Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Review

Published: September 2, 2022

The Saucony Endorphin Speed Ups its Game with Improved Stability

Likes

Soft and energetic PWRRUN PB midsole
More stable with a wider platform and upgraded plate
Updated upper balances comfort with performance

Dislikes

Not quite as race-ready

What's New

Building on the success of the first two versions of the shoe, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 features a host of new updates that make this lightweight uptempo trainer even better, and runners should act quickly because this Speed might fly off the shelves quickly.

So how did Saucony make this already awesome shoe better, you may ask? This time around, the designers implemented an updated midsole loaded with more PWRRUN PB foam underfoot along with a redesigned nylon plate that utilises a winged geometry to improve the shoe's stability and efficiency. Also, speaking of stability, Saucony has built the Speed 3 with a wider platform through the heel and forefoot, which resolves some instability issues runners experienced in the first two models.

Finally, the Speed 3 has a redesigned FORMFIT upper and an updated outsole layout. The new upper mesh feels both thinner and softer, which works with a wider midfoot and forefoot to provide improved comfort for all your runs, especially longer efforts. The XT 900 rubber outsole enhances durability with strategic placements in high-wear zones, while cutouts help minimise weight.

The Bottom Line

The original Saucony Endorphin Speed took the running world by storm in 2020, and there has been a need for Speed ever since. With the release of version 3, that need is growing more potent because the Endorphin Speed 3 continues to impress.

Like other Endorphins, the Speed's midsole remains the main attraction, offering top-quality performance that almost perfectly balances responsiveness, comfort, and protection. But the "special sauce" in version 3 is the Speed's improved stability. The embedded winged S-curve Pebax plate is combined with a new, broader platform, which helps deliver dependable stability and makes runs at slower paces more comfortable. The Endorphin Speed 3 remains speedy, and the PWRRUN PB will efficiently return whatever energy you put into it, making for exciting tempo runs and races, which you can attack with confidence thanks to the shoe's newfound stability.

Some reviewers did note that the Speed 3 did not feel as race-ready as the first two versions of the shoe, but with the increased stability and better versatility over long distances, the Speed 3 is still worthy of the do-it-all stamp of approval. Furthermore, the updated FORMFIT upper is more adaptable and spacious, emphasising the shoe's enhanced comfort level. All in all, the Endorphin Speed continues to impress as it evolves year after year, and if you are a runner in need of a high-performance shoe to accommodate all your running needs, then the Endorphin Speed 3 is almost a must-buy.

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Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Review Right Shoe view

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Review Angled Right Shoe

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Review Medial view

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Review overhead view

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Review outsole view

Our In-Depth Look

Upper

Risa: "I liked the race-like upper fit of the Speed 3. I have slightly narrow feet, and I had no fit issues. The engineered mesh felt adaptable, and it should accommodate a lot of different foot shapes. I was able to easily get a secure lockdown thanks to the new heel design."

Kaleb: "The FORMFIT mesh upper was awesome. Version 3 fits snugger than the Speed and Speed 2 thanks to an overall lower volume, but the mesh was fairly adaptable, providing a comfortable wrap that I had no problem wearing for hours at a time. The Endorphin Speed 3's lockdown is also fantastic, and I had no issues with slippage. I don't know if the Speed 3 is more comfortable than its predecessors, but it definitely impressed throughout testing."

Midsole

Risa: "Since its inception, the Endorphin Speed has been a responsive shoe with excellent versatility. Saucony has made a lot of changes to the newest iteration, seemingly to make the shoe more comfortable and better suited for longer distances. The shoe still feels soft and energetic, but I felt as though the shoe was missing some of its signature pop. Personally, version 1 was one of my favorite trainers, and the design of that shoe just simply worked better for me. More specifically, I preferred the more propulsive feel of version 1, especially for race day. Though I still like version 3 and think the midsole has a lot to offer, I wish that Saucony kept the shoe closer to a race-day design, but I might have the minority opinion on that."

Kaleb: "If you know me, then you know that I love Saucony's PWRRUN PB foam. It is soft, bouncy, and now, with the help of the new nylon plate design and wider platform, stable, making the Speed 3 my favourite iteration yet. The shoe can do it all, perfectly complimenting daily training runs while excelling at faster paces. I used the Speed 3 for everything from easy long runs to race-paced rust-buster workouts, and I was a happy customer every time."

