The Saucony Guide 18 is a great option for everyday runners that want more cushion and some support. Designed to be a cushioned daily trainer, these find a nice balance of stability and cushion, helping you go the distance.
With its balance of comfort, support, and breathability, the Guide 18 is a solid choice for runners looking for a dependable daily trainer. It was never intended to be a speed work shoe and that hasn’t changed with this model.
But let’s look at what upgrades they’ve made and why we think this one is going to appeal to even more runners.
Who Is It Good For?
Who is the Saucony Guide 18 a good fit for, let’s break it down by some common categories:
- Wide Feet: Available in both wide and extra wide, the Guide 18s are very accommodating for runners with wide feet.
- Heavier Runners: PWRRUN midsole foam offers good support and cushioning for an everyday trainer.
- Long Runs: Tested for a 14-mile run, these shoes can definitely go the distance.
- Front of the Pack: More of an everyday shoe rather than a race or speedwork shoe.
If you’re looking for a good, dependable, everyday, base pace shoe that helps naturally guide the foot forward with a natural stride, this is a great option to consider!
Guide 18 Overview
I’m not going to lie, these felt strange when I first put them on. The Guide 18 has more support towards the back of my arch, but not as much beneath the heel – which is something I’m more used to with higher heel drops.
After a couple of miles, they started to grow on me. I appreciated that they were nicely cushioned and felt a little springy, helping push me along and keep a good stride even once I was tired and ready to call it.
For the first few runs, I stuck with shorter runs on the treadmill (5 miles or under) at a base or recovery pace. But to really get the best scoop, I tested them out for a 14-mile long run outside.
Let me just start by saying that this is the longest distance I’ve ever run. I was expecting some discomfort. Imagine my surprise when I finished the run, and my feet felt GREAT. Not tired or sore, no blisters – these held up great for the distance and plenty of hills along the way.
If you’re a fan of the Saucony Guide 17, the 18 just builds on that foundation with a few refinements. Offering a more snug midfoot fit and the removal of the front lacing loop to offer more space for a natural toe splay.
Saucony also took tongue length into consideration, lengthening it some to create a more comfortable fit.
Coach Amanda: The first time I put on the Guide I remember thinking it’s oddly familiar…oh ya it’s really similar to the neutral Ride. I shocked myself by enjoying the slightly more plus feel of the Guide, as I would rarely say that with a stability shoe.
Having just jumped in to the Ride 18, well it’s a go to in my rotation and where I’d point those of you who don’t need stability, but want a lower stack height and a nice moderate cushion.
Guide 18 Specs
This is definitely a stability shoe that will work for a variety of runners. Not sure whether to pick the Saucony Ride or Guide…you know we got you covered.
- Weight: 9.6 oz Men’s, 8.6 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 35 mm/29 mm
- Heel Drop: 6 mm
- 13 Colors for Women’s, 12 for Men’s
- Available in wide and extra wide
- Available on Saucony.com for $140
I’m not typically one for white shoes (they get dirty SO easily), but I absolutely love the subtle colors with their Ice Melt colorway. From the light blue soles to the green/yellow accents, and the green to blue gradient design on the side – the Guide 18s have a lot going for them in the looks department.
Guide 18 Fit
This is my first pair of Saucony sneakers, but my normal Brooks size of 9.5 was the perfect fit. The Guide 18 has a good amount of room in the toebox (an upgrade from the 17s). However, the midfoot width is snug (turns out that is common in Saucony!).
If you’re looking for a wider fit, they do offer both wide and extra wide sizes to accommodate more feet.
This felt like there was a good amount of arch support and cushion. And there’s definitely room to lace them up to offer more or less tightness depending on how much space you need. I felt like there was a good amount of space without worrying too much about messing with lacing them up.
It did feel like the support dropped off a bit at the heel, which took me a moment to get used to. There’s so much support in the arch, that at first it felt like my heels were over the edge.
This feeling of lack of support under my heel stopped being noticeable after the first run or two. So it really may have just been getting used to the feel of a stability shoe.
While heel striking isn’t a bad thing, I do think his helped encourage me to land more mid-foot.
Guide 18 Feel
The Guide 18 incorporates Saucony’s PWRRUN cushioning, with the goal of being a moderate cushion shoe that offers inherent support as well. The 18s expanded on the length of the tongue to offer more adjustability and comfort compared to previous models.
The biggest pro in my opinion was the length of the laces. One of my biggest pet peeves are running shoes that have short laces that are next to impossible to tie (especially on the run, literally).
The laces were a great length to have the flexibility to lace up the whole way, double knot, or simply single knot without being so long that they’re a tripping hazard.
I didn’t really have any major comments about the mesh upper just from the treadmill runs, it felt normal – which the goal is to not really have anything to say if it’s doing its job right. 
However, I do have to note that the breathability was really nice for a chilly outdoor long run. From start to finish, my feet stayed at a comfortable temperature, which was especially thanks to how breathable the mesh upper is.
Plus, as I’ve mentioned throughout, these do offer a good amount of cushion and support, making for a comfortable run.
Similar Shoes to the Saucony Guide 18
We’ve tested a few that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit:
- HOKA Arahi 7 – (Uses brand-typical J-shaped support, similar cushion level.)
- Saucony Hurricane 24 – (Same support with a lot more cushion.)
- ASICS Gel Kayano – (Most popular stability shoe, maybe a little firmer.)
Or checkout our full list of best stability shoes for runners >>
Looking for a good balance of support and cushion that can go the distance for everyday runs? The Saucony Guide 18 might just be your perfect fit!
Check them out now on Saucony.com for $140
Who Tried It?
Hi, I’m Brittni! I’m a content strategist for a small web design and marketing company. I also have a background in biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, and libraries – so I’ve done a little bit of everything! I got into running in 2020 and now I’m training for my first marathon in my go-to shoe, Brooks Adrenaline. My current half PR is just under 1:57, and I’m aiming to get that closer to 1:50. Feel free to follow my running journey (and personal nonsense) on Instagram: @brittni.anne
Looking for more running tips?
- Understanding overpronation (do you even need stability)
- Saucony Tempus 2 – light stability with speed
- Diadora Nucleo 2 – another light stability shoe with some pop
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Review | Sweet Spongy Speed
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