As a self-proclaimed Saucony shoe nut, I was buzzing when I spotted the Endorphin Elite 2 during the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics. What made this shoe so fantastic they wanted to wear it for that race? Let’s find out.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the original Endorphin Elite, so I was curious (and cautiously optimistic) to see what Saucony had cooked up this time.
After two years of waiting, I laced them up and hit the road to see if this supershoe lived up to the hype.
The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2’s soft, bouncy feel will be a home run for many runners, but the stark changes to its ride and stability could prove divisive to those who love the original version.
Let’s dive into how the shoe performs—and why it just might be one of the most exciting marathon racers to hit the shelves.
Who Is It Good For?
Who is the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 a good fit for, let’s break it down by some common categories
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- Wide Feet: Yup! The midfoot is roomy, so those with wider feet will enjoy this shoe.
- Heavier Runners: A generally stable big stack shoe that’s more accommodating than other carbon plated shoes.
- Long Runs: What this shoe is made for! Particularly the half marathon distance and beyond.
- Front of the Pack: Yes, it’s designed for those looking to hit some super fast paces.
The Endorphin Elite 2 is the softest racer to date and yowzers, it’s fast. It’s unlike any other shoe on the market, offering spongy speed and a responsive ride. Plus, it’s an absolute blast to run in!
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Overview
Designed to help runners unlock their speed, the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is a bouncy, high-performance supershoe built for half-marathon to marathon distances. Its standout feature is Saucony’s incrediRUN foam, which delivers insane energy return and next-level cushioning—exactly what you want on race day.
I logged 75 miles in this shoe, including recovery runs, intervals, and a few long runs over 15 miles. I always test supershoes under tough conditions to give you the best insights into race-day performance.
And let’s face it—supershoes are pricey! You deserve to know if this shoe is the right choice to for your next race.
The Elite 2 boasts a series of thoughtful updates (more on those shortly) and feels as fast as it looks. Its sleek white base, accented with bold flashes of orange and yellow, practically radiates speed.
With a daring 39.5mm stack height, Speedroll rocker geometry, and ultra-responsive foam, this shoe is unapologetically built for peak performance.
The re-engineered upper, made from ultra-light TPE yarn, works seamlessly with the flat-knit tongue to deliver a snug, sock-like fit that remains comfortably secure through every phase of your run.
It has an accommodating forefoot and midfoot with a slightly-snug toe box. If you’re planning to wear this shoe for a half marathon or marathon, I suggest bumping up a half-size as our feet tend to swell a bit during longer efforts.
It isn’t available in wide but the fit is generous enough that runners of all shapes and sizes can enjoy this shoe.
While it moves away from the firm, snappy ride of its predecessor, the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 delivers bounce you feel in every stride, combining exceptional speed and comfort to make it a standout choice for your next race day.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Specs
- Weight: Unisex sizing 7oz
- Heel toe: 8mm
- Stack Height: 39.5mm
- Usage: Race day! Half Marathon and Marathon
- Available in 2 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available at Saucony.com for $275
Endorphin Elite 2 Fit
The shoe runs true to size in my usual men’s 11, though the toe box feels a bit narrow. If you prefer extra wiggle room for your toes, consider going up half a size.
That said, the forefoot opens up a bit, and the midfoot and heel provide ample room for all types of feet. While there’s minimal padding around the heel and no traditional heel counter, the rounded, flexible design is a welcome feature for runners with sensitive heels.
The upper truly sets this shoe apart, crafted from lightweight, breathable tech-tape mesh that feels as streamlined as it looks.
The sock-like fit, paired with the flat-knit tongue, ensures your foot stays comfortably in place—no annoying tongue slip to deal with mid-run.
Despite its minimalist design, the stretch laces and subtle reinforcements provide a surprisingly secure lockdown. My heel stayed perfectly in place throughout every run
The fit of the Endorphin Elite 2 is exceptional, feeling more like an extension of your foot rather than another piece of gear. Chef’s kiss.
Endorphin Elite 2 Feel
Hands down, this is the bounciest supershoe I’ve ever tried—a major shift from the firm, snappy ride of its older sibling.
Personally, I LOVE the plush, marshmallow-like running sensation, but I can see how it might not click with runners who prefer a more controlled, grounded feel.
The secret sauce? Saucony’s incrediRUN foam. This midsole delivers soft, bouncy cushioning during easy efforts and transforms into something punchier during speed work.
Typically, this level of comfort comes at the expense of speed, but not here—my legs felt fresh during and after every run.
Add in a forked carbon plate, and you’ve got a shoe that balances forward propulsion with smooth transitions. The forked design allows your toes to splay naturally, enhancing stability and fluidity.
Pair that with Saucony’s Speedroll geometry, and you get a forward-rolling sensation that keeps your momentum flowing.
Endorphin Elite 2 v Endorphin Elite
I’ll be honest—I didn’t vibe with the original Endorphin Elite.
I wore it for a marathon in 2023, and while the shoe felt awesome early on, the ride turned uncomfortably firm and unresponsive over the final 8–10 miles. That said, the OG definitely has its loyal fans.
With the release of the Endorphin Elite 2, it’s worth taking a closer look at how the two versions stack up.
- Weight: The Endorphin Elite 2 shaves off a little weight, coming in at 7.0 oz versus 7.2 oz for the original.
- Upper: Both shoes feature lightweight uppers, but the Endorphin Elite 2 offers a bit more structure and integrates the tongue directly into the upper—a big upgrade in terms of comfort and lockdown.
- Midsole: The Elite 2 swaps out the original PWRRUN HG foam for the brand-new incrediRUN foam, delivering a noticeably softer and more dynamic feel.
- Ride: The Elite 2 delivers a bouncier, more cushioned ride, though it feels a bit less stable compared to the firm, snappy ride of the original.
This is where opinions might diverge. If you loved the original’s firm, responsive feel, the softer foam and bouncier ride of the Endorphin Elite 2 might not be your cup of tea.
But if the OG felt too harsh or rigid for your liking, these updates could be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
The shoe strikes a fine balance between comfort and performance, making it a frontrunner (sorry, not sorry for the pun) for those who crave a softer, more energetic ride.
Similar Shoes to the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
While this shoe is a bit of unicorn, here are a few other options for a more forgiving race shoe:
- New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Elite 4 -(not nearly as bouncy but incredibly comfortable)
- Nike Vaporfly 3 – (faster for shorter races)
- Asics Metaspeed Sky+ -(also has a bouncy feel and propulsive ride)
And there you have it! We hope this Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 review gave you valuable insights and helps you find your next race day shoe!
Ready for a run? Go check it out on Saucony.com for $275
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