I’ve been excited about the new Saucony Endorphin Pro 3. The original Endorphin Pro and Endorphin Pro 2 were great, but I was interested to see what the next version would be like. The first color for the Endorphin Pro 3 is pink. Even for men, exciting and bold choice Saucony. (Yes, more colors are coming soon).
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 Introduction:
The first two versions of the Endorphin Pro were similar and one of the more well received carbon plated shoes. This year, the Saucony Endorphin 3 outsole gets an overhaul. We now see nubs in the forefoot, which helps with traction. The Endorphin was never the worst carbon plated shoe, but it also wasn’t great. To be fair, not many carbon-plated shoes are actually great with traction.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 Fit:
The Endorphin series has been one of the better-fitting carbon plate shoes. They aren’t exhaustive, but if you have a wider foot, most people prefer the width and forgiving upper. The new upper of the Endorphin Pro 3 is similar to the Endorphin Pro +. Sometimes I like to call the Endorphin Pro + the Endorphin Pro 2.5. Anyway, I digress.
As far as uppers go, the Saucony Endorphin 3 is one of the lightest and more breathable options. The open dual-layer mesh allows for maximum breathability. It dries almost immediately after getting wet. In the desert, I’ve never had an issue with the Endorphin Pron 3 feeling too heavy, and I’ve also run in the rain with no problems. I would say it’s probably my favorite upper of any carbon-plated shoe.
Not only is the upper awesome, but it’s also wide. The Saucony Endorphin 3 fits better than any other carbon-plated shoe. The padded heel collar, as well as the tongue, fits and feels premium. I believe the best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet and the Saucony Endorphin 3 does just that.
The only thing to remember is that Saucony running shoes generally have a lower heel. Many people will feel like they will run out of the shoe, but you aren’t. The Endorphin Pro 3 has a higher than Saucony average heal, hoorah! Are they going back to a regular heal? I can only hope!
Typically, I wear between a size 10-11 wide running shoes. I’ve found the Saucony Endorphin 3 size 10.5 to fit well.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 Ride:
This year, Saucony adds midsole cutouts which help with weight savings. It seems like the newest thing with carbon-plated footwear is reducing weight. Thankfully, some of them are heavy!
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 weighs an entire half ounce less than previous versions. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but it is. The midsole uses the same PWRRUN PB formula and plate from the previous models. It’s been popular, and why is change a good thing? Seriously can all brands learn from that?
However, the midsole gets changed, and Saucony adds 4 mm of foam. This means the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 has a higher stack height but the same heel-to-toe drop. If you’ve run in previous versions, you’ll find this year is softer. I like how responsive the first two versions were. While I do like this version too, it is much softer. Many people also found the original two versions of Endorphin to be firm and harsh.
Saucony continues to use the same Speedroll technology, and it feels smooth from heel to toe. You don’t feel like you’re harshly rolling like in the Vaporfly, and it feels like the Endorphin Pro 3 rolls better and feels more natural.
Durability and Traction: This year, Saucony redoes the outsole. As mentioned, the nubs improve the traction, and it has become one of the better carbon plated shoes in inclement weather. Combined with the light and airy mesh, it drains and breathes better than almost any brand. As far as carbon plated shoes go, you probably aren’t going to get more than 100 miles out of any model. While yes, you can run in a carbon-plated shoe for 150 miles, you aren’t going to get the same benefit. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 is similar, and it will last about 100 miles.
Like all carbon-plated shoes, I keep the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 for workouts and race day. Why mess up a good thing or waste mileage for an easy run. I like the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, and it’s still one of the more natural feeling carbon plated shoes. You don’t feel like you’re doing something weird or unnatural to your gait.
Saucony Endorphin 3 Conclusion:
There isn’t much “bad” about the Saucony Endorphin 3. It is one of the best fits of any carbon plated shoe, and it rides well too. If you are looking for a firmer carbon-plated shoe that fits wide feet, this will be one of your better options. Saucony is really on fire with their running shoes lately, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they have next. Will they be the first to make a stable carbon-plated shoe or a carbon-plated shoe wide? We will see.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: New Balance 1080v12, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Saucony Triumph 19, Brooks Launch 9,
Speed Work: Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, Brooks Hyperion Elite 3, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge,
Trail Running/Hiking: Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths about running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3?
What is your favorite race day shoe?