Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Review Analysis (2022)
Last update: October 2023
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 is a versatile carbon-plated high stack trainer with a comfortable and responsive ride for all types of runs.
The Consensus
Discover the latest release: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 (2022)!
After a highly successful first edition, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 is back with a very similar enhanced configuration. The Speed 2 is a premium (read expensive but high-quality) daily trainer with maximal cushioning, nylon plate, Peba foam (PWRRUN PB), and rockered geometry.
The outcome is a versatile ride suitable for any training and distance. Whether you want performance or comfort, you can be sure that the Speed 2 has it! Softer under the foot and roomier around the toes, many runners see it as the perfect alternative to the Saucony Endorphin Pro to take it easy without losing their edge.
This new version has a bigger toe box to accommodate users who need more width and height for their feet. Also, the heel fit is better with a more flexible configuration.
Did we mention the shoe was lightweight? At 224 g/7.9 oz (M), it’s one of the lightest daily trainers out there!
The only potential downside is the suboptimal grip on slippery roads.
We recommend it if you’re looking for a responsive and durable shoe with a classic yet smooth ride that can handle daily workouts and races.
Read our full review of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 for more information.
- Great comfort
- Roomier forefoot area
- Versatile ride that’s forgiving yet responsive
- Improved heel counter comfort
- Nice colorway
- Sturdy shoe
- The traction on wet terrains needs improvement
Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Complete Review Analysis
Introduction
I don’t know if you are following any running groups on Facebook, but if there’s one shoe that people can’t rave enough about, it’s the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2. Of course, the Endorphin collection as a whole has been a massive success, but there’s something special about the Speed!
Could it be the high-stack PEBA cushioning that strikes the proper density for any run, or the forgiving nylon plate that delivers a smooth rockered ride, or perhaps the sleek design? Looking at the overwhelming reception from runners, it seems that the Endorphin Speed has been greater than the sum of its parts.
As such, there’s a real challenge for Saucony to keep the momentum and release a new version to keep in the fast pace race that’s the world of running shoes. Therefore, the brand faces the eternal dilemma: rock the boat and come up with something even more remarkable, or play it safe with the risk of providing little incremental value compared to the original model (now on sales, by the way).
Luckily for us runners, while Saucony played it safe with the Endorphin Speed 2, they did deliver on a critical pain point of the v1: the fit. And, the cherry on top, they designed a gorgeous shoe!
We analyzed the reviews from amateur and expert runners to help you form an opinion and decide whether the Speed 2 is right for you.
Cushioning
The Speed’s 2 midsole has the same configuration as on the first original model. It features the PWRRUN PB Peba-based lightweight cushioning. Peba is, by definition, somewhat high density but testers not that the cushioning is quite forgiving on the Speed 2. It makes it suitable for long distances and recovery runs.
The other advantage of PWRRUN PB is that it packs a punch, even on a daily trainer like the Endorphin Speed.
The other secret weapon of this running shoe is its full-length nylon plate. For those who are not familiar with nylon plates, they are a comfortable alternative to carbon plates. While carbon plates have been the talk of the town for the last couple of years, nylon plates have proven to be an excellent solution for daily workouts. Indeed, a nylon plate tends to be flexible, which gives a more pleasant underfoot feel than a carbon plate. Of course, the harshness contributes to making a carbon plate so effective in speed and propulsion. However, even if nylon plates may not be as effective, they provide a smoother, more natural ride for everyday runs.
Last but not least, the nylon plate works hand in hand with the SpeedRoll technology, which gives a nice forefoot rockered motion that reviewers greatly appreciated.
Foot lockdown (upper)
The upper of the Speed 2 may justify an upgrade if you already have the original Speed.
Saucony increased the space in the toe box for a roomier fit. Some athletes with wider have found the first iteration a bit narrow, so this may be a game-changer for them. We can’t promise anything, of course, but it’s worth a try!
