Saucony Endorphin Azura Preview | Unsure of It’s Place

That’s right, Saucony is releasing another new model this year to supplement the Endorphin line up. Meet the new Saucony Endorphin Azura.

In early 2025, Saucony released the Endorphin Trainer and we were super excited to take that shoe for a spin. But honestly once we finished testing, it’s simply sat in the closet gathering dust. It was a shoe that was fine, but lacked purpose compared to the rest of the line up.

So let’s be honest, our first thought is that this is just another take on the Trainer which was actually just a take on the Kinvara Pro 2.  It’s not!

But if it should really be trading on the Endorphin name…we’re not so sure.

Saucony Azura Specs

This is an option that truly works as a daily trainer because it doesn’t have a plate and it does have more rubber on the outsole to help with durability.

We’ve already started testing this shoe, but are holding our FULL review until it is ready for purchase. But quick thoughts, it’s firm. It doesn’t feel that fast.

• Heel Drop: 8 mm
• Stack: 40 mm
• Weight: 8.5 oz men’s, 7.5 oz women’s
• Not available in wide
• $150
• Available February 2026
• See currently available Endorphin Shoes >>

Where Does This Fit in the Endorphin Line Up?

We are so glad you asked because the Endorphin line up has been a smash hit for years and sometimes you need to not mess with a good thing right?

First there are updates coming to each of the shoes this year, so these are the current models, not the 2025 future releases.

• Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 — Top level carbon plated racing shoe for the say sub 3:15 marathoner
• Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 — Supertrainer with a nylon plate, a little more durable, not as bouncy as the other Elite or the Pro
• Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 – A great bouncy, more cushioned carbon plated shoe that we think is a great middle of the pack racing shoe and for front of the pace great tempo training
• Saucony Endorphin Trainer – Now we’re looking a 3/4 length carbon plate for the mid-back of pack training and possibly racing
• Saucony Endoprhin Azura – Non-plated daily trainer

Now what’s really interesting is most shoes in the line up utilize IncrediRun which is EVA based. Traditionally we see EVA in more of your daily trainers like a Brooks Ghost or a Hoka Clifton, not in super shoes. They’ve formulated it to keep the bounce when combined with PWRRUN.

The Azura is ONLY PWRRUN PB, which does give it a different feel than the other shoes.

This is a PEBA foam which is lighter and does have energy return, but without the plate won’t be as fast as the Endorphin Speed. It may also lessen the durability compared to the EVA. We will let you know will the full review in Feb!

Saucony Azura Preview

This is a shoe without a plate, but with a serious rock. Looking at the front you can see the toe area isn’t flush with the ground, which gives you that immediate roll forward and creates a bit more propulsion for that toe spring.

I.e. you should be getting power out of your toes when running. This is definitely going to be hit or miss based on the footstrike of a runner. I’m also not sure I want something quite so intense in a daily trainer.

From some initial testing at half marathon pace, the shoe just felt too firm for me to consider it a fast or race day shoe and I’m not a 7 minute half marathon pace. Shoot I’m working back from injury so just aiming for an 8:30 right now.

If the description is a daily trainer for those who like a firmer foam then I’m buying in to it.

If this is supposed to be a tempo run shoe, gimmie the Kinvara or the Endorphin Pro all day long.

Again I’ve only just started testing, so I’ll get back to you with more feedback!

Basically this option is designed to be more durable, still lightweight, able to help you with speed thanks to the speedroll and non-plated. BUT it’s different foam…

If this weren’t in the Endorphin line up, it would probably change our view point. But it is! And it doesn’t match.

Who is This For?

I’m not sure this will make it to our list of best nonplated race day shoes, but it is a nice daily trainer.

• Wide Feet: Like most Saucony shoes it’s more narrow through the midfoot, not ideal for wider feet.
• Heavier Runners: This should be a more durable option and possible you’ll get more response from the foam.
• Long Runs: If you like a firmer foam, for me this is probably a 6-10 mile shoe.
• Front of the Pack: I’m just not seeing this s a speed shoe yet.

All right, that’s your sneak peak of the Saucony Endorphin Azura coming in 2026.

What do you think?

Are you excited? How do you feel about the Endorphin line??

Looking for other running shoes??

• Best Carbon Plated Race Shoes
• Best Marathon Training Shoes
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