The present invention provides a wire guide having a wire core and a braided sheath. The wire core includes a proximal end and distal end, wherein the braided sheath is attached to the distal end of the wire core and serves as a flexible pulling section. The braided sheath is woven of a plurality of strands and may be made of various material based on the application, such as stainless steel, a shape memory alloy, or a radiopaque material. The wire guide has a flexible tip at the proximal end opposite the flexible pulling section. A stiff section is provided between the flexible tip and the flexible pulling section to allow manipulation of the wire guide through a body lumen. Proximate the distal end of the wire core a tapered section is provided to increase flexibility of the wire guide toward the distal end. The braided sheath is received over and attached to the wire core. In addition, a shoulder is provided in the wire core providing a smooth transition from the wire core to the braided section. The braided sheath extends from the shoulder beyond the distal end of the wire core.