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The Saucony Guide 17 features a brand new midsole construction and support system. This article breaks down what’s changed from the Saucony Guide 16 to Guide 17 - and what to expect.
What’s changed in the Saucony Guide 17?
The major update is a new support system called ‘Center Path’ technology. In Saucony’s words, this is ‘The modern approach to support focused on comfort and protection.’ With that said, how does it work and how’s it different from the last version? Well, unlike the Guide 16, there’s no denser/firmer structure on the medial side of the midsole. Instead, specific midsole shaping offers inherent stability and extra support. The following points summarises how the technology works:
- A broad base creates a stable platform from heel to toe: the heel is 10% wider and the midfoot is 12% wider than the previous edition.
- Elevated sidewalls means the cushioning rises up at the sides. As a result, your feet sit deep into the cushioning, and are therefore more supported.
- The lateral heel construction should resist medial motion. This should work in synergy with the straighter midfoot profile to guide your feet throughout the gait cycle.
While the midsole is still made with PWRRUN foam, the stack height has changed from a 35mm high heel and 27mm high forefoot, to a 36mm high heel and 30mm high forefoot. This means the drop has changed from 8mm to 6mm and there’s more cushioning under your feet. There’s still a PWRRUN+ sockliner for added comfort and cushioning.
Subtle changes to the upper should result in better midfoot lock down. Saucony pays particular attention to ensuring the upper of each model works optimally with the respective midsole.
We also really like how the Saucony Guide 17 looks. From an aesthetic perspective, Saucony has done a great job of bringing the Guide up to date and delivering a more modern look.
How will the Guide 17 differ from the Guide 16 to run in?
The Guide 17 are suited to the same pace and distances of runs as the Guide 16. However, the change in support system should result in a different underfoot experience. As there’s no stiffer material in the medial portion of the midsole anymore, the midsole is likely to feel softer, more natural, and potentially more comfortable.
Having said this, there might be some runners who won’t like the changes and prefer the previous edition. This is the challenge any brand faces when they make significant changes to a well-loved model. It’s important to mention that updates are always done with a mindset of helping more runners enjoy the shoes.
How can they improve your run?
The Saucony Guide 17 offer a lot of cushioning, protection, and support. This makes them well suited to everyday miles, recovery runs, and longer distances. Especially if you have some instability in your feet and ankles. To explain further, the Center Path technology should help reduce greater ranges of pronation, and guide your feet throughout the gait cycle.
Building on this, some runners find their form deteriorates over the course of a run. Particularly on longer ones. The holistic support can help minimise the impacts of this. For example, knees may start to internally rotate to a greater degree as a runner fatigues. The wide base, raised sidewalls, and midsole shaping should all work together to reduce how much this happens.
It’s worth pointing out how light the Saucony Guide 17 running shoes are. Weighing just 267 grams and 232 grams for men’s and women’s respectively, they’re one of the lightest stability running shoes available. Having said this, we should make it clear these are not suited to faster paced runs. The cushioning lacks the responsiveness and energy return for fast paced running. If you are looking for more supportive running shoes for interval training and races, the Saucony Tempus should be great options.
