Endorphin Elite 2 Running Shoe
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Race-day speed and energy return in the Endorphin Elite 2 Running Shoe
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:
"The Endorphin Elite 2 is hands down my choice for race day. The combination of Saucony’s responsive superfoam and that carbon plate gives me serious rebound, helping me conserve energy and keep my pace strong. Plus, the lightweight upper keeps my feet cool and connected to every step, which is exactly what I need when pushing for a PR."
When race day rolls around, we want every possible advantage, and the Endorphin Elite 2 Running Shoe gives us that extra edge. This advanced racing shoe from Saucony is powered by next-gen superfoam cushioning, which returns energy with every stride, helping us keep our speed high and our fatigue low. Featuring a full-length slotted carbon fiber plate, this shoe delivers a smooth, propulsive toe-off that keeps us moving forward with momentum. The lightweight knit and mesh upper wraps snugly for breathable comfort, ensuring every ounce of energy goes straight to our performance.
Details
- High-performance running shoe built for race day
- Next-generation superfoam provides exceptional energy return
- Full-length slotted carbon fiber plate for a smooth, propulsive ride
- 8mm offset for a comfortable, balanced heel-to-toe transition
- Lightweight, breathable upper keeps feet cool and comfortable
- Neutral support is ideal for competitive runners
- Weight: 7.0 oz (199g) for a featherlight feel on the road
- Item #SAUQ08U
- Upper Material
- mesh
- Closure
- lace
- Midsole
- EVA, carbon fiber plate
- Cushion
- maximum
- Heel / Forefoot Height
- 39.5 / 31.5mm
- Drop
- 8mm
- Claimed Weight
- 7oz
- Activity
- neutral
Reviews
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Overall Rating
4.5 based on 12 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageMarch 12, 2025
A Unique Unmatched Experience
Other worldly. I have No shoes that feels anything like this. If you have watched or read any reviews about how this feels, you already have some idea what these are going to feel like. Light weight, airy, soft, and bouncy. All perfect words to describe these. Unlike some reviews I had read, I do not find these to Unstable, per say. They are super soft and that may be a bit strange to some but that is quickly replaced by a sense of enjoyment that you cannot replicate in other shoes. I have also heard they "run a bit small" and I would say in comparison to some other shoes I have, that would be the case but, they fit me great, and I would not buy a half size up, as that would possibly affect the fit of the upper, and that, for me, is spot on. Soft and breathable. I live in Florida so these will be amazing going into the summer months. These may be a bit pricey for some but worth every penny for the tech, comfort, and unique overall experience.
Originally reviewed on Saucony
March 8, 2025
Very disappointing
I’ve been using the Endorphin Elite as my race shoe for over a year now with 3 pairs in total. Sadly, this shoe falls short of my expectations. For one, the sizing doesn’t match its predecessor, and runs at least a size too small. Additionally, the Elite 1 was accommodating to my wider foot. These are very narrow with no room to settle due to the new stiffer upper mesh. The tongue of the shoe also has no flexibility, causing extreme discomfort in my lower shin and dorsum. The softer foam means these will have a very low lifespan, considering how of a lifespan the Elite 1’s were with a stiffer foam. I had been looking forward to these since last summer, but sadly I can not recommend them. And now I am stuck with an expensive pair of paperweights that I cannot use.
Originally reviewed on Saucony
March 6, 2025
Best race day shoes.
I bought these shoes just before the Gate River Run 15k in Jacksonville, FL. I wasn’t planning on breaking one of the cardinal rules of racing, which is trying something new on race day. I purchased these at the expo before the race and did a little test run when I got home. They felt incredible and after some peer pressure, I decided to wear them for the race. I am glad I did because these shoes performed extremely well. Not only did I get a considerable PR, I also walked away with zero blisters and zero leg pain beyond what I normally experience from a race. Obviously, the foam is marshmallow soft when moving slowly, so it almost feels unstable. But in a race running sub, seven minute pace, they felt very reactive and smooth. The experience reminds me of non-Newtonian liquid in that it changes depending on The force applied to the foam. I previously raced in Endorphin Pro 3 shoes, which are wonderful shoes, but these felt like a major upgrade. The pro 3s are light and fast, but I don’t feel the same energy return that I do with the elite 2s. I plan on wearing the elites for the Chicago marathon in October, and probably won’t wear them until then. After a test run in the 15 K, I feel as though these will be great marathon shoes. I typically wear a size 10 1/2 in Saucony Shoes and size 11 in Nike, but in this case I had to purchase an 11 to feel comfortable. So, size up half a size compared to what you normally would. I found a fit to be very secure, but felt as though my foot had enough room in the toe box. My heel did not slip at all. I personally found the fit to be much more comfortable and accommodating than the Pro 3s. I can’t speak to their robustness, although I assume these will be the kind of shoes you wear for a couple major races and then retire. Regardless, these are the best shoes I have ever raced in and these were a nice little treat for myself for some upcoming races this year.
Originally reviewed on Saucony
March 4, 2025
Max Bounce and Heel Protection
Just received my pair from Saucony. I cannot believe how bouncy they are - you will feel like Tigger! Definitely not for everyone (stay away if you have stability issues and are a chronic heel turner) but absolutely amazing for the majority of runners. Heel strikers will be particularly well served and protected. Unlike anything else available on the market and first impressions are that it is a better experience for me than the 2024 rendition of Nike’s Alphafly which I also own. If you are between sizes go up half a size as it fits snug.
