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As a self-proclaimed Saucony shoe nut, I used to be buzzing after I noticed the Endorphin Elite 2 in the course of the girls’s marathon on the Paris Olympics. What made this shoe so improbable they needed to put on it for that race? Let’s discover out.
I wasn’t the largest fan of the unique Endorphin Elite, so I used to be curious (and cautiously optimistic) to see what Saucony had cooked up this time.
After two years of ready, I laced them up and hit the highway to see if this supershoe lived as much as the hype.
The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2’s mushy, bouncy really feel will probably be a house run for a lot of runners, however the stark modifications to its journey and stability might show divisive to those that love the unique model.
Let’s dive into how the shoe performs—and why it simply may be one of the crucial thrilling marathon racers to hit the cabinets.
Who Is It Good For?
Who’s the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 an excellent match for, let’s break it down by some widespread classes
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- Huge Toes: Yup! The midfoot is roomy, so these with wider ft will take pleasure in this shoe.
- Heavier Runners: A usually steady huge stack shoe that’s extra accommodating than different carbon plated footwear.
- Lengthy Runs: What this shoe is made for! Significantly the half marathon distance and past.
- Entrance of the Pack: Sure, it’s designed for these seeking to hit some tremendous quick paces.
The Endorphin Elite 2 is the softest racer thus far and yowzers, it’s quick. It’s in contrast to another shoe available on the market, providing spongy velocity and a responsive journey. Plus, it’s an absolute blast to run in!
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Overview
Designed to assist runners unlock their velocity, the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is a bouncy, high-performance supershoe constructed for half-marathon to marathon distances. Its standout function is Saucony’s incrediRUN foam, which delivers insane vitality return and next-level cushioning—precisely what you need on race day.
I logged 75 miles on this shoe, together with restoration runs, intervals, and some lengthy runs over 15 miles. I at all times check supershoes below powerful situations to provide the finest insights into race-day efficiency.
And let’s face it—supershoes are expensive! You should know if this shoe is the precise option to to your subsequent race.
The Elite 2 boasts a collection of considerate updates (extra on these shortly) and feels as quick because it appears. Its modern white base, accented with daring flashes of orange and yellow, virtually radiates velocity.
With a daring 39.5mm stack peak, Speedroll rocker geometry, and ultra-responsive foam, this shoe is unapologetically constructed for peak efficiency.
The re-engineered higher, created from ultra-light TPE yarn, works seamlessly with the flat-knit tongue to ship a comfortable, sock-like match that is still comfortably safe by each section of your run.
It has an accommodating forefoot and midfoot with a slightly-snug toe field. In case you’re planning to put on this shoe for a half marathon or marathon, I counsel bumping up a half-size as our ft are inclined to swell a bit throughout longer efforts.
It isn’t obtainable in extensive however the match is beneficiant sufficient that runners of all styles and sizes can take pleasure in this shoe.
Whereas it strikes away from the agency, snappy journey of its predecessor, the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 delivers bounce you’re feeling in each stride, combining distinctive velocity and luxury to make it a standout selection to your subsequent race day.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Specs
- Weight: Unisex sizing 7oz
- Heel toe: 8mm
- Stack Top: 39.5mm
- Utilization: Race day! Half Marathon and Marathon
- Out there in 2 colours
- Not obtainable in extensive
- Out there at Saucony.com for $275
Endorphin Elite 2 Match
The shoe runs true to measurement in my traditional males’s 11, although the toe field feels a bit slender. In case you favor additional wiggle room to your toes, think about going up half a measurement.
That stated, the forefoot opens up a bit, and the midfoot and heel present ample room for all sorts of ft. Whereas there’s minimal padding across the heel and no conventional heel counter, the rounded, versatile design is a welcome function for runners with delicate heels.
The higher actually units this shoe aside, crafted from light-weight, breathable tech-tape mesh that feels as streamlined because it appears.
The sock-like match, paired with the flat-knit tongue, ensures your foot stays comfortably in place—no annoying tongue slip to cope with mid-run.
Regardless of its minimalist design, the stretch laces and refined reinforcements present a surprisingly safe lockdown. My heel stayed completely in place all through each run
The match of the Endorphin Elite 2 is outstanding, feeling extra like an extension of your foot moderately than one other piece of drugs. Chef’s kiss.
Endorphin Elite 2 Really feel
Palms down, that is the bounciest supershoe I’ve ever tried—a serious shift from the agency, snappy journey of its older sibling.
Personally, I LOVE the plush, marshmallow-like working sensation, however I can see the way it may not click on with runners preferring a extra managed, grounded really feel.
The key sauce? Saucony’s incrediRUN foam. This midsole delivers mushy, bouncy cushioning throughout simple efforts and transforms into one thing punchier throughout velocity work.
Usually, this stage of consolation comes on the expense of velocity, however not right here—my legs felt recent throughout and after each run.
Add in a forked carbon plate, and also you’ve bought a shoe that balances ahead propulsion with clean transitions. The forked design permits your toes to splay naturally, enhancing stability and fluidity.
Pair that with Saucony’s Speedroll geometry, and also you get a forward-rolling sensation that retains your momentum flowing.
Endorphin Elite 2 v Endorphin Elite
I’ll be sincere—I didn’t vibe with the unique Endorphin Elite.
I wore it for a marathon in 2023, and whereas the shoe felt superior early on, the journey turned uncomfortably agency and unresponsive over the ultimate 8–10 miles. That stated, the OG undoubtedly has its loyal followers.
With the discharge of the Endorphin Elite 2, it’s value taking a better take a look at how the 2 variations stack up.
- Weight: The Endorphin Elite 2 shaves off slightly weight, coming in at 7.0 oz versus 7.2 oz for the unique.
- Higher: Each footwear function light-weight uppers, however the Endorphin Elite 2 presents a bit extra construction and integrates the tongue immediately into the higher—an enormous improve by way of consolation and lockdown.
- Midsole: The Elite 2 swaps out the unique PWRRUN HG foam for the brand-new incrediRUN foam, delivering a noticeably softer and extra dynamic really feel.
- Trip: The Elite 2 delivers a bouncier, extra cushioned journey, although it feels a bit much less steady in comparison with the agency, snappy journey of the unique.
That is the place opinions would possibly diverge. In case you beloved the unique’s agency, responsive really feel, the softer foam and bouncier journey of the Endorphin Elite 2 may not be your cup of tea.
But when the OG felt too harsh or inflexible to your liking, these updates might be precisely what you’ve been ready for.
The shoe strikes a nice steadiness between consolation and efficiency, making it a frontrunner (sorry, not sorry for the pun) for many who crave a softer, extra energetic journey.
Related Footwear to the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
Whereas this shoe is a little bit of unicorn, listed here are a number of different choices for a extra forgiving race shoe:
And there you have got it! We hope this Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 evaluate gave you beneficial insights and helps you discover your subsequent race day shoe!
Prepared for a run? Go test it out on Saucony.com for $275