Welcome to Flawless Shoe Reviews! Today, we’re breaking down the key differences between two Saucony staples: the Ride 18 and the Guide 17. While both are excellent shoes, they serve very different purposes and cater to unique running styles. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which shoe is right for you.
Ride 18 vs. Guide 17: Key Specs Comparison
| Feature | Saucony Ride 18 | Saucony Guide 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning (Rearfoot/Forefoot) | 37mm / 29mm | 35mm / 29mm |
| Drop | 8mm | 6mm |
| Weight (Men’s US 9) | 274g | 269g |
Midsole and Cushioning
Let’s start with the Ride 18, which features Saucony’s PWRRUN+ cushioning. This creates a springy, flexible feel, making it ideal for uptempo runs, faster workouts, and even race-pace training. Compared to the Ride 17, the updated midsole is more flexible, allowing for easier bending through the midfoot and forefoot. If you’re curious about another flexible shoe for race-ready performance, check out our review of the New Balance Fuelcell Rebel V4.
In contrast, the Guide 17 uses standard PWRRUN cushioning, which is slightly firmer underfoot. Compared to the Guide 16, it offers more spring while maintaining a steady, stable feel. This makes the Guide 17 a fantastic choice for easy runs, recovery runs, and day-to-day Workhorse duties. Its stability features (more on that below) also make it an excellent option for runners with conditions like ankle instability or posterior tibial tendinopathy.
Stability Features
The Guide 17 is a mild to moderate stability shoe with unique features:
- Sidewalls: Large sidewalls cradle your foot, reducing pronation forces and keeping your foot centered. These run from the heel to the forefoot on the inside and outside of the shoe.
- Lateral and Medial Stability: Unlike many stability shoes, the Guide 17 provides support for both overpronation and supination.
- Wide Base and Sole Flare: These features increase ground contact, enhancing stability.
If you’re looking for a stability shoe with a responsive ride, consider the Hoka Arahi 7, which offers a slightly lighter feel while still controlling pronation forces.
The Ride 18, while primarily a neutral shoe, includes some stability features as well:
- Mild Sidewalls: Less prominent than in the Guide 17 but enough to offer light support.
- Wide Base and Sole Flare: These features ensure a stable ride, even at faster paces.
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Upper and Fit
Both shoes feature updated uppers with Creel Jacquard engineered mesh, but there are distinct differences:
- Ride 18: Offers a snug, race-ready fit with lower volume in the toe box. While true to size, it’s better suited for runners with narrower feet or those who prefer a closer fit.
- Guide 17: Has a roomier toebox with more height, accommodating conditions like hallux rigidus or toe pain. The added space makes it ideal for runners with wider feet or toe conditions.
Use Cases
- Saucony Ride 18: Perfect for uptempo runs, race-pace training, and faster workouts. Its flexibility and responsiveness make it a great choice for runners seeking a more aggressive shoe. If you’re exploring other options for neutral shoes, the Brooks Ghost 16 might be worth considering.
- Saucony Guide 17: An excellent choice for easy runs and long runs and as a reliable Workhorse for day-to-day running. Its stability features make it ideal for overpronators and those needing extra support for conditions like posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose the Ride 18 if you:
- Want a neutral shoe with a more aggressive, responsive feel.
- Need a shoe for faster workouts or uptempo runs.
- Value flexibility and a snug, low-volume fit in the toe box.
- Choose the Guide 17 if you:
- Need mild to moderate stability for overpronation or supination.
- Want a versatile shoe for long runs, recovery runs, or walking.
- Require a roomier toebox for toe conditions or wider feet.
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Final Thoughts
Both the Saucony Ride 18 and Guide 17 are standout options, but they’re built for different purposes. The Ride 18 is your go-to for speed and responsiveness, while the Guide 17 offers unmatched stability and comfort for steady, reliable runs.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below! Don’t forget to check out our reviews of the Saucony Triumph 22, another great neutral daily trainer, or the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 if you’re seeking a stability shoe with a firmer feel.
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