Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Review
By David Salas and Matthew Klein
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2Price: $274.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 7 oz, 199g (men's size 9 / women's size 10.5)
Stack Height: 39.5mm heel / 31.5mm forefoot
Drop: 8mm
Shoe Purpose: Super Shoe, Racing Shoe
Pros: Incredibly bouncy ride with good cushioning
Cons: May be unstable for some, forefoot may be too narrow for some
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Saucony Endorphin Elite is the progression of the fan favorite super shoe. The new Endorphin Elite 2 does come with some updates that are noticeable from the original. The most immediate would be the inclusion of the IncrediRUN midsole. This foam is much more compliant and bouncy than the previous model. The shoe overall features enough changes up and down to be a completely new update that will be divisive, for some providing a worthy upgrade to the first model in terms of midsole excitement and for others a far less stable one which may offput some lovers of the first model which liked the combination of stable and energetic.
SIMILAR SHOES: Nike Alphafly 3, Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
PAST MODEL: Saucony Endorphin Elite 1
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 fits me true to size in my normal men's US size 10. The fit is slightly snug throughout with a lower volume toe box and a more normal volume throughout the rest of the shoe. The upper is a light knit and mesh combination that is see through and incredibly breathable. The toe box is low volume and snug due to a stiff and prominent toe guard. This initially caused quite a bit of rubbing on the top of my toes and is one of the major reasons this shoe should only be worn with socks. This transitions into a slightly snug forefoot. The forefoot opens more compared to the toe box but is still on the snug and low volume side. This continues into a snug but higher volume midfoot. The thin tongue is part of the upper and there is large amount of additional space height wise from the extra stretchy tongue component. This extra room required me to carefully tighten down the laces to balance getting a secure fit without putting too much pressure on the top of my foot. Tightening down the laces did cause the tongue to fold on itself slightly, so I again would suggest socks. The heel is normal to slightly snug without any major padding and no heel counter. Those with heel sensitivities will absolutely love this shoe as the heel is rounded and flexible. This may be one of the best super racing shoes for those with a haglund deformity. Despite the heel design, once I tied down the laces the lockdown was fairly good. I did not have any slippage in the upper itself and it held onto my foot well.
However, outside of how unstable the midsole is, the upper has little security with side to side motion. Forward and backward (sagittal plane) motions are fine but I did feel a little sliding when I tried to turn corners (also from the midsole). So stay moving forward. While the heel part of the upper is extremely comfortable, the rest of the upper, especially the toe guard, is scratchy against skin. I highly suggest using moderate to thick socks with this upper despite the snugness to provide a layer of protection for your toes and feet. This is absolutely not a shoe you should go sockless in.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: Saucony Guide 17, ASICS Kayano 30, Hoka Gaviota 5, Saucony Endorphin Elite, Nike Ultrafly
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Saucony Kinvara 14
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Altra Timp 5
David: The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 fits true to size in my men's 9.5. The shoe locks down really well throughout and I had no issues with foot translation or heel slippage. The width throughout the shoe is normal through the heel and midfoot, though a little narrow throughout the forefoot. I could definitely feel the sides of the forefoot pushing on my toes some. Thankfully when I was running, though I could still feel it, it never developed a hot spot or irritation there. There is no heel counter, but there is some gentle reinforcement through the upper that extends from the heel collar and lacing system. This extends posteriorly and diagonally as it blends into the heel. It is thin, but seems to hold the structure of that region decently well. The upper is seemingly one piece and has an immovable tongue. The construction is both mesh and knit and is very lightweight on foot. The tongue region is stretchy and hugs the top of the foot, while the remainder of the shoe is a thread like see through mesh. That portion of the shoe does not have much stretch, which is good for how soft the shoe is. I did enjoy the fit of the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2, but I definitely would widen the fit through the forefoot some.
