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While the Endorphin Speed is versatile and kind enough to tolerate easy mileage, it excels with accelerated pace. It invited this plodder to pick up the pace not only on an initial easy run, but later on hill repeats, fartleks, stair workouts, and even steady long runs. It prefers and encourages a mid- to fore-foot landing, and wants to run and run swiftly. For starters, this style is not designed for heel-striking. For those of us who’ve been avoiding speedwork (or, you know, just trying to survive at least and maintain some semblance of fitness at best during the past year-plus) hopping into a speed-ready shoe requires a little getting used to. Once I warmed up, the Endorphin Speed was very fun to run in. A firm but minimal heel counter stands up well, without blisters or bother. A largely unnoticeable interior toe bumper does its protective job. For those whose narrow feet leave extra lace, a thoughtful band on the forefoot allows you to tuck in loose ends. The low ankle collar is padded and lined so too is the high but unobtrusive, breathable tongue.
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On my key-hole shaped feet, the Endorphin Speed fit true to size and well - in particular after I dog-eared the flat, stretchy ribbon laces for a more secure fit around the heel. Plus, after more than 100 miles, it’s yet to bag out. The durable sandwich mesh of the upper material doesn’t stretch, but is pliable, conforming and breathing well. It’s made with an elastomer-based material that feels peppy underfoot.Īt first step-in, the Endorphin Speed feels like something Goldilocks would like were she a runner: It’s neither too wide nor too narrow neither too socky nor loose neither too high nor too low neither too hard or too soft. Saucony calls the midsole material, the brand’s lightest, most springy foam, PWRRUN PB. It’s this material, coupled with the nylon foot plate, that gives the Endorphin Speed its signature ride. Its pronounced rocker - akin to a rocking chair base - curves under the ball of the foot, and the exposed, chunky foam begs to be squished (and kindly complies). Out of the box, the Saucony Endorphin Speed feels light and stands tall. Stack Height: 38 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot Designed to encourage faster turnover and higher efficiency, the Speed’s plate doesn’t feel as aggressive as a carbon plate. The Speed includes a full-length foot plate embedded in the middle of a bulky (but light) layer of high-rebound foam, but unlike the Pro, this plate isn’t carbon - it’s a stiff, but not rigid, nylon piece in the midst of the shoe.
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These semi-super shoes, like the Endorphin Speed, are less expensive and tend to be tuned to be more accessible, suitable for training, and mortal racing. These supershoes, including Saucony’s own Endorphin Pro, have helped carry runners to remarkable performances - sparking debate and even meriting World Athletics rulings on what shoe technology, exactly, is permissible.Īs brands have added super shoes to their lines, they have also started to spawn semi-super shoes, with some, but not all, of the characteristics of the elite-level marathon racers. In our current era, so-called supershoes marry cushion and energy-returning materials in search of faster times on the road and track. How is it that something so cushiony and comfortable feels simultaneously so zippy? A feat of engineering, the Saucony Endorphin Speed allows opposing sensations to coexist. With a nylon foot plate and lightweight cushion, it’s a model you’ll want to reach for on workout and race days. A kinder supershoe, the Saucony Endorphin Speed is designed for running fast without sacrificing comfort or rearranging your stride.