Saucony Ride VS Guide: The Winner Is…

If you’re looking for a reliable daily trainer that can handle everything from easy runs to gym sessions, or even as a walking / lifestyle shoe, you’ve probably come across Saucony’s Ride 18 and Guide 18.

Both shoes carry the reputation of the Saucony lineup, but they cater to slightly different needs. The Ride 18 is all about balanced cushioning and a neutral feel, while the Guide 18 offers a bit more natural guided support without overdoing it.

In this Saucony Ride VS Guide comparison review, I break down the key specs of the latest versions, what I liked and disliked about each in testing, and give my final verdict on which type of runner might lean toward one over the other.

Key Specifications [Saucony Ride VS Guide]

Specification	Saucony Ride 18	Saucony Guide 18
Price	$140 at Saucony.com / REI.com	$140 at Saucony.com / REI.com
Weight (Men’s US 9)	9.4 oz (266g)	9.8 oz (279g)
Drop	8mm (35mm heel / 27mm forefoot)	6mm (35mm heel / 29mm forefoot)
Midsole	PWRRUN+ beaded foam	PWRRUN foam paired with a PWRRUN+ sockliner
Outsole	XT-900 rubber compound	XT-900 carbon rubber
Intended Use	Daily training, moderate gym sessions, walking	Daily training with a focus on stability and natural support
Support	Neutral	Mild guided stability (via CenterPath™ Technology)
IN-DEPTH REVIEWS	Saucony Ride 18 review	Saucony Guide 18 review

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RELATED POST: Best Daily Trainer Running Shoes RoundUp

What’s Good

Saucony Ride 18

• Balanced Cushion and Responsiveness: The Ride 18 does a solid job blending cushioning with a responsive ride. The updated PWRRUN+ midsole delivers enough protection without feeling overly soft, making it a versatile option for daily runs and even for walking.
• Lighter Weight: With an 8% reduction in weight compared to its predecessor (and lighter than the Guide 18), the Ride 18 feels noticeably snappier, especially when you’re picking up the pace.
• Improved Fit: The design tweaks, such as the padded heel collar and a more forgiving upper, make for a secure, comfortable fit right out of the box.
• Enhanced Durability: The increased rubber coverage on the outsole appears to help delay the wear and tear, which is a plus if you’re clocking plenty of miles.
• Versatility: Whether you’re running outdoors, hopping on a treadmill, or even using them as a casual lifestyle shoe, the Ride 18 adapts well to different settings – it’s why its such a popular pick.

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Saucony Guide 18

• Stable Ride with Natural Support: Thanks to its CenterPath™ Technology, the Guide 18 offers a stable, guided support that keeps your foot aligned naturally without feeling overly corrective – ideal for those with overpronation issues.
• Comfortable, Secure Fit: The breathable engineered mesh upper hugs the midfoot snugly, ensuring a secure feel that doesn’t constrict natural toe movement.
• Smooth Transition: The subtle rocker geometry helps ease the transition from heel strike to toe-off, providing a smooth, predictable ride.
• Balanced Cushioning: The PWRRUN midsole, paired with the slightly softer PWRRUN+ insole, delivers reliable impact protection while still feeling firm enough for everyday runs.
• User-Friendly Details: Practical touches like the stretchy pull tab and rear finger loop make getting in and out of the shoe hassle-free.

What’s Not So Good

Saucony Ride 18

• Outsole Traction on Wet Surfaces: While the shoe performs well on most days, the XT-900 rubber compound can feel a bit hard when tackling wet or slick surfaces, which might make you feel less secure during rainy runs – this is the same for both shoes.
• Firm Ride for Those Seeking Plushness: If you’re used to an ultra-soft or bouncier feel, the Ride 18 might come off as a little too firm, leaning more toward responsiveness than extra cushion.

Saucony Guide 18

• Midsole Responsiveness: The PWRRUN midsole is reliable but not particularly lively. If you crave a noticeable bounce when you pick up the pace, this shoe may feel somewhat underwhelming.
• Outsole Coverage Issues: The design leaves a bit too much of the midsole exposed in the outsole. This can lead to concerns about durability and traction, especially on slick surfaces.
• Less Aggressive Stability: If you need stability shoes with a more robust corrective feature for significant overpronation, the Guide 18 might not provide enough support.

My Final Verdict

Both the Ride 18 and Guide 18 are strong options for daily training, but they cater to slightly different needs.

The Ride 18 is ideal for runners who prefer a neutral trainer that strikes a balance between cushion and responsiveness.

It’s perfect for those who value a lighter, snappier feel, especially on faster-paced runs, and need a versatile shoe that transitions smoothly from running to gym work or even casual wear.

On the other hand, the Guide 18 works best for runners who appreciate a bit of natural, guided support without feeling like they’re locked into a corrective shoe.

It delivers a stable, smooth ride with a secure fit that keeps your foot properly aligned during each stride. This shoe is particularly well-suited for runners who prioritize comfort over an ultra-bouncy feel, especially if your runs are steady and consistent.

Additionally, if you can manage with slightly less rubber coverage on the outsole, especially if your running routes aren’t predominantly on rough or slippery surfaces, the Guide 18 might just be the better choice for you.

Looking for Other Options?

If neither of these fits exactly what you’re after, I recommend checking out my best daily trainers and best stability running shoes roundups next. There you’ll find alternative picks that might better suit your specific running style, foot shape, or training environment.

Happy running, and here’s to finding the perfect match for your miles! -Alastair