I used to be so curious in regards to the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2. When the primary Endorphin Elite arrived, it stood out for its distinctive really feel. It wasn’t simply one other “tremendous shoe,” which is spectacular contemplating Saucony already had the Endorphin Professional and the Endorphin Velocity. Did they really want one other pace shoe?
The firmer PWRRUN HG midsole gave it a responsive trip that would deal with every part from 5Ks to marathons. The geometry was environment friendly, the transition clean, and the platform surprisingly secure for a impartial racer.
The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is a giant change. With a brand-new IncrediRUN foam midsole and redesigned higher, it’s not a small replace. The second model is softer, bouncier, and extra energetic, but in addition much less inherently secure. Whether or not that’s an enchancment relies upon completely on what you worth in a brilliant shoe. To be clear, I do just like the second model, it’s simply totally different.
Earlier than making an attempt the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2, I had a couple of questions:
Is the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 good for marathon racing?Sure. The Endorphin Elite 2 is constructed for long-distance racing, particularly half-marathons and marathons. The brand new IncrediRUN foam delivers excessive vitality return whereas holding your legs recent over lengthy efforts. The tender, rockered design helps preserve momentum late right into a race, making it among the finest Saucony choices for runners with environment friendly type and secure mechanics.
What distances work finest for the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2?The Endorphin Elite 2 performs finest from 10K as much as the marathon. The trip feels too tender for brief sprints or 5K races, the place stiffness and floor really feel could also be higher suited.
How does the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 match?The match runs true to measurement however is comfortable from heel to toe, particularly within the forefoot. You’ll be able to most likely get your traditional racing shoe measurement until you have got wider toes…then go up at the least half a measurement. The higher makes use of a light-weight mesh and knit combo that holds the foot securely however can really feel slender for runners with large toes.
What’s the distinction between the Endorphin Elite 1 and a couple of?A lot! The primary model used a firmer PWRRUN HG midsole, whereas the Endorphin Elite 2 swaps in Saucony’s new IncrediRUN foam. The change makes the trip noticeably softer, bouncier, and extra cushioned.
Is the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 secure?It’s a impartial racing shoe, so stability isn’t its robust level. The tall, tender midsole can really feel wobbly for runners who overpronate or want additional construction. The forefoot feels essentially the most secure, however the heel and midfoot can really feel free on uneven floor.
Are you able to prepare within the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2?It’s designed for racing and high quality exercises, not on a regular basis miles. The froth is sturdy for a brilliant shoe, however constant coaching runs might put on it out sooner. Why spend $290 for a shoe that can put on out in 100 miles?
How does the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 examine to the Nike Alphafly 3?Each are high-stack marathon tremendous footwear, however they really feel very totally different. The Alphafly 3 is firmer with a extra structured platform, whereas the Endorphin Elite 2 is softer, lighter, and extra versatile. The Saucony has a smoother rocker, whereas the Nike feels extra mechanical. Selecting between them depends upon whether or not you favor plush bounce (Saucony) or firmer propulsion (Nike).
How sturdy is the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2?Sturdiness is typical for a carbon-plated racer…round 100 miles relying on working type and surfaces. The outsole rubber helps defend key zones, however there’s uncovered rubber there.
Is the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 well worth the value?At round $290, it’s some of the premium footwear in Saucony’s lineup and in addition among the many most costly carbon-plated racers. For runners who race ceaselessly and wish the softest, most energetic trip out there, it’s price it. For others, the Endorphin Professional 3 or Endorphin Velocity 4 ship comparable efficiency at a decrease value.
Now, let’s get into an trustworthy Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 shoe evaluation.
Fast Details
Value: $274.95Weight: 7 oz (199 g)Stack Peak: 39.5 mm heel / 31.5 mm forefootDrop: 8 mmCategory: Tremendous Racing Shoe / Carbon Plated
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Match
The Endorphin Elite 2 matches largely true to measurement however leans barely comfortable, particularly within the toe field. The brand new higher makes use of a mix of mesh and knit supplies which can be light-weight, breathable, and semi-transparent. Whereas it seems glossy, the construction across the toe can really feel agency at first. Saucony tends to run shallower within the toe field than different manufacturers, so these with the next instep may not really feel as snug. The heel space is tender and versatile, with no agency counter, which makes it snug for runners who dislike inflexible heel constructions or expertise heel irritation.
