Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 review: The most versatile carbon racer?

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is the follow up to the AlphaFly and Vaporfly bothering Endorphin Pro. The first-gen shoe found a winning formula of a light and responsive PWRUN PB midsole foam, carbon plate and a breathable mesh upper. And to be honest, Saucony hasn't messed with that recipe here in the latest incarnation of this road-racing 'supershoe'.
But the world or carbon shoes has kicked on a little since that first shoe launched and so we're here to help you find out if the Endorphin Pro 2 still competes against the other carbon running shoes.
Hit play on our Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 review to find out what we made of the latest carbon racer.
JUMP STRAIGHT IN:
00:00 - Intro
01:25 - Price, weight drop and key stats
02:02 - Fit
02:31 - Design
06:13 - The Run Test
11:52 - Verdict
12:40 - Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 alternatives
14:46 - Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 vs Endorphin Speed 2
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[@tigerjazz61]

I am a fairly new runner and due to budget constraints I always purchase the previous year’s versions of shoes. I picked up the Endorfin Pro 2’s and the Speed 2’s for half price!! Love them both for different reasons. The Speed 2 is my favorite but I also like the Pro 2.

[@ricardoreis3844]

One more outstanding review mates! Thanks for the detailed observations!

[@TheRunTesters]

Glad you liked it Ricardo, thanks.

[@derellbrown3001]

Was recommended the Endorphin Pro 2 from my local Fleet Feet store and it has been a game-changer for me. Used to run in the Brooks Ghost and Mizuno Wave Rider but have now almost exclusively switched over to Saucony. Aiming to pick up a pair of the Speed 2 this weekend to get a 10k in and then compare the two myself. Thanks for the review!

[@therangersinger]

I love mine. Can't ever imagine another race with a regular pair of running shoes. Half of the excitement of an upcoming 5k race is knowing I get to lace those suckers up.

[@livegreatalways]

I begin to think that Run Testers are the no. 1 shoe review channel that I will rely on, seriously. That multi-tester format is really refreshing and provides a wider spectrum of opinions. My Endo Pro 1 is still in the box waiting for races 😔. This video is really making me wanted to take them out for a spin. Tqvm.

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks very much. Glad you're enjoying the reviews. Give yourself a treat and go for a run in the Pro 1.

[@nathaliec7330]

One of my favs shoes 2021 with the speed. Just long lasting shoes for the price. Can’t wait to try this out this year Mine is still going I used mine in snow cold rain and it did super well and so versatile even when I slow down they manage that too Thanks for the review

[@TheRunTesters]

Glad to hear they're still going strong. They feel like they'll last like the gen 1.

[@GML890]

Thank you guys, I'm buying the Pro for my marathon race 👍

[@kevingilhooley2064]

Good review chaps...I do like the look of the Pro but as Nick eluded to I think I will go with the Speed II when available as the Speed 1 is an all round awesome shoe.....greetings from sunny Brisbane.

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks Kevin. Think a lot of people will likely follow you in that decision. We’re just hoping they make more of the Speed 2 this time!!

[@alexanders4911]

Versatility is the word here! 😊

[@alexanders4911]

Tip: when u talk about min per miles. Dont forget to add in the eq min per km! Dont forget ur metric fans!!! ❤️😊✌️Alex from Sweden

[@lpishere]

I think the black band in the middle is to hold tied laces, so it doesn't flop around!

[@TheRunTesters]

We did wonder but the laces aren't long enough to tuck under.

[@michaelb5432]

Great review as usual lads 👍 I never had the original Pro but I ordered the Pro 2 yesterday. There was so much hype about the original so I'm glad the changes are minimal. It probably will fit into the bracket of hard session trainer rather than my main racer as I have the VF2 but who knows maybe I'll love it and the VF2 will have some proper competition.

[@TheRunTesters]

Hi Michael, (Kieran here) that's exactly how I'll use it.

[@michaelb5432]

@@TheRunTesters all I can say is wow for these shoes! Did a 10x400m session and I never felt so fast, doing a 5k TT and the end of this month and every interval was well under 5k pace. The Pros are in serious contention for my TT.

[@TheRunTesters]

@@michaelb5432 Nothing like that feeling of nailing a 10x400m either. Best of luck with the TT. What's your target?

[@michaelb5432]

@@TheRunTesters thanks! I did a 19.13 in Feb (my first sub 20) I have broken 20 in 3 other longer runs since and I feel more prepared this time so I'm hoping for around 18.30 mark 🤞

[@RM-hy4so]

I prefer the natural feeling of the endorphin pro and the endorphin speed to Nike’s vaporfly and alphafly. It really doesn’t make sense not being able to train in the Nike’s and then use it for a race. Your feet and gait has to adjust to those shoes during the race, even if it propels you faster. The fact that one doesn’t use these shoes for training, shows that the one needs to adjust to the mechanics of these shoes, rather than the shoes being a natural extension of you, while improving efficiency and comfort. I definitely prefer the saucony endorphin pros and speed to Nike’s and hope that saucony continues in that natural feeling. My feet, knees and hips thank Saucony for that!

