Truthfully, I never really understood the hype for the Endorphin Pro, but the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 lives up more to its potential. Build for speed and with a carbon plate, the Pro 2 is the fastest shoe from Saucony. I personally still think it’s a midpack carbon-plated shoe. It’s neither the worst nor the best
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 Quick Facts:
Weight: 6.3 oz
Drop: 8 mm
Cost: $200
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 Fit:
Right off the bat, you’ll notice the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2. The checkered print makes it a hard shoe to miss. Saucony has done well with its limited edition prints. You feel fast, like Nascar fast. The Endorphin Pro 2 uses a single layer of engineered mesh. This keeps the shoe lightweight and breathable. It works with Saucony’s “FORMFIT” technology. The Endorphin Pro 2 upper feels like a running shoe should. I don’t notice it. I believe the best uppers disappear off your foot, and Saucony does just that.
It honestly feels like a sock with a carbon plate on the bottom. The booty tongue doesn’t bother or irritate the foot. Saucony has a lower back and heel counter than most other brands, and the Endorphin Pro 2 is no different.
The biggest update in the Endorphin Pro 2 comes in the extra padding on the heel collar. While the original never cut me, it was known to irritate the back of many people’s feet. No one wants bloody ankles during a race. The updated collar is a lot more comfortable than the previous version.
In running shoes, I typically wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. Lately, I’ve found the size in Saucony running shoes to fit the best, and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is no different.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 Ride:
The Endorphin Pro 2 is designed as the race day shoe from Saucony. If you’re looking for their fastest and most competitive shoe, this is it. Just like the original Endorphin, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 uses an “S-Curve carbon plate.” It works with Saucony’s “Speedroll” technology. Saucony’s Speedroll technology magnifies the body’s natural forward moment. The shoe geometry creates a rolling feeling throughout the entire shoe.
The S-Curve carbon plate sits at the center of the shoe and works together with your natural stride to create a more responsive ride. Since the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is lower to the ground than most other carbon fiber plated shoes, you won’t have as much stress on the Achilles.
Durability and Traction: Just like the Endorphin Shift 2 and the Endorphin Speed 2, the Pro 2 uses an “XT-900” outsole. This makes it durable. It also has rubber on high abrasion zones along the bottom. I’ve run about 50 miles in the Endorphin Pro 2, and it has no signs of slowing down. While it is good on inclement weather days, I don’t think the traction is “the best.”
I’ve kept the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 as a “fast run” shoe as Saucony intended. I find it to be a good option for workouts and races. To me, it feels best on longer and faster run days. I want something lighter if I’m doing shorter reps.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 Conclusion:
There hasn’t been a lot updated in the Pro 2 but what’s been updated is good. While I think it’s a good carbon-plated shoe, it’s neither my favorite nor my least favorite. I find it to come in midpack. That being said, it is one of my favorite workout shoes, but I want something that feels more springy for race day. I like doing workouts, but it just doesn’t feel “race day fast” to me. I am in the minority, and behind Nike, this seems to be the carbon-plated shoe with the biggest following. If you’re looking for “feel the ground more” on race day, you may enjoy the ride of the Pro 2 the best!
I do appreciate it’s slightly cheaper and slightly lighter than many carbon-fiber plated shoes, coming in at $200.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7, Brooks Levitate 5
Speed Work: Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, 361 Flame, 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
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Questions for you:
What’s your current favorite running shoe?
Have you tried the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2?