Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 review

When it comes to racing shoes, Saucony’s Endorphin series has carved out a reputation (for me at least) for delivering performance-driven innovation without sacrificing comfort. The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 promises a cutting-edge upgrade over V1 packing in ultra-soft foam, a featherlight design, and tweaks to the fit.

At $275 though, how does this carbon plated, race day super shoe compare with other greats currently on the market? Surprisingly well as it happens, but seeing as this racing and speed training shoe has a totally unique ride, it requires a unique analysis.

While the shoe’s incredibly bouncy midsole and fun and fast, energetic ride might make them sound like dream race day shoes for marathoners, there are certain things you should know about regarding stability, durability, and race-day efficiency, all of which I’m going to share in this Endorphin Elite 2 review. Buckle up buttercup, this is going to be a fun one!

Key specifications

• Price: $275 at Saucony
• Weight: 7.2oz (204g) for a size US(M)9 – extremely lightweight for a racing shoe, equal to the Alphafly 3 but heavier than the Metaspeed Sky Paris (6.3oz), and Vaporfly 3 (6.5oz)
• Drop: 8mm (39.5/31.5mm)
• Midsole: Ultra-soft, highly compressive foam with exceptional rebound
• Outsole: Smooth rubber with areas of exposed foam
• Upper: Breathable mesh with knit hybrid, improved heel lockdown compared to version 1
• Support: Neutral

How they fit and feel

The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 has a light, breathable fit with noticeable improvements in heel lockdown compared to its predecessor.

It fits true to size and although it has a medium width, those who have high volume feet will appreciate the design that allows for larger feet, thanks to the knit upper section used to offer expansion and stretch for the lacing system to cater to more foot shapes.

With that said, this accommodating fit could feel more secure, and if you have narrow feet, or medium width, you may find yourself with some material overlap under the laces due to this, like I do but I’m pleased to say that this doesn’t affect comfort in anyway, see photo below to see what I mean.

This was very similar to the fit I experienced with the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4, and it certainly didn’t stop that shoe performing brilliantly – a roomy fit that’s adjustable is a good thing in my book.

What’s good

The Endorphin Elite 2’s midsole is the star of the show for me. The foam is insanely ultra-soft and it feels completely unique compared to previous Saucony models which makes sense, it’s a brand new foam, but it also has a ride unlike any other shoes I have reviewed.

This material provides a ridiculous rebound, delivering a springy, cushioned ride that’s perfect for long runs. Neutral runners, particularly lighter midfoot or forefoot strikers, will benefit from the foam’s ability to minimize leg fatigue.

This lack of fatigue post-run, is one of the key things that has been most notable for me.

At higher speeds, the foam firms up just enough to make the ride feel responsive, assisted by the shoe’s forefoot rocker design and carbon fiber plate.

Breathability and weight are other highlights; the lightweight mesh upper keeps your feet cool during fast runs like interval training or racing, and the shoe’s low weight of 7.2 oz helps it feel more like an extension of your feet rather than a pair of shoes.

The good heel lockdown also deserves a nod and the general feel and comfortable ride is something I have to reiterate in this section because the Endorphin Elite 2 is one of the most comfortable race day super shoes I have ever run in. The upper has some nice padding at the heel counter, and it solid lacing system allows for a glorious fit.

Areas for improvement

I’m just going to say it – they’re a noisy shoe, there I said it. This is probably not something that has come up in other reviews but I’m a perceptive fella (not that you need to be perceptive to pick this one out). It’s not a big deal but I would have been remiss if I didn’t mention it.

This will only matter to the most stealthy of runners out there (you know who you are) – runners who enjoy hunting down a competitor running ahead of them, and prefer to overtake with a certain finesse, with light footed stealth being a string on their bow, haha. I suspect this noise intensifies in wet weather conditions.

For all its innovation, the Endorphin Elite 2 does struggle a little with stability due to the ultra-soft midsole foam, that while bouncy, is also unstable if you pronate, making sharp turns feel edgy – that said, there are far racing shoes with far worse stability than these (I’m looking at you Nike Vaporfly 3), at least these have a wide footprint/platform.

If you’re a heavier runner who relies on extra support or stability, this shoe might feel unpredictable to you, and in which case, I recommend going for my top alternative, the Hoka Cielo X 1, instead.

I can also see how, depending on your gait and stride, the Endorphin Elite 2 could take a hit in efficiency and speed – this is more of a note for heel strikers, and the midsole compresses so much and with the lack of an extreme rocker at the heel, you won’t notice the ‘heel-to-toe’ stride roll as much as mid to forefoot strikers will.

So, for heel strikers, this may mute the snappy propulsion expected from a racing shoe, making transitions slower than ideal for aggressive speed work.

Long term durability may be another letdown for certain runners who land more toward the heel with mild or more intense under pronation in your gait. The outsole features exposed foam prone to abrasion and low-traction rubber that performs poorly in wet conditions.

My verdict

The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is a bold attempt to redefine racing shoes with its ultra-soft foam and innovative midsole technology. While it certainly excels in comfort, speed, cushioning and rebound, the lack of stability and durability, make it a tough choice for runners who need more support or plan to use the shoe for a long period of time.

However, what you’re buying into with the Endorphin Elite 2, is a unique running experience that no other running shoe brand is selling right now, and if you’re someone who chases experiences and pure thrills on your fast runs, this shoe delivers.

For neutral runners with good form who prioritize comfort and bounce over aggressive speed, this shoe is worth the $275 investment. But for anyone seeking a racer shoe with longer-term durability, there are alternative options on the market.

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What do you think of the Have you tried the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 – what do you think? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter and YouTube channel for more in-depth reviews like this one.