Fitness

We Tested a Dozen Saucony Running Shoes. These Are Our Favorites

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Founded in 1898, Saucony predates the likes of Nike and Adidas by greater than half a century. Now primarily based within the running nucleus of Boston, the shoe model initially hails from Kutztown, PA, and took its brand from Saucony Creek, which flows via the city’s heart. Although the corporate did not get into the athletic footwear sport till mid-20th century, however it’s held a place on the entrance of the pack with design improvements that earned early efficiency sneakers just like the 7446, Hornet, and Jazz accolades and acclaim.

Runners right now may be extra acquainted with the Kinvara, a common all-rounder in its 14th iteration, and the speed-oriented Endorphin line, which propelled Molly Huddle to a Ninth-place end on the 2023 New York City Marathon. A number of the design and technical innovation that is aided elites is present in our choose for the very best total Saucony running shoe, the Endorphin Speed.

Related: We Tested Every Running Shoe Asics Offers. These Are the Best

Best Overall Saucony Running Shoe: Endorphin Speed 3

Endorphin Speed 3

Tanner Bowden

Even although this member of Saucony’s more and more common Endorphin line has Speed in its title, that is undoubtedly not all it is geared for. Don’t get us mistaken; with a winged nylon plate sandwiched inside PWRRUN PB foam, this factor has the pop to maneuver and may deal with prolonged bouts of race tempo throughout our take a look at runs. It does not have that very same inflexible, springboard really feel of sneakers which can be wholly devoted to racing and tempo workouts, which helped it fare properly on slower easy-paced days. Additionally, this new model is a bit softer than earlier iterations of the Endorphin Speed. Therefore it is excellent on a regular basis shoe for runners who one thing that may deal with simple running, workouts, and races.

Pros: 

  • Responsive. 
  • High cushion.
  • Lightweight.

Cons:

  • Not perfect for many who favor stability options.

Weight: 8.1 oz

Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm

$170 at Saucony
$170 at Zappos

Best Everyday Saucony Running Shoe: Ride 17

Ride 17

In a world the place new tech has led to an revolutionary array of running sneakers for each objective, the Ride 17 is conventional. It has a cozy and common match, with a roomy toe field and sufficient midfoot lockdown to assist it; a little little bit of stability; and a platform that is neither overly squishy nor bouncy, however a little little bit of each. If you are acquainted with earlier variations of the Ride, this one has a new higher and lighter PWRRUN+ midsole. The combine might not be perfect for lengthy runs, however gives a enjoyable and supportive journey for shorter on a regular basis efforts. It’s utilitarian, not flashy, and we imply that in the easiest way.

Pros: 

  • Solid all-around function set.
  • Roomy toe field.
  • Affordable in comparison with different Saucony sneakers.

Cons: 

  • Heel pull tab rips off.

Weight: 9.9 oz 

Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm

$140 at Saucony
$140 at Zappos

Best Saucony Running Shoe for Racing: Endorphin Pro 3

Endorphin Pro 3

The Endorphin Pro comes with all of the conditions of a super-shoe: minimalist higher, forward-rolling rocker, large touchdown pad made from PEBA foam, and a carbon fiber plate. When you wish to run your quickest, this shoe is right here that can assist you. If you’ve got by no means run in one in every of most of these sneakers, know that it is not a nice match for on a regular basis running (go for the Endorphin Speed or Kinvara Pro if you need an on a regular basis shoe with additional pep). If you’ve got, you realize what to anticipate. On our take a look at runs, we discovered the Endorphin Pro to be much like race sneakers from different firms—mild, responsive, and springy. If the Endorphin Pro stands out within the crowd although, it is with a notable rolling-forward feeling as a result of Saucony’s SPEEDROLL rocker tech.

Saucony additionally makes the Endorphin Elite for carbon-fiber racing, however we predict the Endorphin Pro is healthier suited to the wants of non-elites. And it is $50 cheaper.

Pros: 

  • Very responsive and snappy.
  • Great cushion.

Cons: 

  • Expensive.
  • Not nice for on a regular basis running.

Weight: 7.2 oz

Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm

$225 at Saucony
$225 at Zappos

Best Budget Saucony Running Shoe: Axon 3

Axon 3

These days, it is tough to seek out a first rate running shoe below $140 with out making important compromises. The Axon 3 defies that rule. At 8.5 ounces, it is mild. It has a high-stack of supportive EVA PWRRUN foam. And its mesh higher is cozy and breathable. Like another Saucony sneakers, the heel pull loop is just too small to be useful, however it’s the one concern we might discover. The shoe has surprisingly good grip (which helped on snowy take a look at runs), a roomy toe field, and first rate ahead momentum. Saucony calls it plush, and whereas it does have a hefty wedge of froth beneath, we discovered it feels firmer than the bouncy maximalist sneakers we’re now used to. It’s nonetheless a lot cozy although, even on longer runs. It additionally has a 4 mm heel-toe drop—the bottom on this listing, if that is your desire. If you are on the lookout for a traditional running shoe and value is extra necessary than premium supplies, the Axon is a nice alternative.

