The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 arrives as the brand’s flagship super shoe — a bold, $275 statement that places it directly among the sport’s top-tier racing options. Lighter than both the Nike AlphaFly 3 and Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, it boasts a race-ready weight of just 7 oz (for a men’s size 9). With a stack height just shy of the World Athletics-mandated 40 mm and a standard 8 mm drop, this model signals Saucony’s ambition to reclaim its place in the super shoe arms race.
But does it deliver? After putting the Elite 2 through multiple hard-effort workouts, we broke the shoe down across four categories: design, performance, comfort, and value.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7 oz (198 g) |
| Stack Height | 39 mm |
| Heel-To-Toe Drop | 8 mm |
| Foam | IncrediRun (proprietary supercritical) |
| Plate | Full-length carbon fiber plate |
| Outsole | Cut-out midfoot design to reduce weight |
| Upper | Ultra-thin breathable mesh |
| Price | $275 USD |
Design: Thoughtful, Minimal, Light
The Endorphin Elite 2 maintains a familiar silhouette, avoiding radical design changes. Its midsole features Saucony’s newly developed IncrediRun foam—a significant upgrade offering a softer, more compliant feel compared to previous iterations. The outsole includes a large cutout, strategically implemented to shed weight, and the ultra-thin mesh upper enhances breathability while providing a snug fit.
However, concerns about durability persist, particularly for runners planning to use the shoe extensively or in wet conditions. The minimalist design and responsive geometry reflect thoughtful engineering aimed at high-stakes racing.
Score: 8.4/10
Performance: Speed You Can Feel
Performance is where the Elite 2 excels. Testing the shoe in 10K-pace workouts over cumulative mileage exceeding 50 kilometers (31 miles) revealed a responsive and propulsive ride. The energy return from the IncrediRun foam, combined with a full-length carbon fiber plate, delivers a lively experience that holds up even during intense efforts.
This shoe doesn’t just match the performance of flagship models from competitors—it arguably surpasses many in terms of feel and responsiveness. It’s a fast shoe, plain and simple, though it remains under the radar for many runners.
Score: 8.6/10
Comfort: Mostly There, With Caveats
Comfort levels are generally high, with a snug and secure fit, breathable upper, and absence of hot spots. However, runners prone to pronation may find the lack of midfoot structure concerning. During longer workouts, inward foot movement became noticeable, potentially leading to stability issues for certain gaits.
Despite this, the overall comfort for a carbon-plated race shoe is above average. It’s not designed for daily training, but it doesn’t claim to be.
Score: 7.4/10
Value: High Quality, High Price
At $275, the Endorphin Elite 2 positions itself among the most elite racing shoes on the market. This pricing places it in direct competition with top offerings from other brands, such as Nike’s AlphaFly series.
While the shoe is undoubtedly a serious race-day option capable of delivering personal bests, its high price point without a dominant presence on elite starting lines makes the value proposition challenging. Durability concerns, particularly regarding the mesh upper, also slightly diminish its long-term value.
Score: 7.1/10
Final Thoughts: A Quiet Contender Worth Your Attention
Despite its muted reception, the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is a formidable contender in the super shoe category. In a market dominated by a few key players, Saucony has developed a shoe that deserves consideration alongside the best.
Ideal for focused, high-mileage marathoners seeking a new edge, the Elite 2 may not be the first choice for those loyal to other brands, but it’s a worthy alternative. For us, it’s firmly on the shortlist for upcoming goal races—a high compliment given the array of top-tier shoes we evaluate.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Shop On Running Warehouse
