What is the difference between the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Saucony Endorphin Pro +?

One of the big questions I’ve gotten recently is what is the difference between the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Saucony Endorphin Pro +?

You can see the review of the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 here and the Saucony Endorphin Pro + here.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 versus Saucony Endorphin Pro + Quick Facts:

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2:

Heel to toe drop: 8 mm
Weight: 6.3 oz
Cost: $200

Saucony Endorphin Pro +

Heel to toe drop: 8 mm
Weight: 5.9 oz
Cost: $250

The Endorphin Pro 2 and Endorphin Pro + are designed for race day. You can use either for the 5K, 10K, or half marathon to your marathon distance.

The Similarities:

The shoes share most of the same technology and all of the same technology in the bottom of the shoe.

Outsoles: Both the Endorphin Pro 2 and Endorphin Pro + have exposed midsole but not enough that a shoe will wear out prematurely.

Midsole: Both the Endorphin Pro 2 and Endorphin Pro + have the same technology. There is a heel-to-toe drop of 8 mm, and there is no change in the PWRRUN technology.

Carbon Plate: In both the Endorphin Pro 2 and Endorphin Pro +, the carbon plate remains the same and in the same position. It starts in the midfoot and gets more aggressive towards the toe to feel more responsive.

There is no difference between the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Saucony Endorphin Pro + in the “ride of the shoe.” Hypothetically, of course, because the midsole, outsole, and carbon plate remain the same.

The Differences: The Upper:

The upper is the main difference between the Endorphin Pro 2 and Endorphin Pro +.

The Endorphin Pro + is lighter and fits more like an old-school racing flat or track spike. The Endorphin Pro + is 5.9 oz, whereas the Endorphin Pro weighs 6.3 oz.

That might not seem like a lot, but that single key difference changes the shoe dynamics completely.

Is lighter always better? No. We’ve learned from the minimalist trend that more lightweight shoes can cause more injuries such as stress fractures. That’s why you don’t see professionals using racing flats or spikes. Some people need more shoes! If Saucony believed lighter uppers were better, we wouldn’t see the Endorphin Pro 2 existing; the Endorphin Pro + would become the Endorphin Pro 3 and be Saucony’s only carbon plate offering.

The Endorphin Pro + lacks a lot of structure, including in the heel counter. Many people prefer that padding in the heel and tongue, which it doesn’t have!

Other lightweight carbon plated racing shoes:

Asics Metaspeed Sky: 7.3 oz
Asics Metaspeed Edge: 6.6 oz
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly: 6.6 oz
Altra Vanish Carbon: 7.3 oz

It allows you to get your turnover faster, and your shoes might feel less bulky and clunky. Some might say the Endorphin Pro + is better for shorter races.

The Cost:

The elephant in the room is the Saucony Endorphin Pro+ worth the extra $50? The Endorphin Pro 2 is “only” $200, which is fairly cheap for a carbon-plated shoe. You aren’t going to get more mileage out of the Endorphin Pro +, you are paying for the more expensive and lighter materials used in creating the shoe.

On a side note, who would have thought lighter materials are more expensive? This is a general reason many running shoes have gotten more expensive!

Which is better in inclement conditions: the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Saucony Endorphin Pro +?

The Endorphin Pro + is much more breathable. The Endorphin Pro + will drain and dry faster if it’s raining. If it’s an extremely hot day, the same applies but with sweat.

The traction with the Endorphin Pro 2 and Endorphin Pro + is the same, so you don’t have to worry about sliding on ice.

Basically, the Endorphio Pro + mesh is much lighter and will dry or drain faster. Is any carbon-plated shoe going to make a difference in torrential rain on a flooded course? Probably not, but the Endorphin Pro + will feel less bulky and heavy.

Which is better, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 or Saucony Endorphin Pro +?

It depends on what feels more comfortable. Traditionally, we would say the Endorphin Pro + is a slightly faster shoe because it’s lighter and easier to get your turnover faster. BUT, the lockdown on the upper the of the Endorphin Pro 2 allows you to have a more secure fit (don’t confuse this with tighter, just more secure).

By now, you’ve learned there is no best-running shoe. Neither is better, but it depends on what you want out of a running shoe.

If you are looking for a shoe you can get a faster turnover in, the Endorphin Pro + is a better option.

If you are looking for something with a more secure fit, the Endorphin Pro 2 is a better option.

You really won’t go wrong with either option, and it is not as if choosing one or the other will result in minutes off of your time. They are both great (and fast) shoes!