The Best Running Shoes: The Ultimate 2020 Ranking

With the Endorphin Pro, Saucony enters the highly-competitive carbon plate running shoe category that has been dominated head and shoulders by Nike so far.

It's a lightweight shoe (221 grams for men, 190 grams for women) with a thick sole (35 mm under the heel) that features a brand new cushioning technology: PWRRUN PB. It translates into Pebax fused granules with a texture reminiscent of Adidas Boost. Inside, the carbon plate is there to make the ride more responsive by facilitating a snappy rebound. So what's the verdict?

First of all, what surprised testers the most was the firmness of the cushioning despite the high stack height. They note that the cushioning is very bouncy but without offering the "trampoline" effect of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%. This configuration has the advantage of giving a more stable and natural ride with a good ground feeling. It may not perform as well as the Nike Vaporfly—only time will tell—but overall, Saucony's approach is convincing and original.

Regarding the upper, the FORMFIT mesh gives a strict foot lockdown for more safety when you go fast. The runners were impressed by the excellent ventilation of the foot during the effort. However, the shoe has a tapered profile, so it can be too narrow if you have wider feet.

Finally, the carbon rubber of the outsole ensures good durability and excellent traction on urban surfaces.

All in all, the Saucony Endorphin Pro is a very good carbon-plate running shoe that's already a solid contender to Nike's NEXT% collection.

The Saucony Ride 13 is a versatile road shoe in the same class as the Nike Pegasus. This new version shows major changes (as the rest of the Saucony range in 2020). Thus, we find a new mesh, more traditional, which replaces ISOFIT. The result is impressive according to the testers who tried the shoe. The foot lockdown is very precise in the middle but wider around the toes to leave them enough room. However, note that the upper is a little thick which can be a problem in very hot weather. Then, in terms of cushioning, the sole is thicker with 32 mm under the heel and 24 mm under the forefoot. The PWRRUN technology that combines EVA foam and TPU provides a fairly firm yet snappy cushioning that is suitable for tempo and fartlek sessions. Besides, its flexible and well-thought-out configuration gives the impression of being lighter than its actual weight (288g for men, 244g for women). Also, the blown rubber under the forefoot contributes to the shoe's good rebound while the firm rubber under the heel protects it from wear and tear. As you can see, this model shines with its versatility and comfort. The testers did not note any major negative points. In short, the Saucony Ride 13 is a great running shoe for runners looking for a model that is perfectly suited to all types of training and distances. Comfort 9.5 Service life 9.5 Value for money 9.5 Design 9 FOR Great comfort Upper with impeccable support Comfortable cushioning and springy bounce at the same time Solid shoe Good versatility AGAINST Slightly high weight Thick upper a little warm for summer

With its fun and unique pops of color, optimal padding, and modern design, the Saucony Endorphin Shift is the third model in the Endorphin line. Of the three, It's the 'every day/recovery' shoe, a workhorse to comfortably run for long distances. With a stack height 38 mm under the heel and 34 mm under the forefoot, the Shift features a thoroughly-padded midsole designed with PWWRUN foam. Runners described it as 'bouncy' and 'rolling through every stride', which is a clear plus for running longer distances. The upper shoe is described as "stellar" and comparable to the other two Endorphin shoes. It's also highly-praised for its inviting and vibrant aesthetic. Finally, the outsole is particularly notable for its rubber grip that provides decent traction on roads. With its rubber grip, the shoe does perform well on off-road terrains as well, such as sand, gravel... However, one runner noted that the shoe began to slip a bit on wet terrain but consistently does well on a variety of dry landscapes. Also, while the Shift received many good reviews from satisfied runners, a few noted that the toe box of the shoe proved to be a bit too narrow/restrictive to fit a variety of feet. Additionally, some runners remarked that the shoe ran on the heavier side, which took away from its 'bouncy' engineering. Indeed, with 292 g/10.3 oz for men and 264 g/9.3 oz for women, the Shift is much heavier than its racing counterpart, the Endorphin Pro, and its 221 g/7.8 oz. This difference can be explained by the price but also by the vocation of each shoe. Saucony wants us to buy the three models of the collection and alternate according to our training and races. ln this regard, the Endorphin Shift is an interesting trainer option to run comfortably for a long time. To summarize, the Saucony Endorphin Shift is a very good low drop 'everyday trainer' that's especially great for recovery runs with its comfortable and generous cushioning.