[@TheRunTesters]

Some of the not wishing to train in the Vapor and Alpha is perhaps a little more to do with the price and durability more than the running mechanics.

[@TheHL30]

Good review and comperesion with speed. I'm about to buy pros or speeds but cannot decide which one will be good for me. I'm running 5k at 4:20-30 and 10k around 5:00 at the moment. And planning to do HM this year. Any advice? Thanks.

[@minmin-ll8bx]

Thank a lot! !!!

[@TheRunTesters]

You're welcome. Hope you found it useful.

[@peterkisidaj9329]

Hi Kieran and Nick, great review and compare with other similar shoes!!! I've got Endorphin Pro originals, and about a week ago I went on my first marathon like trial not official race and Endorphin Pro's were fantastic! My time target was below 3:30 and I clocked 3 hours 11 min. and after I went on a "cool down" and instead 2-3K, went 5K, legs were not tired as I would expect :). But I love Endorphin Speed, have a lot of runs in the Speed so was somehow prepared for Pros :) I'm looking forward to trying Pro 2 and Speed 2 as well. For me the best running shoes, Speed is so versatile :). However, I'm planning to buy Vaporfly Next%2 as well and probably will have them for official races and Pros for half marathons and speedy trials :). All the Best, Peter from Slovakia

[@TheRunTesters]

Hi Peter, amazing time congratulations, sounds like sub-3 has to be the goal when you get a chance to do a race!

[@peterkisidaj9329]

@@TheRunTesters Yeah, my next target to get it below 3hours in Vaporfly Next%2 😀 on Oct 3rd, here in Slovakia, Košice Peace Marathon, btw the oldest in Europe exactly at my birth place 😀

[@TheRunTesters]

Very cool marathon to do it at 🤞

[@peterkisidaj9329]

@@TheRunTesters it's gonna be "hard", but really would like to break 3 hours :) that would be awesome for me to get it on my 2nd marathon "attempt" :) Thank you so much! I like your reviews and all the content you're sharing with us, very useful and appreciated! :)

[@chrishopkins4509]

Thanks folks great review as always. Just wondering if there is a release date for the Speed 2? Think i recall from previous videos how much Nick loved the original Speed, and at the time at least, it was his favourite shoe of the year. I'm really tempted to add it to my rotation as I need a fast long run shoe, but should I hold off? Could perhaps pick up the original speeds for a bargain once the Speed 2 is out?

[@TheRunTesters]

Can’t say too much, but you might be wise to hold off a little... :)

[@ryanmedland2549]

This was the endorphin pro 2 review that I was waiting for the most and it’s the first one out 👌 great review as always. I really enjoyed the fit of the pro 1 so if this is improved then that’s a bonus. Do you know when they will be launched in the uk? I see they’re already listed on the US website (1st June) but nothing here yet. I just don’t know about this colourway 😬 it’s growing on me but I may have to go for the all black version, it’s a shame as the pro 1’s colours were incredible.

[@TheRunTesters]

Hi Ryan, glad you found this useful. They're due to go on sale in the UK today as well. The colourway is an interesting design choice.😂

[@jimoconnor8597]

Maybe you will get all the colorways we have in the US. Seems like there are 5-6 and some are pretty nice! PS The V1 can be had for $130US now. Think I'll just grab V1 on discount.

[@TheRunTesters]

@@jimoconnor8597 Going for the V1 on discount is a smart move.

[@cesarrodriguez3789]

Did the fit improve in the heel? Not that it was a big issue but that was my only grip. Either way one of my favorites, I still use my first one often.

[@chrisvarelabenitez4690]

I have a pair of the Next % and just picked up the version 1 at an absolute steal at my local Road Runner Sports warehouse. In other words, I like the Pro for tempos and road workouts. I haven't tried them on the track yet however, I absolutely ran the Endorphin Speed to the ground hammering track workouts last season. Really enjoyed the ride and the forgiveness on my legs. I'll definitely keep this shoe in mind whenever I do faster long runs, tempos, and track workouts. Looks like the same thing the midsole is the same so what's the hype of this shoe???

[@normanzielke6108]

I am looking for a racing shoe,because the NB fuelcell TC that I currently have is a bit too unstable in the heel. I am a huge fan of the Asics Glideride (as daily trainer), so I am wondering whether the Endorphin Pro could be an racing option for me because both are based on a rocker design.

[@CoolBeansConnor]

Do you guys plan to get the endorphin trail in for review once it is released? Looking forward to it if so

[@TheRunTesters]

Yep it’s one we’ll be reviewing :)

[@montesquieu5180]

Version one now on sale $150 u. s. Runners warehouse and other retail outlets as well👍

[@TheRunTesters]

If you can get the 1 at a knock down, it's a smart move.

[@gangelo79]

In comparing them to other shoes you didn't mention the NB Fuel cell RC elite. How do the two compare to each other's?