Outsole

Risa: "The Endorphin Speed is incredibly protective, and I would not hesitate to use it for a half marathon or full marathon. It is nice to have confidence that a shoe will keep your legs from getting destroyed when you get up to higher mileage. I learned my lesson using a more traditional shoe for my first marathon. That said, it is worth noting that I got a rip in the PWRRUN PB midsole foam on my second run in the shoe on the roads. I must have caught a curb or stick or something, but it is still unusual. It has not caused any issues with the performance of the shoe."

Kaleb: "Simply put, the XT 900 rubber outsole did its job. After nearly 50 miles in the shoe, it has shown no signs of wear, and the outsole looks like it will continue to flourish for miles and miles to come. I worry a bit about the cutout areas where the PWRUN PB foam is exposed, but again, through 50 miles, we're looking good. The rubber's traction is also on point, and I had no issues navigating different surfaces and conditions. Specifically, everything road or rubber is fair game for the Speed 3, even in wet conditions."

Comparable Shoes

Risa: "I would say the Endorphin Speed 3 is comparable to the ASICS Magic Speed, given that it's a more uptempo trainer that also can be utilised for racing. This shoe is also very versatile, and you cannot go wrong if you want more of a do-it-all shoe. I usually prefer more comfort for daily training mileage and more speed for races rather than one of these do-it-all options. Before working at Running Warehouse Australia, I typically only bought one running shoe a year, so I needed a shoe capable of handling my daily training, long runs, and races. If you are a runner with similar circumstances, then the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is an excellent option."

Kaleb: "The Endorphin Speed has always been a favourite of mine, but the Endorphin Speed 3 is by far my favourite, and I like the shift to a more versatile shoe that is more proficient at a variety of paces. Furthermore, compared to other uptempo training shoes, there is little to no competition, in my opinion. The PWRRUN PB compound is responsive and as comfortable underfoot as any midsole foam on the market, the Endorphin Speed is hard to beat."

Individual Thoughts

RisaOverall Score: 8/10

Not to get too introspective here, but I am unsure whether I have changed or the Endorphin Speed has changed, but sadly, I cannot say the Endorphin Speed is my favorite shoe anymore. The updates have made the shoe more stable and a little softer underfoot, which I thought dampened some of the Speed 3's energy return.

In the OG, which is still one of my favorite shoes, I had no problem transitioning from daily runs to tempo workouts to race day, and, unfortunately, the Speed 3 lacks that extra pop that the original model had in reserve for race day. To be clear, the Endorphin Speed 3 remains a responsive and versatile trainer that I think many people will love, maybe even more, and I definitely still like it.

Though this is not my favourite update, I understand why Saucony made the changes they did, especially given their adjustments to the Endorphin Pro, which is also now softer and more stable, so maybe the answer for me personally is to switch to the Endorphin Pro for my fastest workouts and race-day efforts. Moving forward, I will happily lace up the Speed 3 for tempo runs, daily mileage, and maybe the occasional race here and there. No matter what, the Endorphin line is awesome, and it offers runners a lot of quality performance.

KalebOverall Score: 9.5/10

If you couldn't tell from my insights above, then I will happily reiterate: I love this shoe. I have tested all three versions of the Endorphin Speed, and it delivers every single time.

What makes the Speed 3 better than its predecessors is its improved level of stability, which has made the Endorphin Speed even more versatile and better suited for slower paces and longer distances. This does not mean that the Speed 3 lacks speed because it certainly does not, and when it is time to pick up the pace, the PWRRUN PB comes to life. Also, the more you put into the midsole, the more you will get out of it.

The upper continues to balance comfort and performance, providing a lightweight feel with a superb lockdown while offering some additional padding in the heel to deliver an extra dose of comfort. The redesigned upper configuration affords runners a bit more space through the midfoot and forefoot, while the mesh is adaptable enough to accommodate a variety of foot shapes.

No matter your experience level, go get yourself the Endorphin Speed 3!

Men's Saucony Endorphin Running Shoe Line

Made in collaboration with Saucony's top athletes, the Endorphin collection features the high performance running shoes you need from training to race day.