Saucony’s Guide 15 and Ride 15 represent excellent choices for road runners, offering distinct experiences․ The Guide 15 provides stability, while the Ride 15 prioritizes neutral cushioning and comfort․
Overview of Both Models
Saucony’s Guide 15 and Ride 15 are both highly-regarded daily trainers designed for road running․ The Ride 15 is a neutral shoe, focusing on delivering a comfortable and responsive ride for runners who don’t require extra support․ It’s known for its adaptable fit and smooth transitions․ Conversely, the Guide 15 builds upon the Ride’s foundation but incorporates stability features, making it ideal for runners needing mild to moderate pronation control․
Both models utilize PWRRUN cushioning, but differ in firmness․ The Guide 15 offers a more structured upper, enhancing support, while the Ride 15 prioritizes a flexible, adaptive feel․ Both are lightweight options suitable for various training paces․
Target Runner Profile
The Saucony Ride 15 best suits neutral runners seeking a comfortable, daily training shoe․ It’s perfect for those logging consistent mileage who appreciate a cushioned yet responsive feel․ Runners who prefer a smoother, less intrusive ride will find the Ride 15 ideal․
Conversely, the Guide 15 caters to runners needing mild to moderate stability․ This includes individuals with slight to noticeable pronation or those who simply prefer a more supportive shoe․ It’s a great choice for runners wanting a blend of cushioning and control during their everyday runs․

Key Differences: A Detailed Comparison
Saucony’s Guide 15 offers stability features, while the Ride 15 focuses on neutral cushioning․ The Guide 15 is firmer, providing support, and the Ride 15 is smoother․
Stability Features ― Guide 15
The Saucony Guide 15 distinguishes itself through dedicated stability features designed for runners needing extra support․ A key component is the medial post, strategically placed to counteract overpronation – the inward rolling of the foot․ This feature provides a noticeable supportive sensation, hugging the foot and guiding movement․
Unlike the neutral Ride 15, the Guide 15 incorporates a plastic half ring on the medial side, enhancing torsional rigidity and further controlling motion․ This construction delivers a secure and controlled ride, making it ideal for those seeking a stability shoe without excessive bulk or rigidity․
Medial Post and Support
The Guide 15’s medial post is a firm density foam wedge located on the inner side of the midsole․ This crucial element actively resists excessive pronation, preventing the ankle from rolling inward too much during the gait cycle․ It’s not an aggressive post, aiming for guidance rather than forceful correction, offering a balanced feel․
This support system works in tandem with the structured upper, creating a secure and stable platform․ Runners experiencing mild to moderate overpronation will find the medial post particularly beneficial, promoting a more efficient and comfortable running experience․ It’s a core feature differentiating the Guide 15․
Neutral Cushioning ― Ride 15
The Ride 15 distinguishes itself with a focus on delivering a smooth and comfortable ride for neutral runners․ It eschews the medial post found in the Guide 15, instead prioritizing a balanced cushioning experience throughout the midsole․ This allows the foot to move more naturally, without artificial intervention or correction․
The shoe’s design emphasizes responsiveness and adaptability, catering to a wide range of paces and distances․ Runners who don’t require stability features will appreciate the Ride 15’s freedom of movement and plush feel, making it ideal for daily training and longer runs․
Focus on Comfort and Responsiveness
Saucony’s Ride 15 excels in providing a comfortable running experience, achieved through its neutral cushioning system and adaptive fit․ Reviews consistently highlight the shoe’s ability to contour well to the foot, even on the first run, enhancing overall comfort․
Beyond comfort, the Ride 15 delivers noticeable responsiveness, making it suitable for various paces․ The midsole’s design aims to provide a balanced feel – not overly soft, but offering enough cushioning to absorb impact while still allowing for a lively toe-off․ This blend makes it a versatile daily trainer․
Midsole Technology
Both the Saucony Guide 15 and Ride 15 utilize PWRRUN cushioning, but differ in firmness; the Guide 15 feels firmer, while the Ride 15 is softer․
PWRRUN Midsole in Both Shoes
Saucony employs its PWRRUN midsole foam in both the Guide 15 and Ride 15, aiming to deliver a balanced blend of cushioning and responsiveness․ This foam is known for providing a comfortable underfoot feel without sacrificing energy return․ However, the implementation of PWRRUN differs significantly between the two models․ While both benefit from this technology, the Guide 15 utilizes a slightly denser PWRRUN formulation, contributing to its stability features․ Conversely, the Ride 15 leverages PWRRUN to maximize cushioning and create a smoother, more plush ride experience for neutral runners․

