The Saucony Guide 19 keeps the same DNA that made the Guide 17 and 18 so easy to recommend, but it shifts the whole experience toward a softer, more cushioned ride.
Saucony is now framing it as a max-cushioned stability shoe, and honestly, that’s pretty accurate. The midsole feels deeper and more forgiving underfoot, the platform is a touch wider for reassurance, and the outsole finally gets the durability upgrade we have been asking for.
If you enjoyed the Guide 18’s predictable and natural ride, this version keeps that familiar flow but adds a touch more comfort and longer-mile protection.
The trade-offs? A slightly heavier build, a warmer upper, and the removal of the rear finger loop some runners loved. But for the kind of running this shoe is made for: easy days, recovery runs, and steady daily mileage, it does its job very well.
Key specifications
- Price: $140 at Saucony.com (available March 2026)
- Weight: 10.4oz / 295g (US men’s 9)
- Drop: 6mm (35mm heel / 29mm forefoot stack)
- Upper: Engineered mesh with improved durability and stretch; slightly less breathable than previous version
- Midsole: Softer PWRRUN foam with CenterPath Technology guiding geometry
- Outsole: Increased rubber coverage for better durability and wet-road traction
- Extra attributes:
- Natural-feeling, stability shoe
- Vegan-friendly materials
- SRS sockliner for a plush step in feel
Alastair Dixon
Sizing and fit
The fit stays true to size and follows the same blueprint as the Guide 18: a secure midfoot wrap and a toe box that has enough space for natural splay and long-run swelling.
Step-in comfort is high, and while the upper now prioritizes durability over breathability, it's still very breathable and feels comfortable for day-to-day, 'easy run' use.
One notable change is the missing rear finger loop, something some Guide fans might miss.
The heel lock-down is still very good too.
Performance review
This is still unmistakably a Guide.
That smooth, predictable roll from heel to toe is right where you expect it to be, and the medium stability stays natural and unobtrusive.
But the softer midsole changes the personality of the shoe a little more than I expected it would.
Cushioning & ride
The updated PWRRUN foam feels significantly softer than the Guide 18.
Even though the stack height hasn’t changed, the ride feels deeper and more cushioned.
It pushes the shoe into max-cushion territory and makes it a better option for runners who want a gentle, supported cruiser for long, easy miles.
Because of the softer platform, there’s a little less snap or energy return. It’s not a shoe you reach for when you want to pick up the pace.
That said, Saucony counterbalances the softness with a nice wide platform, so the shoe still feels planted and stable. For a softer midsole, that’s impressive.
Alastair Dixon
Stability
Stability remains medium-touch, the same approach that worked so well in the Guide 17 and 18.
CenterPath Technology continues to cradle the foot and keep things centered without forcing an overly corrective movement.
If you’re someone who likes a stability shoe that feels like a neutral shoe with support baked in, the Guide 19 nails it.
Runners who require stronger pronation correction, though, may still need to look toward something like the Hurricane series.
Upper performance
The upper trades some breathability for noticeably improved durability.
On the run, it feels secure around the midfoot and comfortable across the toes. This build should hold up well over time but could run a bit warm in hot conditions.
Outsole durability
This is where Saucony made one of the most important changes.
The Guide 18’s outsole suffered from too much exposed foam at the heel and forefoot, and premature wear because of it.
The Guide 19 fixes that with more rubber coverage and a more confidence-inspiring feel on the roads, although traction still isn't great in the wet, especially on painted road surfaces.
Alastair Dixon
My verdict
The Saucony Guide 19 stays true to its lineage while pushing into a softer, more cushioned space.
It’s extremely similar to the Guide 18, just softer, more protective, and more durable. The outsole is finally sorted, the ride remains smooth, and despite the softer midsole, the stability feels just as natural as before.
It is a bit heavier, a bit warmer, and still not the choice for picking up the pace (that would be the Tempus 2) but that’s not what this shoe is built for. It’s built for comfort, consistency, and taking pressure off your body on easy training days.
If you want a reliable daily trainer with gentle stability and a softer ride that leans toward max cushioning, the Guide 19 delivers exactly that.
And if you liked the Guide 18, you’re going to slip into this one and feel right at home, just with a little more comfort and longevity underfoot.
