Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 Review
Saucony's Elite Marathon Racer Still Among the Best
Likes
- Fast ride with smooth transition
- Durable super foam
- Lightweight, breathable upper
- Fantastic lockdown
Dislikes
- May be slightly firm for some
- Heavier than other elite racers
What's New
As with other shoes in the Endorphin lineup, the main update in the Endorphin Pro 2 is found in the upper. Saucony tweaked the FORMFIT mesh pattern to increase breathability, as well as altering the lacing system and heel design to provide a snugger, more secure fit. Apart from that, Saucony took a hands-off approach to the Endorphin Pro 2's design, letting the PWRRUN PB midsole, S-curve carbon plate, and SPEEDROLL geometry shine once again.
The Bottom Line
Saucony's Endorphin series made quite the statement with its debut launch last year, and leading the charge was the Endorphin Pro. Now with the release of the Endorphin Pro 2, Saucony has definitely taken more of an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach, which in our team's opinion, was a fantastic choice. The combination of the PWRRUN PB foam and the S-curve carbon fiber plate in the midsole creates an incredibly fast ride that will have runners in hot pursuit of their personal best on race day. The Endorphin Pro 2's responsive midsole also features Saucony's signature SPEEDROLL design, which is incredibly efficient and smooth, enabling runners to maintain faster paces without needing to put in additional effort.
The updated upper design features a new FORMFIT mesh pattern that provides excellent airflow and will help keep runners' feet dry even in unpleasantly hot conditions. Furthermore, Saucony has enhanced the upper with an all-new heel design and an anti-slip lacing system, which offers enhanced security and a better lockdown than the original version. With only minor tweaks, the Endorphin Pro 2 will undoubtedly be a favourite within the running community.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to low |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium to high |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 7.5 oz (size 9) | Women's: 6.8 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 39 mm (Heel), 31 mm (Forefoot) - includes removeable sock liner |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
The Endorphin Pro's PWRRUN PB midsole is impressively well balanced, offering just enough softness to keep things comfortable without losing any of the midsole's signature responsiveness. The Pro may not be as plush as some of its competitors, but runners will have no complaints when they cross the finish line in this super shoe.
Matt: "Saucony's PWRRUN PB has the right amount of softness for any kind of longer road race. The Endorphin Pro 2 isn't a pillowy soft shoe but will offer a great blend of responsiveness, durability, and ample softness. Overall, this foam is everything I am looking for during my hard efforts and races."
Justin: "The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is not the softest shoe, especially when you first put it on. That said, the Pro 2 is comfortable, and it feels great when you get up to speed, but I did find that the shoe felt less good while running at slower paces. The Endorphin Pro 2 performed best for me when I was doing speed sessions or tempo work."
Connor: "The Endorphin Pro 2 continues to provide a truly unique and responsive underfoot sensation. The midsole remains the same as the last version, but I didn't mind this as v1 was really impressive. It still feels somewhat soft at initial foot strike, but you will get a squishier feel from a few of the other super foams on the market."
Ride/Energy Returni
Despite not being updated from version 1, the PWRRUN PB foam and S-curve carbon-fiber plate remain incredibly responsive, offering an abundant energy return that can still compete with the best. The SPEEDROLL geometry of the midsole only makes things better, as the Endorphin Pro 2 smoothly and efficiently propels runners forward through each stride, which makes it easier for athletes to maintain top speeds throughout their run.
Matt: "It is impressive how everything works seamlessly together in the Endorphin Pro 2. The PWRRUN PB provides all the qualities of an amazing super foam, which works perfectly with Saucony's SPEEDROLL rocker geometry, as well as the carbon fiber plate. Based on some of the splits and times I've dropped, this shoe really makes faster paces feel easy."
Justin: "I did enjoy the energy return of the Endorphin Pro 2. It was most apparent during higher speed work. I had the Endorphin Speed version 1 and found this update to feel similar but a bit faster. When I was just plodding along, it felt firm and a bit harsh."
Connor: "The energy return of the Endorphin Pro is right up there with the other top-in-class super shoes. It's bouncy, lively, and just a fun shoe to run in. The midsole's responsiveness makes it hard to run slow in."
Underfoot Protectioni
The Endorphin Pro 2 was built for marathon races, so you know it has ample protection for long-distance efforts. The PWRRUN PB midsole is not the softest and might be a little harsh for everyday training. Given that the Pro is NOT an everyday training shoe, these marathon racers have all the protection runners need to speed comfortably toward race-day glory.
Matt: "Please pardon the reiteration, but with a high stack height, carbon plate, and durable rubber outsole, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 has a nice blend of qualities to help protect runners during long, hard efforts. Even though it has the look of a durable daily trainer, keep this shoe on ice until those prime races or workouts where you need to perform at your very best."
Justin: "The Endorphin Pro 2 has plenty of protection. Personally, I don't know if I'd wear the Endorphin Pro 2 for marathon distances. I'm a bit slower these days, and I have found slower paces make the ride of the Pro 2 feel a little harsher. Readers should also keep in mind that I'm 5'10" and about 190-200 lb, but regardless, I could definitely see myself racing a half marathon in this shoe."