Originally reviewed on Saucony
March 1, 2025
Super Speedy and Comfortable!
These shoes really make me want to run fast. Super soft foam but with enough bounce to keep me moving forward at quick paces. Feels weird to just walk around in them or jog at easy paces so this is definitely a shoe for speedy efforts and races. Excited to do track work and race paces in these shoes!
Originally reviewed on Saucony
February 28, 2025
Next Level!
When a shoe promises next-level speed, you expect it to be fast. But the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 doesn’t just deliver on speed—it takes it to a whole new level. i could see this shoe being one that makes you feel like you’re cheating the clock. With a brand-new foam technology that’s ridiculously soft yet insanely responsive, this thing is built for one purpose: going fast. Whether you’re gunning for a PR in the 5K or locking into marathon race pace, the bounce and propulsion are unreal. And let’s be real—it doesn’t hurt that it looks just as fast as it feels. Soft, Bouncy, and Explosively Fast Saucony went all-in on their latest superfoam, and you can feel the difference with every step. It’s plush enough to soak up impact but still gives you that snap when you push off. You don’t sink—you spring forward. And the carbon plate? Perfectly tuned. Combined with SPEEDROLL technology, this shoe basically guides your foot through the stride, keeping you rolling forward effortlessly. When you hit that sweet spot in your cadence, it feels like the shoe is doing half the work for you. Sleek, Race-Ready Design First off, this shoe looks fast. The sharp lines, bold colorways, and aggressive cutouts in the midsole scream race day. But this isn’t just for aesthetics—everything about the design is built for efficiency. It’s aerodynamic, locked in, and ready to move. The upper is super lightweight and breathable, hugging your foot without feeling restrictive. It’s got just enough structure to keep things secure, but nothing unnecessary to weigh you down. That Bounce, Though… This is where the Endorphin Elite 2 really shines. The energy return is ridiculous. It’s bouncy in the best way possible—like you’re getting free speed with every step. If you love that feeling of effortless propulsion, this shoe delivers in spades. Despite all that bounce, it still holds up well on longer runs. It’s not overly unstable, and the outsole gives you solid traction when you need it. Final Verdict: Worth It! If you’re looking for a race-day shoe that brings serious heat, the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is an absolute weapon. It’s got insane energy return, a sleek, aggressive design, and foam that feels like the future. It’s not just about speed—it’s about effortless speed. What’s to Love: New-age foam that’s soft yet explosively responsive Ridiculously bouncy and propulsive Lightweight, breathable, and race-day ready Carbon plate + SPEEDROLL = smooth, fast transitions What to Consider: It’s a premium race shoe, so it comes with a premium price tag The snug fit might not work for everyone If you’re chasing PRs and want a shoe that helps you get there, the Endorphin Elite 2 is absolutely worth a spot in your lineup.
Originally reviewed on Saucony
February 28, 2025
Gotta go fast!
Got a chance to try these out and the foam is crazy. Going slow/walking it can feel a bit unstable but when you really get up to speed, the foam is so reactive and snappy. True race day shoe, can’t see this one being good for track workouts. Hard tempos also a good application for these!
Originally reviewed on Saucony
September 25, 2024
A Completely Different Racer
The new midsole foam is way too soft and unstable for fast running. It also has terrible durability. After just 107 km, the heel of my pair has a large hole on the outsole because of how soft the foam is. The extreme rocker of the first version has also been toned down and transitions are slower. This is no longer an S-tier racer.
Originally reviewed on Saucony
September 10, 2024
My new favourite race day shoe!
The limited release of these shoes was a real surprise, and I picked up a pair for race day as a replacement for the Endorphin Elite v1. Upon opening the box, the striking design immediately stood out, making them the most visually appealing Saucony shoes to date. The softness of the foam was surprising, almost as if it had been left melting in the summer sun! Despite the 100-degree midday heat, the shoes were quickly put to the test around the neighborhood. The fit was true to size, with a lightweight and breathable upper and a fitted tongue, marking a significant improvement over version 1. The new Saucony super foam provided a fun, bouncy feel, a stark contrast to the harder, more aggressive shoes I typically use. Once on the street, the shoes facilitated a smooth, gliding run, maintaining an unexpected pace of just over 6 minutes per mile for 3 miles. During their first real outing, a 5-mile race around Central Park, the shoes initially felt unstable on cobbled roads during the warm-up. However, they performed flawlessly during the race, feeling extremely comfortable & weightless and contributing to a new personal best. A subsequent 5k race on a wet course demonstrated the shoes’ excellent traction, leading to 2nd place finish and another PB, although there might be stability concerns on a more technical course with tight turns. I can't wait to try these over a longer distance, and are now set to be tested in a half-marathon and, if successful, will be the preferred choice for the NYC marathon, surpassing the Pro-4s.
Originally reviewed on Saucony
August 6, 2024
Set alarm for these!
Im given these a 4 because i ran a 19 mile and my toe was infected. But with that it was 98 degree on a boardwalk...these are way more bouncy and feel really great i need and suggest you get half size up. Had them stretched at shoe maker and they are amazing...i like both these n elite!
Originally reviewed on Saucony
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