Saucony Endorphin Speed

Review Score
97%
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Martin WilliamsZachary OrnelasLouis SerafiniBen St Lawrence
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Saucony Endorphin Speed: Review

โ€œA versatile running shoe designed for speed training and racing.โ€

Overview


The Saucony Endorphin Speed is a running shoe designed to enhance performance during speed training and racing. This shoe is part of the Saucony Endorphin Speed family, known for its innovative design and advanced technology.

Key Features:

  • PWRRUN PB Midsole: Provides lightweight, responsive cushioning for a comfortable and energetic ride.
  • Nylon Plate: Offers a snappy toe-off and propels runners forward, enhancing speed and efficiency.
  • FORMFIT Mesh Upper: Ensures a secure and breathable fit, adapting to the foot's movement.

The Saucony Endorphin Speed is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize speed and efficiency in their training. Its advanced cushioning and responsive design make it suitable for both speed workouts and long-distance runs.

With an average review score of 97%, it's in the highest rated 10% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 20% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Saucony Endorphin Speed


The Saucony Endorphin Speed has received high praise for its performance in speed training and racing. Reviewers highlight the shoe's lightweight and responsive PWRRUN PB midsole, which provides excellent cushioning and energy return. The nylon plate is noted for its ability to enhance speed and efficiency, making it a standout feature. The FORMFIT mesh upper offers a secure and breathable fit, though some users found it less versatile for slower paces. The shoe's grip on wet surfaces is a common concern, but its overall durability and comfort are well-regarded. While the Endorphin Speed excels at faster paces, it may not be the best choice for easy-day runs due to its less stable heel. Overall, the Saucony Endorphin Speed is a top choice for runners seeking a high-performance shoe for speed training and racing. Its combination of lightweight design, responsive cushioning, and propulsive plate makes it a standout in its category.

Comparable Shoes


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The New Balance FuelCell TC is a good alternative for runners seeking a high-performance shoe with a similar price point. While both shoes feature a responsive midsole and a propulsive plate, the FuelCell TC uses a carbon plate, whereas the Endorphin Speed uses a nylon plate. This makes the FuelCell TC slightly stiffer and more suited for racing, while the Endorphin Speed offers a more flexible and versatile ride.

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The Nike Zoom Fly 3 is another comparable option, featuring a carbon plate and React foam midsole. While the Zoom Fly 3 provides a snappy and responsive ride, its midsole is considered less advanced than the PWRRUN PB foam in the Endorphin Speed. The Endorphin Speed offers a lighter and more cushioned experience, making it a better choice for long-distance runs and speed training.

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The Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 is a high-performance racing shoe that competes with the Endorphin Speed. Both shoes feature a propulsive plate and lightweight design, but the Hyperion Elite 2 uses a carbon plate and DNA Flash midsole. The Endorphin Speed's nylon plate provides a more flexible and versatile ride, making it suitable for both training and racing, while the Hyperion Elite 2 is more focused on race-day performance.

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The Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 is a top-tier racing shoe known for its carbon plate and ZoomX foam midsole. While the Next% 2 offers exceptional performance and energy return, it comes at a higher price point. The Endorphin Speed provides a more affordable option with a similar propulsive feel, thanks to its nylon plate and PWRRUN PB foam. Both shoes are excellent choices for racing, but the Endorphin Speed offers more versatility for training.

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The Saucony Kinvara 12 is a versatile daily trainer that complements the Endorphin Speed. While the Kinvara 12 lacks a propulsive plate, it offers a lightweight and responsive ride with a lower offset. The Endorphin Speed is better suited for speed training and racing, while the Kinvara 12 excels in easy-day runs and provides a more stable heel. Both shoes can be part of a well-rounded training rotation.

10 Saucony Endorphin Speed Pros & Cons


5 Pros

Lightweight and responsive PWRRUN PB midsole.
Nylon plate enhances speed and efficiency.
Breathable and secure FORMFIT mesh upper.
Suitable for both speed training and long-distance runs.
Comfortable fit with good toe box room.

5 Cons

Grip on wet surfaces could be improved.
Heel stability may be lacking for rearfoot strikers.
Not the best choice for easy-day runs.
Fit may be too roomy for narrow feet.
Heel collar could use more padding to prevent rubbing.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Saucony Endorphin Speed is constructed with a FORMFIT mesh, providing a secure and breathable fit. This engineered mesh adapts to the foot's movement, ensuring comfort during runs. The upper is designed to be lightweight, reducing the overall weight of the shoe and enhancing its performance. The mesh also features ventilation holes, allowing for excellent airflow and keeping the feet cool during intense workouts. The heel collar and tongue are minimally padded, contributing to the shoe's lightweight design while still offering adequate support.

