Saucony’s Endorphin Pro and Pro 2 are state-of-the-art racing shoes for distances from the 5k to a marathon.
These shoes are built for speed yet have a natural feel that rolls and propels a runner forward.
The Endorphin Pro and Pro 2 offer maximal energy return with every stride due to the soft and springy cushioning throughout the whole shoe.
These are a 10/10 for racing and faster speed days during any training cycle and are sure to bring you through in a PB time or close to one!
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Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 – The Details:
The Endorphin Pro and Pro 2 models are remarkably similar.
A few changes in the Pro 2 include enhancements in the heel cup and an added anti-slip lacing system to help the foot feel more secure on race day.
The Pro 2 is still very lightweight with a breathable upper and uses a single layer of engineered mesh.
The shoes weigh in at about 7.5oz (213g) in Men’s and 6.3oz(179g) in Women’s.
The drop height is approximately 8mm, measuring 35.5mm in the heel and 27.5mm in the forefoot. This type of drop height helps distribute ground forces evenly throughout the body and foot during each stride.
Related Article: The 9 Best Saucony Running Shoes
Both the Endorphin Pro and Pro 2 are neutral racing shoes so they do not correct the natural gait in any way. The cushioning system of the shoe uses PWRRUN PB foam and a carbon fiber plate.
The plate is shaped in Saucony’s traditional “S curve” design which helps with the propulsion factor. The combination of the carbon fiber plate and Saucony’s SpeedRoll technology helps the runner maintain momentum and propel the runner forward with speed and efficiency.
Additionally, the PWRRUN PB foam offers maximal energy return and keeps the stride feeling effortless and springy.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 – How It Runs:
The Endorphin Pro and Pro 2 were two shoes I was extremely excited to test out.
Knowing that Molly Seidel placed third in the Endorphin Pro at the 2020 Olympic Trials may have influenced my decision on trying these shoes, but nonetheless, I had been looking for a racing shoe that fit my foot well and would offer an extra boost on race day.
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 definitely delivered in all categories.
This shoe is no doubt built for speed!
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Carbon Plate and Speed Roll Feel
The carbon plate and speed roll technology are evident as soon as you place your foot in the shoe.
You would anticipate that this kind of plate would feel like your foot is being forced up on the toes, but it doesn’t.
It naturally places your foot in a more forefoot position but you still feel like you can maintain your natural gait and even heel strike in some moments.
The carbon fiber plate feels like a gentle roll bar under the foot to keep the stride efficient and moves you easily from heel to toe or maintains a forefoot position.
This feature makes the shoe great for both a heel striker and a forefoot/midfoot runner. I was very pleased that as I fatigued and moved back to my heel, my stride still felt smooth and effortless.
Check Saucony Pro Endorphin 2 Prices on Amazon!
Cushioning
In addition to the carbon plate, the cushioning of the shoe is stellar!
There was no change from the previous model for good reason. Both models are soft yet responsive and offer maximal energy return. This means you can run faster and be less fatigued at the end of any run.
So, for hard speed days, this shoe is also ideal because you can come back the next day more recovered and keep chasing goals!
For racing, this is ideal because you feel light and easy even when the paces drop. I felt like I was able to maintain a harder effort for a longer time when wearing these shoes compared to a traditional trainer or non-carbon racing shoe.
The cushioning of this shoe is also a nice balance of rigid and soft so you still feel the ground under you but also feel like there is a soft landing pad for your foot.
The PWRRUN PB foam is to thank for the responsive and comfortable feel.
The foam is found in high concentrations in the heel but is evenly distributed through the midsole. It claims to add an extra 5% impact absorption for faster energy return which is evident by the springy and snappy feel.
The PWRRUN PB foam is made of pebax, polymer foam beads that are in a lattice structure making it extra responsive.
Essentially, you can imagine the PWRRUN PB foam like dropping a bouncy ball on the ground and watching it bounce back up to maximal height effortlessly.
The Upper
The upper on the shoe is inspired by Saucony’s cross-country and track shoe lineup and is a single layer of engineered mesh. It is ultralightweight and very breathable.
I really liked this feature of the shoe because my feet felt like they could breathe and stay cool through the summer months, especially in the humidity. However, in the winter this was a bit of a problem for me because I felt like my feet got too cold.
Luckily there was enough space for a thick sock, but this is definitely something to be aware of in certain weather conditions.
I also appreciated the tongue on the Pro 2 because it is very thin but did not make me feel like the laces were pressing in on my feet, so that was a plus! The upper was overall very comfortable and almost not even noticeable.
Outsole
Another key feature is the outsole made of XT-900 rubber.
This is an improvement from the Pro making the Pro 2 a little better in wet, rainy conditions. There is still minimal rubber in the midfoot and heel but it offers just enough grip to keep you stable.
I will say though, that as the shoes wear out they become much more slick on greenways and roads so this is another element to be aware of.
Overall, compared to other carbon plated shoes these definitely challenge some others with slip control.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 – The Fit
The fit of the shoe felt great for me!
I did not have any issue with my toes rubbing the sides of the shoes and my foot felt comfortable and secure.
My heel did not slide but I found that using the extra lacing hole in the shoe helped secure my foot the best.
I felt just fine in both thin and thick socks and my feet had plenty of room to move around.
Typically Saucony shoes are built in a V shape so they have a wider toe box and narrow at the heel. This shoe follows a similar shape but is a little more rectangular overall.
Others who have tried the shoe did have some issue with their pinky toe rubbing the side, so be aware that this is an issue for some. Other than that this shoe should fit most feet comfortably.
Durability
The durability of this shoe is exceptional.
Most running shoes can get about 300-400 miles and the Pro 2 definitely can get close to 400 miles if not more.
The cushioning used just does not seem to break down as fast as other traditional running shoes.
It also exceeds the life of any other carbon fiber plate shoe that I have ever used. I got close to 500 miles out of my shoes and it was the grip of the rubber that went first.
I still feel like I can use this shoe when the ground is dry and receive the same benefit as before. The PWRRUN PB foam has a long lifespan and does not lose its bouncy spring like other foams.
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Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 – Wrapping Up
With as much technology as this shoe has to offer it has a great price point of around $200.
Compared to other carbon fiber plates this is less expensive by $25-75 dollars but offers as much if not more technology, durability, and performance benefits i.e. speed.
In Review, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is a fantastic option for anyone racing a 5k to a marathon distance.
However, this shoe could equally be used for tempo runs or speed workouts and not just for racing.
It would not be the best for easy days or recovery runs because you will not be able to feel all the technology and benefits from the shoe on these types of runs.
It provides a rigid, snappy, yet cushioned feel that naturally moves you through your stride.
The energy return on these shoes is very evident and reduces the amount of fatigue after hard efforts tremendously, allowing you to recover faster and train harder.
There is very little to dislike about the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Saucony has made a versatile fit for almost every runner!
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 Rating: 9.5 / 10
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Great review