Updated: November 11th, 2011

Saucony Progrid Guide 3
	Full Name: Saucony Progrid Guide 3
	Category: Lightweight Stability
	Weight: 11.9 oz. ( gr.)
	Suggested Price: 100 $
	Recommended For: Slight to moderate overpronators who are looking for a responsive yet supportive ride that will withstand high mileage.

Saucony Progrid Guide 3 General Info:

Saucony chose to stick with what works in the most recent version of the Progrid Guide, their best selling model and popular lightweight stability shoe which has earned accolades for high mileage durability and just the right amount of support. As an avid wearer of the Progrid Guide 2 I was not expecting Saucony to change much in their flagship lightweight stability shoe. With enough stability to control moderate pronation Saucony stayed with the same dual density midsole for support and changed very little, adding additional forefoot cushioning ( a very nice touch) and changing the tongue of the shoe minimally. One thing that impressed me about the Guide 3 is that the fit and feel of the shoe improved with miles and I liked this shoe better at 100 miles than I did out of the box, always the sign of a great shoe.

Saucony Progrid Guide 3 lateral view

Previously I had worn the Guide 2 for over 500 miles and I was impressed with the shoes durability and the resilient cushioning in the heel. I was pleased to find that Saucony changed very little and stayed with the familiar well ventilated upper and dual density midsole and stability post for increased support. As a slight overpronator who values added support on long runs I felt that the added support kept me from doing harm in my gait cycle when my legs tired and my stride became less than efficient.

Saucony Progrid Guide 3 First Impressions:

Weighing in at 11.9 oz this is not a minimalist shoe by any means. It is a traditional stability running shoe meant to compete with the Asics 2150, Adidas Sequence, Nike Structure Triax, or Brooks Ravenna. Featuring a traditional 12 mm heel to toe drop the Progrid Guide 3 looks like many other trainers lining the walls of your local running store. The difference is that the Guide 3 is a workhorse of a shoe that works for a variety of runners and seems to have incredible qualities of durability.

Out of the box I noticed that the toebox of the Guide 3 remains shallow, a typical Saucony fit feature, but feels wider than the toebox of the Guide 2. The improved forefoot cushioning is substantial and I noticed the recuperative benefits in my legs immediately. The shoe’s upper gives a very secure fit and I noticed an improved snugness in the heel of the shoe. The heel cushioning and supportive features feel protective but not bulky by any means, and the shoe has a light feel of a much lighter trainer.

Saucony Progrid Guide 3 Performance:

The Progrid Guide series has been aimed at those needing minimal to moderate stability since the lines’ inception. However, at 12 oz this shoe fails to be lightweight by today’s standards. The feel of the EVA cushioning in the heel is fairly soft and the forefoot is a bit more firm. Stability components include dual density EVA on the medial side of the shoe which is reinforced by a medial post. The ride or heel-toe transition of the shoe feels smooth and feels low profile despite the 12 mm heel to toe drop. It does compete well with the Asics 2160 and the Nike Structure Triax, offering a similar weight and blend of support without feeling bulky.

Saucony Progrid Guide 3 Gait

Saucony Progrid Guide 3 Opinion:

The Saucony Progrid Guide 3 is a great all around stability trainer for those looking for a durable shoe. Each year that Saucony releases a new version of this shoe it is very similar to previous model, and in my opinion the newer version of the shoe, the Progrid Guide 4, continues this tradition. I do not agree with this shoe being lightweight enough to fit into the lightweight stability category where 10 oz seems to be the gold standard. If you are looking for a lighter weight Saucony model with stability features look to the Saucony Mirage to fulfill your needs.

Saucony Progrid Guide 3 Upper view

I enjoyed using this shoe for easy runs and long runs and felt that the stability features held up well. I have no doubts that the cushioning and stability features will last for 500 miles just like my previous model did. However, I continued to have issues with the shallow toebox on these shoes and rubbing on my pinky toes. Saucony has changed this in their newer more progressive models such as the Kinvara and Mirage. If you have a wide forefoot or like to have some up and down toe wiggle room then this shoe is not for you.

Similar Shoes:Asics 2160
Adidas Supernova Sequence
Nike Structure Triax
Brooks Ravenna

For those looking for lighter weight:
Asics DS-trainer
Saucony Mirage
Adidas Adizero Aegis

Review by Thomas Caughlan

Let us know what you think of this shoe in the comments!