The Saucony Endorphin Elite Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Saucony Endorphin Elite is a high-performance racing shoe designed for serious runners. Ideal for those seeking responsive energy return, the shoe features a midsole with a **PWRRUN HG** composition that promotes effective propulsion during each stride.

Lab tests indicate that the outsole provides notable grip in both wet and dry conditions, enhancing stability across various terrains. Additionally, the upper construction offers a surprisingly roomy fit, accommodating a range of foot shapes.

With a retail price of **$275**, this shoe caters to dedicated athletes willing to invest in advanced footwear technology for competitive performance.


Pros

  • The finest Saucony racer yet
  • Remarkably lightweight
  • Impressively stable
  • Wide toebox
  • Ideal for marathons
  • Excellent foot lockdown
  • Unique look

Cons

  • Priced on the higher side at $275
  • Not the best pick for heel strikers
  • Grips less than most supershoes

Key Features

  • PWRRUN HG foam cushioning: Provides exceptional energy return, helping you maintain high speeds without compromising comfort.
  • Innovative plate geometry: Engineered from heel to toe, this feature enhances your quickness and responsiveness during each stride.
  • Lightweight upper: A combination of knitted and mesh materials ensures breathability and a barely-there feel, allowing for an unhindered running experience.

Specifications

  • Sole Material: Synthetic Rubber
  • Outer Material: Mesh
  • Closure Type: Lace-Up
  • Water Resistance Level: Not Water Resistant

Saucony Endorphin Elite Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Saucony Endorphin Elite Nike Alphafly 3 Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
Price $275 $285 $290 $225
Pace Competition Competition Competition Competition
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 7.2 oz / 203g 7.1 oz / 201g 6.9 oz / 197g 7.8 oz / 220g
Lightweight
Drop lab Drop brand 8.0 mm 8.5 mm 7.5 mm 9.5 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Mid/forefoot Heel
Size True to size Slightly small Half size small True to size
Midsole softness Soft Soft Soft Balanced
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Small Normal Small
Toebox durability Bad Bad Good Good
Heel padding durability Good Good Good Good
Outsole durability Good Bad Good Good
Breathability Breathable Breathable Breathable Breathable
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Medium
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Flexible Flexible Flexible Flexible
Plate Carbon plate Carbon plate Carbon plate Carbon plate
Rocker
Heel lab Heel brand 39.9 mm 38.1 mm 39.9 mm 38.1 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 31.9 mm 29.6 mm 32.4 mm 28.6 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season Summer Summer Summer Summer
Removable insole
Ranking Top 13% Top 34% Bottom 49% Top 39%
Popularity Top 29% Top 6% Top 24% Top 10%