The Saucony Guide 17 and Saucony Triumph 21 represent two of Saucony’s newest running shoe models featuring attractive yet distinct offerings for runners.
Analyzing the key differences between these two innovative releases indicates that Guide 17 shines for mileage-seeking overpronators while the Triumph 21 envelops neutral runners in cloud-like plushness for high-comfort training.
Compare stability assistance versus maximum cushion, weigh priorities like durability and fit, and determine the superior match based on your personal running needs.
Similarities And Differences Between Saucony Guide 17 And Triumph 21:
| Feature | Saucony Guide 17 | Saucony Triumph 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched In | 2024 | 2023 |
| Stability | Medial Support | Neutral |
| Flexibility | Moderate | Flexible |
| Sizing | Men’s 7-13, Women’s 5.5-12 | Standard |
| Weight | 10.6 oz (M), 9.2 oz (W) | 10 oz (M) |
| Cushion | PWRRUN | PWRRUN+ |
| Outsole | XT-900 Rubber | XT-900 Carbon Rubber |
| Midsole | PWRRUN+ | PWRRUN+ |
| Upper | Engineered Mesh | Soft Flat Knit |
| Retail Price | $140 | $160 |
Features Comparison:
Materials:
The Guide 17 utilizes an engineered mesh upper designed for breathability during runs while providing structure through reinforced stitched overlays. Underfoot, it implements Saucony’s PWRRUN+ cushioning technology in the midsole to supply responsive shock absorption mile after mile. The outsole contains durable XT-900 rubber to handle abrasive surfaces.
Meanwhile, the Triumph 21 constructs its seamless upper with a soft flat knit material that stretches to accommodate different foot shapes. The extremely flexible upper creates a sock-like fit for personalized comfort.
Additional PWRRUN+ cushioning is built into the full-length midsole to absorb impact while an XT-900 carbon rubber outsole boosts durability for high-mileage neutral runners.
Durability:
The Triumph 21 implements long-wearing carbon rubber into high-impact zones of its outsole to promote resilience mile after mile. This material withstands abrasive surfaces better than the standard rubber of the Guide 17 for improved longevity even logging heavy weekly mileage.
However, the ultra-stretchy knit fabric engineering of the upper of the Triumph 21 risks gradually developing minor tears from repeated use over an annual basis whereas the Guide 17 better preserves structural integrity via tightly knit synthetic overlays reinforcing the mesh upper against damage.
Fit:
An engineered mesh fabric implements precisely located perforations matching the movement of each portion of your foot in the Guide 17, hugging the midfoot securely to prevent in-shoe slippage while permitting flexibility through the forefoot to enable an unrestricted toe-off motion during each propulsion phase avoiding discomfort.
This secure midfoot wrap enables stability while the stretch forefoot mesh enables natural toe splay. By contrast, the Triumph 21 constructs its exceptionally malleable upper from a single piece of form-fitting flat knit textile spanning from toes to ankle designed to mold directly around the precise shape of your foot for a true customized fit feeling like a sock.
Stability:
Guide 17 specifically assists overpronators through an integrated medial post structure and midsole guidance rails intended to gently realign foot positioning to correct excessive inward rolling motion during each stride’s foot strike.
Combined with an 8mm heel drop that better caters to mild overpronators transitioning away from maximum stability models, the Guide 17 supplies noticeable corrective support that maintains foot alignment lap after lap.
However, the Triumph 21 aims to prevent injury by cushioning foot landings, not correcting them. With additional midsole padding and a 10mm drop ideal for neutral gaits, it suits runners without pronation issues preferring cushion over corrective assistance.
Cushioning:
Choosing to focus first on stability rather than prioritizing the softest ride possible, Guide 17 implements a moderately dense midsole compound dubbed PWRRUN+ intended to supply responsive bounce-back characteristics lap after lap while still providing adequate shock absorption for most training needs.
However, for ultra-cushioned comfort mile after mile, the Triumph 21 contains an additional 4mm layer of the same PWRRUN+ compound to neutralize impact harshness from repetitive pavement pounding for high-mileage runners. This added cushion accentuates noticeable step-in plushness over the firmer density ride of the Guide 17.
Value:
With a $20 price gap between models, the Triumph 21 debuts as the more expensive option targeting high-mileage runners seeking to maximize long-run comfort by prioritizing plush cushioning over all else.
The premium price reflects signature technologies like PWRRUN+ foam and a fitted knit upper working in harmony to envelop your foot in pillowy softness you’ll appreciate logging daily training kilometers.
Meanwhile, the Guide 17 skips the cloud-like cushioning to instead deliver essential stability and pronation correction technology proven to help overpronators avoid repetitive stress injuries.
At a lower $140 price point fitting for supportive trainers utilizing value-driven features, serious runners need rather than cushy extras casual joggers want. Ultimately choose based on desired cushioning softness versus medial stability.
Performance Comparision:
Walking:
With an emphasis on flexible cushioning over stability, the Triumph 21 makes an ideal choice for walking shoes thanks to its plush PWRUN+ midsole that retains its softness mile after mile.
Together with the flat-knit upper that adapts to the exact shape of your foot for unmatched comfort, the Triumph 21 keeps you cushioned during neighborhood strolls. For just walking purposes, the support features of the Guide 17 prove unnecessary while its firmer ride falls short on comfort.
Running:
For runners who tend to overpronate, Guide 17 supplies essential medial stability technology and midsole support to prevent excessive inward foot rolling motion during runs.
Integrated guidance posts provide noticeable control at each step. However, strict neutral runners are better matched with the Triumph 21 and its neutral cushioning is tuned for shock absorption lap after lap without any restrictive correction.
Plantar Fasciitis:
By cushioning every single step with additional PWRUN+ foam, the Triumph 21 helps significantly decrease heel and arch pain related to plantar fasciitis inflammation, absorbing impact that could otherwise worsen symptoms whether walking or running.
Unfortunately, Guide 17’s stability-focused design misses the plush cushioning necessary to alleviate discomfort from this condition during activity.
All Day Standing:
The high elasticity knit upper and well-padded midsole of the Triumph 21 offers exceptional step-in plushness and heel cushioning which helps reduce foot fatigue and pain for nurses, retail employees, and others forced to stand long shifts.
However, the dense cushioning of Guide 17 brings notably less relief for all-day standing while its structured support even hinders flexibility – causing aches over time rather than comfort.
Final Verdict:
When choosing between Guide 17 and Triumph 21, it primarily comes down to your foot type and priorities as a runner. If you overpronate and require stability features for foot alignment and injury prevention, the Saucony Guide 17 is the obvious choice.
With its medial support system integrated into a moderately cushioned, affordable package, it gives overpronators the tools to run comfortably, mile after mile.
However, strict neutral runners will reach running nirvana with the Triumph 21 thanks to its plush, ultra-cushioned ride specifically focused on delivering a buttery-smooth feel.
For $20 more, expect the Triumph 21 to increase training enjoyment through premium step-in softness catered to high mileage training, while the firmer Guide 17 appeals if corrective support takes priority over cloud-like comfort during each foot strike.