The Peregrine reigns over Saucony's trail range alongside the Xodus. It's a peppy shoe with fantastic versatility that continues to impress despite its persistent bulky weight.

The outsole and its lugs are almost identical to those of the P10—and still just as effective! They offer impeccable grip on the most technical surfaces. It's even possible to add ice screws if needed. Besides, there's the ST (Soft Terrain) version for soft surfaces such as mud. It comes with 6.5 mm lugs compared to 5 mm for the standard and GTX versions.

The stack height is higher than before, with 27 mm under the heel and 23 mm under the forefoot. The foam used is still PWRRUN with a similar medium density, slightly firm, cushioning. The midsole absorbs shocks well while still allowing some ground feel. This configuration is beneficial on technical terrain as it provides good stability while ensuring a smooth run.

Finally, like the rest of the shoe, the upper shows no radical change but rather small touches here and there, such as a thicker tongue and a better overlay system. It gives a secure lockdown and adequate ventilation with plenty of toe room—the forefoot part is not as roomy as an Altra, but it will fit most runners.

In summary, the Saucony Peregrine 11 continues to dominate the trail category with a powerful configuration for a wide range of terrains and situations thanks to its outstanding foot lockdown, protection, and grip. The slightly firm cushioning may not appeal to you if you like plush padding, but it's a matter of preference. This model's real weak point (as with its predecessors) is its weight, with 10.9 oz/310 g for men and 9.5 oz/270 g for women. Let's hope Saucony can hear us on that one!

2020 was a special year for Saucony—besides the worldwide circumstances we all know, obviously—with the great success of its Endorphin range. Far from being eclipsed, the Saucony Ride has consolidated its status as the ultimate daily trainer with practical and classic cushioning. Version 14 continues this trend with few changes.

The Saucony Ride 14 is a comfortable and versatile shoe with a high stack cushioning: 32 mm under the forefoot and 24 mm under the forefoot. However, the platform is quite firm, according to the testers. Thus, shock absorption is good, but the ride is somewhat rigid. In terms of cushioning, as on the previous model, some runners noted a slight bounce, while others found the ride a bit dull. Let's note that the R14 still uses PWRRUN foam instead of the newer PWRRUN PB, which has the reputation of packing a punch in the energy return department. In other words, what was suitable in 2020 seems a bit dated in 2021.

The upper is very comfortable and offers an ideal lockdown with the right amount of flexibility and support. Also, the upper is much more breathable than before, thanks to a more open mesh design. Not only it allows air to circulate better, but it also makes the upper more flexible. The only slightly negative point is the tongue, which some testers deemed too thick.

Finally, the outsole does not skimp on rubber to ensure effective traction and make the shoe more robust. The other advantage of this configuration is that the shoe is quieter—pedestrians will no longer turn around when they hear you coming (beware: this stealth mode can scare people at night!).

In summary, the Saucony Ride 14 remains an excellent choice for daily training, thanks to its comfort and versatility. The firm cushioning may not be to everyone's liking, but overall it's effective. We only hope that the next iteration will benefit from a more responsive foam!