Midsole

The midsole of the Saucony Endorphin Speed features the PWRRUN PB foam, known for its lightweight and responsive cushioning. This foam is made from PEBA (a high-performance polymer), a material that provides excellent energy return and durability. The midsole also includes a nylon plate, which enhances the shoe's responsiveness and propels runners forward. This combination of foam and plate creates a dynamic and energetic ride, making the Endorphin Speed ideal for speed training and racing. The midsole's design, known as Speedroll Technology, promotes efficient transitions from landing to toe-off.

Outsole

The outsole of the Saucony Endorphin Speed is designed with strategically placed carbon rubber, providing durability and grip. However, some reviewers noted that the grip on wet surfaces could be improved. The outsole's design includes exposed midsole foam, which helps reduce weight and maintain flexibility. Despite the concerns about wet surface traction, the outsole performs well on dry roads and offers good durability for high-mileage runs.

Size/fit

The Saucony Endorphin Speed offers a true-to-size fit with a medium width throughout the shoe. The toe box provides enough room for toe splay, ensuring comfort during long runs. The FORMFIT mesh upper adapts to the foot's shape, providing a secure and comfortable fit. Some users with narrow feet may find the fit slightly roomy, but overall, the shoe accommodates a wide range of foot shapes. The internal heel cup locks the foot in place, preventing slippage and enhancing stability during runs.

Comfort

Comfort is a key feature of the Saucony Endorphin Speed, thanks to its PWRRUN PB midsole and FORMFIT mesh upper. The midsole provides a cushioned and responsive ride, while the upper ensures a secure and breathable fit. The shoe's lightweight design adds to its overall comfort, making it suitable for long-distance runs and speed workouts. However, some users noted that the heel collar could be more padded to prevent rubbing. Despite this, the Endorphin Speed is generally praised for its comfort and performance.

Cushioning

The PWRRUN PB midsole of the Saucony Endorphin Speed offers excellent cushioning, providing a soft and responsive ride. This cushioning is ideal for high-mileage runs and speed training, as it absorbs impact and returns energy with each stride. The midsole's design, combined with the nylon plate, enhances the shoe's overall performance, making it a top choice for runners seeking a cushioned yet responsive shoe. The cushioning is also durable, maintaining its performance over long distances.

Breathability

The FORMFIT mesh upper of the Saucony Endorphin Speed ensures excellent breathability, keeping the feet cool during intense workouts. The upper features large ventilation holes, allowing for optimal airflow and preventing the feet from feeling swampy. This breathability is particularly beneficial during hot weather or long runs, as it helps maintain comfort and reduces the risk of blisters. Overall, the Endorphin Speed's upper is designed to provide a breathable and comfortable fit.

Stability

While the Saucony Endorphin Speed offers good stability at faster paces, some reviewers noted that the heel could be more stable, especially for rearfoot strikers at slower speeds. The midsole's flared sidewalls provide some support, but the overall stability is not as high as some other models. The shoe's design encourages a midfoot to forefoot strike, which enhances stability during faster runs. However, for easy-day runs or runners who require more stability, the Endorphin Speed may not be the best choice.

Durability

The Saucony Endorphin Speed is generally praised for its durability, thanks to the PWRRUN PB midsole and carbon rubber outsole. The midsole maintains its cushioning and responsiveness over long distances, while the outsole provides good wear resistance. Some reviewers noted minor scuffing on the exposed midsole foam, but this does not significantly impact the shoe's performance. Overall, the Endorphin Speed is a durable option for high-mileage runners and those seeking a long-lasting performance shoe.

Grip

The grip of the Saucony Endorphin Speed is effective on dry surfaces, thanks to the strategically placed carbon rubber on the outsole. However, several reviewers mentioned that the grip on wet surfaces could be improved. The outsole's design includes exposed midsole foam, which may contribute to the reduced traction on wet roads. Despite this, the shoe performs well on dry roads and offers good durability. Runners should exercise caution when running on wet surfaces to avoid slipping.

Flex

The Saucony Endorphin Speed features a flexible design, thanks to the combination of the PWRRUN PB midsole and the nylon plate. The midsole's foam provides a soft and responsive feel, while the nylon plate adds a snappy toe-off without being overly rigid. This flexibility enhances the shoe's overall performance, making it suitable for speed training and racing. The shoe's design, known as Speedroll Technology, promotes efficient transitions and a smooth ride, further enhancing its flexibility.

