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It's a regular thing for me to check out new running shoes before they're even on the shelves. I get to see new designs, different midsoles, small tweaks, and sometimes big leaps forward. And I've got to admit, these sneak peeks can be as thrilling as waking up to a snowy morning in December.
I didn't give much thought to the Saucony Guide 17 at first, but I sure had to eat my words! With all the hype around the latest midsoles and carbon plates in running tech, I was too wrapped up in the shiny new midsole of the Saucony Ride 17 and other upcoming releases to notice the impact of the new Saucony Guide 17.¨
Saucony Guide 17 - What's new?
So what's the big news? Say goodbye to that old plastic piece in the shoe that used to stop your foot from rolling in. Saucony's gone a new route with something they call 'center path'. It's a nifty way to keep your run smooth and stable without putting on the brakes.
Let's talk about the midsole—it's where the party's at. It's not every day that these kinds of changes make a splash, but here we are. The trusty PWRRUN foam hasn't gone anywhere; there's just a bit more of it. And let me tell you about the ROCKER—it really shakes things up!
They've added a little extra foam to the front and widened the base, but the Guide 17 is still no heavier than the older version. That's some smart work right there. Pair that with a new PWRRUN+ insole, and you've got yourself a run that's comfy yet on the firmer side, standing out as the more runnable option in a crowd of soft new shoes hitting the market.
Saucony Guide 17 – How it Runs
The firmness of the midsole is quite important to the way this shoe runs, the foam density is just right to enhance the rocker in a natural way. Maybe a bit like the Endorphin Shift has done, but in a more subtle and smooth way. If the midsole was any softer I think the benefit of the rocker would diminish greatly.
There might be some people who won’t like the addition of such a prevalent rocker, but I firmly believe that if these people give the Guide 17 a chance, there will be no turning back. I am impressed by how stable, runnable, and easy it feels, and for the first time in years, I'm thinking about adding a stability shoe to my regular rotation.
The upper is classic Saucony – efficient, no-nonsense, and just the right amount of padding. It's like wearing a tailored suit fitted especially for my liking. The toe box gives your toes some wiggle room, and the upper’s breathability strikes a balance between summer breezes and winter coziness. Even during my wettest run in close to freezing temperatures, the Guide 17 kept me warm enough.
I have in this version gone half a size down, so if you are between sizes, it could be an option to go for the smaller size, and remember, the Saucony Guide 17 is also available in a wide version.
Saucony Guide 17 - Dynamic and Stabile
Recently, a trend has been taking hold in the running shoe industry: the shift towards what’s known as “dynamic stability.” Saucony’s take on this concept, dubbed “Center Path,” stands out from the crowd. Unlike other models recently released, Saucony has skillfully balanced the new with the familiar, achieving stability in the Saucony Guide 17 that feels true to its roots while embracing innovation.
The “Center Path” technology envelops your foot, ensuring a smooth transition with each step. It provides lateral support and, in tandem with a well-designed rocker, promotes a forward motion rather than a side-to-side shuffle.
From my experience, it just might be the best stability shoe I've slipped on yet. While I haven't tested every shoe out there, I'm confident in saying the Guide 17 could very well be the most runnable and fun stability shoe on the market today.
Saucony Guide 17 – For the Everyday Hero!
So, who is the Saucony Guide 17 for? It's designed for the everyday hero—the runner who needs a dependable, fuss-free shoe for their daily runs.
This isn't the shoe for someone looking for an ultra-soft recovery shoe, nor is it built for speedwork days. It sits comfortably in the middle; it's versatile enough for quicker runs and has the endurance for longer ones, yet it shines brightest during those regular, moderately-paced miles.
If you're expecting the exact same feel as last year's model, prepare for a surprise. There are changes, but in my view, they enhance the shoe. The new Saucony Guide 17 transforms daily training sessions, making them feel seamless and almost effortless.
Conclusion
In short, the Saucony Guide 17 stands out as the most impressive update I've encountered this year and is a strong contender for the best running shoe of 2024.
While not everyone may share this sentiment (mainly soft shoe lovers and that’s okay), for those who seek a shoe that offers both stability and a smooth ride and appreciate the propulsion of a good rocker without sacrificing steadiness, the Saucony Guide 17 could very well become a go-to favorite.
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