PB on the Trails?! Saucony's Endorphin Rift Pushes Boundaries

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Exploring the Saucony Endorphin Rift Trail Running Shoe
For trail runners seeking a smart blend of under-step comfort and peppy performance, the Saucony Endorphin Rift emerges as a compelling choice in the trail running rotation. This shoe, designed for rugged ascents and challenging terrains, offers an innovative approach to trail running, thanks to the Endorphin Edge drop a couple of years ago from Saucony; the big brother to the Rift.
Upper Breakdown
The upper of the Saucony Endorphin Rift is crafted from a durable, yet lightweight, engineered mesh. This material ensures breathability, keeping the feet cool and dry even during intense runs. The mesh is reinforced in strategic areas to offer support and structure, providing a snug and secure fit. However, beware of the toebox width. You likely will have plenty of space for your toes to splay in the toebox. Additionally, the shoe features a protective toe cap and a booty-style collar to shield against trail debris, or snow! And yes, the comfort of the heel counter is spot on with the extra padding back there.
Midsole Energy
At the heart of the Endorphin Rift is the innovative midsole, made from Saucony's proprietary PWRRUN PB material. There is no plate inside the midsole, unlike the big brother to the Rift, the Endorphin Edge. This cushioning technology offers a responsive and springy feel, enhancing energy return with every stride. The thumb test and durometer reading are really spot on for the Rift ride. The midsole's design focuses on providing a balance between softness for comfort and springiness for speed, making it ideal for a tweener shoe in training and racing; aggressive trail racing that is.
Outsole Grip
The outsole of the Endorphin Rift is equipped with PWRTRAC rubber (4.5 mm depth), known for its exceptional traction and durability. The lug pattern is designed to grip a wide range of surfaces, from wet rocks to loose grit on the trails, ensuring bite and under-step confidence on uneven trails. The outsole's composition and design contribute to the shoe's overall durability, standing up to the demands of rigorous trail running. Saucony did not mess around with this outsole design. Think stout like a tank!
The Saucony Endorphin Rift trail running shoe is a testament to Saucony's commitment to innovation and midsole quality. Whether navigating rocky ascents or powering through muddy trails, the Endorphin Rift is built to enhance your trail running experience. For those seeking a reliable and high-performing trail running shoe, the Saucony Endorphin Rift is certainly worth considering. I know the price point is toasty, $169, but I would pick it up again even at that price point. Let’s see what Saucony pulls out of the bag for the v2 updates in 2024.
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[@dustinmay4498]

Super glad to see what you thought of these. Picked up a pair of these in July and have put some good miles in them, including a 50k in November. They were great for that distance!

[@latinogar1]

For me my favorite trail shoe of 2023 was the Saucony XU2 🤓 currently just about finishing off a pair of Saucony Endorphin Edge Trail (1200km since December 25th) and I’d say they are definitely an upgrade to the XU2 🤓 also just ordered a pair of Norda 001 to try 😅🤘 great to see you back 🤘😎☘️

[@TrailrunnerTroy]

Glad you enjoyed. Me and the Rift didn’t get along. The upper was too sloppy given the overly squishy midsole. So they were relegated quickly. Speedland GS:PSG was definitely a winning trail shoe for me for 50 K racing. The Salomon Ultra d’Haene was my other favorite and carried me through a 100-miler last month with not one blister. Happy trails, my friend!

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

Btw, try lacing through the second holes further out on the straps (they are not obvious), that improved the lockdown such that I could at least use the shoes.

[@paddywiggle]

I agree, the lacing sucks and the shoes run short

[@alwaystmoza]

What did you like about the speedland ? I'm looking for a shoe for 50k fast but comfortable. The race is Mostly single trails. Thanks

[@TrailrunnerTroy]

@@alwaystmoza good morning! The GS line is unfailingly stable in all types of terrain, including very rough mountains and high desert conditions, and even on the road. That extra confidence translates into higher cadence and ultimately faster racing.

[@alwaystmoza]

@@TrailrunnerTroy morning from Sydney. Thanks mate sounds about right. Appreciate the reply. Ended getting the saucony peregrine 13 and the xodus ultra 2 and will decide on which one by race day.

[@SeeChadRun]

QD: My favorite trail shoe of 2023 is a roller over from 2022; the adidas TERREX Speed Ultra. Ran the Quad Rock 50 and Never Summer 100k ultras in 2023 in this shoe and loved it! I also really enjoyed the Puma Voyage 3 and Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2. Cheers from Northern Colorado!

[@ajmartinez1906]

My Favorite Trail Running Shoes are Hoka SG5'S, Saucony Xodus Ultra 1 and Nike Pegasus trail 4 GTX.

