Execs:
Essentially the most thrilling midsole ever? Very delicate fast rebounding TPEE and efficient carbon plate: Sam/Sally
Extremely distinctive and enjoyable experience!: Sally/Sam
Any tempo, any distance: a really tempo and strike kind versatile tremendous shoe: Sam/Sally
Elite racer that even us slower people can race quick and likewise get pleasure from: Sam/Sally
Aggressive weight for cushion: Sam/Sally
Principally excellent higher maintain particularly on the far rear of the shoe however up entrance.. Additionally see cons: Sam/Sally
Cons:
Overly slim, low and stiff metatarsal/ bunion space) higher brought on some very uncommon irritation for me. Extra use could change this: Sam This shoe additionally reawakened a forgotten bunion for me: Sally
Difficult for my low-volume foot to get a safe lace lockdown in midfoot/forefoot and not using a painful buckling of the material underneath the laces. Thick socks helped with this, admittedly nonetheless experimenting : Sally
Runs quick within the toe field with a stiff toe bumper, accentuated for me by the necessity to put on thick socks to cushion/shield prime of foot: Sally
Loud squishy sound that worsens when it’s moist (someway loud sneakers annoy me greater than others): Sally
Most comparable sneakers
On Cloudboom Strike
Xtep 160X Professional 3.0
Nike Alphafly 1
Please discover the testers full run bios on the finish of the article after Comparisons.
Stats
Spec Weight: males’s 7.0 oz / 199g
Prior Model Weight: males’s 7.15 oz / 202g US8.5
Pattern Weight: males’s 7.16 oz / 203g US8.5 ,
girls’s 6.5 oz / 182 g US W8
Stack Peak: males’s 39.5 mm heel / 31.5 mm forefoot (8 mm drop spec)
Platform Width: mm 85 heel / 70(35) 105 mm midfoot / mm forefoot
First Impressions, Match and Higher
Sam: The primary impression is daring and colourful with promise of an thrilling pleasant experience. The bulbous curving rear of the platform on the lateral touchdown aspect says a number of cushion whereas on the medial aspect the extra vertical sidewalls trace at some stability for all of the delicate foam.
To urgent and on the run, the IncrediRun foam is by far the softest foam I’ve ever skilled in a racing shoe or for that matter any coaching shoe I can recall. I had issues that it could be unstable and mushy on the run, that it was extra of a “idea automobile” than a critical elite racing shoe. Neither got here to be, and fairly the opposite.
The higher is a really open engineered mesh with the inside a longitudinal mono mesh with vertical softer threads a softer materials arrayed in branching non straight grouping of three threads every. This isn’t a very delicate to the contact or in use pliable higher from lace up ahead however I discovered it very safe. And given the very delicate foam a safe higher is important right here.
The exception to that really feel is the very delicate, very easy and cozy rear of the shoe.
There isn’t a heel counter per say only a softish mesh wrap with inner rubbery horizontal overlays and stout straps operating from the lace up rearwards offering all of the ear construction.
The achilles collar is excessive, with a brand new one on me (first seen in Elite 1), very easy reminiscence foam padding bolsters solely on the achilles and lengthening very excessive. There isn’t a aspect of ankle bolster padding as generally seen. Regardless of what seems to be a really minimal rear development and with all of the delicate foam beneath the rear maintain is excellent and extremely snug.
The tongue is a stretch knit that connects the 2 sides of the higher with barely denser knit in a band the place the laces sit. I had no points getting a superb lockdown and didn’t have any lace chunk if I preserve the lace up reasonably tight.
The medial midfoot is backed up by a stout assist band together with one which extends to the rear
As well as the foot sits deeply into skinny midsole sidewalls (the non clear areas above the sockliner) which clearly additionally assists with stability.
I can properly see given the non pliable nature of the higher and the stretch knit tongue that these with slim low quantity toes (Sally) could need to tighten down past a cushty stage.
The toe field is characterised by a toe bumper that may be very excessive, in depth and agency for a racing shoe and even any street shoe.
It tends to drag within the width of the shoe simply behind it in the direction of the laces. The inside for positive not delicate because the longitudinal mono mesh as do the vertical threads touches the foot (socks. I skilled some irritation, slight abrasion from the threads I believe really, with skinny socks at one bunion (left beneath) which was solely observed after ending runs however not in movement, a rarity however not unknown for me.
I believe this space’s mesh could possibly be relaxed or broadened particularly given how stout the toe bumper is.
Whereas the toe field is notably excessive it’s for positive not broad or notably forgiving. Regardless, the lock down is complete and that’s necessary given the delicate foam beneath and is especially so for forefoot strikers.
