Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 (Review 2024): Ideal Daily Trainer?
In the middle of a pandemic, Saucony released its Endorphin running shoe trilogy: Pro for race day, Shift for daily workouts/recovery, and Speed for intervals. It was a bold move from the brand to own all the potential running scenarios with a single collection!
2 years and a few iterations later, we can say that Saucony’s gamble had paid off with a widely popular series that runners worldwide love. Heck, there are Facebook groups dedicated to the Endorphin shoes! In this context, Saucony throws the dice again, releasing the third iteration of the Endorphin Speed.
Why risk changing shoes with everything going for them? Is it possible to make them even better? That’s what we’ll see in this analysis!
Consensus
A very good shoe with max cushion shoe that combines speed, comfort, and versatility!
And of 3 ! Saucony returns in 2022 with an Endorphin Speed 3 still dedicated to daily training, but not only. The evolutions are minor and located essentially at the level of the upper. They again improved a model which had everything to please the runners on the road, which also pleased them a lot!).
The mesh is more breathable and stretchy, the forefoot and the back of the shoes gain in space, while the midfoot lock remains effective. The foot is both more comfortable and well supported – all feet fit!
The midsole remains the main highlight of the Speed 3. It features the same midsole foam, the lightweight and responsive PWRRUN PB, a wider and softer nylon plate, and the Speedroll rocker system. The combination of the three is explosive and provides high-stack cushioning that is incredibly responsive.
Finally, the XT-900 carbon rubber is strategically placed on the vital points of the outsole to ensure good traction and adequate grip, even on wet terrain.
In short, the Endorphin Speed 3 excels in speed workouts, tempo runs, and longer or easier runs.
Saucony is all about perfection with this model.
PROS
- Versatile running shoes
- Comfortable and responsive cushioning
- Spacious, comfortable, lightweight, and easy to adjust upper
- High-level comfort
- Improved stability
CONS
- Maybe the price?!
Check out the latest version in the series: Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Cushioning
The midsole is the strong point of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3. The configuration has proven itself in the two previous versions, so there was no reason to change it.
This includes the technologies that have made the Endorphin Speed so successful since its inception:
- Peba-based PWRRUN PB foam: lightweight, dense, and responsive, it delivers an ultra-comfortable and bouncy ride. According to testers, movement is naturally responsive at toe-off followed by a quick transition to go through the miles.
- The nylon plate has been revised to be slightly wider and S-shaped. Runners found it highly effective in speed and propulsion, with a smooth and natural feel underfoot (the advantage of a nylon vs. carbon plate).
- The Speedroll, Saucony’s exclusive rocker system, works perfectly with the winged nylon plate to promote efficient forward propulsion.
Finally, this Endorphin Speed 3 is maximalist like the previous models, with 36 mm heel stack height and 28 mm under the toes. It is a welcome extra comfort to cover long distances with confidence.
Foot Lockdown
The upper is the part that has evolved the most.
The single-layer engineered mesh is top-notch: thinner, more stretchy, softer, and breathable. In association with the Formfit technology, the new upper gains in comfort by perfectly following the natural shape of your foot.
Runners with wide feet, Saucony has thought of you with an even wider toe box for its new Endorphin Speed 3. Runners with thinner feet, don’t be afraid: the midfoot lockdown remains secure with its lightly padded collar, gusseted tongue, and slightly stretchy laces that make the fit as easy as it gets.
The wider platform in both the front and back of the shoe offers a little more stability to a shoe that already offers a lot. The super lightweight remains the same as the previous model despite the wider base (229g for men / 204g for women).
The only downside of the Endorphin Speed 3 is the heel counter. Some testers have encountered problems of irritation of the tendon, which you can mitigate by wearing thicker socks.
In summary, the unanimous opinion of the testers is that the upper ticks all the boxes for a speed shoe.
Grip and Durability
The outsole of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is pure simplicity. There’s no need to constantly reinvent the wheel when you have a durable and effective in-house sturdy rubber. Just place it on the strategic areas, and let the magic of XT-900 technology work its magic!
The result is convincing and has been 100% validated by runners. The sole has a perfect amount of rubber coverage, which keeps the shoe light while providing effective grip and good traction on asphalt. Some very playful runners have even tried running on wet surfaces, just to see. Despite their best efforts, they remained stable and didn’t kiss the ground.
The more longitudinal design in the forefoot also provides more flexibility. Finally, we note good durability of the sole, with few traces of wear after 80 km.
Ride
The reviewers rave after the first tests of this Saucony Endorphin Speed 3. This new version offers an excellent running experience: a natural and smooth ride, undeniable comfort, a perfect fit and lock, and increased flexibility. It results from a careful blend of soft foam, a wide and stable platform, a naturally soft and responsive nylon plate, a lightweight and breathable upper, and a responsive outsole.
With their new nylon winged plate, runners find that forward propulsion is purposeful and only kicks in at a fast pace. They appreciate the extreme versatility of this shoe, which has almost no limits for use on the road: everyday running, uptempo, fast runs, and recovery sessions or longer runs at a moderate pace. In other words, it’s not far from perfection!
Conclusion
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 perfectly balances comfort, cushioning, responsiveness, weight, and fit. It combines so many qualities that it is difficult to find fault with it. In fact, runners have not found any problem with it!
In short, the latest addition to the Endorphin Speed series is a great option for runners looking for a versatile, fast-running shoe that is less aggressive than a carbon-plated shoe.
This configuration makes it compatible with daily training as well as competition.
Speed is in its name and its DNA!
Your pair of Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 has just left you after months of good and loyal services, and you hesitate to make infidelities with its replacement? Read our comparison below!
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel height | 36 mm |
| Forefoot height | 28 mm |
| Weight (men) | 229 g/8.1 oz |
| Weight (women) | 204 g/7.2 oz |
| Features | Vegan, Recycled materials, Nylon plate |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2022 |
| Price | Check prices |
Cushioning
| Softness | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | High |
Technologies
| Outsole | XT-900 |
| Midsole | PWRRUN PB, Speedroll |
| Upper | Engineered Mesh |
Use
| Speed | Moderate, Fast |
| Distance | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Workout | Daily running, Racing |
Comparisons
Saucony Endorphin Speed 2
As you can see from our analysis, the ES3 is like the 2. Only better – and that was not easy considering how good the previous version was to begin with!
The main rework is in the upper, which is thinner, softer, and stretchy for a more precise fit. The front and back of the shoe are especially roomier, with a wider heel and a very comfortable toe box. The wider platform also provides more stability.
The slightly revised cushioning is suitable for a wider range of runners as it translates into a softer ride, while the bounce is even better for faster sessions thanks to the wider nylon plate.
Finally, Saucony made the Speed 3 more flexible than the Speed 2 by optimizing the rubber on the outsole.
Overall, the Speed 3 is more comfortable and accessible.
