Saucony revolutionized the running shoe game in 2020 with the release of their Endorphin line, boasting the three best Saucony running shoes to that point: Endorphin Shift, Speed, and Pro. It’s right up there among the greatest trios of all time, next to The Three Tenors, TLC, Destiny’s Child, Haim, The Three Musketeers, and Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson. At the time, the running world hadn’t seen anything like the original Endorphin Speed — a plated daily trainer/tempo shoe. It was ahead of its time, ahead of the competition, and moved ahead to the top of the favorite shoes list for many. Does the shoe’s third version deliver the magic of the original? Find out in my Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 review.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Review
Weight: 8.1oz., 229g (US M9) 7.2oz., 204g (US W7.5)
Stack height: 36 mm/28 mm (8 mm drop)
Price: $170
You never forget your first marathon shoe. For me, that shoe was the first Saucony Endorphin Speed. I know what you’re thinking, if I used a plated shoe for marathon race day, why not make it carbon? Well, the Endorphin Speed was also my first shoe with a plate, and my first-ever white shoe — I tend to stick to black. In 2020 there were far fewer super shoes than today. Plus, I was hesitant to splurge on $250-priced carbon-plated shoes because I wasn’t nearly the runner that I am today, with now three additional marathons under my belt. Today, I don’t dare run any marathon without a carbon plate underfoot.
I’ll never forget the elation I experienced with my first run in the shoe. No pair had ever felt so fun, efficient, bouncy, and well, speedy. I loved the original so much I bought three pairs, which is telling because, I rarely purchase the same shoe more than once. I didn’t feel the need to buy the Endorphin Speed 2 as there was only a minor update to the upper.
What’s new?
In the third iteration of the shoe, much has changed, but much is still the same. One of the biggest changes to the three is the wider heel and midfoot, including a wider S-curve winged nylon plate. Some have complained these changes make the shoe less speedy. I don’t agree with that argument, and I believe the shoe suits even more runners with the added stability. I’ve found this shoe to be softer and more versatile than past versions.
Ride
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 delivers what can best be described as a magic carpet ride. With ample PWRRUN PB cushioning, a winged nylon plate, rocker, and SPEEDROLL technology, your feet won’t stay on the road for too long with the great energy return. It’s a shoe you can use to soar to new training heights. Pair it with the Saucony Triumph 20 and you have two of the best shoes of 2022 in your rotation.
Upper
The shoe packs a breathable mesh upper with a FORMFIT design that Saucony says “hugs every part of your foot for a personalized fit and feel.” I’d like to hug the Saucony designers who consistently create such comfortable uppers. My only issue with this upper is the tongue. It doesn’t extend far enough up on my foot for a comfortable fit. I hope they add an inch or two to the tongue in the next edition. Now would be the time to insert your favorite tongue joke.
Midsole
You simply can’t go wrong with the nylon plate paired with the Peba-based PWRRUN PB, the same great foam found in Saucony’s excellent carbon-plated Endorphin Pro 3. And with a 36/28mm drop, there’s plenty of cushioning to carry you any distance.
Outsole
I’ve never had an issue with any Saucony outsole, and you shouldn’t experience any traction or durability issues with this shoe. Saucony kept the same XT-900 rubber outsole pattern that increases the grip on the road, according to the company. There’s minimal outsole wear in my pair that’s got around 200 miles.
Weight
Despite gaining a couple tenths of an ounce from the previous model, at 8.1 oz (229g) US M9 and 7.2oz (204g) US W7.5, it’s still an extremely light shoe that won’t weigh you down no matter how fast you go.
Appearance
I love the Black/Goldstruck colorway in the original Endorphin Speed so it’s great to see it again in the three. The classic colors paired with the modern design of the shoe make for quite the eye-catching shoe on foot or on the shelf. However, the rest of the colorways leave something to be desired for me. Then again, I’m not a big fan of white or bright shoes.
Price
Not surprisingly, the price increases $10 from the Speed 2, just as pretty much every other shoe has. But, with a great nylon plate and plenty of PWRRUN PB cushioning, it’s hard to find fault with the $170 price point. It’s a durable shoe that lasts hundreds of miles. The best part? It’s perhaps the most versatile shoe out there.
Your word is “endorphin”
In the era of super trainers, super shoes, and super-spoiled shoe geeks like me, no one would choose to run in just one shoe, but the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a great answer to the age-old question: If you had to choose only one running shoe, what would it be? Simply put, you can use the shoe for any type of run, from recovery to racing.
Although endocannabinoids are the actual cause of the runner’s high (not endorphins), the Endorphin Speed 3 is one of the rare perfectly named shoes that delivers comfortable runs, quick paces, and big smiles.
Note: I purchased the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 with my own money and Saucony had no input or influence on what I wrote.
