I Logged More Than 50 Miles While Training for a Half Marathon in the Saucony Guide—It’s the Shoe I Didn’t Know I Needed

Saucony’s Guide 19 is designed with Pwrrun foam that’s firm yet bouncy, so you can maintain forward momentum.Saucony’s CenterPath technology includes a broader base that provides much-needed stability when rounding corners.The Saucony Guide 19 is a max-cushioned stability shoe, good for easy and long runs. Max-cushioned trainers are great options for run/walkers because they add a bounce to your stride and make transitioning between speeds much easier. They also provide supreme comfort, which is needed when running or walking long distances.At first, I was hesitant to try the Guide 19 because it’s a smidge heavier than I prefer. I soon learned I could rely on these shoes no matter the pace or distance. Once it finally came time to run my second half marathon, I laced up the Guide 19, and I finished that race faster than my first half, feeling just as strong.Best Stability Shoe for Run/WalksProsWide toeboxBouncy Pwrrun foam propels you forwardPwrrun foam offers long-lasting comfort, good for long runsBest for Long run/walks and long runsWeight8.9 oz (M), 7.7 oz (W)Drop6 mmThe Guide 19 Provides One-of-a-Kind StabilityYour feet are precious assets that deserve protection. Luckily, Saucony’s CenterPath technology is built into the Guide 19, securing your foot as you run. It almost feels as if the shoe is cradling your foot, but it doesn’t feel stiff.Our testers loved how breathable the newly engineered mesh upper is, and praised its softness. “The material accommodated my stride well,” said Dave Block. “I had zero issue with hot spots or my toes feeling constricted. My feet stayed dry and cool. No problems with the length of the tongue, the padding around the collar, or hard plastic. It was a very comfortable shoe.”Winston ZhouI agree. After taking the shoes out for a 2.5-mile run in 70-degree temperatures with 80-percent humidity, my feet didn’t feel too hot or clammy.The spacious toebox makes the Guide 19 a good pick for all runners since having extra space in the toe area is important for splaying (the natural widening of your toes during the push-off and landing phases of running). Having more room is also good for long runs because increased blood flow can lead to foot swelling.Let’s not forget, the Guide 19 is a stability shoe by design. As we mentioned in our initial review, the broad base helps support your foot if you typically overpronate (which is when your ankle rounds inward as you run) and while you round corners. It’s one of the reasons why I initially wanted to spend more time in these shoes.If you have flat or wide feet, Saucony offers wide and extra-wide options so you can have even more room. And though you might notice the shoes’ large foot shape at first glance, it doesn’t feel bulky on foot.What It Feels Like on the RoadI had few complaints while sporting the Guide 19. The shoe really shines on long runs because its spacious and comfortable. I’m a flat-footed runner, and I rely on that roominess and cushioning when my mileage gets deeper. The Pwrrun foam is firm yet bouncy, and that’s why I continuously laced them up, logging more than 50 miles (and counting). Also, transitioning between walking and running felt effortless while wearing them.Senior Gear Editor Cat Bowen agrees. “I run very high mileage of up to (and sometimes over) 100 miles per week. The Guide 19s kept my overpronating feet sure and stable on long runs, as well as when I’m just bopping about doing my shopping.” Our testers said these shoes can handle both running and walking. But even in a stability shoe, fit and feel are still king.“The comfort of the Guide 19 and cushioning were my favorite features,” Gear Editor Amanda Furrer said. “In some ways, it kept me from running myself into the ground, in others it held me accountable. I tacked on extra miles because the shock absorption allowed me to endure more pounding during a more loaded part of my training.”Winston ZhouThe shoe can handle a wide range of paces, including those uptempo efforts. I tested its ability to keep a slightly faster pace a few times throughout my spring half marathon training block. Furrer also wore them weeks before training for the Boston Marathon, and she usually clocks a 7:30 easy pace. The Pwrrun foam bounced back with every step, just as it would on slower efforts.Furrer said, “Instead of logging my runs in a super trainer or super shoe, I logged them in the Guide 19. The paved trails were the perfect training ground for slow, easy base miles and tempos. The Guide provided cushioned support and made my feet stay fresh.”Bottom line: the Guide 19 is a shoe you can depend on, especially when it comes to the long run. It provides support without compromising cushioning, flexibility, or breathability.Who Should Invest in the Guide 19If you’re a run/walker with flat or wide feet, or you tend to overpronate or need a bit more structure, you can’t go wrong with the Guide 19. Long-distance runners will appreciate the bounce, cushion, and airy feel, and the fact that the shoe can handle faster paces. Since Saucony has a wide array of sizes available, it’s more likely any runner will find the perfect fit within their catalogue.Shop Men’s at saucony.com | Shop Women’s at saucony.com Monique LeBrun is a health and fitness editor who is based in Easton, Pennsylvania. She covers a wide range of health and wellness topics, with a primary focus on running performance and nutrition. Monique is passionate about creating content that empowers runners to become the best versions of themselves. As an avid runner and parent, she loves spending time outdoors with her daughter, who often accompanies her on weekend runs as her personal mini run coach.