Saucony Endorphin Shift vs. Speed (2022)

Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 vs. Speed 2

Endorphin is a relatively new series of Saucony’s running shoe collection. The American brand presents it as a complete lineup to suit all types of runs:

  • Pro for competition
  • Speed for daily fast pace training (e.g. split, tempo run)
  • Shift for slow or moderate pace runs (e.g. Sunday long runs, recovery)

As a result, in practice, the Speed offers a lighter (2.5 oz/70 g less!) and more responsive configuration.

The stack height is the same under the heel (39 mm) but higher under the toes with the Speed because of its low drop (5 mm compared to 8 mm for the Speed).

Also, while the rocker geometry is present on both shoes with SpeedRoll, only the Speed has a plate (nylon) for more effective propulsion. So, the run is clearly more responsive with the Speed, but the Shift also does very well (at least better than most daily trainers).

Shift or Speed: which one should you choose?

As we’ve seen, these two shoes complement each other and have their place in your rotation. However, if you prefer to mix it up with other brands rather than relying solely on Saucony, then the Speed 2 seems more versatile.

Indeed, the Speed 2 is comfortable even at low speeds while the Shift, due to its weight, is more sluggish for tempo runs.

Side-by-side comparison

Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 score
Saucony Endorphin Shift 2
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The Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 is a running shoe that combines comfort, max cushion, and stability for your long runs.
Very comfortable
Stable ride
Impressive ride with the SpeedRoll rocker
Excellent foot lockdown
Max cushion (for those who like)
A bit heavy for such a modern shoe
Little change from v1
Lack of versatility
Some doubts about the outsole durability
Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 score
Saucony Endorphin Speed 2
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The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 is a versatile running shoe with a nylon plate for a smooth, efficient run
Great comfort
Spacious toe box
Versatile, pleasant, and responsive run
Better comfort in the heel area
Nice color scheme
Sturdy shoe
The grip on wet terrain needs improvement

Saucony Endorphin Shift 2

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2

Technical Specs

TerrainRoadRoad
Pronation typeNeutralNeutral
Drop4 mm8 mm
Heel stack height39 mm39 mm
Forefoot stack height35 mm31 mm
Weight (men) 286 g/10.1 oz224 g/7.9 oz
Weight (women) 263 g/9.3 oz198 g/7 oz
Release year20212021
Features Wide feetRocker, Carbon plate

Technologies

OutsoleXT-900Carbon rubber
MidsolePWRRUN, SPEEDROLLNylon plate, PWRRUN PB, SPEEDROLL
UpperEngineered meshFORMFIT, Heel Support Frame, Engineered mesh

Cushioning

Softness (1-5) 2 – Firm3 – Moderate
Bounce (1-5)4 – Bouncy4 – Bouncy

Use

SpeedSlow, moderateAll
DistanceMid, long, 10 km, half marathon, marathonMid, long, 10 km, half marathon, marathon
WorkoutDaily runs, recoveryCompetition, daily runs
Kevin Le Gall

Kevin Le Gall

Kevin is the founder and editor of Runner's Lab. He started running in 2015 and completed his first marathon in Rotterdam in 2016. He's also worked for Under Armour from 2016 to 2018 and helped launch their running collection in Europe (in particular the HOVR shoes). In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance.