Saucony’s rise to fame in the world running community began way back in 1898 in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. The brand moniker (and logo) comes from Saucony Creek, though the company is no longer based in the area. Although Saucony (pronounced “sock-uh-knee”) might not be a household name like Nike or Adidas, it’s one of the original running shoe makers—and has developed a number of innovations in shoe design over the years. Some of those manifest directly in these, the best Saucony shoes.
Best Saucony Running Shoes
The Expert: I became a runner in middle school and have covered running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist. I’ve written more about running shoes than any other kind of gear. And I have firsthand experience running in models from a range of brands, including Saucony. I first wrote this guide in 2018, and I have updated it regularly as Saucony releases new shoes.
What to Consider When Shopping for Saucony Running Shoes
Unlike Nike, Adidas, or newer upstarts like Under Armour, Saucony is a running-focused brand (although it has branched out into hiking, walking, and more casual shoes). That means it can be particularly attentive to the needs and preferences of runners—and develop high-performance shoes that rival those produced by bigger companies. The Saucony lineup covers the spectrum of running, from elite racing models to everyday trainers and trail shoes.
Powerful Foams
If you browse the Saucony lineup, you’ll notice one term surfaces again and again: Pwrrun. This is the overarching name for the brand’s current suite of cushioning foams.
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At the bottom of the ladder is plain old Pwrrun, which is made from tried-and-true EVA foam. It provides a responsive, if somewhat firm, base for shoes like the Kinvara. In the fall of 2019, Saucony debuted its Pwrrun+ cushioning in the Triumph 17. This TPU-based bead foam is similar to Adidas Boost and 28 percent lighter than the brand’s previous EVA-based Everun foam. In our testing, we’ve found Pwrrun+ to be much bouncier, more durable, more flexible, and more consistent across temperatures than standard EVA. Saucony still uses it in several models, including the Triumph 20 and the Guide 16.
In recent years, Saucony has continued to grow the Pwrrun family. Pwrrun PB, found in the Endorphin Speed 3 and Freedom 5, uses compressed PEBA (also known as Pebax) beads in an internal lattice structure to create a propulsive, springy ride. Pwrrun HG, the newest version, is used in the Endorphin Elite. Dubbed a “superfoam,” it’s another PEBA-based formulation that delivers the highest energy return of all the brand’s foams, and it’s also very lightweight (much like Nike’s premium ZoomX foam). That means Saucony can stuff a lot of it into the Endorphin Elite to create optimal cushioning without weighing the shoe down.
Supporting Smooth Strides
Saucony has developed several other notable shoe components in addition to its foams. Like other brands, it has started embedding nylon or carbon fiber plates into its racing and speed training shoes to boost responsiveness and support. The Endorphin Elite and Endorphin Pro 3 use carbon fiber midsole plates to create a propulsive, efficient ride that encourages fast paces. The Endorphin Speed 3, on the other hand, utilizes a more flexible nylon plate for a softer, more supportive feel better suited to everyday training.
Speedroll is another key feature to note. It’s Saucony’s name for toe-spring, where the front of the shoe curves upward. Several of its shoes also have a full rocker sole, where both the front and back of the shoe curve upward. That upward curve promotes smoother transitions during your stride, and it’s especially important to keep shoes with taller stack heights—like the Endorphin Elite— from feeling too clunky underfoot.
How We Evaluated the Best Saucony Running Shoes
The models below represent the best Saucony running shoes available right now. To recommend them, I first reviewed the Saucony shoe lineup and talked with a Saucony brand rep to learn about the company’s latest shoes. From there, I focused on performance running shoes that showcase the brand’s best foams, midsole tech, and other innovations. I also used RW reviews, RW editor feedback, and my own knowledge of the running shoe market to narrow the list down to the pairs below. This guide features a variety of shoes to meet the needs of different runners and running disciplines. For a deeper insight into individual models, check out full-length RW reviews where available.
Pros
- More responsive, cushioned midsole
- Rocker geometry for smooth strides
- Jutted heel for added shock absorption
Cons
- Narrow toe box
- Foam on the sides is prone to wear
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.7 oz (M), 8.8 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
The Triumph is Saucony’s ultra-plush offering. The latest version comes with a revamped midsole—it still uses Pwrrun+ cushioning, but Saucony tweaked the chemistry to make this foam even more responsive and lightweight. The result? The Triumph 20 serves up a supremely cushioned feel that doesn’t sacrifice energy return. It’s a great pick for running long, but the bouncy foam and rocker sole geometry create a smooth, peppy ride that’ll work just fine for speedier workouts, too.
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Highly cushioned and responsive
Cons
- Tall stack height and rocker sole may take some getting used to
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.2 oz (M), 6.5 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
At the top of the Saucony lineup sits the Endorphin Elite, the brand’s speed-focused super shoe. Descriptions of this model come dressed with superlatives: Saucony describes it as “the lightest, fastest, and most energy efficient shoe the brand has ever made.” The sole has an aggressive rocker shape and features a new Pwrrun HG compound tuned for maximum energy return. This comes paired with a fork-shaped carbon fiber plate for flexibility and extra snap at toe-off for a highly efficient stride. The lightweight upper has webbing at the midfoot for a snug fit, and the carbon rubber outsole delivers dependable traction. In the words of one tester, the Endorphin Elite is “a true equal to the Nike products when it comes to running as fast as possible.”
