
We all want to run fast, no matter where we are in the speed curve.  Nothing can beat the endorphins that we derive from achieving our personal bests. Aptly named Saucony’s Endorphin line is all about speed.  Endorphin Pro and yet-to-be-released Endorphin Elite are premium racers with carbon plates, Endorphin Shift is a modern daily trainer, while the Endorphin Speed is the speed trainer.

If your understanding of the speed-trainer is the hard-to-run, minimally cushioned, and ground-hugging shoe, then be ready to change your perception.  Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 is a very different speed trainer.  It is a speed trainer that has the ethos of a modern rocker shoe but is versatile enough to be used for a marathon distance.

__So what makes “Saucony Endorphin Speed 2” modern?  How well does it serve its purpose as a speed trainer?  Read through the review.__

##### What makes up Endorphin Speed 2?

The endorphin line has unique looks; the curvy midsole accents, rocker geometry, fancy colorways, and a high stack clearly sets it apart from the rest of the crowd.  Endorphin Speed 2 inherits all of the above. It is one of the few rocker geometry shoes that are designed for speed training.  The other few I can think of are Hoka Rocket X and Asics Magic/Hyper Speed. 

<ShoeCard shoeCode="006012002M"></ShoeCard>

Speed 2 is an aggressive rocker with a high toe spring.  Here is how aggressive the toe spring of Speed 2 looks when compared to Rocket X. The onset of the spring is much later than Hoka Rocket X, but it is at a much more aggressive angle. That is what makes Speed 2 more suitable for mid-foot and fore-foot strikers.

<LightBox src="/images/speed2_7.jpg" caption="An agressive rocker" alt="" ></LightBox>

At about 260 grams (for UK 10), it is not exactly a lightweight shoe, when you compare it with other speed trainers.  In fact, it is in between speed trainers and the versatile daily trainer category (such as Puma Velocity Nitro, and Nike Pegasus 39).

At 8mm drop, it is similar to other shoes in the Endorphin line, and with a stack height of of 35 mm, it gives plenty of cushioning to feel good during the run.  

**Midsole** 

Like its cousin Endorphin Pro, the midsole is made of PWRRUN PB, which is PEBA foam. PEBA foam is also used by other premium racers such as VaporFly Deviate Nitro Elite. Unlike Endorphin Pro, it doesn’t have a carbon plate but has a nylon plate wedged inside the midsole.  

Its softness measures around 25 HA on Shore Durometer, almost the same as Endorphin Pro 2.  This is soft and in line with most modern foams.  Here is a comparison of how it compares in softness with a few other speed trainers, racers, and daily trainers.

<LightBox src="/images/speed2_8.jpg" caption="In terms of softness, Speed 2 is one of the best in its category" alt="" ></LightBox>

**Upper**

The upper is an engineered mono mesh, and it is thick and feels quite durable.  Though it is thick, It has plenty of pores that make it breathable.  The gusseted tongue has padding and reflective elements.  The lacing is perfect; they lock down well and stay in place.  

<LightBox src="/images/speed2_1.jpg" caption="Mono mesh is very breathable, and offers a great lockdown" alt="" ></LightBox>

**Heel**

The heel fit is excellent and is way better when compared to other speed trainers.  There is plenty of padding too, that makes the heel comfortable.  The heel counter is stiff and offers good stability.  It has an integrated, but thin pull tab design, which is not quite easy to use though.  The heel also has reflective material on the back of the counter, which illuminates in the dark. 

<LightBox src="/images/speed2_2.jpg" caption="Padded heel with a hell counter that offers stability" alt="" ></LightBox>

**Bottom sole**

The bottom sole is mostly exposed with rubber placed at strategic points. One could easily figure out why the traction is not great on surfaces other than tarred roads.  

<LightBox src="/images/speed2_5.jpg" caption="Traction is good enough for tarred roads" alt="" ></LightBox>

##### Why did I consider this shoe?

I am regular when it comes to speed training. I have used Puma Liberate Nitro, Hoka Rocket X, and New Balance Rebel V2 as my speed trainers. All of which I have loved, but all of them have their kinks. For example, Liberate Nitro feels it needs more cushioning.  Rebel V2 is really unstable for me, not to mention the fragile upper. Also, none of these have PEBA foam, and I really wanted to experience what a PEBA-based speed trainer will be like.  

Saucony Speed has been on my wish list for a while because of rave reviews of it.  When Saucony India launched the second edition in India, I bought it as soon as it was available. 

##### Ride Experience

I have run more than 100kms in this shoe.  The first thing you feel in the shoe is how aggressive the toe spring is. You cannot miss that extra push as you transition to the toes at push-off. The shoe feels light, and the cushioning softness feels just right for a speed trainer. Though the durometer puts it as a softer shoe, in practice it is not. But this is good for a speed trainer, cushioning that is not too firm, and not too soft, makes it more versatile. 

