Saucony is on fire this 2021 season with their new Endorphin series. This collection has some powerhouse shoes built for speed but is also tailored to fit every runner’s need.
From the Endorphin Shift to the Endorphin Pro 2 Saucony has created several fast, comfortable shoes that range from high mileage trainers to race day models.
Of the Endorphin line, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 is by far one of Saucony’s best training shoes thanks to its comfortable, responsive, and fast ride.
This shoe uses a nylon plate which is similar to the carbon plate used in the Endorphin Pro 2 which gives it a nice snappy and propelling feel.
The Endorphin Speed 2 is a fantastic trainer for long runs, easy daily miles, and track workouts.
It really checks all the boxes for versatility while maintaining its comfortability and durability.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast, Responsive Feel | Slightly high price |
| Durable | Lacks plush feel |
| Cushioned | |
| Versatile |
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The Endorphin Speed 2 – Details
The Endorphin Speed 2 is just one notch down from the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, so it makes it better for daily training and “speed” days.
The key difference between the two shoes is the nylon plate in the Speed 2 compared to the carbon plate in the Pro 2 model.
The nylon plate mimics the feel of the carbon plate but keeps the cost of the shoe a bit lower and increases the durability of the shoe (typically nylon plates hold up better compared to carbon plates).
Related Article: The 9 Best Saucony Running Shoes
Similar to the Pro 2, the Speed 2 also uses the PWRRUN PB cushioning which keeps the shoe feeling lightweight and responsive under the foot.
The Endorphin Speed 2 is built for many miles and with the combination of the nylon plate and PWRRUN PB foam, this shoe is comfortable and durable.
The weight of the shoe is about 7.9 oz (224g) for Men and 7.0 oz (198g) for Women. It also has an 8mm drop height and a 35.5 mm stack height in the heel to a 27.5 mm stack height in the midfoot.
This shoe is a neutral running shoe and Saucony has yet to release a similar model in the stability category.
Another key feature to highlight on this model is the Saucony Speedroll technology.
The Speedroll portion propels the foot into a forward motion giving a nice springy feel when toeing off. It also gives a better efficiency making this a high-energy return shoe.
Cushioning:
The PWRRUN PB Foam is Saucony’s secret weapon. It is not only soft and cushioned, but it equally provides a high energy return and adds durability to the model.
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.
This foam is what allows for maximal energy return and causes less fatigue on the body. So, because of the efficiency and shock absorption, the body can recover faster after runs.
Additionally, the foam can withstand many miles and rebounds nicely after runs.
I typically can only get about 275 miles out of any given pair of shoes, but with my Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 I have reached 500 miles and they still feel great.
This shoe really held up during my marathon training and has helped keep me injury-free. I really like how it rides and feels under the foot.
Upper
The upper on this shoe is almost identical to the Endorphin Pro 2 but uses the engineered mono-mesh upper.
The previous model used a traditional mesh-knit upper but the mono-mesh upper gives the shoe more flexibility and ventilation.
It is very lightweight and breathable which is perfect for when it is hot and humid outside, but there is definitely a breeze in the winter months.
Additionally, there is a semi-gusseted tongue which helps keep the foot secure in the shoe and improves the lockdown feel.
The laces are also quite comfortable. They are smooth and lay nicely on the foot without causing any pinching or squeezing.
The heel on this shoe is another winning feature. It has a secure heel collar that is double lined with light padding which creates a more secure fit.
This is ideal for those with a more narrow heel because it creates a lockdown feel that will not slip.
One of the only cons to this shoe is that it is not a plush upper or heel cup. It does not have the luxury, silky feel that some other shoes like the Glycerin 19 offer.
All in all the upper on this shoe checks all the boxes from a secure and breathable feel, and it contributes to the fantastic design of this shoe.
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The Outsole:
The Endorphin speed 2 uses the XT-900 outsole which helps increase the durability of the shoe, and it even uses reinforced high-abrasion zones to provide optimal traction and durability.
From a visual standpoint, there is minimal rubber in the midfoot and heel but it offers just enough grip to keep you stable.
That being said, as the shoes wear out they become much slicker on greenways and roads.
Overall, the outsole matches the rest of the shoe and uses a quality material that is fairly durable and responds well underfoot.
The Fit and Shape
The Endorphin Speed 2 fits very similarly to other Saucony models. It has the traditional “V” shape that is wider around the forefoot and more narrow at the heel.
It feels like a traditional racing shoe, so it feels slightly tighter in the forefoot to create a secure, locked-in feel.
I would not put it in the category of narrow but if your foot is a little wider you may notice slightly less room.
The shoe uses the 3D form fit which allows for a little bit of molding to each individual foot. The shape feels like it conforms and allows for various foot shapes and sizes.
I found that having a slightly wider foot was no problem in this model, and I think it is quite comfortable overall.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 – How It Runs
The Endorphin Speed 2 is a standout trainer.
The reviews on this shoe are across the board stellar, and I personally can say this is one of my favorite shoes to ever train in.
What makes the Endorphin Speed 2 unique is the combination of the nylon plate, PWRRUN PB foam, and speed roll technology.
This trifecta creates a smooth, responsive, ride with optimal energy return. I found that after hard days in these shoes I am able to recover much faster than in more traditional running shoes.
With recovering faster, I am able to train at higher volumes than before which optimizes performance. The shoes are definitely a contributing factor for me!
This shoe is lightweight yet bouncy and cushioned. You can really feel where the nylon plate forces you into a forward position, but it is still comfortable and natural.
The speed roll geometry technology helps keep the foot in the forefoot striking position so it feels like a competition shoe, so it is perfect for days where you want to go a little bit faster.
Luckily, if you do use the shoe for slower, easier days the shoe still feels natural and you can maintain your normal gait and strike pattern.
It has the facade of a trainer but can actually be used for your fast days too!
Overall this shoe is a winner for its versatility and feel.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 – Wrapping Up
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 has a lot to offer as a daily trainer. It provides the feel of a racing shoe while withstanding the miles.
In Review, the Saucony Speed 2 is a fantastic option for anyone training for a 5k to a marathon.
This shoe is ideal for tempo runs, speed workouts, long runs, and easy miles. Depending on the runner, this shoe has the potential to be a less expensive race day shoe.
The Endorphin Speed 2 creates a snappy, propelling 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.
The downside is the price point is slightly high for other shoes in a similar category coming in at $160. But, the nylon plate and cushion are worth the extra investment.
The upper is more breathable and secure than previous models and really creates a lockdown feel with its gusseted tongue.
The outsole still hits the mark for durability and a smooth ride under the foot.
There is very little to dislike about the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 and Saucony has made this model a versatile fit for almost every runner.
This is my N1. shoe to use right now! You will not want to miss out on this model!
Saucony Endorphin Speed Rating: 9/10
Ratings:
Ride: 9.5/10
Cushion: 9/10
Durability: 9.5/10
Upper: 8.5/10
Outsole: 8/10
Overall: 9/10
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I wanted to like it, but eventually I liked the foam only, as the shoe is too narrow in the toebox and squeezes my toes. Therefore, it’s not suitable for any distance longer than, let’s say 10k. And the heel is very unstable. Not a supershoe for me.