Saucony Guide 17 Review

I’m always on the hunt for a stability shoe that doesn’t rely on rigid posts or heavy support features, and the Saucony Guide 17 seems to be one of those unicorns.

It provides a “new style of stability” using Saucony’s CenterPath™ Technology instead of a firm medial post. After several test runs, it’s clear this shoe aims to keep you aligned without feeling bulky underfoot, or without overly fixing pronation issues which can sometimes lead to discomfort in the long run.

In this review, I share my experience, highlight this stability shoe’s key features, and compare it to more traditional stability trainers, as well as provide my final verdict on whether or not it’s worth buying.

Key specifications

• Price: $140 at Saucony.com / $140 at REI.com
• Weight: 9.6oz / 273g for a size US Men’s 9 – my pair
• Offset: 6mm (35mm at the heel, 29mm at the forefoot)
• Cushioning: PWRRUN midsole with a PWRRUN+ insole / sockliner
• Support Feature: CenterPath™ Technology (broader platform, higher sidewalls)
• Intended Use: Daily runs, walking, or anyone wanting moderate stability

How they fit and feel

The upper feels roomy and will accommodate a wide range of foot shapes.

I noticed it ran slightly bigger than true-to-size, so depending on your preferences, you might consider going half a size down for a closer fit. Despite the somewhat traditional overlay design, breathability is decent, and my feet have been staying comfortable in warm conditions.

What’s good

I love how the Saucony Guide 17 delivers stability without feeling intrusive or overly supportive. The CenterPath™ Technology works by using higher sidewalls and a broader platform to guide your stride rather than forcing it into place with a rigid medial post.

This makes it a great option if you need mild to moderate stability but don’t like your shoes to feel like a corrective device. It’s more natural-feeling than classic stability shoes like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS or New Balance 860, which rely on firmer structures to prevent overpronation.

If you’re not sure what type of shoe is best for you, I’d take a quick look at my guide to choosing the right type of running shoes, next.

The PWRRUN midsole has a firmer, more supportive feel than some super-soft daily trainers, but it never feels harsh. I never noticed it bottoming out, even on longer runs, which speaks to its durability.

The PWRRUN+ insole adds a touch of softness on top, preventing the shoe from feeling too rigid or firm, underfoot. While it’s not as bouncy as some high-energy foams, it’s well-balanced for a mix of easy and steady-paced runs.

For a stability shoe, the Guide 17 feels surprisingly light on the foot, and that’s because it is. At 9.4oz (269g), it’s significantly less bulky than some traditional stability trainers, making it a good choice for those who want guidance without extra weight.

It reminds me of a more chill Tempus 2, another daily trainer with similar stability but built for faster runs (see a side by side below).

Or, you could say it’s like the Ride 18, but with some guided support for mild overpronators.

This makes it an appealing option for easy daily training miles, whether you’re running mid-length distances or using it for all-day wear as a work or walking shoe.

The midsole has a gentle rocker geometry, as you can see in the photo above, which helps keep your stride and heel-to-toe transition flowing forward without abrupt jolting movements. While it’s not an aggressive rocker like some max cushioned running shoes have, it provides just enough roll-through motion to keep your runs feeling smooth.

The upper is very roomy, which works well for runners with wider feet or if you prefer a little extra space for toe splay.

It’s comfortable for long runs, and the breathability is decent, so I never felt my feet overheating. Despite the slightly dated look of the overlays, the upper does its job well in terms of comfort and lockdown – see photos below.

This isn’t a shoe that’s going to blow you away with high-energy foam or super-lightweight racing features, but it’s an easy, go-to trainer that lets you log miles without thinking too much about your shoes.

I found it consistent, comfortable, and reliable—qualities that matter more than flashy tech when you’re looking for a dependable stability option.

The bad

The outsole is mostly made from the PWRRUN foam, which doesn’t have the best durability over time, or tracking in wet conditions but it does make the shoe lighter not having as much rubber compound spread across it.

The upper’s look and overlays don’t feel especially modern, and the shoe doesn’t match the sleeker aesthetic of some other Saucony models but this is a totally subjective opinion, as many, I’m sure will disagree. What do you think, let me know in the comments.

If you need a lot of corrective support, the Guide 17 might not do enough, and I’d recommend going for something like the Hurricane 24 (review here), instead. It’s clearly a stability shoe, but it leans closer to a “guided neutral” feel rather than heavy-duty motion control.

Some runners who have pronounced overpronation / inward rolling might find the support insufficient. Finally, the laces were longer than I prefer, so I ended up double-knotting them to keep things neat.

My verdict

The Saucony Guide 17 offers reliable cushioning, a wider platform for support, and a gentle guiding system that helps keep your stride steady without feeling forced.

It’s a solid choice for daily training or walking if you’re seeking moderate stability. You won’t get an overly plush or super-springy ride, but you do get dependable comfort for everyday miles.

If you rely on heavy stability support, this shoe may not be robust enough. Otherwise, I’ve enjoyed the blend of stable cushioning and a relatively lightweight feel. For anyone who wants an approachable, no-nonsense stability trainer, the Guide 17 handles the job really well.

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👋🏼 Looking for your next pair of daily trainers? Head over to my Best Daily Trainer Running Shoes roundup. See you on the next review! -Alastair

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