
The second iteration of the Saucony Endorphin Pro was launched just a month back and kudos to [Saucony India](https://www.sauconyindia.com/) [@sauconyindia](https://www.instagram.com/sauconyindia/) for bringing it to India in such a short time. 

#### "If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it!"

The Endorphin Pro 2 is pretty much similar to the first edition and I’m glad that they didn’t tinker much with the shoe.  The first edition received raving reviews as a genuine contender to Nike’s Vaporfly and Alphafly. So it’s no surprise that Saucony has stuck closely to their winning formula. 

All the big-ticket items - their SPEEDROLL technology, ultralight PWRRUNPB midsole foam, carbon-plate, return, with only a few minor adaptations to the upper of the shoe. 

The Endorphin line-up is Saucony’s performance series that uses the SPEEDROLL technology. According to their website, "Speedroll tech is an advanced footwear geometry that gives you an effortless, always-forward feel"! In simple language, it is a rocker design that always gives the runner a forward lean and makes the transition (for heel or midfoot strikers) to forefoot more efficient. 

PWRRRUNPB uses PEBAX, which is a lightweight, high-performance thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that is known for its flexibility and energy return and is used by other super shoes for Nike (Zoom X Foam), Reebok (Floatride Plus Foam). Decathlon Kalenji Kiprun ultralight racer also has a PEBAX midsole.  PEBAX is often said to be better than e-TPU or gas infused EVA foams.

<ShoeCard shoeCode="006001002M"></ShoeCard>

At 213 gms these aren’t the lightest shoes I’ve used (Brooks Hyperion Tempo - 205 gms), but I can definitely live with an extra 10gms for a carbon plate.

The Formfit upper is quite snug in the forefoot, but a little loose at the heel, but this is not a deal-breaker. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 on the other hand comes with a heel counter, which gives a very good fit, and at 225 gms, it's just barely 10gms heavier!

Perhaps the biggest change, then, is a visual one – the race-flag colourway makes the Endorphin Pro 2 stand out from the crowd. However, we still don’t have that colourway available in India as yet and what I have is a bright orange one. 

#### Fast, Faster, Fastest…

Within the Endorphin line-up, the Endorphin Pro 2 is their lightest and fastest race day shoe. I would recommend them only for sub 5:00 min/km pace tempo runs and Races. One review mentioned that these were best used for a sub 7:00 min/mile pace! Now Speed is a very relative term and what is fast for me is slow for someone and vice versa. 

There are a lot of reports online which mention that carbon plates mess with our natural gait and I would partially tend to agree with these. This is one of the reasons why most runners use them for race days and speed work. The aggressive ride would be quite uncomfortable at easy speeds (which is relative). And for people looking out for a slightly more versatile shoe, the Endorphin Speed 2 should fit the bill. 

<div class="row">
    <div class="col-6 col-md-3 px-1">
        <LightBox src="/images/ep2front.png" caption="Roomy toe box" alt="" ></LightBox>
    </div>
    <div class="col-6 col-md-3 px-1">
        <LightBox src="/images/ep2rear.png" caption="Heel is a bit loose" alt="" ></LightBox>
    </div>
    <div class="col-6 col-md-3 px-1">
        <LightBox src="/images/ep2bottom.png" caption="Grip is great for tarred roads" alt="" ></LightBox>
    </div>
    <div class="col-6 col-md-3 px-1">
        <LightBox src="/images/ep2top.png" caption="Comfortable upper" alt="" ></LightBox>
    </div>
</div>

#### Ride Experience

As of now, I've done three workouts totalling about 26.2miles (40+ km) on these. The runs have been a mix of intervals (3:30 - 4:00  min/km), and threshold/tempo runs (4:30 - 5:00 min/km). 

The aggressive ride of the shoe, both because of the carbon plate and their speed roll, makes it a little easier to run fast. But please note, it does not make one run fast. I can pick up these paces with a normal shoe as well, but the Endorphin Pro 2 makes my running a little more efficient. And this is also the reason why it's tough to run slow on these because the geometry of the shoe does not support slow easy runs. And in all these runs I've ended up doing all my cool down at a 5:00 pace (which is not very ideal). So I've just restricted them for runs at specific paces. 

Another thing that I observed is that the shoe is stable at higher speeds and not so much at slower paces. This could be because of two reasons


1. The carbon plate gives the runner a good push forward and the aggressive speed roll keeps us darting forward. 
2. At slower paces, the bounce in the shoes is quite high and the carbon plate gives it a trampoline effect. 

The more I run in them, the more I feel better at controlling them. This could be because I'm technically breaking into the shoe or it could be more of a mental adjustment (like getting used to riding a superbike).

One more observation here is that the shoe feels the same throughout the run, even those harder final kilometers. 

#### Why bother buying the Endorphin PRO 2 then?

**The Feel**

The ride is brilliant and second to none. It has to be experienced! The PWRRUN PB foam is really soft and the carbon plate compliments it well. The foam doesn’t bottom out and at the same time, the plate gives a good forward push. Even with a stack height of 35.5mm in the heel and 27.5mm in the forefoot, the shoe is extremely stable and the forward roll makes running very efficient. The cushioning is good throughout the midsole and the forefoot is also well-cushioned. 

