Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 vs Speed 2: The verdict after 800+ miles in both shoes

This summer Run Tester Kieran took on the almighty challenge of running 1,830 miles in 67 days to become the first person to run Europe's Danube River from sea to source. Running the equivalent of a marathon a day of r67 days felt like the perfect opportunity for the ultimate long-mileage test of two generations of the incredibly popular Saucony Endorphin Speed series. Kieran survived the run but how did the shoes hold up? Hit play for Kieran's comparison of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 vs Speed 2 after more than 800 miles in each shoe.
Kieran ran the Danube to raise money to help poverty impacted children worldwide. You can donate here: donate.giveasyoulive.com/fund...
JUMP STRAIGHT IN:
0:00 - Intro
1:33 - Why I chose the Endorphin Speed 2 & 3
2:39 - The test conditions - what we put the shoes through
3:45 - The Run Test
13:49 - The Verdict
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[@Matheologia]

That's not your usual KZbin shoe review, folks. Seriously, that's an incredible run and a brilliant review. Thanks for sharing & greetings from a country which made one tiny bit of your journey (Croatia)! :)

[@stefanoviviani6064]

Congrats Kieran for your incredible 67 days marathon run! Thank you for this valuable video as well :)

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks. Glad it was useful.

[@911yourface]

That was an incredible review! Answered all the questions I had in a way that relates to what I'm personally looking for. Thanks for an awesome review and Wow!, what a great run you completed.

[@adamcarr8678]

Doesn’t get better than that. Thanks for all of your incredible efforts!!

[@gayegerard]

I love your reviews they are so in-depth, real and you give great descriptions especially on the actual feel and experience1 Thank you.

[@wandelpassiert8064]

The intro is mindblowing! Fantastic effort!!!

[@dr4aces]

What an epic run! Thanks for the comparison as I'm ugrading from the 1 right now.

[@roostermiller]

This was hands down the best review I've seen on 2 vs 3. I wear down the lateral heel as well. My shoes do develope a diagonal/side to side rocker, then my planter plays up as well. I generally have to replace at 350 to 400km to prevent this.

[@jamiedalrymple3689]

Well done on your great achievement 👏👏brilliant review thank you ❤️✌️

[@briansmyth1502]

Great vid as always Kieran. Great to see you back in your 'box' doing reviews, after watching your Danube epic. I've just received Speed 2s, going to use them in Amsterdam Half for PB attempt next week 🤞

[@anthea8557]

Really great thorough review! Thank you, I also found the speed 2 narrow so great to the 3s seem more forgiving!

[@michaelbourke6112]

Well done on your achievement. I'm looking at getting both the speed and pro3 into circulation soon. Just finished up with the pro 1s which were pretty tight on the forefoot.

[@madfemurfast]

That is what I run in a year. Bravo! Great review BTW!

[@gpersonaltrainer]

What a great challenge you have completed... well done! My Pro 2 (same outsoles), have 480km on (300 miles) and they started to have signs of wear already (talking just about the outsole, though). Pro 2 and Speed 2 share the same outsoles and the status of yours, after 880 miles is incredible. Well done Saucony!

[@a.jennings4664]

Excellent review.👍👍

[@shagra11]

fair and very informative review! many thanks!

[@keno.bowman9079]

Great job!!!

[@chrisvarelabenitez4690]

Thanks for the verdict and comparison. I fell in love with the Endorphin Speed 1, which went through all the training runs. Retired them at 450 miles. Picked up a second pair which I still use occasionally. I also have the Speed 2 which is fairly new, only 50 miles. I’ll probably pass on the 3!

[@1Shalwani]

Great review

[@Ghimlioak]

Great review. I confirm that the speed 2 can be a racing shoe cause I used it for my second marathon. For my third, I will use the Nike Vaporfly Next%2

[@ThomasAFraser]

Thanks man! you just helped me save some money.