Guide 15: Firmer Midsole Feel
The Saucony Guide 15 distinguishes itself with a noticeably firmer midsole compared to the Ride 15․ This firmness isn’t harsh, but rather intentional, designed to enhance stability and control for runners who require support․ The denser PWRRUN foam contributes to this sensation, providing a more grounded and secure feel during each stride․ Runners will experience less sink-in cushioning and greater responsiveness, making it ideal for maintaining proper form and preventing overpronation․ This firmer feel is a key characteristic defining the Guide 15’s supportive nature․
Ride 15: Softer, More Cushioned Ride
The Saucony Ride 15 delivers a distinctly softer and more cushioned running experience․ Utilizing PWRRUN foam, it prioritizes comfort for neutral runners logging daily miles․ This update focused on enhancing the shoe’s inherent plushness, creating a forgiving feel underfoot․ Runners can expect a smoother transition and reduced impact, making it well-suited for longer distances and recovery runs․ The Ride 15 offers a more relaxed and comfortable ride, prioritizing shock absorption and a less intrusive feel compared to its stability counterpart․
Upper Construction and Fit
The Guide 15 features a more structured upper, providing a secure and supportive fit․ Conversely, the Ride 15 boasts an adaptive fit, contouring comfortably to the foot․
Guide 15: More Structured Upper
The Saucony Guide 15 distinguishes itself with a noticeably more structured upper design․ This construction prioritizes support and security, effectively “hugging” the foot for enhanced stability during runs․ Runners seeking a controlled feel will appreciate this feature, as it minimizes excessive movement․ The upper materials and design elements work in tandem to create a locked-down sensation, particularly beneficial for those requiring mild to moderate stability․
Compared to its neutral counterpart, the Ride 15, the Guide 15’s upper offers a more defined shape and less inherent flexibility․ This deliberate design choice contributes to the shoe’s overall stability profile, making it a reliable option for runners who pronate or desire extra support․
Ride 15: Adaptive Fit
The Saucony Ride 15 boasts an adaptive fit, prioritizing comfort and a natural running experience․ Its upper construction is designed to conform to the unique shape of each foot, providing a secure yet non-restrictive feel․ This allows for greater freedom of movement and a more personalized fit, enhancing overall comfort during longer runs․
Unlike the Guide 15’s more structured approach, the Ride 15’s upper emphasizes flexibility and breathability․ It contours well to the foot, even on the first run, offering a comfortable and accommodating experience for neutral runners seeking a smooth, cushioned ride without unnecessary constraints․

Outsole Durability and Traction
Both models feature durable outsoles, but the Ride 15 generally offers slightly improved longevity and grip compared to the Guide 15’s outsole․
Guide 15 Outsole Performance
The Saucony Guide 15’s outsole delivers reliable traction for everyday road running․ While improvements have been made over previous versions, it doesn’t quite match the durability of the Ride 15․ The rubber compound provides adequate grip in various conditions, ensuring a secure footing during training runs․
However, runners prioritizing long-term wear might notice faster abrasion compared to the Ride 15․ The outsole pattern is designed to balance durability with flexibility, contributing to a smooth transition through the gait cycle․ It’s a solid performer, especially for those seeking a stability shoe with dependable traction․
Ride 15 Outsole Performance

The Saucony Ride 15 boasts an outsole that excels in both durability and traction․ Compared to the Guide 15, it offers even more resilience against wear and tear, making it a strong choice for high-mileage runners․ The rubber compound provides a confident grip on paved surfaces, ensuring a secure and stable running experience․
The outsole’s design prioritizes longevity without sacrificing flexibility, contributing to a smooth and efficient stride․ It effectively handles various weather conditions, maintaining reliable traction throughout your runs․ Overall, the Ride 15’s outsole is a standout feature, enhancing the shoe’s overall performance․

Ride Feel and Performance
The Ride 15 delivers a remarkably smooth and comfortable running experience, focusing on a balanced feel and responsive cushioning for daily training․
Guide 15: Stability and Control
The Saucony Guide 15 excels in providing runners with a secure and controlled ride․ It’s specifically designed for those needing mild to moderate stability, featuring a medial post for pronation support․
Reviewers consistently highlight the shoe’s supportive feel, noting how it “hugs your foot” and offers a confident stride․ This structure makes it ideal for longer distances or when fatigue sets in, helping maintain proper form․ The firmer midsole contributes to this enhanced control, preventing excessive inward rolling of the foot during each step․
Ride 15: Smooth and Comfortable
The Saucony Ride 15 prioritizes a smooth, comfortable running experience for neutral runners․ It’s lauded as a versatile daily trainer, capable of handling various paces and distances with ease․ Reviewers emphasize its adaptive fit and cushioned feel, making it a pleasure to wear mile after mile․
The shoe contours well to the foot, providing a comfortable embrace without feeling restrictive․ While firm, the cushioning effectively absorbs impact, reducing stress on joints․ It’s a reliable choice for runners seeking a balanced ride that doesn’t sacrifice responsiveness․
Weight Comparison
Generally, the Saucony Ride 15 is slightly lighter than the Guide 15․ This difference, though subtle, can contribute to a more nimble feel during runs․
Guide 15 Weight
The Saucony Guide 15’s weight varies slightly depending on shoe size, but typically falls around 9․9 ounces (281 grams) for men’s sizes and 8․5 ounces (241 grams) for women’s․ This weight is a reasonable compromise considering the added stability features incorporated into the design․ The medial post and structured upper contribute to a slightly heavier build compared to its neutral counterpart, the Ride 15․
Despite the added support elements, Saucony managed to keep the Guide 15 feeling relatively lightweight, ensuring it doesn’t hinder performance during daily training or longer runs․ It remains a competitive weight within the lightweight stability shoe category․
Ride 15 Weight
The Saucony Ride 15 is notably lighter than the Guide 15, reflecting its neutral design and focus on streamlined performance․ Men’s sizes generally weigh around 8․8 ounces (249 grams), while women’s sizes come in at approximately 7․7 ounces (218 grams)․ This lighter weight contributes to a more effortless and quicker feel during runs, making it ideal for daily training and tempo work․
The absence of a medial post and a less structured upper allows Saucony to minimize weight without sacrificing cushioning or responsiveness․ Runners prioritizing a lightweight, comfortable experience will appreciate the Ride 15’s nimble feel․