The third model of the very successful Endorphin collection is a tempo running shoe: the Speed. Complementing the Endorphin Shift (trainer) and Endorphin Pro (versatile with carbon plate), this shoe stands out for its snappy ride at fast paces. Its neon hues and fun design also make it a very appealing shoe. The Speed's midsole is one of the most notable features of this model. Made with PEBA-based PWRRUN PB cushioning, Saucony claims that this material offers an explosive energy return. This high-stack shoe (33 mm under the heel, 25 mm under the forefoot) also features a full-length, S-curved nylon plate, and SpeedRoll geometry to provide a smooth and comfortable transition from heel to toes. Testers unanimously enjoyed the ride, but with one caveat: you have to run fast as the shoe is a bit too harsh at slow paces. The Speed is noticeably much lighter than the Endorphin Shift, giving it a more weightless feel. Runners remarked that the upper of the Speed is particularly excellent, with FORMFIT technology that enhances comfort and breathability. Meanwhile, the outsole contributes to the propulsion of the shoe, engineered with durable rubber that grips terrain and stabilizes the foot. Those who tried the Speed commented on a few drawbacks of the design. The rear and plate of the shoe, though cushioned, proved a bit too firm for some runners. However, this rigidity lessened overtime. Runners also questioned the price point of the Speed, which is $40 less than its Pro counterpart but doesn't offer the same versatility and comfort. The Speed is a great tempo shoe, meaning that it works well for interval or tempo runs, but it is not a daily trainer. Runners searching for running shoes suitable for all workouts will prefer the Pro over the Shift. Overall, the Saucony Endorphin Pro is a very good running shoe with comfortable and responsive cushioning for fast running, even though its firmness may not be to the liking of everyone.

The Saucony Triumph 18 is the ultimate everyday trainer with comfortable cushioning and an upper that fits most runners. With a 33 mm stack height under the heel (25 mm under the forefoot), the Triumph 18 is one of Saucony's most cushioned shoes. It now features PWRRUN+ foam, which gives a soft cushioning that comfortably absorbs shocks without being too soft. The shoe provides good stability, so the high-stack cushioning does not reduce balance while running. Overall, the runners found the cushioning lively but not bouncy by any means. Unfortunately, this reduces the versatility of the shoe: it's pleasant during daily training at low or medium speed but not for speed workouts (e.g., tempo, interval). However, on the plus side, testers note that this new model has the advantage of having a smaller heel than previously for better stability and offers smoother transitions. Then, the upper is still excellent with a comfortable and effective foot lockdown. The engineered mesh is relatively thick while remaining breathable. However, given the extra weight of this new version (over 300 g/11 oz) and the natural stability of its platform, testers wondered if such a thick and elaborate mesh was essential. Finally, there is the new XT-900 (carbon) rubber on the outsole, which provides a good grip and protects the shoe from wear and tear. To summarize, the Saucony Triumph 18 is a very good running shoe that will delight runners looking for a well-cushioned shoe for regular training and long runs. However, if you want a snappy shoe to run fast, then its heavyweight and lack of springe may not be ideal.

The Saucony Kinvara is back with a much-anticipated new model—photos of its new look had leaked over the summer, sparking much speculation about its new configuration. Its new, lighter design with bright, flashy colors gives it a modern yet retro 90s charm. But is this enough to rival Saucony's new Endorphin series that received wide acclaim in 2020?

First of all, the Saucony Kinvara 12 remains true to itself and focuses on the strengths that have made the range so successful: a simple, light, and well-cushioned configuration. With only 219 grams on the scale, the Kinvara has never been so light! It even rivals the latest carbon-fiber plate racers. However, as we will see, it's a shoe with a "traditional" profile geared for daily training.

The upper is the big strength of the new model. The engineered mesh with a few discreet overlays offers a perfect lockdown and is easy to forget. Testers use three words to describe it: simple, effective, and soft. There's not a single thing amiss. Even the laces and tongue were a hit with everyone. Also, the upper is roomy enough for athletes with wider feet.

The midsole exhibits the same simplicity but is a bit disappointing. Here, simplicity rhymes with dullness according to several runners: the ride is good but not very exciting. Others are more indulgent and instead note a flexible platform with a good ground natural feeling while providing the cushioning needed to absorb shocks. However, if there's one point on which reviews agree, it's the firmness of the sole. So be warned: despite the more than generous stack height (28 mm under the heel), the K12 is firmer than its predecessors.