The match within the toe field is simply wanting true to measurement in size (given largely because of the toe bumper) and never notably broad given the non-stretch nature of the mesh. Runners with broader, increased quantity toes ought to contemplate sizing up . With my narrower to medium quantity toes I’m on the fence however in a subsequent pair would seemingly measurement up half a measurement to get a bit extra room for longer races.
I do suppose the considerably tough on the pores and skin mono mesh and vertical woven in threads within the toe field on the sides together with a bit much less inflexible toe bumper could possibly be relaxed and toned down for a greater, extra snug match. That is my very solely knock on the shoe.
Sally: One can’t assist however get excited simply this intriguing and uniquely lovely new race shoe. We see the clear white strains of the higher, the putting distinction of the yellow/orange band of froth sandwiched between the lacy thread striped higher and that large white stack of tremendous squishy foam, and wow, let’s get it on our toes! Sam particulars the specifics of the higher rather well, so no must repeat it.
I’ve a comparatively slim lady’s foot and located it very simple to drag on, because of the pretty broad sock-like opening and really stretchy absolutely connected tongue. As soon as on my foot it felt unusually roomy within the midfoot for a race day shoe, contrasting to the cosy “efficiency match” we frequently see and anticipate to see in its rivals.
I performed round with tightening the stretchy laces to lock down the midfoot and all felt safe. The heel maintain is instantly good for me. Standing up, the acute softness of the midsole foam is wild and mainly a never-before sensation underfoot, which we’ll get into later.
I’ve had 4 runs now on this shoe and am nonetheless enjoying round with the match. I discover my pattern pair in my normal measurement girls’s 8 matches a bit quick, particularly once I put on thicker socks necessitated by each the chilly winter temperatures (I can vouch for the excessive breathability of this higher) and my want for extra padding on the highest of my foot to forestall lace chunk/tongue buckling ache.
For my first check run, I tightened the laces snugly to acquire that tighter race day match that I’m accustomed to, and the material of the built-in tongue bunched up underneath the laces inflicting discomfort.
The match is unquestionably accommodating for a high-volume wider foot. My slim foot swims round a bit. Heel maintain may be very strong.
For my second run I attempted thicker socks whereas leaving the laces looser, and found the midfoot maintain was amazingly good and extra snug; nevertheless, my large toes took a beating (too quick).
For my third run, I attempted a runner’s loop within the laces and located it didn’t change the match a lot; heel lockdown has all the time been good. I don’t really feel the runner’s knot is required in my case.
My fourth run was carried out with out the runner’s knot and with medium snugness of the laces and all felt nice after 9 miles, the one space of any irritation being the marginally quick toe field. I really feel no hotspots wherever else on this shoe and I really feel as if I now have the match properly dialed in. The quick size is tolerable for my large toes as much as 8 or 9 miles, however I’d measurement up half a measurement for half or full marathon distances.
Midsole & Platform
The midsole is a recreation changer! Saucony goes daring with an extremely delicate but extremely energetic TPEE foam they name IncrediRun. One could chuckle on the naming however that’s precisely what the Elite 2 delivers! But for me it additionally delivers with additionally greater than sufficient stability which is de facto stunning. Tribute to the geometry, the rising midsoles sidewalls and the non stretch higher.
We filmed Sally and my son Nathan operating the Elite 2 within the quick clip beneath
One can clearly see that each compress the complete size of the platform deeply and fairly linearly ahead with out what may be anticipated extra pronation because of the delicate foam because it begins to return shortly from its deep compression. Specifically, word how Sally’s toe off drives the froth right down to the large toe. What one needs to see because the medial large toe is the place the toe off energy comes from. Extra inflexible sneakers on lighter runners will are inclined to require but extra pressure down and vertical knee elevate to get that sturdy toe off impact. Extra heel putting slower runners in such sneakers could finish as much as getting the total entrance good thing about such platforms.
Sitting on a max race authorized platform stack top of 39.5 mm heel / 31.5 mm forefoot (8 mm drop spec) its weight in my US8.5 at 7.16 oz / 203g just isn’t the very lightest on the market however is aggressive.
Mixed with its now slotted carbon plate, which supplies it a contact extra entrance flex than different supershoes, it’s for me the best to run actually at any tempo carbon shoe I’ve skilled, and I’ve run virtually all of them. Subsequent closest to the Elite 2 are the extra versatile than normal Xtep 160x collection additionally with TPE foam and the very first Vaporfly 4% Child Blue,
Sure, the Adizero Prime X v1 had but extra unimaginable sensation of flying off its twin plated forefoot however complete focus was required always to remain aligned on the slim unstable platform. Prime X Strung 2 widened the platform however turned a a lot heavier shoe.
