While there have been 2 previous versions of the Endorphin Speed, this is the first one I’ve ever had on my feet. I’ve heard a lot of great things from the previous versions but will the Endorphin Speed 3 meet the expectations of the previous versions? Keep reading to learn more!
by Dave Martinez
The previous versions of the Endorphin Speed have been well-received by many runners including many on our team. Many have chosen the Endorphin Speed over the Pro due to the reduced cost as well as having a similar feel. That all changed with the Endorphin Pro 3. With an increased stack height. the Pro feels a bit plusher. You can now tell the difference between these current versions where it was previously more difficult to notice the difference. Our team reviewed the Endorphin Pro 3 and shared their thoughts in a previous post.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Specs
The Endorphin Speed 3 is classified as a neutral shoe despite having a winged plate to provide some stability. I’ll get more into that a little later. It is an 8 mm drop with a stack height of 36mm in the heel and 28mm in the forefoot. The Endorphin Pro 3 is also 8 mm with 39.5mm in the heel & 31.5mm in the forefoot. For anyone needing a stability type of shoe for racing or even daily training with some of this new super foam, check out the Saucony Tempus which I reviewed a few months ago.
Fit
The upper is an engineered mesh and I found it very accommodating. It also features a semi-gusseted tongue. I found the width to be good. I had no issues with it being tight at toe-off, as that’s usually where I have issues that eventually lead to some abrasion or wearing through the upper. The length was generous, that is to say, that for me, a size 10, I had a lot of room from the toes to the front of the shoe. I’m wondering if I could fit into a 9.5. Despite it being long, I never had any issues with it feeling loose or any heel slip. I’d always go with a bit more room, especially if running long distances.
Feel
The Endorphin Speed 3 has a premium feel as soon as you touch them and put them on your feet. The upper material feels soft and smooth, as do the laces as well. The laces have a little bit of stretch which seems to keep the shoes secure but also provides a little bit of give when you go long and your foot swells a bit. Overall, it feels comfortable but I wouldn’t say it feels plush. Of course, it feels lightweight too. There also isn’t a lot of padding around the heel color which helps keep the weight down. Sometimes the additional padding helps secure that heel better but I had no issues. The tongue also doesn’t have a lot of padding but it still felt soft and I didn’t feel like it needed more.
Ride
It’s becoming more difficult to distinguish between Saucony models that use the PWRRUN PB midsole. They all feel very similar. Except for the weight, I don’t know that I could tell the difference between how the Endorphin Speed 3 and the Tempus feel if I were to run blindfolded. I think I’m at a point where the feeling of these shoes is more the norm more than the exception. Maybe I’m getting spoiled but I don’t know that I could ever enjoy running in a standard EVA midsole foam again. The Endorphin Speed feels just a bit softer at toe-off due to the nylon plate compared to the Endorphin Pro 3. It also feels a bit more stable and I think it’s for two reasons. The Endorphin Pro 3 has a higher stack height and while the midsole flares out a bit to help with stability, the height makes it feel just a hair unstable. You have to be aware of your foot placement, especially on uneven road surfaces. The Endorphin Speed 3, due to being 3.5mm lower helps with the stability. The wings on the nylon plate extend to the lateral and medial sides (which are visible on the exterior of the midsole) helping it feel more stable. However, it is in no way a medial post or provides any noticeable stability for someone looking for a stable or structured running shoe. As with any of the other shoes I’ve tested that use the PWRRUN PB, while it feels soft and cushioned, once you put in some effort, it rewards you with a very responsive ride.
Conclusion: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
Overall, I enjoyed running in the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3. I would be hard-pressed to pick between the Saucony Tempus and the Endorphin Speed 3 as they have a very similar feel. The Tempus has been a favorite of mine and I think I’d use it for daily runs. As I tend to be a neutral runner with some light overpronation, the stability built into the Tempus would be welcome on longer runs. The Endorphin Speed 3 would be my tempo or race day shoe if I didn’t have the Endorphin Pro 3. It’s a great option for someone needing an everyday shoe that can also serve as a race day shoe without breaking your budget. While I never had a chance to run in the previous versions, I don’t think fans of those will be disappointed with this update.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is available at all Big Peach Running Co. locations and of course, it’s available through our online store.
