Happy day after Election Day! Whether the candidate you voted for won or not I think we can all agree it will be really nice to move on from the political ads and constant phone calls anyone in a swing state like myself has been receiving for months on end. Here’s to putting aside our differences and working together to make America the best that it can be in these next four years. 😀
I have a running shoe review to share today that I have been very excited to do for a few weeks now. It got delayed a little bit because of me preparing for the Runner’s World event and not wanting to change shoes in the middle of it all and the rain from Sandy making it difficult for me to run outside. I have finally gotten enough miles on my new sneakers that I feel confident reviewing them with you guys.
Through FitFluential I was given the opportunity to work with Saucony to review their new Women’s Progrid Guide 6 running shoes. I was so excited for this review because I am a huge Saucony fan. My first pair of running shoes that I ran my first Runner’s World 5k in a few weeks ago and that are so good to my feet are the Saucony Omni 11s. They are what I first started running on the treadmill with and what I eventually moved to running outdoors with, and are a pair of shoes I plan to wear until I have run them into the ground. I wanted to see what other Saucony running shoes are like and how they compare to the Omni 11s and what they feel like on my feet.
The Saucony Progrid Guide 6s were just released at the beginning of November and are a support shoe for runners who are mild over-pronators like myself. The first thing I noticed about these shoes was the style. While I’m loving the neon shoe trend at the moment and wish these had been a little more bold (They have a pink and citron version that is out of this world adorable!) I love how the red and orange pop together. Overall I think it is a really pretty shoe.
From my research before trying the shoes I found the Guide line to be a little less cushioning and supportive than the Omni line. When talking to Editors at Runner’s World I was told that is a good thing as I begin to increase my miles and want a lighter (8.9 oz vs 9.7 oz), speedier shoe that still delivers the stability I need. I was happy to see that the shoes still have lots of cushioning all around the soles.
Putting on the shoes for the first time I immediately noticed some differences between them and my Omni 11s. The Saucony Guide 6s had a slightly narrower toe box than I am used to, with a wider midsection and a looser heel fit. I was nervous that my foot would slip around in the back and be crammed in the front when I ran and that I would not enjoy them.
I took the shoes out to run a 5k around the river walk in my town and for two treadmill sessions at my gym. I’m so happy to say that while walking in them they feel looser in the back than I am used to when I run they are the perfect fit. I have no slipping or sliding in the shoes and instead have a really nice supportive, cushioning shoe for my runs. Since I’ve started running in the shoes I’ve found myself using them for runs just as often as my Omni 11s because I find my feet feel identical in them as I pound the pavement.
A side by side comparison of the Saucony Omni 11s and Guide 6s. While some differences (like the height of the back heel) are immediately noticeable they are incredibly similar shoes. They both use Progrid technology, have an 8 mm drop, and have a ComfortLite sockliner. It wicks moisture wonderfully and keeps the shoes very soft.
The side by side comparison illustrates how the heel area on the Guide 6s have more room and how the toebox is more narrow than the one on the Omni 11s. I love both of these shoes and would recommend either one to a runner looking for a great supportive running shoe. I like the Omni 11s for the tighter fit on my foot when I walk and the wider toe box for when my toes splay as I run (I’ve never lost a nail!). If you are a moderate over-pronator and/or are new to running I would recommend the Omni 11s. They’re supportive and stabilizing and are one of the highest quality shoes I have ever come across. If you’re a mild over-pronator and/or are already into running and rack up a decent amount of miles each week I would recommend the Guide 6s. They’re light and speedy with just the right amount of support and cuteness. What more could you ask for in a running shoe?
Question of the Day: What is your go-to running shoe?
I was sent these shoes for review purposes by Saucony. This is not a sponsored post, and as always, all opinions are my own.
really thorough review!!!
Im just starting to run—so Im searching for my solemate 🙂 shoe
Aw thanks! I hope you find your solemate shoe soon!
Love the color! Saucony was my first “real” running shoe. They kept my feet happy for years until I fell in love with Mizuno. 🙂
I am such a Saucony fan! I love their shoes!
I really want to try Sauconys!! Right now I have a pair of Brooks for running and a pair of Nikes for everything else lol. Oh, and a pair of Reeboks for every day things… and probably 4 more pairs of tennis shoes- why do I love them so much? Do you feel like you get a better workout in when you have new shoes? I always do!!!
I definitely recommend trying out Sauconys, I love their shoes. Running in new shoes is always fun, I feel like I’m so much speedier!
I started really running in Saucony Kinvaras, but now I’m onto a pair of Brooks Pure Connects. Love them both. I really need to start saving so I can purchase a second pair and always have at least two pairs of shoes in the rotation so I’m not blasting through one pair at a time!
Runner woes. 🙂
I love having two pairs I can switch between! You’re right, it makes me feel like I’m not running through my shoes as quickly!
i love these shoes! {not only because they are orange! (: } I’m glad you like them!My go to shoe right now are the Reebok flex’s I love them! They are so light.
Thanks so much, I love them!
Great review, Erin! I have used Saucony a few times over the years, and always liked them. I am not strictly loyal to any one brand, but Sauconys, Brooks and Mizunos are my go-to shoes.
I love the orange, I need a more lightweight shoe too!
Thank you! Yeah I love how lightweight they feel on my feet!
Thanks for such a comprehensive review! I’m also new to running and looking for my solemate shoe (love that phrase!) so I threw this in my Evernote to keep for future reference. Glad you like them 🙂
Yay! I’m glad you found the review helpful, that was my goal. They are really great shoes! Good luck finding your solemate shoe! That is a really cute phrase. 😀
I want a pair of Saucony’s so badly. I’m lusting and it’s awful! Great shoe review, and it’s awesome that you like them! If you ever feel like your toe is sliding up against the front, you can lace ’em all the way back and see if that helps! A lot of times people only lace it to the second hole. 🙂
Oh yes, I lace all the way up and then loop around the outside of the top hole and then through those, Josh taught me that trick when I started running and I love it, it definitely holds my foot more snugly in the shoe. It’s one of those things if he hadn’t told me about it I never would have known!
Nice review! I love Saucony’s I might have t give these a try.
I’d definitely recommend them! They’re awesome shoes!
This is newest version of the shoe I wear, can’t wait to try these out. Since you mentioned heel slippage, did you know there’s a special way you can tie your shoes to fix that (if you ever need it)?
Yes, I use the way where you lace all the way up stopping at the second to last hole, then loop through the top hole using that as the new place to tie your shoes. I think that’s the reason why my heel didn’t slip at all in the shoes, Josh taught me that when I started running and now I’ve used it ever since! I’m excited to hear what you think of the shoes and what the differences are between the last model!
Those look great!! I haven tried them before! I might have to look into them for my next pair! Currently I have newtons. They’re pretty great also! Hope your day is fantastic!! Spa <3
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the review! 🙂
I love saucony! these shoes look great and from the review you’ve written here sound like they live up to true saucon standards. love it.
right now my go-to running shoe is the Brooks Pure Connect. Actually, I think they will be forever. I love them dearly
I love hearing about what running shoes people love and why. It’s crazy how different everyone’s feet are and how different of shoes we all need!
I reviewed these shoes recently too and agree with your comments. A bit more snug through the front than I’m used to, but great as an indoor step class shoe for me!
Yeah I think I’m so used to the room in the Sauconys that I immediately noticed that there was less room up front in these, although never tight. I was glad to see when I run it doesn’t affect my feet at all.
I’m so intrigued by these posts because I’ve never paid attention to the differences between running shoes. I bought a pair of Nike running shoes a little while back and have been using them at the gym for everything. I bought them because they fit and felt comfortable, but reading these types of posts you’ve been putting up, I’m wondering if they’re even the correct type of shoe to wear working out!
I’ve also never heard of Saucony’s until you posted about them on your blog. I’ll have to keep an eye open the next time I’m in the market for running shoes.
If you’re in shoes that aren’t hurting your feet or causing you problems I’d stick with them! But if you feel like your feet may have problems or you’re looking to start running a lot I’d go to a running store and have your feet looked at. It never hurts to know how your feet act when you move!
Great review! I’m wearing New Balance shoes right now, but I did try on some Saucony ones at the store!
I’m so glad your new sneakers are working well for you!
Hi Erin! How are you?
Great review. I love my Saucony!
Hey Jill! I’m good! Josh and I are celebrating our 2 year anniversary today so it’s been a great day! Thanks so much, I’m glad you liked the review. I love Saucony too, their Omni 11s are my favorite!
Bought these today to replace my ancient Shadow 6000’s. Thanks for the review, hope I like them as much as you do!
Oh I can’t wait to hear what you think of them! Happy running!
Hi Erin.
Do you still like the shoes? I’ve been running in the Omnis but after running a half marathon, they felt very heavy and I’m thinking of switching to a lighter shoe. I love Sauconys and have been looking at the Guide 6. I just want to make sure they will still give me the proper pronation support. Thanks!
Eva
Hey Eva! I ran in the Guides today actually! I absolutely love them! I’ve heard the same thing about lightening your shoes when increasing your mileage. I’ve found they give me the same great support as the Omnis, although the slightly less wide toe box took a little getting used to.
This was just what I was looking for (thanks to Google). I started running in a pair of Guides, then found the fit of the Omni to work better. I’ve now been through 2 pairs of Omni shoes (currently in Omni 11) and am about to shop for new ones. I like some of the colors available for Omni 12 and Guide 6 and wondered how different the fit would be. If I like both fits, I may just determine which pair I want based on which colors I prefer. 🙂 Thanks!
I’m so glad you liked the review! Which one did you end up going with?
Hi there! I was so glad to wander upon this post – I’m trying to decide myself between a pair of Omni 12s or Guide 6s. My shop didn’t have any Guides in my size, but I tried the Omnis and LOVED them. I loved them because of the cushioning. I’ve been running in a pair of Mizunos and there just isn’t enough squish. I feel like I’m pounding pavement. But the Omnis were so SPEEDY too. How do you feel the Guides compare in cushion to the Omnis?