Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Shoe Review

I’ve wanted to try the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 since it came out. Honestly, I did not realize it was being updated so soon. It seems the original Endorphin Speed (and Pro and Shift) spent most of its time during the pandemic.

Of the 3 models, I enjoyed the Speed the most. I didn’t do many workouts in it but found it to be a good uptempo and faster long runs. I was excited to find out how would the Endorphin Speed 2 compare?

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Intro:

The Endorphin Speed 2 is updated with a mono-mesh upper. It’s still light and still uses a nylon plate (unlike the Endorphin Pro 2, which uses a carbon fiber plate).

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Quick Facts:

Weight: 7.9 oz

Drop: 8 mm

Cost: $160

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Fit:

First, of course, I had to get the USA pattern. I haven’t bought a limited edition shoe in a while, and I felt the Endorphin Speed 2 in the USA print. Anyway, enough about the look. As you know, the looks of shoes are not everything, and it’s always important to get a shoe that feels good versus looks good.

Most of the changes in the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 are in the upper. The Speed 2 now uses a mono-mesh upper that is flexible and well-ventilated. This makes it more breathable, which is even better for the summer heat. As someone who sweats a lot, I found it perfect for summer running, and my feet haven’t gotten too hot.

The heel collar of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 has also been redone, and it now has a more locked-in fit. The snug bootie construction with Saucony FORMFIT hugs your footwell. Personally, I am glad Saucony got away from the ISO fit.

One thing that interests me is the suede heal collar. I don’t have a lot (many any?) suede heel collar shoes, so I wasn’t sure if that would feel bulky or restrictive. It fits fine, and my heel feels fine. Speaking of the heel, one thing to note is most all Saucony running shoes do have a lower heel. Some people feel like they are sliding out, but I don’t think they slide at all.

In running shoes, I typically wear between a women size 10-11 wide. Lately, I’ve worn size 11 in Saucony running shoes, and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 is no different. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 size 11 fits the best.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Ride:

The Endorphin Speed 2 is created on a bed of PWRRUN PB midsole foam. The PWRRUN PB foam is designed to deliver energy return while providing a cushion. It feels soft and responsive. Inside the PWRRUN PB Foam is the full-length nylon plate. This creates a stiff and more responsive shoe to run faster. Why nylon? It’s both cheaper to make and more forgiving to the body. It’s more flexible and is a great option if you have never run in a carbon fiber plate shoe or are nervous too.

Despite using a nylon plate, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 will still provide the stiffness that makes it feel “fast.” You will still get the energy return to your legs, and your body will recover faster.

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 also the unique SPEEDROLL technology in geometry. That helps it feel more smooth and transition better from heel to toe.

Personally, I like the nylon plate. I think it makes it fun to run in without feeling too intense or hard on the body. It feels the best to run faster. While designed for workouts, I prefer something with less cushion for faster workouts. I’ve done a few different runs in it, including long runs, faster runs, easy runs, and even a workout and I prefer it for faster tempo style runs.

In addition to the springy PWRRUN PB foam, Saucony designers incorporated their unique SPEEDROLL technology into the geometry of the Speed 2. The shoe’s shape helps promote rolling transitions as you run, creating an effortless, fast feel.

Differences in the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 vs. Endorphin Speed:

Not too much has changed between the midsole of the Speed and the Speed 2. The biggest changes have come to the upper. They are all good changes as it’s a lighter and breathable mesh. The Speed 2 is about an ounce lighter, but it’s noticeable.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Conclusion:

I like the Endorphin Speed 2, and I think they’ve done a good job with it. A major reason I find it a better shoe than the Speed is because of the durability with the Nylon plate. The Nylon is more flexible, forgiving, and more durable than the carbon fiber plate. You’ll get more mileage out of it without beating your body up as much. Although, obviously, you’ll run faster in the Pro. In all, I’ll keep it for my faster and longer run shoe, especially when I don’t want to beat up my body as much.

My Current Shoe Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Brooks Ricochet 3, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7,

Speed Work: Saucony Endorphin Speed 2, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,

Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge,  Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3

Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV

Races: Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Looking to learn more about running shoes? I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes in my ebook.

Questions for you:

Have you tried the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2?

What is your current favorite running shoe?