My first quality run in the shoe is a hard 20k, with two 7K tempo sections. The toe spring and bounce really made the shoe likable for speed training. The first 15km of the run was a breeze, and the shoe is extremely comfortable.  It is beyond 15km when you start feeling that the midsole should have been softer.   

In terms of bounce, it is less than what one can experience  in Endorphin pro 2 or other carbon-plated racers.  When compared to shoes such as  Zoom Fly (1st edition) with nylon plates, and Adidas Takumi Sen 8 with Glass fiber rods, it feels on par, but definitely not better than them. Given the PEBA foam midsole, my expectation was that the bounce would be better.  One shouldn’t expect the soft cushiony, yet bouncy feel that other PEBA-based shoes offer.  

<LightBox src="/images/speed2_4.jpg" caption="Offers a firm and bouncy ride" alt="" ></LightBox>

I have also run shorter interval runs of 400m - 800m, and the shoe absolutely rocks. The bounce really becomes noticeable, when you run under 5 min/km.  

Unlike the carbon plated racers, which can feel very harsh when running easy paces, this shoe can handle easy paces very well. 

##### Fit and Comfort

The fit of the shoe is a bit snug compared to Endorphin Pro 2, and even Kinvara 12.  This is a good thing as the snug fit helps feel more control of your feet when running fast on roads. The shoe has plenty of forefoot room like other Saucony shoes that I have run in the past and is very comfortable.  The shoe didn’t need any break-in time, and you settle right in.

##### Stability

Given this is a speed training shoe, this shoe has no stability features. While I have no issues with stability, the lateral part of the midsole crumbles under the weight while landing.  I liked it that way, as I could naturally pronate.  I have measured the pronation angles at RunMechanics.in studio, and the pronation angles are much higher than neutral trainers such as Puma Velocity Nitro.  However, the pronation angles are comparable to racers like Endorphin Pro 2, and Adios Pro 2.

##### Road Grip

The road grip is good enough for tarred roads. It struggles a bit with wet roads and roads with loose sand.  So Speed 2 is best used in tarred surfaces. 

##### Aesthetics & Ergonomics

<LightBox src="/images/speed2_3.jpg" caption="Vizigold colorway is the trend of the season" alt="" ></LightBox>

On aesthetics, this one has a lot of character.  I bought the Vizigold colorway.  Though I generally like muted colorways with black and gray shades, this is an exception.  Surely, one of my favorites.  The downside of the bright colorway however is it gets soiled quickly, a trade-off to live with, while owning the most lovely colorway.

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="006012002M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "Snug fit that makes you feel confident for speed runs and races",
    "Aggressive rocker that propels you at toe-off",
    "Good heel lock-down and feels stable",
    "Very good bounce that only gets better at higher paces",
    "Feels comfortable even at low paces, unlike the carbon plated racers",
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "When compared to other speed trainers, it is a bit heavier despite using PEBAX foam.",
    "Effect of nylon plate not as  evident when compared to carbon plated racers",
  ]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
    Endorphin Speed 2 is an excellent speed trainer that can also work as a racer, and at the same time can work fine for easy runs - A versatile speed trainer it is.  Looking for a modern speed trainer, that can be used as a companion to a carbon plated racer, or alternatively can be used as a racer, it is a shoe to go with. Recommendation rotation in Saucony Line - Saucony Speed 2 for Tempo, speed training & daily runs, Triumph 19 for longer & easy runs, Endorphin Pro 2 for racing.
</InfoCard>




Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Review

Adidas Adizero line of running shoes has been the mainstay of long-distance racing for more than a decade now. With time the Adizero line has been transforming itself, Adizero Boston 10 is an excellent example.  Adizero Boston is known as a low-stack speed trainer which is fit enough to race.  Boston 10 is still a speed trainer, but a completely different shoe. 

Boston 10 has shed its’ Boost foam powered midsole to a much better midsole partly made of LightStrike Pro foam.  LightStike Pro is the premium foam that is also used in the Adidas flagship Adizero Adios Pro line of shoes. Boston 10 has also gained some more stack height to keep up with the competition.

_So does the modern incarnation of Adizero Boston 10 live up to its expectation as a speed trainer?_

<ShoeCard shoeCode="001009010M"></ShoeCard>

##### What makes up Adizero Boston 10?

First thing that one would notice about Adizero Boston 10 is its character. The shoe design proudly shows how various things were put to together to make it happen. With a weight of 290 grams (for Men UK 8) this shoe is anything but light.    

**Midsole**

Adizero Boston 10 is a high stack shoe. The stack height at the heel is 39mm and 31mm under the forefoot, that is an 8mm drop.
The midsole has 2 layers. The bottom layer is made of  EVA foam and is pretty firm. The upper layer is the Lightstrike Pro, inherited from the Adios Pro, which provides a bit of a bounce.