[@iputuoka2707]

Nice verdict

[@benine9]

Agree with most of this breakdown. I rotate between the two currently and go with the 2 on the faster/tempo days and the 3 for slower/recovery days, but not on long runs. Those I prefer the 2 for because of the (for me) lighter weight and better response. I have a half in a few days and I'm even torn between the Speed 2 and Pro 3, which I've done 20 miles or so in thus far but just don't feel as comfortable and confident as the Speed 2s. Going to be stocking up on the 2s before they go away.

[@brianflath9037]

I’ve had all three Speed versions & agree about the additional cushion feel of the 3. I would also agree that the 2 is more of a faster shoe. Overall, it’s a great line I’ll continue to buy!

[@TheHutchRuns]

If anyone deserves to give an opinion between the Speed 2 and 3 then it's you Kieran! Awesome stuff! I have both 2 and 3 and would take the 3 every time over the 2

[@aljeffries5541]

Good review, a great story! I ran all over Italy recently but nothing like you did with distance. I love both of those shoes. Price point, the Speed 2 is much cheaper and the Speed two wears better. My Speed 3 is wearing out more especially in the heel. The Speed 3 does have a little more cushioning but you can't go wrong with either one.

[@MrWIB]

Impressive! I did the exact same thing in 2019, but by car ;)

[@frankjaucot6846]

Love the speed 2‘s so much I ran the Comrades ultra marathon in them(90km), not a single blister or black toenail , I do feel that they are a bit unstable especially when you get tired and your form goes out, slight inward pronation, nothing that caused me issues but I was aware of it especially on badly cambered downhills, I also felt that they were maybe a little to firm for the distance but after 90km your feet probably feel punished no matter what shoe, love them and will buy the 3‘s too no doubt.

[@kenfromphilly752]

Stellar effort, much respect! I might've chosen a more cushioned shoe for this type of effort, a miracle 🙏 you didn't have stress fractures or other issues. My Pro 2 lasting 780+ miles and still in use. It was my long run shoe for 600+ miles (retired to road interval day workouts) and I recovered quickly thanks to the midsole. The 2 series seems to have the durability over the 3s. I picked up discounted Speed 2 and it is way harsher a ride than the Pro 2. I don't like it over 10 miles so I limit it to medium runs.

[@michaelkane9996]

As someone who doesn't run much but training to do my first marathon and then will go back to casually running after that for my boxing, which one would you recommend?

[@Bodhished]

Great review... Have been running in speed 2 for over a year. Raced them in a half and they were great. Done 2 runs in speed 3 so far. As just a pure running shoe I think so far the speed 2 is better. But I got all white speed 3 for casual as well as it looks better than the Speed 2 🤣 Also speed 3 gives me slight rubbing on right heel.

[@i.p2088]

Punchy is a good word for the Speed 2.

[@amandaball7116]

Hey great review thanks. I have a question about grip/traction. As your epic miles sound like they were v dry, could you give us an opinion/ review about wet conditions - rain coming soon no doubt! Given the limited rubber on the outsole I have some worries

[@JasonLee-jr5fd]

RESPECT!!!

[@adamsmith9547]

I have both. Also find the 2 faster but prefer the look and feel of the 3, partly because I find the 2 a little narrow with rubbing on my little toe. Both great shoes although I still prefer the pro 3 over both versions of the speed. I realise as I type this that this firmly fits in the ‘1st world problems’ pile!

[@gustavogo2915]

More like entitled clown problems.

[@jameswestmoreland9717]

Well done. Regardless of shoes.

[@moggy992]

Hi keiran I've just got some saucony endorphin speed 2 today and love them so much. I've been racing in asics gt1000 up until now and can't believe the weight difference. I also feel the arch in the vs is better. I've just got mine today and taking them out for a speed session. All my friend's wear nike vaporfly next %2 but I don't think the small difference in weight is worth loss of support. My asics gt1000 currently weigh 220. The saucony endorphin speed are 160 size 5.

