The RW Takeaway: Saucony made minor modifications to the Endorphin Pro 2—most notably, improved lacing—but this second iteration won’t disappoint Pro 1 fans.
- S-curve carbon-fiber plate works with Speedroll tech to propel you forward
- Elastic bands keep tongue secure
- Thin engineered mesh upper comes foot ventilated
Price: $200
Type: Road, racing
Weight: 7.5 oz (m), 6.3 oz (w)
Drop: 8 mm
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Saucony Endorphin Pro 2
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2
The Endorphin Pro 2 has undergone subtle changes, so runners smitten with the OG can exhale a sigh of relief. This second iteration of Saucony’s carbon-fiber-plated racer continues to offer what its competitors fall short on. For example: The thin, cloth-like, single-layered engineered-mesh upper envelopes the foot without any unnecessary pressure. It doesn’t overheat like Nike’s Vaporweave when you’re six miles into a marathon. And it has a more secure ankle fit than Brooks’s unisex Hyperion Elite, which women found to have a loose collar and heel—a common problem for women running in unisex shoes.
More Supportive and Secure
The first Pro lacked stability, especially in the heel; turning sometimes led to an ankle roll and a bunched-up, off-center tongue. The 2 provides more support around the heel with an even more secure fit, though runners with weak ankles may still feel wobbly cutting corners.
The new closure system has elastic bands strategically placed to prevent the tongue going askew. One overpronating tester felt timid rounding turns when she dipped under 6:30 pace. That could be trouble for some because the Pro 2, like the Pro 1, just wants to go at full tilt. Lacing it up, you become that antsy racehorse in its corral, ready to bolt out of the gate.
Wear-Tester Feedback
Trevor C., tester since 2017
Arch: Medium | Pronation: Neutral | Footstrike: Midfoot
Previously tested: Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2, Saucony Kinvara 12
“This is a really great shoe. I have worn the Endorphin Speed in the past which I also really liked, but this Endorphin Pro really does kick it up a notch in terms of performance. There is a lot of cushion and also high energy return. Felt like this shoe kept my feet and lower legs feeling healthy even during high mileage training sessions.”
Katie O., tester since 2021
Arch: Medium | Pronation: Overpronator | Footstrike: Midfoot
Previously tested: New Balance FuelCell RC Elite 2
“This is a solid racer or workout shoe that feels a bit firmer and more responsive than some of the other carbon plate shoes (like NB RC Elite 2 and Hoka Carbon X), but is a very neutral shoe that may not provide enough support for some runners. I appreciated how firm and snappy the shoe felt, even with the thick foam sole and high stack height. Like many carbon plate shoes, the forward roll was noticeable, but felt natural. The upper hugged my heel and wrapped my arch pretty well, with some room in the toe box, but did not have the glove-like fit of a New Balance racer. No hot spots over the top of my foot despite the thinner tongue. [However,] the neutral platform left my arches and beat-up left ankle achy after just a few miles.”
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
