Years of study and analysis at Saucony, with the invaluable collaboration of top-level athletes who, wearing 25 prototypes, have run more than 8,000 km.
The result is the now famous Endorphin series, consisting of 3 different models to meet the different needs of athletes.
But what exactly are the differences between the various models?
To whom in particular are these shoes, which are as propulsive as they are comfortable and, in some cases, even protective?
Let’s set off together to discover these innovative running shoes!
Let’s start by talking about the features they have in common, i.e. the technology: SpeedRoll Technology favours an easy roll with an extremely rounded geometry, which accompanies the stride almost literally ‘pushing’ us forward. This is a quality that is not to be underestimated in order to guarantee maximum energy savings and to be able to distribute fatigue better throughout the entire run.
SpeedRoll Technology, which is present in all three versions, is associated with a general sense of comfort, due to the generous portion of the midsole that characterises them: the heel, in the worst case, rests 35 millimetres above the surface, and this translates into a consistently high sensation of softness and elasticity, qualities that can make the difference, especially after many kilometres.
But let us now come to the differences, the peculiarities of the various models. And let’s start with the top of the range!
Endorphin PRO.
The queen. The most propulsive shoe in the collection, as well as one of the best performing shoes on the entire running scene. Equipped with an ultra-lightweight midsole made of Pwrrun PB, a PEBA foam material 40% lighter than PWRRUN+, and an S-shaped carbon fibre plate running lengthwise through it, it manages to guarantee the greatest possible thrust and a rounded, dynamic stance strongly focused on the forefoot, without neglecting a well-cushioned heel. The differential is 8 mm (35 mm rear – 27 mm front). The weight is (213/179g), which is very low thanks to the upper, which is elastic and thin, and the padding, which is very essential. The classic shoe to be worn in the race, for the best performance right up to the marathon.
Endorphin SPEED.
A more structured PRO, ideal not only for races but also for quality training. This is how we could summarise the differences between the ‘intermediate’ model in the collection and its big sister. The geometry of the shoe is similar in every way to that of the PRO model, with the plate, however, changing from carbon fibre to nylon, which is more flexible, in the name of greater comfort and control. The forward thrust, still accentuated, is however less “exasperated” than the PRO version and this allows it to be used by a wider range of athletes and also in training. The weight is 221/192g.
Endorphin SHIFT.
Plate? No thanks! Here, the third model in the series immediately reveals its differences from its big sisters. Nevertheless, we are dealing with one of the most innovative and comfortable running shoes. The SpeedRoll Technology, even without any lamina, maintains a pleasant and dynamic fit, the cushioning goes up and with it the thickness of the midsole: the heel ‘flies’ 38 mm off the ground, while the differential is reduced to 4 mm. The presence of a TPU cup on the heel provides greater structure and protection, while the “normal” PWRRUN midsole, instead of the PB midsole, offers more stable and comfortable cushioning, as well as durability. An excellent training shoe, capable of conveying a constant feeling of pleasure and ease of running. The weight is 286/269 g.
Three models, as many different needs.
Personally, what struck us about Saucony’s Endorphin series is the extraordinary feeling of ease of running. Even with the Pro, to the detriment of the super performance almost ‘obligatory’ given a shoe of this kind, there is never a lack of an essential component of running pleasure, which is undoubtedly able to make the difference in a vast panorama of carbon-fibre models such as that of recent times. A well-defined identity, therefore, capable of being appreciated by an ever-increasing number of athletes.
Which Endorphin are you?
Find out them all at MioMio Run!