The most effective working shoe uppers disappear in your toes, and for essentially the most half, I’ve discovered the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 to be pretty snug. I haven’t had any scorching spots or blisters, and I like that the heel space is tender and versatile.
So far as sizing, I put on between a ladies’s 10–11 large and have discovered the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 to suit finest in measurement 11. Most individuals will choose on their increased finish, sizing smart, for trainers.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Trip
As talked about, the Elite 2 received a giant replace and the defining characteristic of the Endorphin Elite 2 is the IncrediRUN midsole. It replaces Saucony’s PWRRUN HG and utterly modifications how the shoe feels underfoot. The froth is way softer and extra compliant, with a trampoline-like rebound that’s noticeable from the primary stride. I’m positively impressed with how bouncy it feels.
On touchdown, the heel compresses deeply, nearly giving the phantasm of a decrease drop than the listed 8 mm. To me, the Endorphin Elite and Professional have by no means seemed like they’ve a excessive stack top. The geometry helps steadiness that out, due to a well-shaped heel bevel and aggressive rocker that push the runner ahead easily.
The place does the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 match into my rotation? Like every carbon-plated shoe, it performs finest at sooner paces. The froth rebounds energetically with out feeling harsh, and the rocker makes turnover really feel environment friendly. The feeling is distinctly totally different from the unique mannequin: much less “snappy” however extra “springy.”
The Endorphin Elite 2 is finest suited to sustained, sooner working…tempo periods, lengthy intervals, half-marathons, and marathons. It’s not perfect for brief sprints or sharp turns. You’ll positively discover how bouncy it’s in case you’ve been working within the first model.
The softer really feel additionally reduces leg fatigue in comparison with firmer tremendous footwear. Runners preferring a firmer, extra fast response would possibly miss the snappiness of the primary model or the Endorphin Professional 3.
Total, the Endorphin Elite 2 favors marathon and half-marathon paces, the place effectivity and luxury matter greater than sheer rigidity. It feels gentle, protecting over lengthy miles, and presents a full of life bounce that makes it enjoyable. That is positively my favourite Saucony tremendous shoe so far.
Outsole and Sturdiness
The outsole makes use of rubber strategically positioned in high-wear zones, whereas a lot of the midsole stays uncovered. Saucony loves uncovered midsoles and whereas it retains weight low, it additionally makes the shoe much less sturdy. I’ll by no means be a fan of uncovered midsoles as a result of I’d slightly get longer life out of a shoe.
In comparison with the primary model, grip has improved barely, significantly on damp pavement. Nonetheless, the shoe is a road-specific racer; it performs finest on clean surfaces like asphalt and observe. I wouldn’t take it on trails, and I could be extra hesitant in moist climate.
Sturdiness expectations are common for a brilliant shoe. I’ve used it for about 25 miles now and have seen some put on (one more reason to cease utilizing carbon-plated footwear for every part). My guess is the uncovered midsole would be the limiting issue right here.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Conclusion:
The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is likely one of the largest updates in Saucony’s racing line. It’s a shoe constructed for runners who wish to really feel spring underfoot and luxuriate in a extremely cushioned trip at sooner paces.
These needing extra management or preferring a firmer, faster turnover could discover the platform too unstable for brief races. In that case, the Endorphin Professional 4 stays an ideal possibility.
Who Ought to Purchase the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
Marathon and half-marathon racers on the lookout for a carbon-plated shoe.
These preferring an opulent, quick trip.
Who Ought to Not Purchase the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
Runners who want stability or pronation management because the tender IncrediRUN foam and slender midfoot can really feel unsteady.
Large-footed runners who could discover the comfortable toe field and low-volume match restrictive for lengthy races.
Runners preferring a firmer, extra responsive platform
My Present Shoe Rotation:
Straightforward/Every day Runs: Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Lengthy Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Levels Eleos Shoe Evaluate
Path Working/Climbing: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios professional 4, 361 Levels Livid Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Quick-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4
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Seeking to be taught extra about trainers? In my book, I speak about why you want a great working shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, impartial vs. secure, and even myths of trainers.
Questions for you:
What’s your favourite tremendous shoe?
Have you ever tried the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2?
