Saucony Endorphin Trail. A trail running shoe in the Endorphin collection. Is it even possible to transfer the characteristics which has made the Endorphin-collection so popular into a trail shoe. Yes, but not in the way, I expected.
As something new, Saucony have introduced a trail running shoe within their Endorphin collection. Very interesting. The shoe has many of the same technologies which you may also find in other Endorphin-shoes – PWRRUN PB-foam and SpeedRoll-technology. But what really separates Saucony Endorphin Trail from other Endorphin-shoes is of course the outsole.
What Saucony have done is really very clever. They have taken the technologies which made the Endorphin-shoes so popular and added Sauconys recognized and well-tested PWRTRAC-outsole material (which Saucony use on Peregrine, Mad River, Xodus and the Canyon models).
Super foam in a trail package
The most special thing about Saucony Endorphin Trail is its PWRRUN PB midsole. Its the same foam as Saucony have put into their super carbon shoes, Endorphin Pro and their racer Endorphin Speed. Its the softest and most responsive foam Saucony have made. But in Endorphin Trail it still feels a litlle different.
The shoes feel soft and responsive. BUT, they are still not quite as soft other shoes with the PWRRUN PB-foam. Saucony have in some way made the foam somewhat firmer in the Trail-version. I don´t know if its the net layer around the foam which tightens it. Regardless, it generally works very well that the shoes are more firm than the road running shoes.
As you can see in the pictures, the shoes have a rather high midsole (especially for a trail shoe) and if they were as soft as Endorphin Pro or Speed, I don´t know if I would dare using them for trail running. I love my ankles too much for that. I would really be nervous about possibly twisting my foot, but because they are more firm, its not something I worry about when I do runs in the woods.
Its good that the shoes are more firm than other Endorphin-shoes. The firmer foam makes the shoes feel stable but they are also soft enough to protect your legs. Its pure win-win.
I've read from other reviews that the shoes are very heavy. I do not recognise this description. The pair I've tested has a weight of 295grams in a size EU 42.5 (US9), which I do not think is particularly heavy for a pair of trail shoes.
Wet upper and long lugs
Another reason why I feel safe and protected in Endorphin Trail is the outsole. There is PWRTRAC-material in the entire outsole with 4,5 mm lugs to provide a great grip in muddy terrain. You are in full control on regular trail but also when the surface is more moist, insecure and slippery.
When there are just small turns and small uneven stretches, the outsole works incredibly well combined with the SpeedRoll-technology. Endorphin Trail is just cruising along. On very technical pieces the shoe can, however, feel a bit clumsy - especially when you are speeding.
I earlier said, "its pure win-win” which is actually also true as Endorphin Trail is a great trail shoe. It has great protection, is stable and fun. The only negative thing is the upper. Its super comfortable and it would probably also have been perfect for an asphalt running shoe. BUT (!) when it gets wet, it stays wet - and takes some time to dry.
I won´t recommend Endorphin Trail for routes where you know that you will have to pass through small streams and also when you know that its going to rain.
When I first heard that Saucony were launching Endorphin Trail, I thought that finally there would be a fast trail shoe with super foam like the modern road racers. Therefore I had to get used to what Endorphin Trail really is. Its not a racer. Its more like a solid training shoe offering a lot of protection and a great grip.
What can you use the shoe for?
Its fun because of its high energy return, but if you are taking part in shorter trail competitions there are more racing-specific alternatives. However, if you are going out for ultra trail, it could be a great option and it will also work well for those who just wants to have fun in the forest.
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