Connor: "Underfoot protection continues with the high stack height that is now expected from elite carbon plated racers. While not maxed out to the 40-mm World Athletics legal limit, the shoe still provides all the cushioning you need to race the marathon or keep your legs feeling fresh after hard speedwork days."
Flexibilityi
The PWRRUN PB foam is stacked high and features a rigid carbon plate in the midsole to create a relatively stiff underfoot experience in the Endorphin Pro 2. The rigidity of the midsole is one of the main contributors to the awesomely responsive ride of these race-day studs. The SPEEDROLL geometry balances the midsole perfectly, delivering seamless heel-to-toe transitions that will help runners efficiently pick up the pace.
Matt: "Saucony designed the Pro 2 to be more rigid than elastic. The efficiency of the shoe and extra pop at toe-off are a direct result of a high stack of foam and a carbon fiber plate in the midsole. This combination enables runners to quickly transition into their next stride without leaking any energy, which is an essential component of why the Pro 2 is an elite marathon racing shoe."
Justin: "The Endorphin Pro 2 is not very flexible, but thanks to the SPEEDROLL rocker design, runners don't really need any additional flexibility to have a smooth and efficient ride. I love the effortless transitions of this shoe, and it feels seamless from foot strike to toe-off, so despite the low flex, it is still incredibly smooth."
Connor: "The shoe is a carbon-plated racer that is built to be stiff. The plate paired with the high stack of foam doesn't allow for much flexibility, but the Pro retains a really smooth ride. This shoe's purpose is to go fast on race day, which the rigid design helps."
Upper Supporti
Building upon what was already a well-liked upper, Saucony refined the upper design to highlight the Endorphin Pro 2's elite midsole. With modifications to the heel padding and lacing system, the Endorphin Pro 2 fits more snug than its predecessor. The new construction also offers an upgraded lockdown that will check all the boxes on race day. That said, if there is still a little room for improvement, then the upper may be an area for Saucony to consider, according to a couple of our testers.
Matt: "The upper on this shoe is the only thing I wish had more of an elite and race-ready feel. It definitely has the structure to hold up during a marathon and is light enough to be fast, but during my runs, I wished it had a more special fit."
Justin: "The first thing I noticed about the Endorphin Pro 2 was the upper. I didn't have the previous version, so I can't comment on the update, however, I enjoyed the lightweight and premium upper. I love it. The overall fit is accommodating enough for my slightly wider foot but still snug enough for racing."
Connor: "The upper of the Endorphin Pro 2 is stripped-down to be as light as possible. It perfectly balances ultra-light materials with just enough support to excel over marathon distances. The new design offers an overall better fit, and I felt much more locked in with the Pro v2. The upper is better than in version 1."
Women's Saucony Endorphin Carbon Running Shoes
Men's Saucony Endorphin Running Shoe Line
Individual Thoughts
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 has not received too many updates from its original version, but I am not complaining! The original Pro had a ton of hype when it was first released, and version 2 still sits on the Mount Rushmore of elite marathon racing shoes. The midsole is soft enough on impact, bouncy enough to propel runners forward, and efficient enough to grab new personal bests. The Endorphin Pro 2 will once again be seen all over the road racing circuit this year because of Saucony's awesome ability to blend everything runners need and want in an elite marathon racing shoe.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
Sadly, my experience with the Endorphin Series was limited to the Shift and Speed last year, so I wasn't exactly sure what all the hype was about with the Endorphin Pro, but I now understand why the Pro was such a favourite among runners. That said, my review is not all positive. The Pro 2 definitely caters to a fast runner that isn't looking for something super soft underfoot, which personally meant that I felt a little beat up when I'd wear the Pro 2 out for easy days (I know the shoe isn't built for that type of run). The Endorphin Pro 2 felt best for me during workouts or tempo runs, as that is when I could really feel the bounce and efficiency of the rockered midsole. I loved the upper, the feeling of going fast in the shoes, and the heel-to-toe transitions while running, but personally, I just want a bit more softness.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is still an elite super shoe that can compete with the top shoes in the marathon racing shoe category. The PWRUN PB foam and carbon-plated midsole provide a highly responsive underfoot feel, while the SPEEDROLL geometry creates an ultra-smooth ride that will propel runners forward effortlessly. I've worn the Pro 2 for a variety of races and workouts, but I felt it truly came alive when I was running at my marathon/half marathon race pace. The shoe provided everything I needed for success on race day, and it has also become a staple in my workout shoe rotation because of its fast, protective feel. I found the durability of the Pro 2's midsole to be surprisingly resilient, as the foam retained its bounciness longer than some of the Pro 2's main competitors. Finally, the fit of these super shoes has been perfectly dialed in. Although Saucony has not completely overhauled the upper, it does produce a much more comfortable and locked-in fit, which is even more ideal for racing than its predecessor. If you were a fan of the original Endorphin Pro or you're in the market for a new carbon-plated racing shoe, I think the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is a great option that provides a high-performing and unique underfoot experience.