[@marrunslow3815]

Love your enthusiasm!! When you say you’d buy it again - you get my attention. That it grips well in snow it’s great … living in ND we need traction 😂

[@paulghering4943]

Great to see you back with a new review! After 18 months hamstring injury I was forced to the lighter Endorphin Pro for trail running, and it performed surprisingly well on the trails in the Swiss Alps last summer. Now switched to the edge, but unfortunately fit and grip on (wet) rocks is disappointing, especially compared to Pulsar pro2. For winter running in the alps the SG Evo is king together with BD Access spikes.

[@andytodd8136]

Aw man I've missed you.. Thank you Seth great video as ever

[@bryanunderwood7586]

I have been loving the Hoka Techton X2...they work well for our crazy Jungle trails of Malaysia

[@marcosgarcia7321]

Good to see the shoe review is back.

[@williamadair1260]

My favorite trail shoe this year was a pair of EVO Speedgoats I held back. They are now spent. Looking for options. My favorite road shoe is the Saucony Speed 2s. So I may try these trail shoes. I found the EVO just a bit narrow. Great review Seth.

[@therunningdad01]

Glad to see u back in the Shoedio

[@kgenest100]

For traction in very technical terrains, IMO very few shoes come close to the VJs. I ran in the VJ XTRM 2s. Amazing lockdown and traction. Built like a tank and fairly light for what they offer. The shoes are ugly and still have EVA insoles… so I am expecting VJ to improve their midsoles into 2024.

[@Nivek_Fartswamy]

I recently scored a deal on the Rift. This is a very nice trail shoe. The PEBA midsole is premium with good cushion and active rebound on firmer terrain. The outsole seems very durable. Upper fits well but the lacing system and eyelet layout is unorthodox. Fussy but it works. Good lockdown and foot hold on uneven terrain.

[@jeroenschmit]

Nike Ultrafly is my favourite tralshoe from 2023. I bought a pair to use during a UTMB ultra where it turned out to be completely useless. No grip at all on the steep technical trails, especially the downhills. However, the shoe performs great on any other trail. Mud, sand, gravel, hills no problem! The cushioning of the ZoomX midsole, the roomy toe box and the overall fit are super comfortable. There is also a carbon plate in there, but I don't reelly notice it. Additionally, the shoes also does great on the roads. Heck, I even where it during the day, as a regular sneaker, because it looks so good!

[@skebqc]

Xodus Ultra's (v1) are all i used last summer and all i use this winter. Got a pair of v2 next. How does the rift compare to the xodus Ultra 2?

[@ajmartinez1906]

Great Review as always. Wondering how this shoe would go against the Thundercross

[@ericperramond3463]

:QD: Saucony Xodus Ultra 2, hands down. More toe room, better upper, lockdown, compared to the Rift. More stable, comfortable, the XU2 had it all for me. Probably in for a 2nd pair. I love the Rift idea, but the toe box is too tapered, and the laces are missing a pair of eyelets and some padding on the tongue. Rift has great lugs, but the toebox just makes it unusable for me beyond 30k or so.

[@paddywiggle]

Agree with your thoughts entirely

[@jeroen1989]

How does the fit compare to the endo speed 1/2? That shoe really fits my feet like a glove...

QD: Salomon slab Pulsar 2 SG. Great versatile lightweight and fast shoe with good grip on semi soft terrain. Also has better ground protection and lacing than the regular model, imho. Upper material could be a bit more breathable and better draining. Rocker shape could also be little flatter from the heel. It is putting a bit too much pressure right in front of the heel.

[@bikerdude6119]

I ran with the rifts for a while. I did 2 50k races but got injured in between both of them. The upper squeezes my ankle pretty bad but it does offer really great lock down in my opinion. I think saucony trail shoes would be some of the best if they came with vibram grip. I went with Altra olympus for my first 50 miler and did not get any issues. No cramps, blisters or cramps. Saucony is hard to beat for road shoes ,they're all great.

[@Wildbrooker4304]

What happened to the review on the rebel v4?

[@BayouJosh]

Bought it. Only 10 miles in. I am in the Idaho foothills and it's been comfy. I love the midsole. PwrRun PB feels right. I'm not a fan of sock-like uppers but I'll overlook it for the midsole.

[@Muhonry]

Had to return mine. Lockdown was so bad.

[@aidilarnolousrema1140]

QOD : Definitely SG5.. Rock on trail...🤟

[@gokiwi2642]

Hi Seth QOD for 2023 I just got another pair of Hoka speed goat 5 because they do the job & they do it good, cheers, onward & upward 👍🏃🏽‍♂️✌️🥳🌳✅🌴🌲👊🏼

[@neBuloid]

Salomon Ultra Glide 2 😊

[@christianbaun9855]

QoD: Hands down the Hoka Tecton X2. Surprise trail shoe of the year was the The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro and Brooks Catamount 2 :)

[@David-tr9zz]

Salomon speedcross 6 & Salomon Senseride 5! Just cant beat the glove fit upper, traction, and firm ride!