Right here it’s extra about rebound off the heel, easy roll via midfoot and an lively however not crazily springy toe off because of the delicate foam and slotted carbon plate which I assume has extra give and flex than the same old as I word a contact of entrance flex.
One may anticipate such delicate foam to make the shoe unstable. That was not the case even with extra heel putting at slower paces as I are inclined to do.. I word that, in contrast to the Elite 1 (proper beneath) there’s now black rubber on the medial heel which whereas skinny helps stabilize after preliminary landings and people rising midsole sidewalls.
I felt a number of softness on the heel when touchdown then a really fast and energetic return. The just isn’t the considerably mushy softness with gradual extra awkward return and transitions on the rear of the New Steadiness SC Elite v3 for instance with its much less reactive EVA/PEBA mix.
I consider that always the “instability” felt in carbon racers comes from the mixture of firmer foams, very inflexible carbon plates and the geometry. Much less give if not completely aligned for a ahead strike results in extra tippiness. I are inclined to heel strike initially on landings.
Right here we even have vertical medial aspect partitions and considerably uncommon for a brilliant shoe the reduce out is on the lateral as an alternative of the medial aspect which I presume makes it extra steady throughout the early section of the gait.. The mixture of soppy foam, plate and geometry right here results in simple landings, a number of rebound off the rear, a easy simple to seek out roll via midfoot and a surprisingly simple and really energetic roll and rebound off the entrance with the ultimate SpeedRoll rising in in its presence because the tempo picks up.
Sally: That is the epitome of a shoe the place the magic is within the midsole! And wow, what a singular driving midsole it’s. A fast examination of this shoe exposes what’s undoubtedly the softest foam I’ve felt, simply poked and pushed and squeezed with my naked arms.
The underfoot really feel is in contrast to that of some other shoe: it’s a pretty and energetic, bouncy springy experience that rolls you ahead to an lively toe-off that merely leaves you wanting increasingly more, encouraging a sooner cadence.
For a foam that feels so delicate and squishy, this new IncrediRun foam can ship an unimaginable quantity of vitality return. It’s virtually as if the froth companies up underneath the midfoot and forefoot as you run, particularly while you choose up the tempo. My Garmin shocked me with a median tempo of seven:47 min/mi on my first 7 mile run on this shoe – to place it into perspective, that’s virtually my race tempo, and but it felt pretty easy and my legs felt protected.
I’m a midfoot striker, and this foam mixed with this geometry works properly for me. I really feel the delicate but responsive foam just below the balls of my toes on touchdown and it rolls me easily ahead and as much as a springy toe-off. Even at slower paces, the shoe feels tremendous responsive, making this a reasonably versatile shoe which may swimsuit extra runners with completely different paces and slower objective occasions. The softness of the heel is accentuated and clearly is felt extra at slower paces.
Regardless of the softness and the stack, the shoe is surprisingly steady, however understandably not the most effective at sharp turns. I did word a loud squishing sound, however nothing as annoyingly loud because the sound of a runner/runners within the AlphaFly.
Outsole
Sam: The outsole has an intensive cowl of skinny rubber. Grip on moist and dry surfaces has been good if not the most effective because the rubber just isn’t notably “sticky”
As famous above, in contrast to the Elite 1, there’s now a patch of rubber on the medial aspect. The rubber on the medial aspect clearly serves twin functions of damage floor but additionally to stabilize the delicate foam a bit.
The decoupling grooves at the moment are deeper on the heel and lengthen additional ahead with the rear of the midfoot not having as in depth a cavity. This geometry permits the froth to shine, supplies a steady but energetically delicate rear platform and permits for a extra forgiving rolling kind toe off whereas earlier than the toe off was centered on putting ahead and popping vertically above all else.
Sally: Even the skinny rubber protecting the impression areas of the outsole is delicate and pliable, not the onerous rubber you may discover on different sneakers. If it weren’t for the squishy sound I hear once I run, the foot strike can be very quiet with this delicate rubber. I had some minor traction points on moist pavement, however not a deal breaker. Sturdiness stays to be decided, however I see no indicators of damage after 35 miles or so. All in all, a pleasant outsole that works properly with and enhances the delicate responsive foam.
Trip, Conclusions and Suggestions
Sam: Undoubtedly a really quick shoe, the Elite 2 can be essentially the most enjoyable quick shoe I’ve run to this point. Ver, very delicate and forgiving but with explosive rebound and with a surprisingly steady platform
Its adaptable experience ought to attraction to a variety of runners and paces in search of a street racing shoe that isn’t over prescriptive or punishing. The experience is de facto completely different from some other to this point, so delicate however on return with a lot apparent and fast return.
