Saucony Guide 7, a stability shoe, comes in 4 colours each for males and the females. It is a shoe commonly used for training and the Guide franchise has sold more than 2 millions pairs globally since its debut in 2008. I recently got a pair which was in the gray/orange/citron colour scheme for review.

First impressions

My first impression of the shoe was how big it was. As a user of minimalist shoes, specifically the New Balance Mens Minimus MR10v2, I found the Guide 7 a little bulky. At 8mm offset from heel to toe, it was a taller shoe than the ones I have, which has a 4mm drop.

Although at 262.5 grams, Saucony Guide 7 (for US size 8) is on the lighter end of its class, compared to the minimalist shoes I train in, which weighs 147 grams, I found the Glide 7 considerably heavier.

Design wise, I found the Guide 7 to be well thought through. Its colour scheme is coherent and pleasing to the eye. Small details like the web design along the heels also fitted the shoe nicely and the double striped design on the laces matched the shoe well.

First Run

Upon lacing up, I was surprised that the shoes fitted me well and I did not feel uncomfortable despite a higher heel to toe drop than I was used to. However, due to the bulkiness of the shoe, I felt like there were weights attached to my legs and I was definitely not used to it.

On my first try, which was a 6km run on the road, I found that the shoe was too rigid for my liking, and does not possess the flexibility it claims to have. Being a midfoot striker, I could not roll over to my forefoot naturally. I suspected that it might be due to the fact the shoe was new and took it for a few more runs, which amounted up to 30km on the roads, but still found that it wasn’t as flexible as my feet was naturally.

What I really liked about the shoe, however, is the support it gives at the front of the feet. The flared forefoot design was effective in adding support during toe-off, which gave me a better lift with each stride.

On my first runs, I also found the upper mesh lining to be comfortable and breathable. I did not find the shoe stuffy at all, even when I perspired during my 15km run. It goes to show that the shoe is relatively breathable, which is a “must” I feel for any trainer.

I think that the shoe will find those who are used to running in trainers well. While being too rigid in the midfoot area for me, it creates stability in that region for those who need it. The support at toe off is a huge plus and will that will help runners who are looking to work on their lift off.

Runner's Boon

• Wide toe box for stability.
• Snug Fit keeps shoes comfortable over long distances.
• Good support during toe-off.

Runner's Bane

• Heavy for runners used to minimalist and racers.
• More rigid than other trainers (even after lengthy run-in period).