[@creativechimp03]

Kieran , great review. Can I ask you, or your subscribers a query? I currently use Peregrine 12s for Parkruns (muddy off road ones), trail running and generally canal paths etc (and I do love them). Do you think however, something like a Speed 2/3 would cope better on canal paths for those flatter days? I tend to just use the Peregrines which obviously have the 5mm lugs but I wonder whether a canal path is too mild for using trail shoes, and perhaps it's not the best thing to start increasing the miles in underfoot? I don't currently run any roads but will look to introduce that too, and perhaps some tarmac based Parkruns.

[@treboltreacy9498]

I have 1,2 and three and got at least 850 miles in the obe and 2 and still use them for short reapeats. My best shoes ever with my vaporfly 4%s and next%s. Im in love and running faster 🙏🏻❤️😎👍🏻🇵🇷

[@aumPutnik]

Спасибо!

[@JohnBirtchetSharpe]

I purchased a Saucony speed 3 and pro3 for my rotation based on what I saw from your experience, My finding after a month is that the pro3 and the speed 3's have both used the the speed 2 as a reference shoe when evolving the new models. I find the ride in the pro3 very similar to the speed 2's (just more return /bounce based on my experience & data), and the speed 3 .. has become my long run shoe (as you indicated it could)

[@atheosmachina]

How would you compare the 2 vs 3 in terms of fatigue? I ran a half PB in the 2s, but I'm slow and heavy, and must admit over 10 miles my calves are tired and my ankles stiff in these shoes. I don't (understandably) find the same problem in the Triumph 20s, so wondering if the 3s are more forgiving?

[@JohnBirtchetSharpe]

@@atheosmachina The 3rd generation of both shoe's (speed and pro) are more comfortable and better at dealing with fatigue then the 2nd gen , The only thing I would note is the outsole is already starting to go for me after 150 miles in the speed 3's) and the pro 3's are starting to see some wear in my landing and toe off spots.. (around 84miles in) I was 198lbs when I started my current training block , about 190lbs now (I hope that helps)

[@atheosmachina]

@@JohnBirtchetSharpe Thanks, that helps a lot! I'm of a similar weight on the upper end, just over 200 at the moment but getting lighter. In terms of outsole wear, are we talking the actual grip outsole or the exposed bottom part of the midsole? Are you a forefoot/midfoot or heel striker?

[@JohnBirtchetSharpe]

@@atheosmachina I am a neutral runner , tend to be mid to forfoot but when getting tired I can scuff the lateral rear of my shoes , my toe off tends to be aggressive too as that always starts balding first. I was talking outsole wear , the speeds for me just don't cut it on durability, however Kieran is not a small bloke and managed to take 3 pair 1000 miles , so it really is a case of trying them out yourself , if your main concern is comfort .and taking care of yourself on a race , you can't go wrong 🙂

[@atheosmachina]

@@JohnBirtchetSharpe Great, thanks! I tend to heel strike, but fortunately don't seem to wear the outsoles out too badly (still have plenty of grip after 400 miles on the 2s, but with some exposed midsole wear in the heel). Hopefully my issue in the Speeds is more 2s vs 3s and not forefoot vs heel striking in them...

[@jonathantimm4645]

I have the speed 2 and end up with a huge blisters on my heel. Has anybody noticed any differences with the 3 in this area? I loved everything else about the 2.

[@xtamhor]

Cushoning was Ok but I missed stability and room in toebox in speed 2''.. so might just go for the 3 next..

[@Andy.mikhail137]

I put 1,115 km in the speed 2....my God those shoes were awesome Bought the speed 3, put 15 km in them, and returned them...

[@eliteexplorer9956]

The white upper mesh of the 2 is the hardest to clean IMO. Lol

[@RainbowCharade]

how would the 3 compare with Novablast 3...?

[@therungeek]

I also think S2 seems a bit faster but I really like the comfort of S3 especialy that they are bit wider and they are perfect for long runs for me

[@fluorophoremusic3679]

I’ve rolled my ankle like 5 times with the speed 2s. I like the shoes, but the foam is so oddly spongey at the heel.

