Published: August 8, 2021
SCORE: 9/10
Weight: 7.5 oz (M) and 6.3 oz (W)
Heel Drop: 8mm (It has 35.5mm in the heel and 27.5mm in the forefoot).
Shoe Type: Road Racing
Surface: Road
Pace: Racing, tempo and marathon
Pros
- A Seamless rolling transitioning
- Breathable
- Snappy ride
- Exceptional cushioning
- Very lightweight
- Better upper with a snug fit and secure lockdown
- Versatile
- Durable
Cons
- The downside is that you get to enjoy it more when you turn up the pace than when doing slow runs.
Take Away
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 integrates aspects of the previous version and other small yet significant updates in the heel and lacing system. It is apparent that Saucony emphasized enhancing fitting to boost the overall performance of the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2. The weight and outsole remain unchanged.
Introduction
2020 was supposed to be an Olympic year, so it marked the inception of a very aggressive and competitive running shoe in the market. It is the year that Nike launched the ground-breaking carbon plated shoe, the Vaporfly, then the Alphafly NEXT%.
After constant trials, coupled with failures by shoe brands to develop efficient propulsive carbon-plated running shoes, Nike got a breakthrough with the Nike Zoom Alphafly Next%. Then, without competition, it ran the show. Subsequently, through Eliud Kipchoge, a marathon legend, Nike bagged the first under two hours marathon record (1:59:40.2).
Nike Zoom Alphafly Next% shook the athletic scene. With its high responsiveness, super cushioning, and race dictating rocker system, some elite runners felt that Eliud had an unfair advantage over other runners. So good was the Alphafly Next%.
It did not take long, and Saucony marked its presence in the running shoe arena with the Endorphin Pro. Endorphin Pro v1 dismantled Nike's monopoly by providing similar performance but at a lower price. Since its debut, the Endorphin Pro has remained to be one of the most loved super shoes that take into account a runner's needs. It is known chiefly for fast, snappy rides.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 Instant Impression
My experience with the Saucony Endorphin Pro 1 has been great. I have always loved its smooth rolling and the gentle snappy ride. Unfortunately, it has issues like slight slippage in the heel and too much material on top of the foot that affects snug-fitting. Still, these problems are not substantial because they don't even take away the excellent reputation of the Endorphin Pro 1.
I believe that my love for the Endorphin Pro 1 represents the overall reputation of this shoe. Since its release in 2020, the Endorphin Pro has been a darling to many runners.
I must admit that the release of its second version made me curious. I wanted to know what advancement Saucony made to the Endorphin Pro 2. I even followed it up at Saucony's official website. I confirmed that it has a minor tweak on the upper and nothing else.
I couldn't resist the temptation of buying the Endorphin Pro 2. When I put it on, it instantly felt supportive in the heels. Also, the upper was "huggy" and had a secure lockdown than in the previous version.
I took it out for a run, and the ride felt like in the original version. Endorphin Pro 2 was Snappy, firm with seamless rolling sensation. There was no slippage on the heel, so I felt confident with every foot strike.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 Upper Design and Fitting
The Endorphin Pro 2 has a radiating upper that adds to its overall appearance. Its upper components have been put together in a single engineered mesh for a minimalistic yet plush look. The FORMIT constructed mesh forms a nice structure and wraps nicely on top of the foot.
The significant problem runners had with the previous version was the inconsistency in lockdown at the top of the foot, and Saucony did take note. In the new version, Saucony brought in significant improvements, including adding lacing slips on the lateral sides of the medial part of the upper and an elastic band.
The upgrade has added grip on the upper part of the foot. Therefore you won't expect any lacing-related issues. There is also no pressure exertion on the upper, so it feels comfortable and pleasant.
The tongue is not thickly padded, and like in the previous version, it is semi-stitched into the shoe. It is partially gusseted and flexible. The inner lining of the tongue is also soft. I did not feel irritation and stifling.
The suede onto the top of the tongue is barely stitched. I couldn't tell its role, but it adds some frills to the shoe. The logo is constructed with a very thin and flexible overlay to retain a soft feel at the medial side of the shoe.