Who should buy the Saucony Endorphin Speed?


Runners who prioritize speed and efficiency in their training will find the Saucony Endorphin Speed to be an excellent choice. This shoe is ideal for those who engage in speed workouts and racing, thanks to its responsive cushioning and propulsive design. The lightweight construction and breathable upper make it suitable for long-distance runs and high-mileage training. Additionally, runners who appreciate a secure and comfortable fit will benefit from the FORMFIT mesh upper.

Who should not buy the Saucony Endorphin Speed?


The Saucony Endorphin Speed may not be the best choice for runners who require high stability or prefer a more cushioned heel. Those who often run on wet surfaces might find the grip lacking. If you need a shoe for easy-day runs or have a tendency to heel strike at slower paces, consider alternatives like the Saucony Kinvara 12 or the Brooks Ghost 13. Runners with narrow feet might also find the fit too roomy and may prefer a different model.

Saucony Endorphin Speed: What's it good for?


The Saucony Endorphin Speed is well-suited for a variety of running activities. It excels in speed training and racing due to its responsive cushioning and propulsive design. The shoe is also ideal for long-distance runs, providing comfort and support over extended periods. Additionally, its lightweight construction makes it a great choice for road running and high-mileage training. Overall, the Endorphin Speed is a versatile option for runners seeking performance and comfort.

6 Saucony Endorphin Speed FAQs


What is the main difference between the Saucony Endorphin Speed and the Endorphin Pro?

The main difference between the Saucony Endorphin Speed and the Endorphin Pro is the type of plate used in the midsole. The Endorphin Speed features a nylon plate, while the Endorphin Pro uses a carbon plate. The nylon plate in the Endorphin Speed offers more flexibility and is better suited for training, while the carbon plate in the Endorphin Pro provides a stiffer and more propulsive ride, ideal for racing.

Is the Saucony Endorphin Speed suitable for long-distance runs?

Yes, the Saucony Endorphin Speed is suitable for long-distance runs. The PWRRUN PB midsole provides excellent cushioning and energy return, making it comfortable for extended periods. The shoe's lightweight design and breathable upper also contribute to its suitability for long-distance running.

How does the Saucony Endorphin Speed perform on wet surfaces?

The Saucony Endorphin Speed's grip on wet surfaces is a common concern among reviewers. While the outsole provides good traction on dry roads, it may not perform as well on wet surfaces. Runners should exercise caution when running on wet roads to avoid slipping.

What type of runner is the Saucony Endorphin Speed best suited for?

The Saucony Endorphin Speed is best suited for runners who prioritize speed and efficiency in their training. It is ideal for those who engage in speed workouts and racing, thanks to its responsive cushioning and propulsive design. The shoe is also suitable for long-distance runs and high-mileage training.

Does the Saucony Endorphin Speed fit true to size?

Yes, the Saucony Endorphin Speed generally fits true to size. The shoe offers a medium width throughout, with a comfortable toe box and secure fit. However, runners with narrow feet may find the fit slightly roomy.

What is the weight of the Saucony Endorphin Speed?

The Saucony Endorphin Speed weighs approximately 221 g (7.8 oz) for men and 193 g (6.8 oz) for women. This lightweight design contributes to the shoe's performance and comfort during speed training and racing.

Saucony Endorphin Speed alternatives

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released
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productAthletes
Pro athlete users
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+10
Louis SerafiniBen St Lawrence
Weight
Weight
M: 221 g
W: 193 g
249 g
M: 261 g
W: 221 g
181 g
M: 241 g
W: 207 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
28 mm
37 mm
31 mm
35 mm
36 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
8 mm
6 mm
5 mm
8 mm
Heel
Heel
36 mm
45 mm
37 mm
40 mm
44 mm
Brand
Brand
Saucony
New BalanceASICSBrooksASICSASICS
Rocker
Rocker
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Breathable
Breathable
Techs
Techs
New Balance FuelCell
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
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Saucony Endorphin Speed: what the experts say (4 reviews)

Saucony Endorphin Speed: 29 Expert video reviews

Saucony Endorphin Speed: 2 Manufacturer videos

Saucony Endorphin Speed characteristics and specifications

Specificationsvs Average
Released
Jul 2020
Measurements
Weight
M: 221 g
W: 193 g
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
Heel
36 mm
Forefoot
28 mm

12 pro athletes who've used Saucony Endorphin Speed

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. Heโ€™s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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