David's Typical Size: Men's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit David well: Nike Vomero 17, Saucony Ride 16, Puma Velocity Nitro 3
Shoes that have fit snug: HOKA Arahi 7
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon Aero Glide
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: No
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: No
Is the Forefoot Flexible: No
How Flexible is the Shoe: Carbon plated, stiff
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: Yes
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is a high level super racing shoe for half marathon to marathon racing. It is the bounciest and softest super racing shoe that I have ever experienced. The full IncrediRun midsole is so soft (compliant) with a solid amount of bounce (resiliency). This also makes it unstable but those with stable mechanics will do well. The rebound is quite noticeable, most significantly at the heel. The rearfoot is so soft that those landing at the back may feel like the heel drop of 8mm is lower than listed. The rearfoot is beveled nicely which combined with how much the midsole compresses creates a smooth and bouncy (and unstable for me) transition forward. This transitions quickly through the midfoot into a forefoot that feels more like a controlled bounce and easy transition forward. The rocker at the forefoot starts slightly early which creates a smooth and comfortable roll forward. There is some toe spring in the forefoot which may add to the toe guard pressure mentioned in the fit section. Despite the stiffness of the plate, this is NOT a shoe for those with toe mobility issues as the soft foam compresses a ton and may still provide more motion than expected.
Despite how bouncy the midsole is, the softness makes it feel better for longer efforts than shorter ones. The foam compresses and rebounds a ton, but not quickly. This has caused me to struggle with any paces faster than half marathon effort. I can almost push 10k pace but the Endorphin Elite 2 feels far better cruising at tempo or uptempo efforts. This is exactly the opposite of the original Endorphin Elite, whose slightly firmer midsole made it feel better at 5k to 10k type efforts as well. Those with stable mechanics wanting a longer distance racing shoe will do well in this shoe as it does keep your legs fresh over longer threshold type efforts. Unfortunately, the distances I can run in this shoe have been limited to 12 miles or less due to it not being stable enough for me. Given the cut outs and incredibly soft midsole, this shoe should ONLY be used for road or track. The traction is average but better than the previous version on wet road but it should only be used for smooth man-made surfaces. Durability wise it has been fine over my 30 miles of testing. The outsole patches are holding up far better the the original and I don't see any wear except for the exposed midsole. However, given how soft the midsole is, I see this shoe lasting an average number of miles for a super racing shoe. This is far better than the original and the new outsole pieces will likely hold up if I don't rip them off.
David: The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 made some very noticeable changes that I was not initially sold on. I am still trying to figure out if it is better, or just different. The biggest change is the midsole from PWRRUN HG to IncrediRUN. IncrediRUN is a very soft and bouncy foam. The foam clearly has a lot of of life to it the second you put the shoe on. It is however, the opposite feeling in terms of compliancy. Endorphin Elite 1 felt a little bit firmer on foot when you stepped into it, whereas Endorphin Elite 2 is one of the softer foams on the market. With that said, it is very responsive and you can feel it rebound quite well when you load it.
The general geometry is similar between the two models. The balanced heel bevel and sharp toe spring at toe off is still noticeable in the second version. The upper did change, but holds you to the platform well in both models. I did find that the Endorphin Elite 2 was a shoe that I enjoyed almost exclusively at faster paces. The really soft foam can come off as being a bit unstable at slower paces, but it is acceptable enough to warm up and cool down in. At faster paces, the shoe does give you the feeling of opening up your stride. The forefoot rolls you forward very quickly when you get onto it. The 8mm drop feels lower, just because of how soft the foam is. As you compress through the heel, the shoe feels like it levels out much more into the midfoot upon load. It does not feel like you are climbing out of the shoe though, which is good. This shoe definitely plays to both the foam and the geometry. Because of how similar the geometries feel, I don't feel like this is an overhaul on the Endorphin Elite 1. After getting more workouts on the Endorphin Elite 2 I grew accustomed to the softness of the shoe and now I think it does still stack up as one of the best racing shoes on the market, similar to its predecessor. I will also note, that the higher the load, the more you feel the plate. I originally thought this shoe was going to feel very unstable, but it actually ran much more stable than I was expecting. This would still be a shoe that I can run the marathon in. I do think the sweet spot for this model would be 10k and longer.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is a neutral and somewhat unstable shoe. The IncrediRun foam is incredibly soft and bouncy underfoot and the platform in the midfoot and heel are particularly narrow. There are sidewalls in the midfoot, although they are made of the same IncrediRun foam and collapse easily. There is sole flare in the heel although there is slightly more lateral flare than medial which may cause some slight medial bias. The midfoot is narrow and has a large lateral cut out, which not only makes it less stable but creates a large amount of lateral bias. The forefoot is the only non-unstable part of the shoe with the sole flare, rigidity from the plate and good forefoot rocker that keeps things moving forward. Despite the stiffness front to back from the plate, the Endorphin Elite 2 has a large amount of torsional flexibility for a carbon plated shoe. For forefoot strikers this shoe will run more neutral but only those with highly stable and stiff mechanics in their heel and midfoot should consider this shoe beyond shorter distances.