[@maxvanlogologomax6971]

Thank you for this. Ultimately, since there aren't that many differences in the generations, it seems it might more sense to buy the Pro 1 on clearance for $50 less than dishing out full price for the Pro 2, what would you say to that?

[@TheRunTesters]

We'd whole heartedly agree!

[@bioits]

No brainer for me and actually ordered the original already.

[@mrdwing333]

I've been told I don't want to use these for training and completely save them for race day so the foam is a fresh as possible, however I haven't use them or the endorphin speeds at all before so am concerned about switching form my training ONs straight to them for the great south run. I'm wondering if I should do my last run (400s) in them or even part of that session in them. Let me know your thoughts people!

[@TheRunTesters]

Definitely get some miles in them. You’re not going to ruin the foam but you will find out if these shoes present any issues for you.

[@Feanaro5503]

Kieran’s location looks idyllic. The park bench, not the optometrist’s office.

[@DiscoDougify]

I haven't even raced in my original Pros yet and now they release this!? 🤦‍♂️

[@TheRunTesters]

😂😂 In all honesty, we wouldn’t advise rushing out to get the 2 if you’ve got the 1. So you’re ok 👍

[@nickgoode8741]

This was my exact same thought...

[@moreybrown870]

yeah- the shoe is pretty much identical. I do like the feel of the midfoot tiedown security a bit better on the 2, but I still have a lot of miles left on the originals.

[@tayoidowu11]

if I can only afford 1 shoe (could I use this shoe as a trainer towards half marathon. I usually only run 10k, this is for charity. I'm neutral gait , beginner runner and my current shoe is 361 degree, sensation 4 which I find fine. thoughts..thanks

[@moreybrown870]

did a tempo speed test between my Hoka Rincons (a nice soft light pair of shoes - but not a super-shoe), and the E-Pros. Verdict after 7 mile tempo runs a few weeks apart. Same weather, same HR, same effort level, same flat path. Rincon: 7:06 min/mi E-Pro 6:49 min/mi. that's 4% faster. FWIW I did this test with a friend. He compared his Hoka Carbon X2's to the new Nike Alphafly. He found absolutely NO speed difference between the two. (which is kudos to the X2) Although- how the cushier Alpha would feel on marathon race day after 20 miles might make a difference.

[@TheRunTesters]

Interesting testing, Morey. Thanks for sharing.

[@chrisvarelabenitez4690]

I also have a pair of Rincon and find it not as comfortable as other shoes. The responsiveness is very nice though. I've found myself running quicker in the Clifton 7 than the Rincon.

[@markdixon8983]

If I buy the pro 1 instead of the pro 2 (hoping the 1s go on sale) will I be missing anything the 2 does that the 1 doesn't or on foot will I likely not even notice wich one in wearing.

[@TheRunTesters]

Hi Mark, you'll barely notice.

[@moreybrown870]

The 1's are on sale for $150 right now at a few locations. the bottom half of the shoe is identical. what you'll be missing: 1. new checkerboard color scheme. 2. a slightly tighter fitting heel cup. 3. a more secure mid-foot tie-down. So- some nice small improvements to the upper, but it's not like the original isn't a completely comfortable shoe (depending on your foot).

[@user-ru1nf2jx7g]

it's look like the pro 2 wider than the 1, am i right?

[@TheRunTesters]

Hi, we just confirmed this with Saucony and they told us: "The Pro2 has the same tooling on the midsole, plate and outsole so it is not a ‘wider’ shoe. The upper is new but the shape of the upper should be very consistent to the original Pro."

[@user-ru1nf2jx7g]

@@TheRunTesters thanks for the answer!

[@jmartinez19944]

which one is softer the speed or pro?

[@gareth1092]

The Speed.

[@jmartinez19944]

@@gareth1092 ahh okay. I got both lol🤷🏻‍♂️😁

[@chrisvarelabenitez4690]

The pro is definitely a little stiffer/rigid like most due to the carbon plate. The upper is a big game changer. How are your speeds holding up? Just retired mines a little short of 400 miles.

[@darrellmccord6556]

Hello I am Darrell in SC I'm a stroke survivor not a runner are they comfortable to for walking??

[@TheRunTesters]

There are more comfortable walking shoes for sure. And wouldn't recommend these. HOKAs might be a better option.

[@alexandernielsen7040]

They aded 2 millimeters in both heel and forefoot

[@teddyjordan8266]

LIKE 👍

[@TheResendiz16]

“8 Oz in US money” ??

[@seanjackson6752]

Terrible designs every time just put me off

[@TheRunTesters]

It's a great shoe to run in and we're happy to put up with the design for that but seems a shame they don't make them a little prettier.

[@douggrabill]

Why are the colors so terrible every time with Saucony

[@TheRunTesters]

We'd love to be in the design meets.

[@nick5422]

Fr they did so good on the original endorphin series and then this😂, still great shoes though

[@molder2233]

Got the orange ones instead, they’re pretty sweet looking.