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
Pros
- Lightweight
- Responsive, bouncy midsole cushioning
- Nylon plate in midsole provides stability
Cons
- Heel cup felt a little restrictive
- Little water resistance
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.1 oz (M), 7.2 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
The Endorphin Speed is the training shoe that complements Saucony’s Endorphin Elite racer above. Don’t let the Speed’s lower price fool you; this is a highly capable shoe that excels at both speedwork and distance runs. The third iteration retains the same tech highlights as the last version: responsive Pwrrun PB cushioning, an embedded nylon plate in the midsole for increased energy return, and a rocker sole shape for smooth transitions. However, testers report that—compared to the Speed 2—the cushioning feels a little softer and the redesigned nylon plate offers improved stability.
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Pros
- Slightly lighter than Kinvara 13
- Responsive ride
Cons
- Firm
Key Specs
| Weight | 7 oz (M), 6.2 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 4mm |
The Kinvara is a great training shoe for runners who like to push the pace, and Saucony has been leaning into the shoe’s speedy reputation in recent iterations. The 14th edition weighs in just a bit lighter than the previous model—always welcome news for speed-focused runners. With its combo of a Pwrrun midsole and Pwrrun+ sockliner, it provides a firm, responsive base for going fast. But the shoe has enough cushioning to protect your feet on long runs, too.
Saucony Guide 16
Saucony Guide 16
Pros
- Relatively lightweight for a support shoe
- Responsive
Cons
- Firm
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.5 oz (M), 8.4 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
The Guide is similar to the Ride (below), but it’s tuned to offer a bit more stability. This isn’t a super plush shoe, but the Pwrrun midsole foam combines with a Pwrrun+ sockliner for moderate cushioning, and a guidance frame in the midsole corrects overpronation. Overall, the shoe is designed to cradle the foot, and it achieves that with a contoured sole and a pair of midfoot bands in the upper that create a close fit when the Guide is laced up. If you need a little extra support in your daily trainer, this is a great shoe to consider.
Pros
- Lightweight and responsive
- Good for gym workouts, too
Cons
- Not the best choice for long runs
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.4 oz (M), 7.3 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 4mm |
When you need one pair of shoes for a variety of athletic pursuits—a gym workout in the morning, a walk in the park, a quick run after work—the Freedom 5 is the pair to reach for. With its low stack height and bouncy Pwrrun PB midsole, it delivers a lively, responsive ride, and the hefty outsole creates plenty of grip and offers good durability as well. It’s topped with a breathable mesh upper, so your feet stay comfortable even when your workout gets intense.
Pros
- Lighter than the previous version
- Versatile
Cons
- Pwrrun midsole isn’t as bouncy as Saucony’s other cushioning materials
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.2 oz (M), 8.1 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 4mm |
The Peregrine 12 earned high marks with RW testers and staff. And the 13th iteration is (thankfully) very similar—and even a bit lighter. Pwrrun midsole foam and a Pwrrun+ sockliner combine to deliver reliable cushioning, and an embedded rock plate shields your feet from sharp rubble and roots on the trail. The burly Pwrtrac outsole is studded with five-millimeter lugs for strong traction across a variety of surfaces, and a D-ring on the upper allows you to attach a gaiter for extra protection. Saucony also released two other specialized versions of the Peregrine: The ST has deeper lugs for traversing muddy trails, and the GTX features a waterproof Gore-Tex upper for runs in wet conditions.
Pros
- Softer Pwrrun midsole
- More flexible forefoot
Cons
- Might still be too firm for some runners
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.8 oz (M), 7.8 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
Saucony promises “more foam, less weight” in the newest version of the Ride, the brand’s workhorse training shoe. It still utilizes an EVA-based Pwrrun midsole, but Saucony tweaked the chemistry to make the material lighter and softer, then paired it with a Pwrrun+ sockliner for a plusher feel. The redesigned sole now offers more flexibility in the forefoot, and the footbed sits deeper in the shoe, which helps cradle your foot for a supportive, snug fit.
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Pros
- Lightweight, especially for a support shoe
- Suitable for neutral runners and overpronators
Cons
- Some testers felt the cushioning was firm
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.9 oz (M), 7.9 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
The Tempus is part of a recent trend toward less-intrusive, more streamlined stability shoes. In our testing, we found this premium trainer worked well for overpronators and neutral runners alike. The midsole features a core of bouncy Pwrrun PB foam—the same stuff used in Saucony’s speedy Endorphin trainers—and it’s paired with a Pwrrun frame that’s contoured to the shape of the foot. That shape allows your foot to sit deeper in the shoe, creating a cradle-like support system. And the Speedroll sole design helps you transition smoothly through your stride. The shoe’s weight is also a highlight. “I was pleasantly surprised at how light the Saucony Tempus felt, despite it being a max-cushioned stability trainer,” said one tester.
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Q+A
RW: What types of running shoes does Saucony specialize in?
MC: Like Nike, Adidas, and other major running brands, Saucony produces a wide range of running shoes. In the lineup, you’ll find support shoes that counter overpronation, lightweight trainers for speedwork, durable trail shoes, and premium speed-focused shoes for race day.
RW: I’m aiming for a PR. Should I race in Saucony shoes?
MC: Right now, there’s serious competition among major running brands to see who can produce the best ultralight, cushioned racing shoe. Nike threw down the gauntlet with its Vaporfly and Alphafly models, but Saucony is in the mix, too. With its embedded carbon fiber plate and supercritical foam, the Endorphin Elite offers top-tier performance, and, in our testing, we found it to be a highly capable pick for races.
RW: Has Saucony created any key innovations in running shoe tech?
MC: Absolutely. In fact, Saucony has a long history of innovation in running: In the ’80s, for example, it was one of the first brands to put EVA foam and TPU heel cups into its shoes. The brand continues to invest in research and development; I got to witness it firsthand when I visited the Saucony Human Performance and Innovation Lab. That research and extensive testing has led directly to the running shoe tech and capable shoes described above.
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