The thin engineered mono mesh has more perforations, making it more breathable. Also, it slightly stretches around the forefoot if you need it to. While they are barely noticeable, the mesh upper and its Formfit technology use a few overlays to give some structure to the upper and improve durability by preventing the fabric from tearing.
The heel counter is the other significant change (Heel Support Frame, as Saucony calls it). The rigid heel counter of the Speed 1 was a recurring complaint from users, and Saucony seems to have listened to them. We now find a more padded, more flexible heel counter with a somewhat flared design.
Testers appreciated the change and found the heel fit more comfortable.
Overall, the reviewers were delighted with the shoe’s foot lockdown. They enjoyed the extra space that didn’t impede the snug fit of the Speed 2.
Ah, and a nice little bonus: the upper now comes with anti-slip laces to make the adjustment easier.
In terms of sizing, even though the forefoot is roomier, some runners report that the heel fit may feel a bit narrow while remaining true to size. Also, if you had sized up with the first version, you may need to pick your regular size this time. We recommend trying them in-store if you can.
Grip and durability
Like on v1, the Endorphin Speed 2’s outsole consists of exposed PWRRUN PB foam with carbon rubber zones to protect the platform and increase traction.
Unfortunately, the shoe received mixed reviews on the latter. It’s not a deal-breaker, but a few runners judged the grip slightly disappointing on wet surfaces. So this is something to watch out for, especially if you live in a rainy area (Seattle, anyone?).
The first iteration could go over 500 km/310 mi easily without any signs of wear regarding durability. Since the outsole is virtually the same on the Speed 2, you can expect the same. Yep, it’s a sturdy shoe.
The Ride
We mentioned in the introduction that the Speed 2 was greater than the sum of its parts. Well, you just need to read the reviews from road runners to understand that there’s something special about the shoe’s ride.
It just works. It’s versatile enough to be comfortable on any daily training, whether you take it for easy short recovery sessions or long runs at marathon pace.
According to the testers, the Speed 2’s is responsive with a fast forward motion yet forgiving at slow speeds thanks to its moderately soft foam and semi-flexible nylon plate.
Conclusion
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 is a very good nylon-plated high-stack daily trainer with Peba cushioning. This new version comes with more forefoot space to accommodate more runners, and the improved heel counter makes the fit more comfortable.
Whether you’re looking for a comfy option for your marathon or for a lightweight high-end option to spice up your daily runs, it’s a shoe that can do it all very well. Also, despite its racing looks, the Speed 2 is reliable and robust enough to take a beating over many, many miles.
The only caveat (besides its hefty price, of course) is the subpar performance of the outsole on wet pavement. But this is a minor inconvenience for an otherwise great shoe!
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel stack height | 39 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 31 mm |
| Weight (men) | 224 g/7.9 oz |
| Weight (women) | 198 g/7 oz |
| Features | Nylon plate |
| Release year | 2021 |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 3 – Moderate |
| Bounce (1-5) | 4 – Bouncy |
Technologies
| Outsole | Carbon rubber |
| Midsole | Nylon Plate, PWRRUN PB, SPEEDROLL |
| Upper | Engineered Mesh, FORMFIT, Heel Support Frame |
Use
| Speed | All |
| Distance | Mid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathon |
| Workout | Competition, Daily runs |
Comparisons – Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 vs.:
Saucony Endorphin Speed 1
As we mentioned, the changes are minor from one model to the other. The heel fit is better, and the toe box more spacious. The ride is about the same (which is good!). We would only recommend upgrading if the fit were an issue for you on the original model. Otherwise, go for the cheapest!
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3
Check our comparison here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, it does. The toe box is bigger and the heel may feel a bit narrow to some, but the shoe still runs true to size. It’s still best to try them on if you can.
Undoubtedly! With this comfortable and peppy cushioning, it’s a shoe that can go easily go the distance. Not only that, it can go fast, very fast! However, the choice of your shoes for the marathon is a very personal matter. We recommend that you extensively test your candidates over long runs to make sure they are a good fit.
