Saucony Endorphin Trainer Review

I’ve been running in the new Saucony Endorphin Trainer for a while now, and it’s clear Saucony has tried to improve on the Kinvara Pro formula by introducing their IncrediRun Foam in a high-stack package. This model is marketed as a daily trainer that can also handle tempo runs, and for the most part that fits with my experience testing them out.

After logging my miles, I see where they’re going with the Endorphin Trainer, but there are some drawbacks that make me question whether it justifies its premium price tag and whether this super trainer actually needs to exist.

Let me explain why… but first let’s run through the key specifications to set some expectations.

Key specifications

• Price: $180 at Saucony.com
• Drop: 8mm (42mm in the heel, 34mm in the forefoot)
• Weight: 10.1 oz (286g) for a men’s US size 9
• Cushioning: Plush lncrediRun (top layer) and responsive/firm PWRRUN foam (bottom layer) with a 3/4 length carbon plate between the two.
• Upper: Breathable engineered mesh
• Outsole: Mostly foam outsole with very minimal rubber coverage in the big toe and crash pad areas
• Intended use: Daily training and faster-paced workouts

How they fit and feel

They run true to size in length, with plenty of volume and extra width that creates a very roomy feel up front. The engineered mesh is breathable and soft, but the shoe can feel slightly loose around the midfoot if you prefer a snugger fit. There’s not a huge amount of support to it either.

The ride is on the responsive side rather than plush, and while I appreciate the noticeable bounce, the overall weight keeps it from feeling effortless.

What’s good

Jumping straight into the midsole then, best part of it is the IncrediRun Foam, which is slightly softer than what’s found in the Kinvara Pro and a lot softer than the PWRRUN foam that sits below this top layer of foam and the carbon fiber plate.

Once you pick up the pace, it does offer a nice spring. Combined with the stable platform and and somewhat flared sidewalls, it gives a bit more confidence in stability and support than some lighter, narrower trainers.

Saucony fans looking for a daily trainer with a bit more “pop” for tempo days may find the Endorphin Trainer intriguing but to be honest you’re going to get more out of speed training (intervals and tempo runs) using the Endorphin Speed 4, instead. Here are all my top recommended speed training shoes from all running brands, for you to research).

The carbon plate, while subtle, and not full length, adds a bit of stiffness and might help on the occasional uptempo run and if you’re into sockless running, the shoe’s interior feels well-finished, which I know some runners will appreciate. The upper has that one-piece, loose, On Cloudmonster 2 kind of feel to it – there are similarities for sure (see a comparison below).

What’s not so good

My biggest concern is the shoe’s heft, even at 10.1 oz (286g), which on the face of it isn’t really that heavy but it feels clunky, especially for a running shoe that’s positioned as a performance trainer.

I can feel the top IncrediRun Foam doing a great job absorbing shock upon landing, but it also seems to take away from the shoe’s overall responsiveness.

Then the carbon plate comes into play, yet it doesn’t flex much because of that plush foam above it. Meanwhile, the lower PWRRUN layer doesn’t compress significantly, so there’s not a lot of synergy between the two foams (see photo above).

I believe making that lower layer thinner could reduce the shoe’s stack height and weight, and potentially deliver a more efficient ride.

That heaviness, combined with a somewhat awkward heel design, leads to a noisy, less-than-smooth rearfoot transition. The carbon plate doesn’t fully mask that sensation, and I’m not convinced it needs to be here for the price point.

The rubber compound layout on the outsole (those small orange sections) isn’t extensive enough to give this daily trainer the durability that you would expect for a $180 running shoe.

Adding to that, on wet surfaces, traction will not hold up as well as some other daily trainers with a more complete rubber outsole.

Then finally, that tongue, it’s a little on the short side and does tend to slip down somewhat – that’s an easy fix for the Endorphin Trainer 2, if Saucony sticks with this model.

Given the $180 price tag, there are lighter and more agile shoes out there that could match the Endorphin Trainer’s cushioning while feeling much more lively and faster for those wanting to pick up the pace without dragging the bulk along with them.

My verdict

The Saucony Endorphin Trainer brings a stable, high-stack platform to your daily miles but I can’t help but pick up on more negatives than positives to talk about. The IncrediRun Foam provides a noticeable bounce, and the flared sole design promotes stability for neutral runners.

However, the shoe’s noticeable weight and clunky heel geometry hold it back from being a true great in Saucony’s lineup. If you value a lighter shoe for speed sessions or want a plush, more effortless feel, you should explore other options from my best daily trainers roundup, or my best speed training shoes roundup.

For $180, it falls into a tricky spot, offering neither a breakthrough lightweight performance nor a plush, pillow-like experience. Unfortunately it’s just not quite the premium performance trainer it sets out to be making it the first Saucony running shoe “miss” that I have reviewed for quite some time.

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