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Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Running Shoe Review

Tested using Methodology v0.8
Reviewed Apr 23, 2025 at 09:56 am
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Picture
8.4
Marathon Racing
7.9
5K/10K Racing
8.7
Energy Return
9.0
Cushioning
5.2
Lateral Stability

The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is the second iteration of Saucony's most aggressive carbon-plated racing shoe, positioned at the very top of their super shoe lineup. Designed specifically for long-distance road racing, it features a full-length carbon plate embedded in a thick layer of TPEE-based IncrediRun foam for maximum bounciness and softness. With a steep forefoot rocker and aggressive geometry, the Endorphin Elite 2 is purpose-built for efficiency over the marathon distance.

Our Verdict

8.4 Marathon Racing

The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 performs impressively for marathon racing. Its soft yet energetic TPEE-based foam offers excellent shock absorption and rebound, helping reduce muscle fatigue during longer efforts. Combined with a high stack height, lightweight build, and a propulsive carbon plate, it excels at maintaining cruising speed over the full distance. However, the lack of lateral stability may pose issues when form starts to break down late in the race, especially for heel strikers or those with less stable mechanics.

Pros
  • Midsole offers a very plush experience.

  • Lightweight.

  • Carbon plate

Cons
  • Poor stability.

7.9 5K/10K Racing

The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 holds up for shorter racing distances, but its soft midsole limits its aggressiveness at faster paces. While the energy return is very good and the carbon plate provides some stiffness, the low forefoot firmness and general design make it feel less snappy than firmer, more tuned 5K/10K super shoes. It's best suited for runners who prefer a soft and efficient ride even during shorter events rather than a high cadence, ground-connected experience.

Pros
  • Lightweight.

  • Carbon plate

Cons
  • Foam is super soft and wobbly.

8.7 Energy Return

The energy return of the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is excellent across the stride. The TPEE-based IncrediRun midsole compresses deeply and rebounds quickly, helping runners feel a continuous sense of forward motion, especially at marathon and threshold paces.

Pros
  • TPEE-foam decompresses well to give a propulsive feel.

Cons
9.0 Cushioning

This shoe delivers outstanding cushioning, especially at the heel. The forefoot also offers ample protection, giving runners a plush ride that helps reduce impact forces. The midsole compresses generously, making it a solid option for runners who value comfort on race day.

Pros
  • Midsole offers a very plush experience.

Cons
5.2 Lateral Stability

The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is quite unstable, especially at slower paces. Despite having a carbon plate, the soft and deeply compressive foam undermines stability. Its narrow arch, combined with a very high stack height, contribute to a wobbly ride that's typical of most super shoes. This may be a dealbreaker for those needing more stability.

Pros
Cons
  • Poor stability.

  • Foam is super soft and wobbly.

  • 8.4 Marathon Racing
  • 7.9 5K/10K Racing

Performance Usages

  • 8.7 Energy Return
  • 9.0 Cushioning
  • 5.2 Lateral Stability

Changelog

  1. Updated Apr 23, 2025: Review published.
  2. Updated Apr 14, 2025: Early access published.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

We tested the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 in men's US size 9, as indicated on the label of our unit. The shoe pictured here is in the White | Peel colorway. This model is available in several other colors, including Fog | Cinder and Citron | Black. Wide versions are not available for this shoe. The design section refers specifically to the model we tested, but we expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.

Compared To Other Running Shoes

The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is one of the softest and most deeply cushioned super shoes on the market. Despite the plush feel, its midsole remains impressively energetic and holds itself together well at marathon pace, making it a compelling option for long-distance racing where protection and comfort become crucial but efficiency is still paramount. However, that same softness can work against it in shorter events; it lacks the snappiness and precision found in options like the Nike Vaporfly 4, which are more dialed-in for 5K to half-marathon efforts. The Elite 2's focus on softness and underfoot protection brings it closer in spirit to the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3, though without that shoe's aggressive and unique rocker geometry.

Within Saucony's premium Endorphin lineup, the Endorphin Elite 2 sits at the very top as their lightest, marathon-optimized racing shoe. Just below it is the more accessible Saucony Endorphin Pro 4, which is another carbon-plated super shoe but with a firmer, more versatile ride that performs well in shorter races and structured workouts. Further down in the lineup, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 serves as a plated super trainer ideal for intervals and faster training sessions, rounding out the lineup with a strong balance of performance and daily usability.

For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes to find the perfect pair.

adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 are both high-end super shoes that strike an impressive balance between cushioning and energy return, and they weigh about the same. The Saucony leans softer, offering a slightly more cushioned underfoot feel that's great for protecting legs over long distances. The Adios Pro 4, while still well-cushioned, delivers slightly better energy return and a firmer overall ride. Both are optimized for marathon efforts, but if you had to race a 5K in one of them, the firmer platform of the Adios Pro 4 would better support quicker turnover and a snappier toe-off.