[@brentg2792]

Nike Zegama. Had its issues but excelled in more areas. Just get over the ironic name. Excited to see vibram on 24 edition

[@iambrent]

I still do all my trail runs in the ASICS Trabuco Max v1.

[@chrisdick726]

QD Solomon Ultra Glide has been good to me. 🙂

[@Bodhished]

Qod.... New Balance More Trail v3... So comfy.

[@airbromez]

QD: my favorites have been the Nike Zegamas and Hoka Mafate Speed 4s

[@mountainbuttons]

QD: Most miles in the Nike Zegama, but my fav was the On Cloudultra 2 for sure.

[@larslaird]

QoD: Nnormal Kjerag. So versatile!

[@fitterfasterfifty]

Without a doubt, the Norda 001. Best by a long shot.

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

How to improve lockdown? ◽Change to non-stretch laces ◽Lace through the outer lace loops over the forefoot

[@girisantoso5382]

Let's Goo❤

[@thecaptainchas2820]

QD: The Saucony Rift was my favorite trail running shoe actually. Good for training and racing on the trails. Like a beefed up Endorphin Speed for uneven terrain.

[@alwaystmoza]

Have you tried the xodus ultra 2 or peregrine 13 compared to this rift ? Looking for a fast comfortable racing shoe for a 50k single trail race thanks

[@thecaptainchas2820]

@@alwaystmoza I have not tried either. Closest I’ve come is trying the Peregrine on in the store. Felt like it would have good grip, but possibly leave me beat up after a few hours.

[@alwaystmoza]

@@thecaptainchas2820 why would you think that re beat up after a few hours ? Seems to have more stability and comfort than the rift and that seems to be your favourite trail shoe. Maybe be good to take it for a spin?

[@thecaptainchas2820]

@@alwaystmoza stability, maybe. Comfort, no. The Peregrine felt a little too stiff for what I was looking for for. Basically, I’m a big wimp. 🤷‍♂️

[@Mr-SRG]

I really love the Pulsar 2 for their speed and agility BUT they are so narrow that my big toes blister even after going a full size up😢

[@JaySizz]

I would have a hard time giving the upper a chance, I'm just not seeing much function or long-distance comfort in that collar area, which is a bummer because I can tell how much potential the midsole has.

[@roter4baron]

Hey Seth, I'm wondering why you stopped giving fractions of points with your scores when you review shoes. You used to give something like 7.25 or 8.5 in the past

[@christopheraubrey2040]

Hoka Mafete 4. By far!

[@ianlowe4126]

QD : My favourite trail shoe 2023 .. Merrell Agility Peak 5

[@luismcolato]

Love the edge and rift but found the pwrtrac outsole to have horrible durability. Two lugs came off the edge less than 26 miles in and 66 miles miles for the rift and looking like I’ll be lucky if it hits 150

[@Grapo2001]

QD: Saucony Triumph TR

[@Eriklohne]

QD: Hoka mafate speed 4 🔥

[@jasonhawen3272]

Norda 001 Best trail shoe

[@benjith82]

QD: Salomon S/Lab Genesis

[@davidgunther1282]

Doesn’t Salomon own this category?

[@erodoeht]

NNormal kjerag ❤

[@patrickvanderwal6324]

QD: Endorphin Edge

[@ChristianHampshire]

Speedland GS:TAM

[@user-mw8ui5qj4c]

New Balance Summit Unknown

[@dasdWARf]

qd: asics fujispeed 2, definetly not getting the attention it deserves. Best pop and grip out of all the trail plated supershoes.

[@charlesthomsen2869]

I love Saucony shoes however I wish they would fire the guy who is changing to these crazy lacing systems that don't work. Please leave it alone and don't try to reinvent the wheel that works.

[@caddchambers950]

Hello 👋 there!

[@pranayama-running-Jendrik]

You‘re looking amazing dude 🔥🔥🔥 Just keep crushing life and turning the doorknob 🫶🏻🚪 In my opinion when it‘s meant to be that me both meet some day, it will happening 🙏❤️🔥 In the meantime I give my best to represent DGR through good performances in some Marathon here in Germany 🇩🇪🔥

[@finsaether]

Hoka Tecton X and New Balance Sc Trail. Other then that, as always the Goat Speedgoat (Hoka) 🤩🔥🫡

[@scottcunliffe7642]

NNormal kjerag ❤