Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Review (2025): Top Carbon Pick?

The war is raging between brands to release THE most advanced and high-performance carbon plate shoe. While Adidas’ Adios Pro 4 made a splash earlier this year, Saucony is determined to shuffle the cards with its Endorphin Elite 2.

This new version has taken the criticisms of the first model into account and offers a completely different experience.

Does it fit your runner profile and goals?

This is what we will determine in this comprehensive test.

Our Verdict

Cushioning

The midsole of the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is completely modified.

We find the famous carbon fiber plate sandwiched between two layers of foam, but it is now split along the entire length for different geometry and sensations.

PWRRUN HG (previously the brand’s more high-performance foam) gives way to the new IncrediRUN technology.

This is made of TPEE (the same material as Adidas’ LightStrike Pro foam) and results from a specific foaming process. There is a very soft feel (even more so than on the Adios Pro 4) while maintaining extreme performance.

The pleasure of running is immense, which is quite remarkable for a shoe that is primarily elite.

However, the feel may be too soft for some runners — it really depends on your cushioning preferences.

With maximum dimensions of 39.5 mm under the heel and 31.5 mm under the metatarsal, we validate significant cushioning that offers impressive shock absorption.

As with some competitors, some runners note that the shoe may lack protection for heavy runners. Personally, I don’t see how we could have more protection.

The limit comes more from the demanding side that we will detail further down.

In my opinion, the Endorphin Elite 2 allows for comfortable coverage of all distances up to the marathon, regardless of the runner’s weight.

Finally, the 8 mm drop is fairly standard for a standard shoe, but it surprises for competition shoes. I think it’s a good point to make it more accessible, especially with such propulsion.

Energy Return

At a weight of 196 g in size 42, the shoe is on par with its competitors.

This featherweight is a technological feat, especially given the thickness of the sole.

The SpeedRoll technology translates to a somewhat less aggressive rocker. Combined with the soft foam, we can understand why some articles talk about a loss of reactivity.

Once again (rest assured, I am not paid by Saucony to say this), I would like to nuance this point. I understand that runners approaching 20 km/h in marathon prefer more firmness and a more powerful rocker, but that’s a minority (less than 1% of runners finish the marathon in under 2:30).

I run the marathon in 2h35 at 42 years old, so I don’t consider myself a slow runner. Despite this, I find the shoe more dynamic!

I think it can be explained quite simply: elite runners often have a powerful foot while most of the general public needs more bounce to benefit from certain propulsion.

Anyway, for me, the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is simply one of the more responsive shoes currently available, at least for a large portion of runners.

Support and Stability

Soft foam and maximum dimensions often do not go well together for stability. Unsurprisingly, this is a point raised by some testers.

Nevertheless, the fairly wide base and smooth roll provide a drive similar to what you can find in competitors (e.g. Nike Alphafly, Asics Metaspeed Sky).

This remains a point to watch, especially in turns.

In general, be cautious if your stride requires good support in general.

This model is for neutral stride.

Foot Lockdown

The new technical mesh upper also changes. It is made with a very breathable, high-end, and very comfortable mesh, so light that I was worried about its durability and coverage in cold weather.

Fortunately, there is a longitudinal mono mesh on the inside with vertical threads. They give a fairly rigid feel but have the merit of providing security. A fundamental point given the softness of the foam.

Conversely, the heel area offers a rather soft and surprisingly padded design for great comfort. The heel counter is molded in 3D, which provides excellent lockdown and prevents slipping seen in the original model.

Besides, it’s not really a heel counter, as it is not rigid and is represented by horizontal overlays on the outside that ensure good structure.

The collar rises quite high and uses memory foam padding to gently accompany the tendon without compressing it.

The tongue is made of stretch knit, with a denser mesh than the rest of the upper. It stays very well in place (no sliding), but its rough texture may cause some irritation at first, until you find the “right adjustments”. There’s also a glued foam insole to manage moisture well.

In terms of lockdown, some runners have complained about a lack of structure, but I don’t really agree with that. Indeed, with the solid midfoot support band and thin side walls (non-transparent areas), I found my foot well-secured.

So I validate a good foot lockdown. This remains a fairly personal aspect, so it’s best to try it yourself.

Size and Fit

Fit is the least consensual point of this Endorphin Elite 2.

At the beginning of my testing, I thought I had wide feet with an odd shape.

But I ended up having few sizing issues (except for Hoka which really doesn’t suit me).

It’s once again the case with the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2: I had no particular problem and I would tend to advise taking your usual size, keeping in mind that:

• The shoe is slightly shorter in length
• There’s standard space at the midfoot for a running shoe in general, but wider for a competition model
• The toe box is a bit tight
• The upper is not very flexible/stretchy

You understand, in doubt (and it’s surely your case reading these words), it’s better to try to be sure.

Traction

The outsole of the first iteration was not universally accepted because there was little rubber.

This time, the coverage area is larger, but the PWRTRAC rubber is not very thick and far from hard (which might have counterbalanced the foam’s softness). This offers excellent flexibility (for a model with a plate), especially with the deep grooves.

Traction is very good for a competition shoe, but grip on wet surfaces needs monitoring. I hadn’t had any major scare, but it’s not the ideal configuration.

This model is for the road, but you can venture onto easy (non-technical) trails.

Use

No surprise, the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 should be dedicated to competition. And given the price, you’ll want to save it for several of them.

Moreover, using this type of shoe in training does not always help in progress. I particularly realized this by testing Adidas Adizero Adios 9 (a more “minimalist” model with less cushioning and without a plate). Muscles and tendons need to be stressed in training, and a shoe like the Elite 2 makes the effort too easy.

To break them in, you can use them (in addition to race days) on your long runs with marathon pace portions.

This is the distance the shoe was designed for, even though it will be very efficient on a half-marathon as well.

The substantial cushioning should allow all runners to extend the distance serenely, and the soft sensation makes the shoe more accessible than more rigid models (including the Endorphin Pro 4).

Heavier runners find, moreover, that this is the carbon shoe that offers the most bounce and adapts best to slower paces.

However, let’s remember that the shoe has its limits:

• The maximalist stack combined with a soft density can make the shoe unstable
• The fit may not suit all feet

Apart from that, if you recognize your preferences from reading this test, you can run without hesitation!

Quality and Durability

The rubber on the outsole is durable, as is the upper which fully reassured me.

Surprisingly, the foam does not seem to collapse with miles as I feared.

Durability is therefore classic and the quality of finish helps justify the very high price.

There is a small part of recycled materials and no animal matter (this model is vegan).

Conclusion

I hesitated for a long time to rate the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2: it does not achieve the same consensus as the Adidas Adios Pro 4 and therefore cannot claim equality.

If you do not like soft outsoles underfoot or often encounter fit issues with your shoes, then it is better to move on.

But if you like softness like me, the shoe is simply the most extraordinary at the moment, a little gem with rebound sensations and incredible running pleasure!

Facts

Reference: official site