Nike Alphafly 3

The Nike Alphafly 3 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 are both marathon-optimized super shoes with similar weights, but they deliver very different ride experiences. The Alphafly 3 has a firmer forefoot thanks to its Zoom Air pods, creating a more mechanical, highly efficient feel that many runners find propulsive. The Elite 2, by contrast, is softer and more cushioned underfoot, offering excellent protection and bounciness over long distances, but its ultra-plush feel may come across as overly mushy for some. While neither shoe is particularly stable, the Alphafly 3 holds a slight edge in that regard, making it feel a bit more controlled at high speeds. I

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 are both carbon-plated super shoes, but they serve slightly different purposes. The Elite 2 is lighter, softer, and more deeply cushioned, offering a highly energetic ride that excels in the marathon, where protection and efficiency are key. However, its ultra-soft midsole can feel overly mushy for shorter events, lacking the snappiness some runners appreciate. The Endorphin Pro 4, while slightly heavier and firmer, is more stable and versatile—it performs well across a wider range of distances, including shorter races and even track workouts. For runners chasing maximum performance and comfort over long distances, the Elite 2 is the superior tool. But for most, the Pro 4 offers a more practical and well-rounded race-day experience.

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3

The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 and the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 are both long-distance super shoes that emphasize soft cushioning and energetic midsoles, but they differ notably in design and feel. The Elite 2 is lighter and more adaptable across a variety of footstrike patterns, making it a better fit for a wider range of runners. In contrast, the Rebellion Pro 3 features an aggressive rocker and dramatic heel bevel, which can create a strong rolling sensation but limits its practicality to midfoot strikers. 

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
8.2
Design
Weight
Weight
201.9 g (7.12 oz)

The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is lightweight, comparable with other top-tier marathon super shoes like the Nike Alphafly 3 and adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4. While it doesn't push boundaries, it maintains an efficient race-day feel.

Design
Stack Heights
Heel Stack Height
40.0 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
32.3 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.0 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
7.7 mm
Design
External Shape
Outsole Heel Width
87 mm (3.4")
Outsole Arch Width
55 mm (2.2")
Outsole Forefoot Width
112 mm (4.4")
Design
Internal Shape
Internal Length
273 mm (10.7")
Internal Heel Width
55 mm (2.2")
Internal Forefoot Width
90 mm (3.5")

Like many performance-focused racing shoes, the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 offers a snug fit and a minimal upper. It's quite narrow overall, so we suggest considering this when picking your size.

Design
Other Features
Tongue Gusset Type
Non-gusseted
Plate
Carbon Fiber
Performance
8.7
Performance
Heel Energy Return
See details on graph tool
Heel Energy Return
90.0%

The energy return from the heel is amazing, with the TPEE-based foam decompressing quickly enough to keep the ride feeling dynamic. While the shoe's geometry encourages midfoot and forefoot landings, the heel midsole offers aid in heel-to-toe transition, thanks to this rebound.

8.7
Performance
Forefoot Energy Return
See details on graph tool
Forefoot Energy Return
90.2%

The forefoot energy return is equally excellent, giving the shoe a smooth, rolling ride when cruising at steady paces. It doesn't feel overly explosive or aggressive, offering a noticeable rebound across a wide range of efforts, particularly during tempo and marathon efforts.

9.3
Performance
Heel Cushioning
See details on graph tool
Energy Absorbed At 300N
1.83 J
Energy Absorbed At 600N
4.92 J
Energy Absorbed At 900N
7.72 J

The heel cushioning is superb. The IncrediRun foam compresses easily and absorbs impact well even at higher forces, helping reduce fatigue for heel strikers and runners who need a bit more rearfoot protection when their form starts to break down. This makes the shoe more forgiving for long-distance efforts.

8.7
Performance
Forefoot Cushioning
See details on graph tool
Energy Absorbed At 300N
1.36 J
Energy Absorbed At 600N
3.66 J
Energy Absorbed At 900N
5.89 J

The forefoot delivers amazing cushioning, offering a very protective and plush experience underfoot. It compresses deeply at all force levels, especially benefiting forefoot strikers and those aiming for smoother transitions at marathon paces.

4.2
Performance
Heel Firmness
See details on graph tool
Average Firmness 0 To 300N
23.9 N/mm
Average Firmness 300 To 600N
43.9 N/mm
Average Firmness 600 To 900N
79.7 N/mm

The heel is very soft across all tested force levels, being among the less firm super shoes on the market. This helps with comfort but comes at the cost of stability, especially under fatigue. Runners who rely on rearfoot structure may find the ride less controlled during long efforts or on tired legs.

6.9
Performance
Forefoot Firmness
See details on graph tool
Average Firmness 0 To 300N
31.4 N/mm
Average Firmness 300 To 600N
58.6 N/mm
Average Firmness 600 To 900N
100.8 N/mm

The forefoot foam leans toward softness. This helps maintain a smooth transition without feeling overly mushy, but it's not firm enough to deliver a snappy toe-off and favor a high turnover like other super shoes optimized for shorter events, such as the Nike Vaporfly 4. That said, at higher impact forces, like when running faster, it firms up slightly, making it a strong contender for long-distance racing.

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