The road grip on dry tar surfaces is fantastic, but I would be a little more cautious with wet surfaces. 

**Unit Economics**

The Endorphin Pro 2 is priced at Rs.17990/- and Saucony India has been giving a 10% discount through their influencers which brings the price down to Rs.16190/-, which is pretty much equal to the price in USD ($200).

The other options in this category like Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 (Rs.19695), Nike Alphafly (Rs.22795), Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 (Rs.22999), Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 (Rs.21999), and Asics Metaspeed sky (Rs.21999) are priced at approximately (25 - 38)%  over the Endorphin Pro 2!

This is where Unit economics kicks in. A typical running shoe lasts about 700 miles post which could be used as a gym / casual shoe. However, racing shoes with carbon plates have a large stack height, which makes them pretty uncomfortable for regular gym use or even casual walking. So the life of the shoe is pretty much the miles you can run in them, which is probably around (250 - 300)miles. 

Based on the reports I’ve read, Endorphin Pro 2 can last around 400 miles (640 km). But even if it gives me a few more km over other race shoes, at a 25 - 38% price benefit I’m still spending much less per KM!

#### Shoe Rotation

Running shoes are quite expensive and it is imperative that we find the right balance in our shoe rotation. Else your shoe will just end up as one amongst others on the shoe rack. So here is how I use these shoes and the following is my current shoe rotation.

1. Endorphin Pro 2 - For speed work (Intervals - Threshold - Tempo runs and Time Trial/Racing). 
2. Brooks Hyperion Tempo: For Tempo - Easy runs
3. Nike Infinity React 1: For Easy - Recovery Runs.

### Review Summary
<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="006001002M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "Stable Ride",
    "Efficient running (Speedroll)",
    "Fantastic Breathable upper",
    "Durability",
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "Not the Lightest in its category",
    "Average foot lockdown",
    "Average traction",
  ]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
To conclude, the Endorphin PRO 2 is a fantastic race shoe and I think it’s definitely a bang for one's buck.  It is not perfect and has its share of misses, but then its Pros outweigh the Cons. I would definitely recommend them.
</InfoCard>




26.2 mile Run review of the Saucony’s Endorphin Pro 2 super shoe:  How it rides, what kind of runs it works best, how it stacks up against the first edition, and the unit economics compared to other super-shoes in the market.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 Review

I have been a long-time user of Puma Running Shoes. Really loved running in various versions of Faas 500, and Faas 300. They were very durable, value for money, and most importantly are available in every Puma store in India. However, Puma’s running shoes over the last few years such as NetFit, Hybrid have not been very exciting in terms of innovation. Puma's competition has lead the innovation with carbon plates, rocker bottoms, high stack shoes, PEBA midsoles and more. The most recent shoes that I have used from Puma’s stable were - _Speed 300 and Hybrid Runner_. Speed 300 with Proplate (TPU plate in the midsole) is interesting but nowhere close to other shoes with similar plates such as Asics GlideRide or Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next%. Puma Hybrid Runner did not suit me well. Those are clunky and heavy. I had almost dropped Puma my running shoe shopping, if not for the recent launch of the Nitro line-up.  The Nitro line-up has rekindled my interest in Puma’s running shoe line-up.

### Puma’s Nitro Line-up

The Nitro line-up included 4 shoes, Deviate Nitro (Regular and Elite versions), Velocity Nitro, Liberate Nitro, Eternity Nitro.  Each of these shoes come with their own uniqueness. Nitro Foam uses a new manufacturing process and infuses Nitrogen into EVA foam, which makes it light and bouncy.  Nitro foam has got very good feedback from the running community. Velocity Nitro and Deviate Nitro has scores of 91 and 90 on shoe review aggregator RunRepeat.com.  Kudos to Puma for launching the Nitro line-up at the same time as their global launch. Very rarely we see Shoe companies launch their latest shoes in India coinciding with their global launch.

<ShoeCard shoeCode="005003000M"></ShoeCard>

### What makes up Velocity Nitro

Velocity Nitro, as the name suggests uses Nitro foam for the midsole. The midsole is made up of two layers of foam, the top layer is the Nitro foam (nitrogen-infused EVA foam),  and there is a thin second layer made up of ProfoamLite foam(also an EVA based foam but is more firm).  ProfoamLite was introduced last year with Puma’s UltraRide shoe. The outsole uses new PUMAGRIP rubber.

<LightBox src="/images/pumaburger.jpg" caption="Layered midsole (source:puma.com)" alt="" ></LightBox>

The upper is an engineered mesh with two layers.  The outer layer uses a breathable material and gives colour to the shoe. The layer beneath is more structured and seems to give shape to the shoe and its toe box. The tongue is attached below it with a much smoother fabric. The heel is supported by TPU based heel counter and it is solid. The heel collar has ample cushioning to make it comfortable. The shoe also uses a different last for the women’s edition, so women runners probably have a more comfortable fit.

### Why am I excited

<LightBox src="/images/topview.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>

Puma positions Velocity Nitro as a daily trainer that can be used for speed work, long runs, tempo runs, or easy runs, an all-rounder. I like the Nike Pegasus line-up of shoes, which are my daily trainers ever since Pegasus 33.  However, I didn’t like Nike’s recent change in direction with Pegasus 37. I have been looking for an alternative daily trainer. I was also hoping it could even fit in as a replacement for Pegasus Turbo, given “Velocity” in its title.  Priced at Rs.10,999, with several deals on offer and it is an easy decision for me to pick one.

### Running in Velocity Nitro

I ran in them for easy runs, speed workouts, long runs, and some tempo workouts. As a daily trainer, the shoe handled all these runs reasonably well.  It is comfortable, bouncy, and has speed when needed.

**Easy Runs**

My first run was an easy 10k run.  My first impression of the shoe is it is extremely comfortable.  The fit was perfect, the midsole cushioning is extremely good, and the ride was smooth. That gave me hope that it could be a good Pegasus turbo replacement for speed work. The shoe felt natural and no break-in was needed.

**Tempo Runs**

Next up was a 4x 1mile tempo interval run.  The first rep wasn’t that great. The cushioning was a bit too much and interfered with the run. The responsiveness was not that great. However, as I progressed, it got better. The cushioning hardened a bit and the midsole got bouncier and responsive and helped with the speed. Overall I felt the cushioning is good, and there is decent bounce and energy return, but it is no comparison to Pegasus Turbo.

**Speed Work**

Later I tried it for 4x 400m interval workout as well as 4x 200m.  The weight of the shoe and slight mushiness in the midsole didn’t lend it very well for speed intervals. I wouldn’t recommend it for speed work. I prefer lighter and less cushioned shoes for speed intervals.



**Long Runs**

Two weeks after I first used it, I wore it for a long run (easy pace). The shoe handled the distance very well.  As the kilometers passed by the cushioning ensure the fatigue is at bay. A perfectly fit toe box made it very comfortable for the forefoot.  The breathability of the shoe is excellent as well. Post-run recovery is better than other shoes that I normally use.

**Road Grip**

<LightBox src="/images/outersole.jpg" caption="PUMAGRIP handles Indian roads very well" alt="" ></LightBox>

Indian roads can be very tricky and in my tests is how it handled the different terrains.  Summer rains in Bangalore allowed me to try it on wet roads. Roads laden with sand, construction debris are very common too.  The grip and traction are good and gives a lot of confidence.  It could handle speed intervals on sandy roads with no problems.

**Fit and Comfort**

I have clocked about 130km of mileage so far. It is one of the most comfortable shoes that I have used so far. The inside of the shoe is smooth, and I could even run with the shoe without the sock liner. I like the forefoot to be roomy, and it is perfect.  Velocity Nitro got the laces right, and they stay in place and don’t slip. The shoe is true to its size.  If you are using Nike or Asics it is almost the same size.

<LightBox src="/images/sockliner.jpg" caption="Very comfortable to run in, even without the sock liner" alt="" ></LightBox>

**Stability**

Velocity Nitro is a neutral shoe. There are no features that interfere with natural pronation.  I felt the shoe is very stable for typical neutral daily training (as good as Pegasus 35 / 36). TPU heel counter gives structure to the shoe and probably helps with stability.  The dual-layered midsole also seems to help the stability.

<LightBox src="/images/heel.jpg" caption="Heel Counter offers good stability to rearfoot" alt="" ></LightBox>

**Aesthetics**

While it can be subjective, I liked the looks of the shoe.  The fluorescent orange colorway really looks nice and bright for road running. The reflective Puma logo in the front, and also the reflective elements behind the heel counter are well placed. Visibility spoiler inserted in between the two layers of the midsole and wrapped around the heel is very well thought out.  Shoelaces are very easy to operate. Tongue with Velocity Nitro written adds a nice aesthetic touch.

<LightBox src="/images/toebox.jpg" caption="Heel Counter offers good stability to rearfoot" alt="" ></LightBox>

### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="005003000M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "A well-rounded daily trainer can handle any type of run.",
    "The responsive midsole can help with speed during tempo runs, except for speed intervals.",
    "Excellent cushioning and works very well for long runs, and recovery runs.",
    "The outsole has good traction on the road and works well with Indian roads.",
    "Good stability for a neutral trainer.",
    "Smoothly constructed inside makes it easy to break-in.",
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "Slightly heavier for race day or speed/interval work.",
    "Cushioning is a bit mushy at the beginning of the run.",
    "Upper fabric collects dust easily, however, it is easy to clean.",
  ]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
    Recommended as a daily trainer handling tempo runs, easy runs, and long runs.
    <br></br>
    <h6>Suggested rotation:</h6>
    <li>Speed work - A slightly less cushioned shoe as Puma Speed 300 Racer 2 or Asics Hyper Speed</li>
    <li>Racing - Puma Deviate Nitro or Nike VaporFly Next%</li>
</InfoCard>

A comfortable and versatile daily trainer

Puma Velocity Nitro Review

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Reviews

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 Review

Puma Velocity Nitro Review