Endorphin Elite 2
Responsiveness
Cushioning
Category
Race Day
Foam
IncrediRUN
Design
Slotted Carbon Plate
Offset
8mm (39.5mm/31.5mm)
Weight
Unisex: 7.0oz (199g)
Women's: 6.4oz (183g)
Endorphin Pro 4
Responsiveness
Cushioning
Category
Speed Training / Race Day
Foam
PWRRUN PB / PWRRUN HG
Design
Full Carbon Plate
Offset
8mm (39.5mm/31.5mm)
Weight
Men's 7.5oz (212g)
Women's 6.5oz (185g)
Endorphin Speed 5
Responsiveness
Cushioning
Category
Speed Day / Race Day
Foam
PWRRUN PB
Design
Semi-Rigid Nylon Plate
Offset
8mm (36mm/28mm)
Weight
Men's 8.3oz (237g)
Women's 7.2oz (204g)
Endorphin Trainer
Responsiveness
Cushioning
Category
Everyday Training / Neutral
Foam
IncrediRUN + PWRRUN
Design
3/4 Carbon Fibre Plate
Offset
8mm (41mm/33mm)
Weight
Men's 9.9oz (280g)
Women: 8.9oz (227g)
The Endorphin Elite features IncrediRun, our next-generation superfoam cushioning in combination with a slotted, carbon-fibre plate, designed to deliver ultimate race day performance. Endorphin Pro is built for race day with a carbon-fibre plate and ultra-lightweight PWRRUN PB foam for maximum propulsion. Endorphin Speed is a versatile trainer with a nylon plate, ideal for speed workouts and daily runs. Endorphin Trainer offers plush cushioning and stability, with an integrated 3/4 length carbon plater - perfect for long, easy miles and recovery days.
The Saucony Endorphin Collection is good for tempo runs. They are designed to feel- and run faster, most responsive- and efficient in our range and to be used on race- and speed day. Good models for tempo runs include the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2, Saucony Endorphin Pro 4, Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, Saucony Endorphin Trainer.
A rocker sole is a type of sole design that has a curved or rounded shape, rather than being flat. This design helps promote a smoother transition through the gait cycle - from heel strike to toe-off. Instead of your foot bending as much at the ankle or toes, the shoe's curved sole helps 'roll' your foot forward. The Saucony Endorphin Collection is designed with a Rocker Sole using SPEEDROLL Technology.
The Saucony Endorphin collection has Speedroll technology (forefoot rocker). These shoes curve up at the toe, aiding push-off and reducing pressure on the forefoot.
Rather than using 1 all-round 'tool', you can use a specific tool for a specific training. For example a shoe from the Saucony Endorphin Collection for your faster trainings/tempo runs, and a shoe from our Core 4, such as a Ride 18 or Guide 18 for your easier/slower runs- or on days you feel a bit more fatigue.
Most training programs consist of different types of trainings, so therefore using different types of running shoes makes sense. For example a shoe from the Saucony Endorphin Collection (lighter, more responsive) for your faster trainings/tempo runs, and a shoe from our Core 4 (Ride 18, Guide 18, Triumph 23 or Hurricane 25) with more cushioning and more stability for your easier/slower runs - or on days you feel a bit more fatigue. Also, using different shoes (difference in cushioning, stack, offset, stability etc.) can be seen as extra training for your body. Using different running shoes will reduce the risk of running related injuries.
For your faster runs, shoes from the Saucony Endorphin Collection are
probably the best choice. These shoes are designed to feel- and run
faster, are the most responsive- and efficient in the Saucony range and
are there to use on race- and speed day.
The
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
is good for Raceday.
The
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
is good for Raceday and speed training.
The
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
is good for Raceday, Speed day and general training days.
The
Saucony Endorphin Trainer
is good for Everyday training as a daily trainer.
Saucony shoes size very similar to other running shoes and sports brands. If this is your first pair of running shoes, we recommended going up by one whole size, or at least half a size. This helps to prevent compressing the foot and damaging the toes/toenails.
The lifecycle of a shoe is influenced by many factors: Running form, stride, surface, weight of the runner etc. Therefore it's hard to put an exact number on the lifecycle of running shoes. But on an average, daily trainers last around 800 to 1000 km, while the Saucony Endorphin Collection lasts around 500 to 600 km due to its lightweight, performance focus.
The Saucony Endorphin collection has plates included in its design. The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 has a full-length slotted carbon fibre plate that delivers smooth transitions and explosive propulsion with each stride. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 has a full-length carbon plate, engineered for longitudinal stiffness and maximum metabolic efficiency. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 has a full-length, semi-rigid nylon plate, giving you a perfect balance of propulsion and cushioning for every stride. The Saucony Endorphin Trainer has a ¾-length carbon fibre plate, tuned specifically for training, enhances toe-off while ensuring smooth landings.
Yes, carbon plate running shoes can help you run faster by improving your running economy. The embedded carbon plate works with responsive foam and rocker geometry to create a propulsive sensation - helping you roll forward with less effort. Studies have shown that carbon-plated shoes can improve efficiency by up to 4%, which can translate to faster race times, especially over long distances. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and Saucony Endorphin Elite models are designed to maximise this advantage with SPEEDROLL technology and ultralight cushioning.
For racing, the
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
and
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
are top choices.
The
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
is a versatile carbon-plated racer ideal for everything from 5Ks to
marathons, offering a balance of speed, comfort, and durability. The
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
is built for pure performance, with a more aggressive geometry and
ultra-lightweight design - perfect for runners chasing personal bests on
race day. If you're looking for a fast shoe that can also handle speed
workouts and tempo runs, the
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
is a great all-rounder with a nylon plate instead of carbon.
Carbon plate shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 are designed primarily for race day and high-intensity workouts. While they can be used for training, their stiff structure and premium materials are optimized for speed, not daily mileage. For everyday training, the Saucony Endorphin Speed offers a more forgiving ride with a nylon plate that mimics the feel of a carbon plate but with added flexibility and durability. It's ideal for runners who want a fast feel without compromising comfort or longevity.
Carbon plate shoes are generally safe when used appropriately, but they can increase the risk of injury if you're not used to them. The stiff plate and aggressive rocker can place more stress on your calves and Achilles, especially if you ramp up mileage too quickly. It's important to transition gradually and use them primarily for races or speed sessions. For everyday runs, alternating with a more traditional trainer—like the Saucony Guide 18 or Saucony Ride 18 —can help reduce injury risk and keep your training balanced.