With a design that looks like it came straight out of Back to the Future, and a midsole with a bold—if somewhat questionable—name, the all-new Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 makes a strong entry into the market, ready to compete for the crown among racing shoes.
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In recent weeks, I've had the immense pleasure of testing the brand-new Saucony Endorphin Elite 2. To put it bluntly: IT. IS. AMAZING.
| Saucony Endorphin Elite | Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| 39.5/31.5mm | Foam Height | 39.5/31.5mm |
| PWRRUN HG | Foam | IncrediRun |
| 8mm | Drop | 8mm |
| 204g | Weight | 199g |
| Carbon | Plate | Carbon |
A New Combination – Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
I'll admit it – I'm somewhat of a Saucony fanboy. Over the years, I've run many miles in both the Endorphin Pro 4 and the original Endorphin Elite, even completing a marathon in the latter. I love them both, perform well in both, and it's clear the Elite 2 draws inspiration from both models while introducing world-class foam that can compete with the industry's biggest players.
Looking back at the first Endorphin Elite, it's evident that Saucony has retained the eye-catching design in version 2. However, the upper has been further developed into a hybrid between the original Endorphin Elite and the new upper from Endorphin Pro 4. The result is a more comfortable fit and improved foot lock, albeit with some compromises regarding how well it holds the foot in place.
The upper is extremely breathable and minimalist, managing to balance weight savings with impressive comfort.
Comfort and Fit
First and foremost, this shoe is incredibly comfortable. The 3D-shaped heel locks the foot well, the elastic tongue adds extra comfort, and the upper is as breathable as possible. Personally, I prefer a more traditional upper—neither too elastic nor too firm—but it's still impressive how much comfort Saucony has managed to integrate into a racing shoe. I wouldn't be surprised if many choose Elite 2 for marathon running simply because of its comfortable feel on the foot over longer distances.
Regarding fit, I'd say the shoe runs a bit short. In my usual US 11, I can lace it tightly enough to prevent my toes from hitting the front, but with such a comfortable upper, I'd prefer a half size larger for a more comfortable fit.
Incredibly Soft – Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
The all-new midsole, featuring Saucony's incrediRun foam—though the name doesn't quite impress me—has left me speechless. The running experience is utterly insane. It's soft, bouncy, and feels like it defies the laws of physics. The shoe is incredibly light—only 199g in a sample size and 220g in my size—which significantly contributes to the quick feel and short contact time.
In recent years, nearly all brands, including Saucony, have focused on PEBA-based midsoles, but now the trend seems to be shifting towards other foam materials with even more exciting properties. The new midsole is a TPEE blend, and it feels entirely new and innovative, making the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 feel like a solid upgrade compared to its predecessor.
Incredibly Energetic – Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
It almost feels like Saucony has created a non-Newtonian foam that is extremely soft when compressed but changes character as soon as you start running into something responsive and energetic. Despite its softness, it doesn't feel as unstable as I expected, but heel strikers who prefer stable shoes might have a different experience. The carbon plate also plays a big role in the shoe's lively feel, working perfectly with Saucony's Speedroll technology. The rocker geometry has a well-placed flex zone, making the heel-to-toe transition very natural and quick. And thanks to the shoe's impressively low weight, it feels light, fun, and explosive to run in. I've never had a shoe that feels so quick in its contact time while maintaining a soft cushion.
That said, I wouldn't recommend this shoe to runners who need a lot of stability, as it's one of the softest racing shoes ever. The high stack height, combined with the ultra-responsive foam, can make it feel a bit unstable, especially for those used to a firmer and more structured midsole. However, stability shouldn't be an issue for neutral runners.
It's important to note that this shoe is specifically designed for race day, and as with most racing shoes, the low weight means that durability is reduced compared to an everyday shoe. To get the most out of it, I recommend saving it for your most important tempo runs and races.
The outsole has a minimal layer of PWRTRAC rubber, just enough to provide sufficient grip. I haven't tested it in extreme weather conditions yet, but so far, I haven't encountered any grip issues.
Where Would I Use the Endorphin Elite 2?
2 is made for race days and key training sessions where you want top performance from your shoes. Whether you're running intervals, tempo runs, or preparing for a big race, this shoe is designed to maximize your speed and efficiency.
It doesn't matter if you're running 5K, 10K, half marathon, or a full marathon—I would definitely recommend the Endorphin Elite 2 for all races, as long as you're comfortable with a soft shoe that might feel a bit less stable for some.
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