Good news for your feet. Saucony presents the 19th edition of their classics: Guide and Ride. We've taken both models out on the road to test if they live up to their legacy and what the updates mean for you. We start with Jakob's test of the stable Guide 19.
Saucony Guide 19 - Stable and Comfortable Mile After Mile
is a staple in Saucony's stability shoe category, and as you've probably guessed, we're now at number 19. Saucony Guide 19 continues with a midsole made from PWRRUN and a height of 35 mm in the heel and 29 mm in the forefoot (6 mm drop). However, it's not the same PWRRUN formulation as in Guide 18, and Guide 19 is slightly heavier than its predecessor.
The primary reason for the weight increase is the extra outsole material the shoe has received. Saucony listened and made Guide 19 more durable than before. Considering what this shoe is intended for - mileage training - it makes sense, so I'm personally not too concerned about this weight increase.
The PWRRUN material in Guide 19 has also been slightly tweaked and feels a bit softer than before. This might seem to compromise stability, but Saucony has accounted for this. They've worked with the geometry of the midsole to compress slightly more on the outer side than the inner side.
Guide 19 is built on a very wide platform, which I personally can't get enough of in my running shoes. It's a fantastic way to create stability without disturbing the cushioning too much. Guide 19 also offers good arch support, which you should consider if Guide 19 is for you.
Saucony Guide 19 continues its legacy as a mild support mileage shoe. It excels as a simple running shoe, easily accessible, especially for beginners. When I say simple, it's meant in the best way because if you've run in a complex shoe, you know how cumbersome it can be. Guide 19 features the classic roll from rocker geometry, which Saucony executes excellently. It delivers on its promise, guiding you mile after mile, roll after roll.
Drop: 6 mm
Weight (Men): 275g (US 9 / EUR 42.5)
Weight (Women): 258g (US 7.5 / EUR 38.5)
Saucony Ride 19 - Uncomplicated Comfort from the First Step
While my colleague Jakob highlights Guide as the stable partner, is the neutral alternative. Still reliable, just with a freer and more lively feel. If you know the Ride series, you know it's the everyday hero in Saucony's lineup. It's the shoe that rarely grabs headlines with wild gimmicks but simply works.
From the first encounter with Ride 19, I felt in good company. There was an immediate "ahhh" sensation. Saucony updated the upper with new mesh and added extra padding around the heel, which is noticeable. Along with the soft tongue under the laces, the "step-in" comfort is sky-high.
Underfoot, you'll find one of the biggest changes from the predecessor. Ride 19 still uses PWRRUN+ foam, but the formula has been adjusted to feel softer and more springy than in the 18th edition. The shoe maintains the classic 8 mm drop, ensuring a good roll during transition. The platform remains nicely broad, providing natural stability, making it incredibly easy for both new and experienced runners.
Another significant upgrade is found under the shoe. Just as Jakob mentions with Guide 19, Ride 19 also has extra rubber on the outsole. It's a clear response in terms of durability, meaning you get a shoe that can handle more miles before needing replacement.
Saucony Ride 19 is that annoyingly capable classmate that can do it all. It performs on long Sunday runs thanks to the softer foam and is also fine for everyday runs with a bit more pace. It never complains. It's a shoe I believe will suit many runners because it doesn't try to be too special. It just aims to be a really good running shoe. And it succeeds.
Drop: 8 mm
Weight (Men): 270g (US 9 / EUR 42.5)
Weight (Women): 236g (US 7.5 / EUR 38.5)
In Short: Guide or Ride?
Both shoes are designed to be your chosen mileage trainers, but they do it in their own way.
Go with , if you seek stability, security, and arch support. It's the perfect partner when your feet and legs get tired, or if you've previously enjoyed shoes with support for pronation.
Choose instead Ride 19, if you're a neutral runner and want a freer feel. Here you get a livelier transition, a more springy foam, and a shoe that follows your movements. Which one will be your next favorite?
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