Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 Review (2021)

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 arrives with a bang, but runners were not as impressed as with the first version. Indeed, it’s important to note that carbon shoes are maturing with a lot of models now available. On the other hand, this second version doesn’t change much; we feel that Saucony wanted to play it safe in order not to break its toy (which is understandable). So let’s review what runners have to say about it.

Foot lockdown (upper)
Let’s start with the upper that concentrates most of the changes. There’s a thin, soft engineered mesh with little stretch for a precise foot lockdown at high speed. The shoe is better ventilated with more perforations to let the air circulate. One of the weak points of the first version was its heel that could let the foot slip. The Endorphin Pro 2 has a more padded and better fitting collar to effectively correct the problem. On the other hand, the upper is more spacious but still a bit narrow around the forefoot. Unfortunately, this depends more on the shape of your foot than its width. So we suggest you try it on in store if possible. Finally, the half-bellow tongue is flexible and wraps the top of the foot well. In short, more safety and comfort!

Cushioning
So, what does the midsole and its carbon fiber plate have in store for us? We find the same PWRRUN PB technology, a Peba-based foam. Simply put, this is a type of low-density elastomer that offers an impressive energy return. It’s a material that is increasingly replacing EVA foam. On the Endorphin Pro 2, it provides firm (some say even “hard”) cushioning with an impressive bounce to go with it. Combined with the Speedroll technology and aggressive rocker design, the result is an explosive ride to go fast. The comfort may not be on par with Nike’s Vaporfly Next or Adidas’ Adios Pro, but it will appeal to athletes who prefer a firm underfoot feel. The Endorphin Pro 2 delivers a constant forward motion, but you need to go fast enough for it to kick in. Thus, testers noted an impressive ride at fast paces but a somewhat clunky feel at slow paces.

Overall, based on our analysis of the various tests, we recommend the SEP2 for running up to the half marathon. Marathon running is of course possible, but only if you can tolerate firm cushioning over longer distances.

Grip and durability
There are also very few changes on the outsole’s side. The shoe still offers good traction even when the road is slippery. The thick carbon rubber zones provide superior durability for a carbon model. The testers speak of a minimum of 300 miles easy, not bad!

Conclusion
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is the brand’s elite shoe. Built for competition, this second version is pretty much identical to the first, except for the upper. It was redesigned to correct the negative points and to be suitable for more runners. If the Endorphin Pro was too narrow for you, then try the 2! For the rest, the ride is ultra-bouncy but with a firm feel. Finally, as it’s the case with the vast majority of carbon-plated shoes, the price is steep at $220. The value remains reasonable thanks to the good durability.