There are 5 energy rods( these are not carbon rods, but rather made of glass fiber) placed under the forefoot, embedded between the two midsole foam layers. They are visible through the bottom sole. This shoe does not feature any carbon plate.

**Upper**

Adidas Boston 10 is designed to be the training counterpart of the racing shoe, Adidas Adizero Adios Pro2. They look pretty similar, but the similarities end there though.

The upper is a traditional engineered mesh that seems to be quite substantial and is well-padded. The gusseted tongue is pretty flat and thin and doesn’t provide much padding.

The forefoot feels a bit narrow and may suit better those athletes who have narrower feet. The laces follow the standard pattern and there is nothing remarkable. The overall lockdown is pretty good and satisfactory.

<div class="d-flex flex-row align-items-center justify-content-center">
  <div class="col-12 col-md-8 px-1">
      <LightBox src="/images/boston10_topview.jpg" caption="Upper is a engineered mesh and is breathable" alt="" ></LightBox>
  </div>
</div>

**Bottom Sole**

The bottom is amply covered with continental rubber and provides excellent traction on any surface. The combination of the harder EVA foam and the continental rubber makes it very durable. But it can make noise when you run on harder surfaces.

**Heel**

The heel has a V-shaped cut-out. During the long runs, this ensures that there is no Achilles rubbing, and offers better comfort. The heel counter is very well padded and it feels very comfortable with absolutely no heel slippage.

##### Why did I consider this shoe?

I have been using Puma Velocity Nitro (the first version) as my daily trainer for my easy and long runs. It served me pretty well(~1600 km) all the while, but now it has neared its end of life. I wanted to buy a new daily trainer and I chanced upon a good discount for the Adidas Boston 10, on Adidas India website. Also, I wanted to try out Adidas as I do not have anything in the Adidas range so far.

##### Ride In Boston 10

I have ran about 380 km in the shoe so far.  I have run Both short/easy and long/easy runs. At the outset, the ride feels heavy and clunky, and may not expect a smooth and cushiony transition. But that is not the case once you start running. The shoes are energy efficient, in the sense of energy return and one gets the desired paces for the effort that is put in. This is due to the combined effect of the rigid Light strike EVA foam and the energy rods under the forefoot.

However, the shoe is heavy and there is very little bounce during the ride, despite the interesting midsole construction. Lightstrike Pro, EVA combination is quite firm and doesn’t work the best for faster workouts. 

The energy rods seem to absorb the impact and store the impact energy during foot strike and return it back during toe-off, making the transition very efficient. I have experienced that, though the shoe feels heavy(305 grams for UK10), rigid and clunky, it is surprisingly efficient at moderate speeds(Marathon pace for e.g.). All these thanks to the energy rods and the Lightstrike Pro foam. 

**Fit & Comfort**

The shoe fits TTS. It is a bit narrow in the forefoot though. Beyond the forefoot, the shoe has an excellent fit at midfoot and heel. 

<div class="d-flex flex-row align-items-center justify-content-center">
  <div class="col-12 col-md-8 px-1">
      <LightBox src="/images/boston10_forefoot.jpg" caption="Fit is snug, and the forefoot is a bit narrow" alt="" ></LightBox>
  </div>
</div>

**Stability**

Though the stack is pretty high, it provides for a stable ride. The overall show structure is kind of rigid and strong and is therefore not wobbly, despite the higher stack. The shoe stabilizes well on flat surfaces. But my ankles have buckled a few times on uneven surfaces. Especially due to the cut-out section underfoot.

**Road Grip** 

Perfect road grip. It rules like a king where Saucony Endorphin range of shoes have heavy slippage, especially on wet surfaces. Thanks to the generous rubber and the dense fiber layout type pattern underfoot.

<div class="d-flex flex-row align-items-center justify-content-center">
  <div class="col-12 col-md-8 px-1">
      <LightBox src="/images/boston10_bottom.jpg" caption="Continental rubbers offers excellent road grip" alt="" ></LightBox>
  </div>
</div>

**Aesthetics**

The shoe looks a good blend of modern and classic aesthetic. Whether one likes such aesthetic or not, it is definitely eye catchy. The shoe is quite easy to clean.  Especially outsole has closely laid out rubber and ensures it doesn’t pick up dirt much. 