[@imola8]

i have about 400km in my speed 2`s. It seems that my right shoe kind of bents inwards on the heel (overpronation). Can it be that this is because the shoe is already worn down? i got an injury last summer on my right knee were i almost only ran with the speed2. So i guess the injury came up because of the behaviour of the shoe or me not havening enough muscle in the leg to run that kind of shoe. Do you think i should go for a new pair of Speed2`s as they are currently way cheaper or is the Speed 3 better in heel stability?

[@tigerjazz61]

In my opinion I’d take the Speed 2’s over the Speed 3’s every time. More versatile and better performance for me. The stability issue that some folks mention with the Speed 2’s has not been an issue at all for me.

[@tonybowen455]

Gonna give my speed 1's another go today for some strides. I don't see the magic after 100k in them so far, but it might be my best hm and shorter distance shoe on paper.

[@gudboyngdisyerto]

took me 350k to start to like them. i was commenting on lots of reviews how i hated them but continued wearing them because i paid original price + shipping + tax for it. now at 450k i like them and still looks like almost new

[@tonybowen455]

@@gudboyngdisyerto At 160km. Think they're starting to soften up a bit which is good. I hope I like them at 350k.

[@lilypigmojo]

Heel outsole on versions 1 & 2 of endorphin speed is too thin/lacking durability and appears speed 3 suffers same issue. Have experienced identical wear on outer heel after minimal mileage wearing through the rubber leaving exposed foam...

[@yaesmucho]

One question, what rythms are the shoes best for?

[@i.p2088]

Excellent review, I have both and totally agree. I find the Speed 2 a faster shoe. Speed 3 when my legs are tired and I need the help from the shoe. Speed 3 feel slower but its deceiving. Speed 3 is a very fast shoe you just don't notice it because you are so protected. I prefer the Speed 2. Now also at big discounts.

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks. Both great shoes. But Speed 2 out there for a bargain now.

[@atheosmachina]

How did you find the difference in terms of leg fatigue? I'm a slow and heavy runner. I got my half PB in the 2s, but any time I run further than about 10 miles my calves get ruined and my ankles become very stiff, unlike the much softer Triumph 20. Do you find the 3 more forgiving, as you said you use them on tired legs?

[@kophotography895]

I have both the Speed 2 & Speed 3, however I need to rack up miles in the Speed 3. I agree every time I put on the Speed 2, I feel ready to race, however having run in the Pro 3, the Soeed 3 has a lot to live up to... Review coming soon lol

[@dlcristianlb2302]

Update?

[@olegundel169]

Simply the best shoe range! Just ordered the speed 2 after 844k‘s in my speed originals

[@Q.Q.]

There's a stated .5 mm difference in stack height (heel and forefoot) between the two models. By the time you switched from the 2 to the 3, the PEBA foam in the 2 probably was well done for. Is it possible that part of the reason for why you feel that the 3 provides more protection than the 2 is because you went from a thrashed, bottomed-out state (at which it was at, according to your own account, for about 100 miles or so) instantly to a brand-new, fresh, bouncy, compressy, reboundy state?

[@dya10718prospect]

I have speed 2 currently and I’m debating upgrading to speed 3 Only 1 big issue i have with speed 2 is that they aren’t supportive enough for me, they make me feel like my feet want to pronate inwards. Do you think the 3’s will be better in this area?

[@Manvmiles]

Hi Danny, this is one of the areas where the Speed 3 has almost certainly improved. I didn't have too much trouble with the Speed 2 but the broader base adds a little more stability.

[@benine9]

Speed 3 platform is definitely “wider” and more supportive. One knock I have on the 2 is the occasional wobble if I land on a rock, etc; 3s handle that much better, but don’t feel as fast and sleek (IMO). Give and take.

[@adamsmith9547]

Hi Danny. In a word, Yes! I find the same issue with my 2s but less so in the 3s. Still like both though.

[@alexandrosvalkanos8131]

which shoe do you recommend for a marathon? my pace is 5:30-6:00 minutes per kilometer. I am 1.83 cm tall and 87 kg.

[@skobodabaws8946]

get speed 3 mate, for a heavy runner it's good!