The Endorphin Pro 2 has no heel counter, and the heel flare is less pronounced than in the previous version. The collar is slightly rounded and has sufficient padding to enhance comfort and offer a snug fit around the heels and ankles. The inner lining on the heel is super smooth and has the right amount of padding.
The upper part of the Endorphin Pro 2 is well constructed, so everything is the way it should be. It is beautiful, breathable, and accommodating. It fits true to size with exceptional step-in comfort. I felt a pretty tight lockdown in the forefoot, and it combined well with the heel to provide an overall foot lockdown. The toe box is roomy to allow the toes to splay naturally.
I think the anti-slip lacing system and a hug a snug-fitting heel are good updates.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 Sole Component
The original version made a mark rigth from inception. The acceptance amongst runners was immense. For this reason, Saucony stuck with the winning formula, so it retained the critical components, including SPEEDROLL technology, a carbon fiber plate, and the PWRRUN midsole cushioning foam.
Saucony introduced the PWRRUN midsole cushioning foam back in 2019 through the Triumph 17. It has continued to use it throughout its new shoe models.
Unlike the traditional EVA foam, PWRRUN foam is springy, flexible, durable, and consistent. As a result, it offers a soft landing and a nice feel under the foot. Still, it has some firmness to it and, in some way, very forgiving, stable, and snappy during toe-off.
If you are looking for a shoe that rolls with every stride, Endorphin Pro 2 is the go-to shoe. It rides smoothly, courtesy of the SPEEDROLL technology. The technology enhances the natural forward movement of the body during running by establishing a propulsive and rolling sensation. It does this by coordinating the springy foam movement and the snappy plating system to make running very effortless and efficient.
With the SPEEDROLL technology, the heel-to-toe transitioning is as seamless as it was in the previous version.
There is no change in the outsole. Everything is an iteration of the original version. Like in the Endorphin Pro 1, the outsole has exposed midsole foam protected by a hard rubber that forms a ring around the shoe.
The hard rubber is also placed in the high-impact zones in the heel. It also forms part of flex groove patterns in the forefoot to keep the midsole flexible, add traction and give it a long lifespan.
The durability of the midsole is not an issue as long as you stick to road running. I have always avoided surfaces like gravely trails to keep my Endorphin Pro 2 in its good form.
I did a couple of interval paces, and throughout the runs, I felt the robust S-Curve carbon plate responding to every foot strike. I only had to keep it rolling. It was snappy, but the pop was not as profound as in the Nike Vaporfly.
I liked how my strides felt natural, unlike when running in the Nike Zoom Vaporfly. In the Vaporfly, the rocker pushes you forward in a manner like it is dictating the foot strikes. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 imitates the foot strike while increasing efficiency.
Running in the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 feels good. I can have it for regular training and rack up miles with it. It runs fast, so it is easy to clock a mile in about six to seven minutes. That is a good time for a non-competitive runner.
There is nothing to take away from the Endorphin Pro 2. It is lightweight, very accommodating, and promptly responds when you turn up the pace. I noticed that it becomes more enjoyable running in the Endorphin pro 2 when you pick up the pace.
Why You Should Buy Endorphin Saucony Pro 2
The Endorphin Pro 2 is one of the most versatile super running shoes on the market. While it is built for racing, it performs exceptionally even when doing a variation of paces. However, it is not as aggressive as the Vaporfly, which performs better in a competitive race. Still, I find the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 an easy pick for any pace. Besides, it fetches at a lower price than the Nike Zoom Alphafly NEXT%.
If you enjoy the original version, you won't have a problem liking the Pro 2. Saucony ensured that it stuck with the winning formula from the previous version. So everything is the same except for the enhanced lacing system.
If you never ran in the first version and you need something that can give you a gentle speed, go for the Endorphin Pro 2. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is a shoe for a big race. The S-curve carbon fiber plate, Speedroll technology, and springy PWRUN PB foam will power you through the long-distance marathon or speed workouts. It can also function as a regular rotational running shoe. It can handle a lot of training miles.
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Reviewd by Dick Harrison
Harrison is an Australian who lives in Sidney. He trains for fitness and the fun of it but does it like a pro. Harrison has the experience of running in various running shoes and understands the technology behind each shoe model he has worn.
