Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 Review
The Endorphin Series’ Dependable Everyday Trainer
Likes
- Rocker design
- Heel counter
- Gusseted tongue
Dislikes
- Feels a bit clunky
- Firm underfoot feel
What's New
The Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 is identical to the previous version underfoot, but it features exciting enhancements to the upper design. This model has a snugger fit, a trim new heel counter, and soft suede detailing to provide a better fit and improved comfort. If you enjoyed running in the first edition, you will definitely appreciate the dialed-in Shift 2.
The Bottom Line
For runners looking for a protective daily trainer that has the durability to hold up for miles and miles, the Endorphin Shift 2 is a serious contender. At 39 mm in the heel and 35 mm in the forefoot, the maximal stack height is slightly misleading given this shoe's firmer underfoot feel; however, our testers noted that these daily trainers softened once out on the roads. The Endorphin Shift 2 features PWRRUN cushioning, similar to the Saucony Ride, Guide, and Peregrine, and delivers a well-balanced underfoot experience. Runners looking for a softer step-in feel will probably prefer the Ride over the Shift, but those seeking more support will love the inherent stability of these trainers. The Shift 2 may play second fiddle in speed to the other highly impressive Endorphin shoes, but it has the potential to be a go-to shoe for a variety of daily runs.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium to High |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.1 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.3 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 39 mm (Heel), 35 mm (Forefoot) |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
Kaitlin: "The cushioning of this shoe is semi-soft, but the rocker geometry makes the ride incredibly smooth. The initial step-in feel is slightly firmer and does not represent the experience this shoe provides while running. Once you get moving, the underfoot feel is bouncy and noticeably soft under the forefoot."
Nathan: "The new Endorphin Shift 2 has plenty of PWRRUN foam underfoot. While it provides a good amount of cushioning, I was left wanting just a little more softness from it."
Matt: "Even though this shoe has a high stack height, the Endorphin Shift 2 feels firm underfoot. The PWRRUN foam provides a nice ride that doesn't leave me drowning in foam like other high-stack models. I tend to gravitate toward shoes with this type of firmer feel, so the Endorphin Shift 2 gave my legs exactly what they were looking for when it came to softness."
Ride/Energy Returni
Kaitlin: "The turnover in this shoe feels effortless. Ground impact feels reduced as I make contact and then smoothly roll through toe-off. Each step feels light and efficient, making my run not only feel easier but more enjoyable."
Nathan: "Between the SPEEDROLL technology and the PWRRUN foam, this shoe was very efficient and enjoyable to run in. I found it smooth underfoot at any pace."
Matt: "Because this shoe has Saucony's PWRRUN compound rather than PWRRUN PB like in the Speed 2 and Pro 2, the Shift 2 lacks that top-notch level of responsiveness. However, the rocker geometry does provide a super-efficient ride with Saucony's SPEEDROLL technology. What this shoe lacks in responsive foam is made up for with its energy-returning geometry."
Underfoot Protectioni
Kaitlin: "The thick stack height in combination with the cushioning provides powerful impact protection for long mileage. It has a soft, springy landing that helps protect the shins and joints."
Nathan: "Plenty of PWRRUN foam underfoot gives you a good amount of cushioning for underfoot protection. I would have preferred the foam to be just a little softer, though."
Matt: "Underfoot protection is the Shift 2's best quality. I think I've logged close to 400 miles in my pair, and I still feel fresh after all my runs. This shoe was made for mileage, and runners' legs will appreciate that quality, trust me."
Flexibilityi
Kaitlin: "There is very little bend in the Shift 2 due to its thicker construction, but that does not prevent this shoe from providing a smooth ride. The rocker geometry creates a natural forward roll."
Nathan: "You won't find much flexibility in the Shift 2, but that is to be expected considering the large amount of foam underfoot. With the foam and SPEEDROLL rocker midsole design, I still got a smooth, efficient gait."
Matt: "There is not much flex in the Shift 2. There's too much foam for this shoe to flex, but the rocker geometry still gave me the smooth transition I needed."
Upper Supporti
Kaitlin: "With its moderate volume and pliable upper, this shoe will accommodate most feet. The gusseted tongue also creates a nice wrap around the midfoot for improved security."
Nathan: "The upper is where most of the changes in the Shift 2 came into play. It felt nice and adaptable where it needed to be, and the new heel counter offered a stable landing."
Matt: "The Shift 2's new upper is comfortable, durable, and decently lightweight. With an improved heel clip and some mono-mesh overlays, the updated upper gives this shoe even more protection and durability without sacrificing weight."
Saucony Men's Endorphin Shift
Individual Thoughts
I found the Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 to fit true to size, with enough volume to accommodate high-mileage runs. This shoe is multifaceted, as I feel like I can do long-mileage training, fast racing, and easy recovery runs in it. It feels efficient and lightweight, yet also very protective. The step-in feels semi-firm, but the ride is energetically cushioned and deceptively soft. I felt like the shoe pushed me to increase the pace on many of my runs. I do not have a lot of complaints except when it comes to appearance. The Endorphin Shift will be a staple in my rotation moving forward.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
The Endorphin Shift 2 is made for high-mileage training. The midsole is cushioned but surprisingly firm, with the durability to last a long time. Before I knew it, I had hundreds of miles on my pair, and they felt just as protective. The upper has a newer look but is more or less the same, with features that make the Shift durable, stable, and ready for the long haul. This isn't going to be the fastest shoe and may feel bulky to some runners, but if you are looking for a solid trainer to eat up miles, then the Endorphin Shift 2 is for you.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
The Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 definitely sits in the daily-trainer or long-run category. While I personally would like the midsole to be a little softer, the Shift 2 offers a solid amount of cushioning to protect me from the roads and keep me running. The rocker design is efficient from heel to toe and makes running feel easy. The new upper is super comfortable, and I had no issues with the fit at all. I also really enjoyed the updated heel counter, which provided an extra bit of stability.