Saucony Endorphin Shift Review
An Easy Choice for Easy Runs
Likes
- Comfortable cushioning
- Great underfoot protection
- Smooth transition
Dislikes
- Heavy
What's New
As the dedicated daily trainer in the Endorphin collection, Saucony designed the Endorphin Shift to provide a plush running experience. This shoe maintains the SPEEDROLL technology found in the other Endorphin models, but it uses its efficient rockered design to provide extra comfort rather than speed. The PWRRUN EVA midsole delivers soft cushioning, and a top layer of PWRRUN+ adds a touch of responsiveness. Meanwhile, the upper balances a thin mesh with a padded tongue and heel collar for optimum comfort without compromising breathability.
The Bottom Line
Although the Endorphin Shift isn't the lightest shoe on the market, our tester enjoyed its stable ride and generous cushioning. The SPEEDROLL rockered design gave the shoe a forward roll that made running feel easy, while the ample PWRRUN foam provided a soft landing that wasn't dead or mushy underfoot. This combination of comfort, cushioning, and efficiency will keep tired legs feeling fresh and make the Endorphin Shift an easy go-to for long runs and recovery days. The simple mesh upper delivers a comfortable, no-nonsense fit that our tester loved, and the shoe's unique look will have you receiving compliments every time you wear them.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Men's: Medium to high | Women's: Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.4 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.3 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 38 mm (Heel), 34 mm (Forefoot) | 4 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
Justin: "The Endorphin Shift feels really comfortable to me; however, I still wouldn't quite put it into the same 'soft' shoe category as a HOKA. It's comfortable and not too firm, but it offers impact protection without a defined sinking-in softness."
Ride/Energy Return i
Justin: "The Shift doesn't have the super responsive and bouncy sensation of the Endorphin Pro or Speed. The rocked design kept me moving forward through my stride seamlessly, but the Endorphin Shift definitely wasn't a go-fast shoe for me."
Underfoot Protection i
Justin: "The underfoot protection is where the Shift really stands out; I especially enjoyed it for longer runs. The comfortable cushioning paired with the smooth ride makes this shoe a great pick for daily training and recovery runs."
Underfoot Flexibility i
Justin: "The Endorphin Shift is definitely on the less flexible side, but that isn't a bad thing. The stiffer design works with the special rockered shape to roll you smoothly through your stride."
Upper Feel i
Justin: "The upper fits me with no issues. It has a traditional design that was comfy during longer runs and did its job well. The padded heel collar and tongue gave it a plush feeling without being too heavy or bulky on foot."
Women's Saucony Endorphin Carbon Running Shoes
Individual Thoughts
The Saucony Endorphin Shift is a great option for an everyday trainer. I'd say that it works best in my rotation when paired with a speed shoe, as I felt the Endorphin Shift was a bit too heavy to do speedwork. However, when you pair it with the Endorphin Speed (or Endorphin Pro on race day), that's where the shoe really shines. The Shift has a smooth and comfortable feel during the run, but it starts to feel heavy and sluggish when you try to pick up the pace. I found the upper to fit well with no areas of irritation. Overall, I loved the experience these shoes provided on long runs thanks to their solid fit and comfortable cushioning.