<div class="d-flex flex-row align-items-center justify-content-center">
  <div class="col-12 col-md-8 px-1">
      <LightBox src="/images/boston10_midsole.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>
  </div>
</div>

##### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="001009010M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "Very durable, and can put in long mileage", 
    "Decent cushioning from the LightStrike Pro foam makes it comfortable",
    "Efficient and smooth transition from foot strike to toe-off", 
    "Outsole has excellent traction and road grip",
    "Good lockdown on the midfoot"
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "A bit narrow on the forefoot",
    "A bit firm and makes quite some noise on concrete/asphalt surfaces",
    "Heavy shoe, didn't suit well for tempo and faster paces"
  ]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
Adizero Adios Boston 10 is well suited for easy and moderate-paced runs( both short and long). If you are looking for a modern and durable shoe for the long mileage in your marathon training, this is a shoe to consider. If you plan to use Adios Pro / Adios Pro 2 as the racing shoe, this shoe is an excellent training partner.   
</InfoCard>


Durable, and comfortable trainer for easy and long runs

Adidas Adizero Boston 10

Solar Boost 3

Solar Boost 19

Ultraboost 20

Ultraboost 21

Ultraboost 5.0 DNA

Supernova

Adizero 8

Adizero Boston 10

Adizero Boston 11

Adizero Boston 12

SL20

SL20.2

Adizero Adios Pro 2

Adizero Adios Pro 3

Adizero SL

Adizero Takumi Sen 9

Adizero Prime X

Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG

AlphaFly Next% 

Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% Flyknit

AlphaFly Next% 2

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VaporFly Next% 

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VaporFly Next% 2 

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VaporFly Next% 3

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Zoom Fly 3

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Zoom Fly 4

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Men Yellow Zoom Fly 4 Road Running Shoes

Men Grey ZOOM FLY 4 Running Shoes

Airzoom Vomero 14

Nike Women's WMNS Air Zoom Vomero 14 Running Shoes

Women Black AIR ZOOM VOMERO 14 Running Shoes

Nike Men AIR Zoom Vomero 12 Running Shoes

Airzoom Vomero 15

Women White AIR ZOOM VOMERO 15 Running Shoes

Nike Air Zoom Vomero 15

Men Grey & Blue AIR ZOOM VOMERO 15 Running Shoes

Air Zoom Vomero 15 Running Shoes

Nike Men's Air Zoom Vomero 15 Running Shoe

Air Zoom Vomero 16

Air Zoom Vomero Running Shoes

Nike Vomero 16

Women Black Air Zoom Vomero 16 Running Shoes

Men Black Air Zoom Vomero 16 Running Shoes

Air Zoom Vomero 16 Running Shoes For Men  (White)

Flex RN 2020

Flex 2020 RN Textured Low-Top Lace-Up Shoes

Women Black Flex 2020 RN Running Shoe

Nike Men's Flex 2020 Rn Running Shoes

Free RN NN

Nike Free RN NN

Free RN 5.0

Nike Women's WMNS Free Rn 5.0 Running Shoes

Women Pink FREE RN 5.0 Running Shoes

Free Run 5 Running Shoes

Nike Men's Free Rn 5.0 Running Shoes

Nike Free Run 5.0

Air Zoom Pegasus 38

Women Pink AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 38 Running Shoes

Nike Pegasus 38

Nike Men's Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Running Shoe

Men Black AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 38 Running Shoes

Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Running Shoes

Air Zoom Pegasus 39

Women Black Air Zoom Pegasus 39  Road Running Shoes

Women Off White Air Zoom Pegasus 39  Road Running Shoes

Women Lavender Air Zoom Pegasus 39  Road Running Shoes

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

Men Grey Air Zoom Pegasus 39  Road Running Shoes

Men Black AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 39 Road Running Shoes

Pegasus 40

Nike Pegasus 40

Pegasus 41

Nike Pegasus 41

Air Zoom Winflo 8

Nike Winflo 8

Zoom Winflo 8 PRM Lace-Up Running Shoes

Nike Women's WMNS Zoom Winflo 8 Running Shoe

Nike Men's Zoom Winflo 8 Running Shoe

Men White & Black ZOOM WINFLO 8 Running Shoes

React Infinity Run Flyknit

Nike Women's React Infinity Run Flyknit Shoes

Women Pink React Infinity Run Running Shoes

React Infinity Run Fk Prm Lace-Up Running Shoes

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2

Nike Men's React Infinity Run Fk Shoes

React Infinity Run Flyknit 2

React Infinity 3

Nike React Infinity 3

Infinity RN 4

Nike InfinityRN 4

Air Zoom Tempo Next%

Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT%

Air Zoom Tempo Next Lace-Up Running Shoes

ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit

ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2

Invincible 3

Nike Invincible 3

Rival Fly 3

Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3

Pegasus Turbo Next Nature

Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature

Pegasus Turbo Next Nature SE

Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature SE

Quest 5

Nike Quest 5

GoRun Speed Elite 

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GOrun Ride 7

WOMENS GO RUN RIDE 7

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GOrun Razor 3

MENS GO RUN RAZOR 3

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GOrun Ride 8

WOMENS GO RUN RIDE 8

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Reviews

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Review

Adidas Adizero Boston 10