Price Point
Generally, the Saucony Ride 15 and Guide 15 share a similar retail price, typically around $140․ However, prices can fluctuate based on sales and retailer promotions․
Guide 15 Pricing
The Saucony Guide 15 typically launched with a retail price of around $140 USD, positioning it as a mid-range stability shoe․ However, actual pricing can vary significantly depending on the retailer, sales events, and colorway․
Throughout the year, discounts are common, especially as newer models are released․ You can often find the Guide 15 on sale for between $90 and $120․ Checking multiple online retailers and local running stores is recommended to secure the best possible deal․ Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions and clearance events for substantial savings․
Ride 15 Pricing
The Saucony Ride 15 generally debuted with a retail price of $130 USD, aligning with its position as a neutral daily trainer․ Like the Guide 15, pricing fluctuates based on retailer, color options, and promotional periods․
Expect to find the Ride 15 available for between $90 and $110 when sales occur, particularly with the release of subsequent Ride models․ Comparing prices across various online stores and local running shops is advisable to locate the most competitive offer․ Regularly checking for discounts and clearance events can lead to significant cost reductions․

Who Should Choose the Guide 15?
Runners needing mild to moderate stability and motion control will benefit from the Guide 15’s supportive features and structured design for comfortable runs․
Runners Needing Stability
The Saucony Guide 15 is specifically engineered for runners who require a degree of stability in their footwear․ Featuring a medial post and supportive upper construction, it actively addresses overpronation, guiding the foot through a more natural gait cycle․
This makes it an ideal choice for individuals experiencing discomfort or fatigue due to excessive inward rolling of the ankle․ The shoe’s firmer midsole further enhances stability, providing a controlled and secure feel․ Runners who have previously benefited from stability shoes or are seeking preventative support will find the Guide 15 a reliable option for daily training and longer distances․
Who Should Choose the Ride 15?
The Saucony Ride 15 suits neutral runners desiring a comfortable, cushioned experience for daily miles, prioritizing a smooth and responsive ride without added support․
Neutral Runners Seeking Cushioning
For runners with a neutral gait, the Saucony Ride 15 emerges as a premier choice, delivering a plush and comfortable running experience․ Reviews consistently highlight its well-cushioned midsole, providing excellent impact absorption for longer distances․
Unlike the Guide 15, which incorporates stability features, the Ride 15 focuses solely on maximizing comfort and responsiveness․ This makes it ideal for those who don’t require motion control and prefer a more natural feel․ The adaptive fit further enhances comfort, contouring well to the foot․ It’s a fantastic daily trainer!
Durability Assessment
Both models demonstrate solid durability for daily training, though recent reports suggest the Ride 17’s outsole offers slightly improved longevity compared to the Guide 17․
Long-Term Wear of Guide 15
Saucony Guide 15 exhibits commendable durability for consistent road running․ Users report the midsole maintains its supportive firmness over numerous miles, resisting significant compression․ The upper, while structured, generally holds its shape well, though some creasing around the toe box may develop․
Outsole wear is typical for a stability shoe, showing moderate abrasion in high-impact zones․ However, the plastic half-ring, crucial for medial support, remains robust throughout the shoe’s lifespan․ Overall, the Guide 15 is expected to reliably deliver between 300-500 miles of consistent performance․
Long-Term Wear of Ride 15
The Saucony Ride 15 demonstrates solid durability, though potentially slightly less than the Guide 15 due to its softer cushioning․ The PWRRUN midsole, while comfortable, may exhibit some compression over extended mileage, gradually reducing its initial responsiveness․ The adaptive upper remains breathable and conforms well to the foot, showing minimal stretching or breakdown․
Outsole wear is comparable to the Guide 15, with expected abrasion in key areas․ Runners can anticipate approximately 300-450 miles of reliable performance before noticing significant degradation, making it a dependable daily trainer․

Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the choice between the Saucony Guide 15 and Ride 15 hinges on individual needs․ If you require stability and motion control, the Guide 15’s firmer midsole and structured upper are ideal․ However, neutral runners prioritizing comfort and a smoother ride will find the Ride 15 exceptionally well-suited․
Both shoes offer excellent cushioning and durability for daily training․ Consider your gait and preferred running feel – stability or neutral – to make the most informed decision and enjoy countless miles!