Saucony Endorphin Shift vs. Speed (2022)
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
Stable ride
Impressive ride with the SpeedRoll rocker
Excellent foot lockdown
Max cushion (for those who like)
Little change from v1
Lack of versatility
Some doubts about the outsole durability
Spacious toe box
Versatile, pleasant, and responsive run
Better comfort in the heel area
Nice color scheme
Sturdy shoe
Saucony Endorphin Shift 2
Saucony Endorphin Speed 2
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral | Neutral |
| Drop | 4 mm | 8 mm |
| Heel stack height | 39 mm | 39 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 35 mm | 31 mm |
| Weight (men) | 286 g/10.1 oz | 224 g/7.9 oz |
| Weight (women) | 263 g/9.3 oz | 198 g/7 oz |
| Release year | 2021 | 2021 |
| Features | Wide feet | Rocker, Carbon plate |
Technologies
| Outsole | XT-900 | Carbon rubber |
| Midsole | PWRRUN, SPEEDROLL | Nylon plate, PWRRUN PB, SPEEDROLL |
| Upper | Engineered mesh | FORMFIT, Heel Support Frame, Engineered mesh |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 2 – Firm | 3 – Moderate |
| Bounce (1-5) | 4 – Bouncy | 4 – Bouncy |
Use
| Speed | Slow, moderate | All |
| Distance | Mid, long, 10 km, half marathon, marathon | Mid, long, 10 km, half marathon, marathon |
| Workout | Daily runs, recovery | Competition, daily runs |
