(Click to enlarge)
Look who is back to running on the pavement. As you may now, I am always interested in running in new shoes. With the latest boom in running gear, the options are plentiful for running shoes. I tend to stay pretty consistent in what goes on my feet, but I have been eyeing this brand for some time.
Luckily, Saucony saw my eyes checking out their line and I was asked to preview the recently released Saucony ProGrid Guide 6, the flagship shoe of the brand. I’ve been running in them for about a week and was honored to run in them before the release date.
To test them out, I went on a few lunch runs, or RUNch, on some pretty flat terrain to make sure they fit properly and I felt comfortable in them. CHECK.
I then decided to take them for a challenge. A run up and down California… Street.
For those of you unfamiliar with San Francisco, it’s hilly. There is one street, in particular, fairly well-known for its views and steep climb: California Street. It’s downtown, but at various points you can see numerous San Francisco landmarks, including the Bay Bridge, Transamerica Pyramd, Cable Cars, Chinatown, Coit Tower and all the way down to the water near Alcatraz and Fisherman’s Wharf.
What a perfect place to test out what some new running shoes have in them than with some hill repeats with a view.
Here is the description from Saucony:
The latest edition of our flagship shoe arrives with a fit and ride even more attuned to the needs of runners seeking stability in an everyday training shoe. A new sole unit features triangular IBR+ pads integrated with deeper grooves in the forefoot for better flexibility and responsiveness. Three independently responsive pods in the SRC crashpad provide a smooth, efficient transition onto the midfoot, while a midfoot saddle promotes a snug, secure fit in the upper. Weight: 10.0oz. Click here to see the full list of updates and tech specs.
As I have stated before, I need a stability shoe for longer distances. With this being a factor, I simply cannot run in any shoe, it needs to have the stability and support my feet need to make it through hours of running.
Pros:
They’re comfortable. I’ve slipped on shoes and immediately felt “awkward” (I won’t name names) and this wasn’t the case with these.
They felt light. With stability shoes, it’s easy to find yourself in a heavy shoe. These come in a 10.0 oz., which isn’t incredibly light in comparison to a neutral shoe, but that’s pretty darn good for a stability shoe. It’s also Saucony’s lightest Guide to date. Nicely done.
They’re affordable. These start at $110. High stability shoes usually run $20+ dollars more and some as high as $150. When you are logging 100+ miles per month, you can see how quickly replacing shoes can happen. Saving any little bit you can is a huge deal.
Heel-to-Toe Offset. I’m listing this as a pro because of the listed benefit of making it “easier for the runner to land midfoot, resulting in a lower impact strike.” The heel is listed as 26mm and the forefoot as 18mm, resulting in an 8mm offset. I’ve run as far as seven miles in these with minimal concern. Longer distances will let me know if it becomes an issue/benefit.
Cons:
Color. The one reason I was immediately drawn to the Saucony line is the color design of the shoe. Yes, I know that this may not matter to most, but I’ve run in a lot of “bland” shoes and “looking pretty” is what it’s all about. I love the blue/orange combo, but wish my pair would have had some more pop.
Luckily, there are other great color choices available, here are two that I really like:
Left: ViZiPRO Orange / Black / Citron Right: White / Black / Citron
Here are some images from my successful run up and down California Street.
I ran a total of 5 miles, with 4 steep hill repeats.
I raced several of these Cable Cars going up and down California Street. I like to imagine the tourists thought I was a bit crazy. Check out the steepness of the hill. (Click to Enlarge)
I didn’t realize until later, but the incline/decline on the elevation chart looks like 4 Transamerica Pyramids — the triangle building on the left of the upper portion.
You’re shoe must be pretty darn good, if my only con is the color. Actually, I just listed two with awesome colorways, so that pretty much leaves my experience (to date) with Saucony as a win in my book. I’ll be keeping you posted as I begin to log longer miles in these.
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And here are the winners from my raffle of $10 off at your next shoe purchase at Road Runner Sports (in-store or online) and a pair of orange shoe laces.
Kassandra of urbaninsuburbia1.wordpress.com
Jaime of fromcouchtoironwoman.com
Jenelle of miletwentyeight.com
I’ll be reaching out to each of you to claim your prize. Thank you to everyone that participated.
I was not compensated for this post, but I was given a pair of Saucony shoes to review from Saucony and FitFluential. All opinions are my own and so are the miles. You can say you ran the hill repeats, but me and your quads know the truth.
Have you ever run in a pair of Saucony?
How do you get your hill training in?
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I will get my hill training in soon…outdoors…coming to a state near you.
I ran in Saucony for years. Great shoe! The model I ran in was blah in color too. Boo! Love the orange option.
i love the colors! I’m usually not a fan of saucony’s look but I do love Orange! So these are very cute! Glad to see you have more pros than cons! (:
I like the orange! (Clemson fan over here.)
I get my hill training in local neighborhoods. I find they’re much hillier than nearby roads and park paths.
I recently purchased a pair of Saucony’s and am loving them, in fact I just ordered pair number two.
I get my hill training in all of the time.. I live in the hills and have to drive to do flat running :)
Holy hills! I used to wear Saucony ages ago, but they were really too narrow in the toe box for my wide wide feet.
Cute shoes! I mean…super macho running shoes dude!
Glad to know I’m not the only one who likes a pretty running shoe. Neon lets me reconnect with my inner 80’s child.
Hill repeats…I have to do them in parking garages or bridges because we have no hills up here in the prairies.
The Guide is one of my FAVORITE shoes!! I’m glad this years seems to be the best yet!! :)
I love Saucony style/color options. I was very close to buying a pair when I picked up my Brooks. Still in my Asics, but Saucony’s are creeping up on my possible next purchase list!
I applaud you for running SFO the way you do. All those hills… I’ve walked them quite a few times, but never run. One day!
I love Saucony’s! I use their sneakers for running and cross training.
I absolutely love your pictures from your RUNch! :)
My hill training takes place by running around Atlanta. It’s actually impossible to avoid them around here, unless I drove outside the perimeter!
You have got some seriously hilly routes down there. They always look so awesome! I am doing hills tonight, consider me inspired :)
Your photos are always so great and creative :) Those shoes look aweseome, even if I am a Mizuno lover for life!!
Looks like the shoe kept up with you pretty good. Must be a good shoe.
When I was fitted for running shoes, I picked Saucony ProGrids. I definitely don’t run as much as you do, so I can go longer without getting new shoes. But next time I need new running shoes, I am sticking with Saucony…I LOVE this brand!
I’m supposed to hill train? ;)
Great review…and you my friend have awesome pics!
Is there still a Hard Rock Cafe at the top?
Loved your review and if color is the only con, I think you have a winner on your hands!
Great pics. Bring back good memories of the city.
I’m really excited that I won your giveaway! Looking forward to hearing from you!
I love Sacuony, I run in the Mirages, Kinvaras and Peregrines (trail) right now.
Love your recap! Sauconys are amazing! I agree, my one complaint is that I wish they were more colorful! haha I like pretty shoes!
I LOVE that citron color! Most stability shoes I’ve worn have been BORING. I definitely think color is important :)
Your pictures are always amazing! I’m envious of the views you have while running! I’ve tried Saucony and liked them! Right now I’m addicted to my Asics though.
So jealous at the hills that you have readily available for you to train. I have a love/hate relationship with hills =)
Love the Guide 6s! I’ve been wearing mine too and adore them!