Finally, the outsole is very similar to that of the K11, with mainly exposed foam and a few strategically positioned rubber pieces to protect the shoe from wear and tear. The configuration is effective: it provides a good grip, even in wet conditions, and is durable for the kind of mileage you would expect from a trainer.

In summary, the Saucony Kinvara 12 is a very decent running shoe despite some issues. On the one hand, it has a very light build (especially for the stack height) and an outstanding upper, but on the other hand, the cushioning has nothing special. If anything, it's rather firm, especially for long workouts. We recommend it for runners who are after a stable well-structured cushioning that delivers a comfortable, yet firm ground feel.

The Saucony Guide is the flagship model of Saucony's stability range alongside the Hurricane. This new version 14 comes with a modern and sleek design.

The heel stack height is 33 mm, while the forefoot stack height is 25 mm (8 mm drop). The midsole uses the PWRRUN foam reputed for its comfort. On the Guide 14, testers note that it provides moderately firm, comfortable, and smooth cushioning that lends itself well to slow, moderate paces. At 10.5 oz/298 g (M) and 9.3 oz/264 g (F), the weight is a bit high for a traditional trainer but acceptable for a stability shoe. Indeed, this type of shoe is equipped with additional features to guide the foot movement, making them heavier. In this regard, the Guide 14 doesn't do too badly with its TPU Guidance Frame. The correction is moderate, according to the runners. Therefore, it may also be suitable for people who have a "normal" gait but prefer a stable model with more support. For this purpose, the platform is wide for better balance. The Guide 14 is a swift model overall, although, of course, it's better suited for daily training than speed.

Then, the upper is comfortable and provides a precise foot lockdown. The only negative point mentioned by testers is its thickness, limiting ventilation, and pliability without being a significant problem. Finally, the outsole uses a good amount of rubber for optimal wear resistance.

In summary, the Saucony Guide 14 is a very good option for runners with overpronation looking for a stable and comfortable model with a touch of bounce. A reference model in its category.

The Saucony Switchback 2 has many new and exciting features while retaining the beloved elements of the original version. With its low stack height, low drop, flexible material, and dynamic PWWRUN midsole technology, the Switchback 2 is an interesting choice for trailers looking for a nice ground feel while running. The PWRRUN midsole that blends EVA and TPU contributes to a soft and yet bouncy ride, which runners noted was a significant upgrade to the shoe. This technology replaces the EVERUN midsole found in the original Switchback and makes the Switchback 2 a bit denser for added stability. The PWRRUN midsole, combined with a woven rock plate, protects the foot and keeps it secure. Despite the rock plate addition, the Switchback 2 still molds nicely to the terrain and makes each stride snappy. The shoe's sock-like upper provides added flexibility and comfort; however, some runners remarked that they could feel sharp rocks and pebbles. One unique feature of the Switchback 2 is its BOA side lacing system. While at first glance, this type of lacing may seem to inhibit foot security, runners remarked that it works. The shoe stays snug all over the foot, without individual pressure points, and can be adjusted with a quick twist of the BOA. In terms of grip, the medium-size lugs (3.5 mm) provide excellent traction on moderate terrains. Trailers were surprised by how effective they were in comparison to their shallow profile. Though the Switchback 2 received a lot of positive feedback from users, there were a few notable pitfalls of the shoe. For one, the fit is secure, but not locked-in enough to perform on more technical trails. The upper also lacks breathability and absorbs the sharp edges of rocks and other terrain debris. Runners also noted that the Switchback 2 isn't soft enough for long runs and may prove uncomfortable after a while if you're not used to low stack shoes. To summarize, the Saucony Switchback 2 is a good low stack/low drop trail running shoe best suited for moderate terrain and short to mid distances.