Being a person who loves bright colours for my running gear, I was delighted to receive and eventually found out that the Vizpro/Orange/Black/Silver colour combination is a Limited Edition. The initial touch right out of the box was how light this pair of stability shoes is.
Shoe sizing is true to fit and no compensation required. I was equally satisfied by how roomy the toe box is which provides relief for my wide feet. With ProGrid midsole extending to the entire foot bed, the shoe feels cushy with a touch of firmness. Even after 120km worth of pounding, the shoe still feels evenly cushioned and responsive.
As I trotted along during my first run, I could feel the shoes wanting to go fast and preferred a higher cadence. These lightweight stability shoes felt correspondingly at home with high tempo pace runs as well as high mileage low pace endeavours. Having said this, my toes were sliding to some extent that caused hot spots at the fore-feet when performing track workouts and fast tempo runs. This could be due to the roomy toe box. However, this ailment can be negated by applying Vaseline or the like prior to these workouts (and will alleviate the condition considerably).
I perspire a lot (especially in the year round summer’s heat in Singapore) but with this shoe, the thin liner helps to drain away the perspiration, thus lessens retention and limits unnecessary weighing down of the shoe.
For shoe weight-conscious individuals, this shoe can be a daily cruising high-mileage training shoe as well as an occasional fast shoe for track workouts or fast tempo runs.
For medium-sized runners with mild to over-pronation, this shoe can be good up to a Marathon.
For a stability shoe, the lightness encourages one to go fast and facilitates mid-foot striking.
The IBR + outsole material is commendable for enduring fair, wear and tear with only a shade of wear after 120km.
Features
- Category: Guidance
- Geometry: Offset- 8mm, Heel- 25mm, Forefoot- 17mm
- Weights: 289.16grams (men), 257.98grams (women)
Technical Specifications
Hydramax
- HydraMAX Collar Lining
- Comfortride Sockliner
- HRC+ Strobel Board
ProGrid
- Full-length ProGrid
- Dual Density SSL EVA
- SRC Impact Zone
- Collar lining material combines superior moisture wicking properties with a plush feel for comfort.
- More responsive than EVA, ProGrid provides incredible cushioning in a lightweight package.
iBR+
- IBR+
- XT-900
- 33% lighter and provides 3 times more cushioning compared to standard blown rubber.
Runner’s Boon
- Lightweight stability shoe
- Comfortable fit
- Shoes felt cushy due to ProGrid midsole extending to the entire foot bed
Runner’s Bane
- Potential slippage at the toe box
Where to find them?
The Saucony ProGrid Guide 5 is retailing at S$119 for a limited period (usual price S$169, while stocks last) and is available at all STADIUM and Royal Sporting House stores.