Pros: 

  • Roomy toe field.
  • Comfortable.
  • Good for informal put on.

Cons:

  • Heel pull loop is just too small to make use of.

Weight: 8.5 oz

Heel-Toe Drop: 4 mm

$100 at Saucony
$90 at Zappos

Related: We Tested 16 of the Newest Brooks Running Shoes. These Are the Best

More Saucony Running Shoes We Love

Best Stability Saucony Running Shoe: Saucony Tempus

Runners on the lookout for a shoe with added stability will be assured that the Tempus has the additional construction they want. It impresses as a result of it is not like different stability sneakers, which too typically really feel clunky and inflexible. It has additional stiffness across the heel and a good huge platform to land on, however it additionally has a mixture of PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN foams, a combo that makes it really feel snappy and responsive. Stability sneakers have historically existed in a class other than “regular” every day trainers, however the Tempus straddles the road. Need additional assist however nonetheless need one thing snappy when it’s worthwhile to choose up the tempo? The Tempus has obtained you. Just do not trouble utilizing the heel loop to tug them on, it is approach too small.

Pros: 

  • Lightweight for a stability shoe.
  • Responsive.

Cons: 

  • Heel loop is just too small.
  • Narrow toe field.

Weight: 8.9 oz

Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm

$160 at Saucony
$102 at Zappos

Best Max Cushion Saucony Running Shoe: Triumph 21

If you’ve got by no means stepped into a squishy maximalist running shoe, the Triumph 21 will blow your thoughts. It’s oh-so-comfy straight out of the field, due to a large platform of Saucony’s PWRRUN+ foam and an higher that wraps your ft tight into a cockpit that is prepared for takeoff. The consolation extends into the run, however all that squish can sap power when you’re out for a pace exercise. Save this shoe for simpler efforts; it is a superb every day coach for runners who wish to max out consolation. It’s not a dangerous alternative for simply strolling round, too.

The Triumph 21 can also be accessible in a waterproof version and an eco-friendly model containing 55% corn-derived PWRRUN BIO+ foam and 80% pure rubber.

Pros: 

  • Soft and springy, 
  • Comfortable.

Cons: 

  • Not perfect for pace.

Weight: 9.8 oz

Heel-Toe Drop: 10 mm

$160 at Saucony
$160 at Zappos

Best Saucony Running Shoe for Uptempo Runs: Kinvara Pro

If the “Pro” on this shoe’s title and the partial carbon fiber plate in its midsole makes you assume the Kinvara is a tremendous high-end marathon shoe, assume once more. The Kinvara Pro is a every day coach via and thru. It does have good premium options although, like PWRRUN PB foam blended with common PWRRUN, a combo that gives extra oomph. Then, there’s the aforementioned carbon fiber plate, not often seen in a shoe that prices lower than $200. Here, it gives rigidity that is not perfect for restoration runs however is good and springy throughout intervals and strides. It’s a stable alternative for somebody including pace workouts into their routine however desires to stay to 1 shoe.

Pros: 

  • Feels good at a wide selection of paces.
  • Strong underfoot grip.

Cons: 

  • A little bit slim within the forefoot.

Weight: 9.5 oz

Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm

$180 at Saucony
$180 at Zappos

Best Saucony Trail Running Shoe for Technical Terrain: Peregrine 13

A shoe does not get to a 13th iteration with out being broadly accepted and adored. And there’s a lot to love in regards to the Peregrine 13, which is lighter than older variations and has extra PWRRUN foam. It’s not a lot foam that the shoe loses its floor really feel—one in every of its notable traits—however sufficient to maintain your ft feeling supported on different surfaces. There’s some welcome give there, however it’s not bouncy by any means. Speaking of surfaces, even with 5 mm lugs, the Peregrine felt good and grippy on all types of floor the place we examined it: dust roads, farm ruts, snow, rocks (there’s a soft terrain version that has deeper lugs for soggier locations). As for match, the Peregrine appears like a technical path shoe; it is a smidge slim within the forefoot and hugs shut via the midfoot. Bonus options embody a lace loop and a D-ring for gaiters to journey in all seasons.

Pros: 

  • Great steadiness of cushion and responsiveness.
  • Lace loop on the tongue.
  • Works with gaiters.

Cons: 

  • Fit not perfect for huge ft.

Weight: 9.2 oz

Drop: 4 mm

Lug Size: 5 mm

$112 at Saucony
$112 at Zappos

Best Max Cushion Saucony Trail Running Shoe: Xodus Ultra 2

Saucony payments the Xodus Ultra 2 as a shoe for full days on the path (therefore “ultra” in its title). The options embody a 32.5 mm stack of froth that is a lot cozy however not so squishy that it saps your power over a number of hours. It’s mild and comes with a slight rocker that rolls you thru your stride. It has loads of grip, 4.5mm lugs—together with a toe bumper that saved me from quite a few ice chunks—and a cozy sock liner, which make the Xodus excellent for a number of trails and distances.

