Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 vs. Speed 3 (2024 Comparison)
Endorphin is a relatively recent series of new-generation Saucony running shoes. The American brand presents it as a complete collection to suit all types of runs:
- Pro for competition and fast sessions
- Speed for, well, speed in daily training (e.g., splits, tempo runs)
- Shift for slow or moderate pace runs (e.g. Sunday long runs, recovery)
- Elite, exclusively for race day.
Overall, the Speed is lighter (around 1.1 oz/30 g less) and more responsive.
The Shift has a higher sole (39 mm heel stack height vs. 36 mm for the Speed). The difference is even more pronounced under the toes, as the Shift has a low heel-to-toe drop of just 4 mm, compared with the Speed’s standard 8 mm. However, as our tester Julien points out in his analysis, the heel-to-toe drop of the Shift is barely noticeable, as the Speedroll rocker amply compensates for it.
This rocker geometry, the signature of the Endorphin series, equips the two models. The Speed 3 also features a nylon plate for even more forward propulsion. So, the Speed’s ride is more bouncy, but the Shift does well, too (at least for a daily trainer).
Shift or Speed: Which One Do You Need?
As we’ve seen, these two shoes are complementary and have their place in your rotation. However, if you prefer to vary the pleasures with other brands rather than relying solely on Saucony, then the Speed 3 appears more versatile.
Indeed, it’s comfortable even at low speeds, whereas the Shift is a bit more clunky at faster paces due to its heavier weight and lower energy return.
Side-By-Side Comparison Table
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| Overview | ||
| Description | The Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 is a max cushion daily trainer with a firm and smooth ride. | The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a nylon plated running shoe for comfortable and responsive faster runs. |
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8.5
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| Facts | ||
| Terrain | Road | Road |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Heel stack height | 39 mm | 36 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 34 mm | 28 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 4 mm | 8 mm |
| Weight (men) | 263 g | 229 g |
| Weight (women) | 228 g | 204 g |
| Features | Vegan, Recycled materials, Rocker | Vegan, Recycled materials, Nylon plate |
| Athletes | ||
| Release year | 2022 | 2022 |
| Technologies | ||
| Outsole | XT-900 Rubber | XT-900 |
| Midsole | PWRRUN, SPEEDROLL | PWRRUN PB, Speedroll |
| Upper | FORMFIT, Engineered Mesh | Engineered Mesh |
| Cushioning | ||
| Cushioning | Soft | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Low | High |
| Use | ||
| Distance | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Speed | Slow, Moderate | Moderate, Fast |
| Workouts | Daily running, Recovery | Daily running, Racing |
