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 emblem from Saucony Creek, which flows by means of the city’s middle. Although the corporate did not get into the athletic footwear recreation till mid-Twentieth century, however it’s held a place on the entrance of the pack with design improvements that earned early efficiency footwear just like the 7446, Hornet, and Jazz accolades and acclaim.

Runners at the moment is perhaps extra acquainted with the Kinvara, a widespread 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. Numerous the design and technical innovation that is aided elites is present in our choose for the most effective general 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

Even although this member of Saucony’s more and more widespread Endorphin line has Speed in its identify, that is undoubtedly not all it is geared for. Don’t get us improper; 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 would not have that very same inflexible, springboard really feel of footwear which are wholly devoted to racing and tempo workouts, which helped it fare effectively on slower easy-paced days. Additionally, this new model is a bit softer than earlier iterations of the Endorphin Speed. Therefore it is good 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 best for many who favor stability options.

Weight: 8.1 oz

Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm

Best Everyday Saucony Running Shoe: Ride 17

In a world the place new tech has led to an modern array of running footwear for each objective, the Ride 17 is conventional. It has a comfortable and common match, with a roomy toe field and sufficient midfoot lockdown to help 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 best for lengthy runs, however offers a enjoyable and supportive trip for shorter on a regular basis efforts. It’s utilitarian, not flashy, and we imply that in the easiest way.

Pros: 

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

Cons: 

• Heel pull tab rips off.

Weight: 9.9 oz 

Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm

Best Saucony Running Shoe for Racing: Endorphin Pro 3

The Endorphin Pro comes with all of the conditions of a super-shoe: minimalist higher, forward-rolling rocker, enormous touchdown pad manufactured 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 these kind of footwear, know that it isn’t a nice match for on a regular basis running (go for the Endorphin Speed or Kinvara Pro if you would like an on a regular basis shoe with additional pep). If you will have, what to anticipate. On our take a look at runs, we discovered the Endorphin Pro to be much like race footwear 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 best 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

Best Budget Saucony Running Shoe: Axon 3

These days, it is troublesome to seek out a respectable running shoe beneath $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 comfortable and breathable. Like another Saucony footwear, the heel pull loop is just too small to be purposeful, however it’s the one subject we might discover. The shoe has surprisingly good grip (which helped on snowy take a look at runs), a roomy toe field, and respectable 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 footwear we’re now used to. It’s nonetheless a lot comfortable although, even on longer runs. It additionally has a 4 mm heel-toe drop—the bottom on this checklist, if that is your desire. If you are in search of a basic running shoe and worth is extra vital 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

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 in search of a shoe with added stability will be assured that the Tempus has the additional construction they want. It impresses as a result of it isn’t like different stability footwear, which too typically really feel clunky and inflexible. It has additional stiffness across the heel and a good vast 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 footwear have historically existed in a class aside from “regular” day by day trainers, however the Tempus straddles the road. Need additional help however nonetheless need one thing snappy when it’s essential to choose up the tempo? The Tempus has received you. Just do not hassle utilizing the heel loop to tug them on, it is method 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

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 enormous platform of Saucony’s PWRRUN+ foam and an higher that wraps your toes tight into a cockpit that is prepared for takeoff. The consolation extends into the run, however all that squish can sap vitality for those who’re out for a velocity exercise. Save this shoe for simpler efforts; it is a wonderful day by 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 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 best for velocity.

Weight: 9.8 oz

Heel-Toe Drop: 10 mm

Best Saucony Running Shoe for Uptempo Runs: Kinvara Pro

If the “Pro” on this shoe’s identify and the partial carbon fiber plate in its midsole makes you suppose the Kinvara is a tremendous high-end marathon shoe, suppose once more. The Kinvara Pro is a day by day coach by means of 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, hardly ever seen in a shoe that prices lower than $200. Here, it offers rigidity that is not best for restoration runs however is sweet and springy throughout intervals and strides. It’s a strong alternative for somebody including velocity workouts into their routine however needs to stay to at least one shoe.

Pros: 

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

Cons: 

• Slightly slim within the forefoot.

Weight: 9.5 oz

Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm

Best Saucony Trail Running Shoe for Technical Terrain: Peregrine 13

A shoe would not get to a thirteenth iteration with out being extensively 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 toes feeling supported on various 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: filth roads, farm ruts, snow, rocks (there’s a soft terrain version that has deeper lugs for soggier locations). As for match, the Peregrine looks like a technical path shoe; it is a smidge slim within the forefoot and hugs shut by means of the midfoot. Bonus options embody a lace loop and a D-ring for gaiters to journey in all seasons.

Pros: 

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

Cons: 

• Fit not best for vast toes.

Weight: 9.2 oz

Drop: 4 mm

Lug Size: 5 mm

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 identify). The options embody a 32.5 mm stack of froth that is a lot comfortable however not so squishy that it saps your vitality 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 comfortable sock liner, which make the Xodus good 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

Most Versatile Saucony Trail Running Shoe: Endorphin Rift

The Endorphin Rift makes a play for velocity. 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 footwear, 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 positive for between-trail stretches of pavement and sidewalk.

Pros: 

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

Cons: 

• Upper would not have a lot additional safety.

Weight: 8.6 oz

Heel-Toe Drop: 6 mm

Lug Size: 4.5 mm

Why You Should Trust Me

I’ve been running since center college, 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 toes of elevation achieve) and a circumnavigation of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, which is 700 sq. miles in measurement. I’ve been writing about running—training, nutrition, races, and kit—for over a decade. I continuously discuss to athletes and business execs about footwear and have examined a number of earlier iterations of the Sauconys on this checklist. 

For this information, I additionally spoke with Fan Zhou, common supervisor of running and footwear at REI, for perception on know-how, innovation, and developments within the running shoe house. Zhou has been running for greater than 15 years, has accomplished 13 Boston Marathons, and just lately ran the California International Marathon. “The rhythm of my life is dictated by running,” he informed 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 footwear and dealing intently with athletes and business execs—that the proper running shoe for one person is perhaps 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 footwear on this information primarily based on the standard of the options and construct of every one, conserving in thoughts their potential supposed use for any particular person

We examined every shoe included on this checklist—and quite a few others—throughout a vary of surfaces and distances. Knowing that each one runners have totally different toes, gaits, and types of running, we additionally take into consideration outdoors evaluations and experiences.

Remember: It’s all the time a good concept to strive on a shoe earlier than you decide to it. When purchasing for a new pair of running footwear, 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 footwear. 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 footwear; 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 footwear (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 peak, foams, and plates. He calls Saucony a chief within the business in these features.

Outsole Rubber

Saucony makes use of proprietary carbon rubber to offer its footwear grip on a number of surfaces. You’ll discover PWRTRAC on most of the firm’s path running footwear, 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 hooked up to a variety of Saucony running footwear, 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 turning into extra widespread in running footwear. The design component is supposed to assist runners roll by means of every stride from touchdown to push-off. Saucony describes SPEEDROLL as consisting of a high platform and a stiffer forefoot.

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