David: The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is definitely a neutral super shoe. The foam is very soft and adds an element of instability right off of the bat. Thankfully the upper security on foot is good. The outsole traction is better in this model than the previous and that rubber is definitely needed to counteract the foam. The geometry holds strong under load which does help some with stability as well. The shoe is more stable than I thought it would be, but it definitely would still be in the neutral category.
Thoughts as a DPT: How Individual Needs Can Effect Shoe Choice
By David Salas, DPT, CSCS
With where we are in footwear technology, it is difficult to give anyone an immediate nod as the top shoe. Every company is rolling out footwear with incredible materials that can impact running economy in a positive way. The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 updates their midsole for their bounciest foam yet, while keeping the general platform of the shoe relatively consistent. This geometry is a balanced rocker through the heel that is coupled with a sharp toe spring in the forefoot.
The Endorphin Elite 1 used PWRRUN HG, a firmer PEBA-based midsole that compressed slightly with large rebound. Because of the foam properties, there was not dramatic deformation of the foam when landing on it and the shoe maintained a pretty stable ride. Keeping things similar, this new foam is incredibly soft and even more bouncy. This initial contact at the heel now has quite a bit of deformation.
How that initial contact goes can dictate quite a bit. If you have been reading our reviews for a while, you know that we all have slightly different mechanics. Some people land harder on the heels, while others may land more forward on the midfoot or forefoot. Most people do tend to land on their heels to varying degrees though. I do land on my heel, but I differ from my colleague Matt. He tends to have more contact time over the posterior lateral aspect of the heel with a scuffing and crashing motion. This is why he is a fan of larger bevels in that direction to speed up the transitions. I don't land there quite as hard, and can get away with a little less bevel in that region. The same can be said to foam compliancy to some degree. With how soft the IncrediRUN foam is, it may create some heel instability for some. For someone like him, there is much higher amounts of stability needed in the heel, and for longer. That can potentially make running in a shoe like the Endorphin Elite 2 a bit more difficult for longer duration efforts. For me, I get over that transition point a little quicker, and though I notice the instability some, it doesn't phase the greater experience once I figure the shoe out. From the midfoot forward, the Endorphin Elite's similar geometry between the 2 and 1 don't seem to change the experience dramatically, despite the change in foam. This is in large part because you are already moving forward and loading the plate. Because of our own individual differences in the heel, our stability experiences are quite different when running in the same shoe. When looking at a shoe, its platform, and how it feels on your feet, it is important to check in with yourself on which shoes work the best for your mechanics.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: I am honestly still trying to process my experiences in the Endorphin Elite 2. It feels like the opposite of the Endorphin Elite 1 as it is more snug and insanely soft/bouncy. It is the bounciest super shoe on the market at this time, to the point of being too much for someone like me. The heel is so unstable my Achilles insertion has been mildly irritated after running in this shoe. So while this shoe is incredible, it needs more control. My suggestions are focused on the toe box and the stability. I would redo the toe guard as it makes the forefoot a bit uncomfortable. If the toe box could be widened or more accommodating like the first version, I think that would improve the comfort of the front. In regards to the sole, I completely understand stability is going to be a challenge with this incredibly bounce foam. Rather than creating bias at the midfoot, I would use a similar design to the Endorphin Pro 3. Have midsole on the medial and lateral sides of the midfoot but have a center cut out. This will keep the ride more centered, rather than creating bias. With shoes this soft and tall, there has to be some degree of sole width or it will be too unstable. I would also love to see the midsole properties be tweaked to be equally responsive as it is soft but I completely understand that this shoe is meant for longer distances and the Endorphin Pro 5 may actually be the more responsive counter part (at least per rumors).
David: I really enjoyed the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 (though I needed some additional miles to be convinced). My biggest recommendation is the forefoot and toe box. The shoe still works for me, but it is bordering on being too narrow even for me. I think that has to be cleaned up in the next version.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is for those with stable mechanics wanting the softest and bounciest long distance racing shoe on the market. The upper will do best for those with narrow width feet or those wanting a snug upper. The heel design is fantastic and will do extremely well for those with heel sensitivities. The sole is insanely soft and bouncy and will work for those wanting a half to full marathon racer. Those with any stability needs will be limited in how far they can take this shoe given how wobbly the heel and midfoot are. It has definitely earned its price tag and easily sits alongside shoes like the Nike Alphafly 3 and the On Cloudboom Strike. However, I am still on the fence as to whether the bounciness has gone to far. For someone like myself who needs a little bit of guidance it has but for those with stable mechanics, this is definitely a shoe that will provide not only a bouncy ride but a unique experience.
David: The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is a super shoe for someone that is looking to have a sharper rounding through the forefoot and a really soft and bouncy foam underfoot. The toe box is slightly narrow and the runner would have to be okay with that. For those that loved the Endorphin Elite 1, I do think the Endorphin Elite 2 is worth a try. I initially wasn't sold, but needed to adjust to the changes in the foam. Once I got around that, I do think it is a worthy successor.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: B+ (Snug upper with great heel design for those with heel sensitivities. Toe guard harsh but does break in)
Performance: A- (The most bouncy midsole I have experienced. Fantastic efficiency for those with neutral mechanics but best for half to full marathon distance efforts)
Stability: C [Neutral/Unstable] (Incredibly soft midsole offsets any guidance features in the heel/midfoot, making for a borderline unstable ride in the rear. Best for those with stable mechanics)
Value: B+/A- (Expensive shoe but easily competes against other shoes in this category. Better initial durability than the original but will need more miles to truly assess how the midsole and outsole hold up)
Personal: B (I am impressed by this shoe but it is not for me. It is far too unstable in the rearfoot for me to use beyond short to moderate distances and it does not respond fast enough for me as my focus is 5k/10k efforts. Those wanting a marathon shoe with stable mechanics will match this shoe but it does not match me)
Overall Design: B/B+
David
Fit: B (The fit is good throughout, but I do think the forefoot and toe box is narrow enough to take a letter grade away)
Performance: A (This is definitely a top shelf racing shoe. Great cushioning and responsiveness with good geometry.)
Stability: B- (A neutral shoe with an even more neutral foam. Sidewalls, upper lockdown, and outsole traction help some, but this is a very neutral shoe.)
Value: B+/A- (It is a very expensive shoe. It is comparable to the other shoes at this price point, but only time will tell on durability.)
Personal: A- (It's really only the narrow forefoot, this is a progression of the Endorphin Elite that I loved so much.)
Overall Design: A-
SHOP | SUPPORT DORSaucony Endorphin Elite 2Price: $274.95 at Running Warehouse (Coming March 2025)
Shop Men | Shop Women
*Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much!
Check out Gear We Love
Naked Belt The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist.
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!
FURTHER READING
An update to their new max cushion trainer.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
Thanks for reading!
FOLLOW DOCTORS OF RUNNING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: Doctors of Running
Youtube Channel: Doctors of Running
Instagram: @doctorsofrunning
LinkedIn: Doctors of Running
Strava: Doctors of Running
Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
Pinterest: Doctors of Running
PODCAST
Check out the Doctors of Running Podcast to find more reviews, interviews, and running features from the team.
Visit our Podcast Page
Find us on Apple
Find us on Spotify
Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
NEXT: Adidas Supernova Rise 2
