PWRRUN midsole foam. The Guide 17 is a cushioned stability running shoe that provides a smoother and more enjoyable ride than the Guide 16.

Stability Features: Guide 16 vs. Guide 17

The Saucony Guide series is renowned for its stability features‚ catering to runners who need support to mitigate overpronation. However‚ the approach to stability differs significantly between the Guide 16 and the Guide 17. The Guide 16 utilizes a traditional medial post‚ while the Guide 17 introduces Center Path Technology‚ representing a shift towards a more holistic and less intrusive approach.

The Guide 17 is marketed by Saucony as a stability shoe‚ with a wider base‚ strategically placed rubber‚ and higher sidewalls. The main headline is the switch from HOLLOW-TECH stability to Center Path Technology. A medial plastic piece is replaced by significant sidewalls‚ a wider base‚ a highly rockered design and internal geometry that guides the foot forward. Having tested Guide 16‚ we found that it continues to be the mild-to-moderate stability shoe that helps to meet runners pronation needs.

The Guide 16 toed the line between traditional and modern guidance.

Ideal Pace and Distance: Which Shoe Excels?

The Saucony Guide 16 and 17 are both designed as daily trainers‚ making them versatile options for a variety of paces and distances. However‚ subtle differences in their construction and ride characteristics may make one shoe more suitable for certain types of runs than the other. The Guide 16 provided a snappier ride that was firmer‚ whereas the Guide 17 felt smoother and notably more cushioned.

The Guide 17 are suited to the same pace and distances of runs as the Guide 16. The Guide 17 is a cushioned stability running shoe that provides a smoother and more enjoyable ride than the Guide 16. The Guide 16’s firmer ride may lend itself well to faster-paced runs‚ where responsiveness is key.

The Guide 17’s increased cushioning could make it a more comfortable choice for longer distances.

Both versions offer comfortable cushioning for long‚ leisurely runs or in preparation for a long race like a marathon.

Aesthetic Differences: Design and Appearance

The Saucony Guide 17 represents a modern evolution in design compared to the Guide 16. Visually‚ the Guide 17 showcases a more sculpted sole‚ promoting support throughout the foot‚ whereas the Guide 16 had a more traditional appearance‚ isolating support on the medial side. From an aesthetic perspective‚ Saucony has done a great job of bringing the Guide up to date and delivering a more modern look.

The Guide 16 and Ride 17 are very similar in appearance. They have a similar design and the same stack height and drop (35 mm in the heel and 27 mm in the forefoot for a heel-to-toe drop of 8 mm).. The Guide 17 looks a lot like the Guide 16 on paper‚ with the same PWRRUN foam in the midsole and similar stack height and weight.

The upper design also contributes to the overall aesthetic. The Guide 17 features a more streamlined and contemporary upper‚ potentially with updated mesh patterns and logo placements. The Guide 16‚ while still a visually appealing shoe‚ may have a more classic running shoe silhouette.

Overall Verdict: Which Saucony Guide is Right for You?

Deciding between the Saucony Guide 16 and Guide 17 hinges on individual preferences and running needs. If you favor a traditional stability shoe with a firmer ride and a more pronounced medial post‚ the Guide 16 remains a solid choice. Its design caters to runners who prefer a more controlled and guided foot motion. However‚ the Guide 16’s outsole was too hard at 92.0 HC‚ leading to subpar grip.

Conversely‚ the Guide 17 offers a modern approach to stability‚ characterized by its Center Path Technology‚ wider platform‚ and rockered design. This shoe suits runners seeking a smoother‚ more natural ride with adaptable support. The Guide 17s new-age stability design with a super smooth ride truly lives up to its name as a Guidance shoe.

Consider your pronation level‚ preferred cushioning‚ and desired ride experience. If you prefer a more cushioned feel and smoother transition‚ opt for the Guide 17. If you favor a firmer‚ more controlled feel‚ the Guide 16 might be more suitable.