[@robw4057]

Just swapped from my Speed 2, to the Speed 3. The speed 3 is a much better shoe in terms of everything other than, for me, I find the 2 more responsive. As somebody you had MS I find my muscles tire less on the 2s than 3s.

[@teetertotter5787]

I tried on Speed 3 but really hate the flared heel and the way it feels like it blocks the movement of my foot when walking. And wow the way the heel is getting shredded with wear. No thanks. I just got 2 more pairs of Speed 2 on sale to keep me stocked up after my current 2 pair are done.

[@laurelizabuff]

I felt the same way about the 3. Returning them and stocking up on 2. Don't know what I'll do when they're gone😢

[@rob_h_7]

Why didn't you pick a more cushioned/stable shoe given the number of days & miles to take into consideration plus the fact that you're not racing against the clock (aiming to get a time over a specific distance)?

[@Manvmiles]

Hi Rob, I chose the Speed 2 because I knew it had the right balance of stability, light feel, durability and cushion for me over the miles I was going to cover. By far the best best all-rounder at the time and the shoe I had most confidence in. I'm not a big fan of overly cushioned shoes, prefer a little firmer. I was happy with the choice for the 880 miles I did in the Speed 2. I'd have completed the challenge in a new pair if I'd not been interested in trying the Speed 3 for comparison.

[@rob_h_7]

@@Manvmiles Thanks for the explanation. I don't run anywhere near your number of miles or anywhere as quick but my Speed 2s can occasionally feel unstable. Naturally if I was to run the Danube (never happening BTW 🙂) then I'd be thinking about support and comfort over a light, fast shoe but I guess we're at different levels of experience.

[@palmyarmyswim]

@@rob_h_7 speed 3 really improves on this, the plate keeps you in line so much better

[@notall1196]

I love the speed series but to be honest I feel they are 10km shoes.

[@gosekinz]

The 3 has a "run in" period I'd say 30-40km didn't have that experience with the 2. I prefer the heel in the 2. I don't need stability that the 3 brings with that wide heel. But the 3 has that extra forefoot width which makes it so nice as a daily. I got only about 350-400miles 550/650km out of my 2s before they began causing issues - the outsole has almost no wear! Thanks Kieran - please compare the Pro 2 and 3 .. Actually I'm looking at the Shift 3 for an easy day ... so something on that would be nice.

[@michaeldominic2070]

I've had all 3 versions and the 3 is the most disappointing for me. It just doesn't have that pop/magic that 1 and 2 had. The extra width, weight, and laces are downgrades for me. Still a good shoe, we all just have different likes and needs.

[@karls8989]

for me the speed 2 still feels like I am running on a rail the speed 3 feels like I can do everything more confidently

[@vladankostevski5749]

Speed 2 or 3?

[@TheRunTesters]

Exactly.

[@vladankostevski5749]

@@TheRunTesters How advisable to spin with the new speed 2? Mileage?🤔

[@Nexeq]

Anyday i will pick Speed 2 over Speed 3 - Speed 2 where a great cheap do it all shoe. Speed 3 is a more relaxed and more trainer shoe. Dont like Speed 3 for speed. They feel to dead compaired to Speed 2. Overall Speed 2 where perfect. Speed 3 is a step back

[@cristian-adrianfrasineanu9855]

Beware of our Romanian potholes!

[@TheRunTesters]

Hi Cristian, I had such a good time running in Romania.

[@royahoy8655]

I must be in the minority as I find the speed 2 such a dull boring shoe.

[@Strizzle81]

What shoes do you like?

[@royahoy8655]

@@Strizzle81 Nike invisible and the glideride 3 I find much more exciting to run in.👍

[@Strizzle81]

@@royahoy8655 Unfortunately, the glideride 3 fit too narrow and had low volume for me

[@himanshukarki111]

Hello bro love from India.. bro I'm a runner nd I unable to buy a good shoes for running can u donate me shoes 🙏🙏💕💕💗💗

[@gustavogo2915]

Find a job 🤡

[@himanshukarki111]

Please bro I can't afford a good shoes for running if u can help me ??🙏🙏😢😢💞❣️