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I wanted to try the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 has been heavily updated. The first Elite used PWRRUN HG, which gave it a responsive ride that worked across a lot of distances. The rocker felt smooth, and it had more stability than you usually get from a tall, neutral carbon shoe.
The second version is a completely different shoe. The new IncrediRUN foam and updated upper make it softer, bouncier, and more cushioned. The tradeoff is that it no longer has the same stable feel. Whether that’s good depends on what you want from a super shoe. I do like it, but it isn’t the same ride as before.
Quick Facts
The fit is more narrow in the front. I've noticed Saucony toe boxes becoming more narrow lately. Why is that? The upper uses a thin mesh with knit-like areas that hold the foot well without adding weight. It breathes well, but the toe box sits low for anyone with a higher instep. The heel has no firm counter, which works well for runners who don’t like heel pressure. People often think they might "run right out of the shoe" with the lower heel counter but you shouldn't have that issue.
I haven’t had any issues with rubbing or hotspots. In most Saucony racing shoes, I wear the larger end of my size range.
In running shoes I usually wear between a womens size 10-11 wide. The women's size 11 fits the best. If you have wider feet, you may need to try it on or go up a half size.
The IncrediRUN midsole is a big change. It replaces the firmer PWRRUN HG and gives the shoe a softer, more cushioned, and more forgiving feel. The bounce is noticeable right away.
The heel compresses a lot on landing and makes the shoe feel lower drop than the numbers suggest. The rocker balances that out and keeps the shoe rolling forward. It's much softer now. You can actually feel the shoe compressing under your foot.
Where does the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 fit in a rotation? In my rotation, this is a workout and race shoe. It feels good at faster paces and stays comfortable during long efforts. It's a lot softer than the previous version.
It works best for tempo runs, long intervals, and races from the half-marathon through the full marathon. It’s not ideal for short reps or anything involving sudden turns...you'll probably want something more responsive. The softer landing helps reduce fatigue, but runners who prefer a firm response may want the Pro line instead.
There is rubber only in the areas that see the most wear. The rest of the foam is exposed, which keeps the shoe light but shortens its lifespan.
Traction is a bit better than the first version, especially on slightly wet roads. Still, it is meant for pavement. I wouldn’t take it anywhere uneven.
The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 will likely last between 50-100 miles. At 50 miles, I can already tell the shoe doesn't have the same softness as a brand new pair. I was kind of hoping for more!
The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is a complete redesign of the original. It’s aimed at runners who want a soft, cushioned, high-stack super shoe for faster, longer running.
If you prefer a firmer ride or want more stability, this version probably won’t feel right. The Endorphin Pro 4 will make more sense.
Who Should Buy the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
Who Should Not Buy the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
I was paid to write an honest shoe review of my choice.
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