I’m so far behind the times in trying the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3. I loved the Endorphin Speed 1 and Speed 2 (and to be honest, it’s probably my favorite Endorphin model in the line), but I haven’t gotten around to trying the Endorphin Speed 3. I’m a team of one, and I can run in only so many shoes. Plus, I’m not going to write a shoe review after trying it for a single run.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is designed as a multipurpose trainer. The nylon plate is not as aggressive with propulsion as the carbon plate, but it’s still a fast shoe. Generally, it’s not a shoe you’ll run easy in but more of a tempo shoe. The third version has a softer and more stable platform. It seems like Saucony is slowly integrating it into a shoe you can do anything with. So my question is, will the Saucony Endorphin Shift eventually go away? A question that remains unanswered for now…
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Quick Facts:
Weight: 8.1 oz
Price: $170 (sorry, friends, it’s gone up)
Heel Toe Drop: 8 mm
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Intro:
While the Endorphin Pro and new Endorphin Elite steal the show with Saucony’s “fast shoes,” the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 lives its legend and is a popular option. It’s cheaper, more comfortable, and many more people use it. Truthfully, I may fall into this category of liking it the best. The original two versions of the Endorphin Speed were durable, so I’m hoping the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is the same.
Has the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 changed? Yes. It has. A brand new plate shape and the midsole geometry is wider (width is always welcomed).
One thing that grinds my gears is when brands say, “this shoe contains recycled materials.” Where? How much? I am all about using sustainable materials, so I appreciate when brands say what part and how much of it is using recycled materials.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Fit:
The upper of the Endorphin Speed 3 is updated. The tongue is flatter, and I’ve found it to slide around during runs. I don’t recall having this issue in previous versions. The Formfit design is designed to accommodate several foot shapes.
I firmly believe the best-running shoe uppers disappear off your feet. The first two versions of the Endorphin Speed did, but I’ve found the tongue annoys me from time to time in the third version. The laces are interesting and not the traditional flat lay Saucony has used in the past. I actually do like the new laces a lot. (Before working in run specialty, I didn’t realize how committed people were to certain styles of shoe laces).
Typically, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide in running shoes. I’ve found the women’s size 11 in the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 to fit the best. If you need some extra width, you’d appreciate the fit of the third version. Narrow feet, don’t be scared. The shoe is not “wide” or too wide.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Ride:
The Endorphin Speed 3 uses the PWRRUN PB. It’s PEBA and a lot more “bouncy.” This year features an extra 1/2 mm of foam in both the rearfoot and forefoot, plus a wider base. You can physically see it when you look at the shoe. This year, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 looks like “more shoe”. That extra millimeter doesn’t seem like a lot; how could half a millimeter change a shoe? But it does, and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is much softer than the first two versions.
This makes it more versatile, and I feel like I can do hard runs and easier daily runs.
We can’t skip over r the redesign of the nylon plate, though. The nylon plate has a new design with almost “wings” that extend out towards the midfoot. This makes it much easier to turn in the shoe (if you’ve ever made a 90-degree turn in a plated shoe, it’s not always easy).
Durability and Traction: The Endorphin Speed 3 has less rubber than previous versions, and the rubber doesn’t cover the entire outsole of the shoe. The shoe is less durable because the foam is exposed (NOOOO). But it’s not bad, especially for a plated shoe.
I’ve used the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 in the middle of the desert with no issues sliding around. I wouldn’t take it on a muddy trail run, but I haven’t had problems in the dunes or inclement weather.
Regarding durability, I’ve now put just over 100 miles on it without any issues. I think it will last about 80% of previous versions. That exposed rubber does concern me.
With the updates, I wasn’t sure how the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 would fit into my rotation. Previous versions have been more of a faster/long-run shoe. The Endorphin Speed 3 is still a shoe I can take for almost anything. I prefer the Saucony Triumph for super easy runs, but for daily runs or faster runs, I like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3. I’ve found it’s a good long-run progression shoe and favored that for longer runs. I like the softer update (and especially the width); it just feels different. I do find the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 harder to do speed work in. I do wonder if Saucony is slowly progressing it into an easy run or daily trainer.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Conclusion:
I like the Endorphin Speed 3, one of my favorite multipurpose trainers. I think it’s one of Saucony’s best shoes, and it doesn’t have much competition if you’re looking for a daily trainer that can go FAST. If you get injured racing in carbon plates (like me), you might find it a good option for race day too.
Who is the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 made for? Those who want a multipurpose training shoe that can be used for race day, long runs, or even easier runs. It’s a good “only buying one shoe trainer.” If you are used to previous versions, you might find the Endorphin Speed 3 “too slow” for you.
Who shouldn’t buy the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3? If you need more cushion, don’t run well in plates, or want a highly soft marshmallowy ride. Or, if you need a very supportive shoe, the Endorphin Speed 3 will not provide that.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Tracksmith Eliot Runner, Saucony Triumph 20, New Balance 1080v12, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, 361 Degrees Centauri
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: Brooks Caldera 6, Hoka Speedgoat 5, 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.
Are you looking to learn more about running shoes? My ebook talks 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 Speed 3?
What is your favorite running day shoe?