Pros: 

  • More versatile than anticipated.
  • Great match for many.

Cons: 

  • Firmer and fewer peppy than anticipated.

Weight: 9.6 oz

Drop: 6 mm

Lug Size: 4.5 mm

$150 at Saucony
$150 at Zappos

Most Versatile Saucony Trail Running Shoe: Endorphin Rift

The Endorphin Rift makes a play for pace. It has SPEEDROLL rocker and upgraded PWRRUN PB foam. It’s light-weight for a path shoe, too, at 8.6 oz. But the precise expertise of running in it rapidly reveals that it’s miles extra versatile than most race-oriented path sneakers, that are usually too minimalist for on a regular basis running. In our testing, the Endorphin Rift feels a smidge softer than the Peregrine, and it is also bouncier, with extra room within the toe field. Its lugs are much less aggressive and labored superb for between-trail stretches of pavement and sidewalk.

Pros: 

  • Great match with room within the toes.
  • Lightweight, sock liner retains particles out.

Cons: 

  • Upper does not have a lot additional safety.

Weight: 8.6 oz

Heel-Toe Drop: 6 mm

Lug Size: 4.5 mm

$170 at Saucony

Why You Should Trust Me

I’ve been running since center faculty, and running half and full marathons since 2017. I’ve run 5 marathons and managed to snag a 2:56 PR on the 2023 Tokyo Marathon. My path pursuits embody a run of the Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire (20 miles with 8,300 ft of elevation achieve) and a circumnavigation of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, which is 700 sq. miles in dimension. I’ve been writing about running—training, nutrition, races, and equipment—for over a decade. I consistently discuss to athletes and trade professionals about sneakers and have examined a number of earlier iterations of the Sauconys on this listing. 

For this information, I additionally spoke with Fan Zhou, common supervisor of running and footwear at REI, for perception on expertise, innovation, and traits within the running shoe house. Zhou has been running for greater than 15 years, has accomplished 13 Boston Marathons, and lately ran the California International Marathon. “The rhythm of my life is dictated by running,” he advised Men’s Journal.

What We Look for When Choosing the Best Saucony Running Shoes

We know from our personal skilled expertise—testing and evaluating running sneakers and dealing intently with athletes and trade professionals—that the proper running shoe for one person may be the worst running shoe for an additional. Zhou agrees: “It depends on where they are in their own personal running journey, and what they want to accomplish while wearing that product.” As such, we have evaluated the sneakers on this information primarily based on the standard of the options and construct of every one, retaining in thoughts their potential meant use for any particular person

We examined every shoe included on this listing—and quite a few others—throughout a vary of surfaces and distances. Knowing that each one runners have totally different ft, gaits, and types of running, we additionally have in mind exterior opinions and experiences.

Remember: It’s at all times a good concept to strive on a shoe earlier than you decide to it. When looking for a new pair of running sneakers, Zhou recommends noting the “step-in feel” at try-on. “A good running shoe is one that when you take your first steps and you walk around it should just feel comfortable, supportive, and then get you excited to start running in it,” he says.

Key Features of Saucony Running Shoes

PWRRUN Foam

PWRRUN refers to Saucony’s in-house EVA foam discovered on most of its running sneakers. It is available in a few varieties: PWRRUN is Saucony’s base-level EVA foam; PWRRUN+ is barely softer and lighter; PWRRUN PB is a beaded PEBA (polyether block amide) foam that is mild and sturdy, mostly present in tremendous sneakers; and PWRRUN HG is an much more responsive PEBA foam discovered solely within the elite-grade Endorphin Elite.

Saucony has built-in PWRRUN PB into a lot of its non-super running sneakers (it is even within the Endorphin Rift path running shoe). When I spoke with Zhou, he expressed that the factor he is most excited to see running shoe firms do is experiment with how they assemble their midsole, notably with stack height, foams, and plates. He calls Saucony a chief within the trade in these elements.

Outsole Rubber

Saucony makes use of proprietary carbon rubber to provide its sneakers grip on a number of surfaces. You’ll discover PWRTRAC on lots of the firm’s path running sneakers, just like the Peregrine, Xodus Ultra, and Endorphin strains, and you will find XT-900 and XT-600 on street fashions just like the Endorphin Pro.

FORMFIT

FORMFIT is a time period connected to a variety of Saucony running sneakers, referring to a three-layer match system that adapts to the form of your foot. It consists of an underfoot cradle and a layer of froth that molds to your foot form over quite a few runs, plus versatile higher supplies that conform to numerous foot shapes.

SPEEDROLL Technology

SPEEDROLL is Saucony’s in-house time period for rockers, characterised by a rolling rise within the toe or heel that is changing into extra frequent in running sneakers. The design component is supposed to assist runners roll via every stride from touchdown to push-off. Saucony describes SPEEDROLL as consisting of a high platform and a stiffer forefoot.

Related: We Tested 16 New Balance Running Shoes. These Are the Best


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