And no matter tempo, the experience really feel and geometry stay constant if rising in speee of return as tempo will increase, in contrast to different supershoes which focus totally on prime finish and elite runner paces. For instance, I’m just about unable to “jog” at say 9:30 paces in an Alphafly 3 but right here no drawback. And the sooner you go the higher it feels and the faster it reacts with the ahead SpeedRoll making its presence actually identified the sooner you go together with a fast and decisive closing roll to toe off.
The higher is excellent in rear maintain and luxury and I get an sufficient midfoot maintain in what in that space is a excessive quantity a part of the shoe. In direction of the entrance, I see potential enhancements.
My solely negatives for the shoe are the aspect of toe field development. The mixture of non-stretched mono mesh with stitched in vertical threads led to some uncommon bunion irritation. The realm between the top of the toe bumper and lace up may have extra quantity on the medial aspect or the size of the toe bumper may be lowered.
My runs within the shoe to this point have been quick and quick even taking down an extended standing Strava section I had run 98 occasions earlier than in all types of racers whereas under no circumstances over pushing it. Each run at each tempo has my perceived effort low as there’s a lot “simple” vitality returned by the froth and the general geometry. Really an IncrediRUN shoe.
Sam’s Rating: 9.6 /10
10/10 for Trip & 😊😊😊😊😊
(-0.4deduction for entrance match)
Sally: One of many challenges of being a reviewer is that you should run in a whole lot of completely different sneakers and can’t simply restrict your self to your few favorites; that’s too unhealthy within the case of the Endorphin Elite 2, as a result of I can truthfully say that I’d attain for this shoe regularly!
That is merely an extremely FUN shoe to run in, tremendous delicate and bouncy and forgiving but with a stunning quantity of dynamic rebound and vitality return. Saucony’s new “subsequent technology foam” that they aptly name IncrediRun makes for a singular and sure, unimaginable underfoot really feel.
As Sam factors out, this race day shoe appears to have the distinctive skill to work for elite racers in addition to middle-of-the-packers who need premium efficiency as a result of it delivers the identical delicate bounce and explosive rebound no matter your tempo.The shoe encourages me to select up the tempo by rising my cadence because the rocker geometry and the squishy foam/carbon plate mixture rolls me ahead virtually effortlessly. My paces have all been sooner than the perceived effort.
The accommodating match of the sock-like higher will certainly work for increased quantity toes. As a runner with a slim lady’s foot, it admittedly took me a bit to dial within the match as a result of the material of the built-in tongue bunched up underneath the laces, however looser lacing and thicker socks solved the issue. My foot is now held fairly securely and comfortably. I do suppose the shoe runs a tad quick, accentuated by the stiff toe bumper. For marathon distances, I’d suggest sizing up one half measurement to guard your toenails.
The Endorphin Elite 2 goes to be successful in 2025 and put smiles on the faces of many runners!
Sally’s rating: 9.78 / 10.0
Trip (50%): 10 Match (30%): 9.5 Worth (15%): 9.6 Type (5%): 9.9
😊😊😊😊😊+!
8 Comparisons
Endorphin Elite 1 (RTR Evaluation)
Sam: Whereas with some similarities in look, the Elite 2 is a very completely different driving shoe. Agency, very prescriptive and onerous to maneuver if one slows, Elite 1 for positive had an “agro” elite experience and really feel. I noticed many a whole bunch of mid pack finishers on the 2024 Boston Marathon within the end stretch and people struggling most had been within the Elite 1, Alphafly 2/3 and Adios Professional 3. I anticipate a very completely different image with the Elite 2 as whereas a prime notch efficiency shoe it’s much more forgiving of lower than excellent kind or for that matter inevitable fatigue.
Sally: The Elite 1 was a firmer and harsher experience, and a unique really feel altogether. The higher seems to be pretty related but the now molded beveled heel match is totally completely different and the tongue is now related. But the true distinction is within the foams: the Elite 2 is softer, bouncier and extra responsive. And may I say extra forgiving and enjoyable? I likewise anticipate to see a whole lot of Elite 2s on race day, and for good motive.
Endorphin Professional 4 (RTR Evaluation)
Sam: I didn’t check the Professional 4. It has the identical stack top because the Elite 2 is about 0.5 oz / 14g heavier and has Saucony older PWRRUN PB PEBA foam. At $225 it’s cheaper
