
Endorphin Speed is a unique shoe and has garnered quite a loyal following among the runners.  A true modern daily trainer, it has a state-of-the-art midsole foam, is lightweight, and has a stack height that can take you nearly the full distance. I was impressed by what I saw when I reviewed [Speed 2(review here)](https://shoegeeks.in/review/saucony-endorphinspeed2-006012002/).

Endorphin Speed 3 is the most recent iteration of this shoe, and it has some significant updates. The shoe is positioned right in the middle of the Endorphin series, with the [Shift 3 (review here)](https://shoegeeks.in/review/saucony-endorphinshift3-006002003/) targeted at the entry level, whereas the Pro 3 and Elite are targeted for racing. I have been using Speed 3 for the past 3 months, and here is my review.  I have tried to answer all the questions one might have on the shoe.

* _What are the major updates from Speed 2?_
* _How does it compare to Speed 2 in terms of ride and performance?_
* _How does it compare to other speed oriented trainers in the market such as Deviate Nitro 2?_
* _What kind of runs is it primarily suited for?_

##### What makes up Endorphin Speed 3?

Like the rest of the shoes in the endorphin line (Shift and Pro), Speed 3 continues to be an eye turner with the curvy midsole accents, rocker geometry, and trendy colors. Like its predecessor, it retains the rocker shape. The word “Speed” in the title can be misleading, as it is not only meant for speed, but is rather versatile.  

<ShoeCard shoeCode="006012003M"></ShoeCard>

At about 248 grams (for UK 10), it is not exactly a lightweight shoe, but it is one of the lightest among the comparable trainers, such as Puma Deviate Nitro 2, Asics Novablast 3 or Hoka Carbon X3. It has an 8mm drop similar to Endorphin Pro 3, and resembles its racer sibling. Reason why it is often considered as the training companion for Endorphin Pro. On the stack height front, the new edition got a bump of an extra millimeter, and now stands at 36 mm.

<LightBox src="/images/speed3_5.jpg" caption="One of Lightest among comparable trainers" alt="" ></LightBox>

**Midsole** 

The midsole is made of PWRRUN PB, which is PEBA foam. It was the same foam used in Speed 2 and the Endorphin Pro line.  The PEBA foam is also used by other premium racers such as Nike VaporFly and Puma Deviate Nitro Elite.  Speed 3 doesn’t have a carbon plate but has a nylon plate wedged inside the midsole.  

The foam configuration in Speed 3 feels much softer compared to Speed 2. Its softness measures at 22 HA on Durometer, almost the same as Endorphin Pro 3.  Here is a comparison of how it stands in softness with a few other comparable trainers.

<LightBox src="/images/speed3_6.jpg" caption="In terms of softness, Speed 3 is the best in its category" alt="" ></LightBox>

**Upper**

The upper is an engineered mono mesh, and it is thick and feels quite durable.   While it seems to have enough pores for breathability, I did struggle with excessive sweating when running it this summer. The gusseted tongue in Speed 3 is just barebones, it has lost much of its padding, and the reflective elements from the last edition are missing. The lacing however is perfect; and it locks down perfectly.

<LightBox src="/images/speed3_4.jpg" caption="Mono mesh is robust and durable" alt="" ></LightBox>

On the medial and lateral arch, there is a small PU insert.  While I am not sure why it exists, Is that to add some stability to the midsole, or is it the nylon plate?  

<LightBox src="/images/speed3_8.jpg" caption="Black colored PU insert, what is it for?" alt="" ></LightBox>

**Heel**

The heel fit is excellent.  However, as a fan of Speed 2’s generous padding,  I didn’t feel it as comfortable. The heel counter is stiff and offers good stability.  The heel also lost reflective material on the back of the counter from Speed 2.  

<LightBox src="/images/speed3_2.jpg" caption="Heel counter lost some of the padding, and also the reflective sticker" alt="" ></LightBox>

**Bottom sole**

The bottomsole is mostly exposed with plenty of rubber placed at strategic points. The rubber used is similar to what was used in Speed 2, but the volume is a bit more compared to earlier, and even compared to its sibling, the Shift 3. It does feel a lot more durable this time.

<LightBox src="/images/speed3_1.jpg" caption="Traction is good enough for tarred roads" alt="" ></LightBox>

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

Having liked Endorphin Speed 2, it was no-brainer for me to buy Speed 3.  A daily-trainer with a bent towards speed was certainly welcome in my current marathon training cycle.  It was a good addition to my current rotation.

##### Ride Experience

I have run more than 200 kms in this shoe. Given my experience of Speed 2 and similarities, I didn’t think twice, when I took the shoe for a test with a 25K distance straight away.  The run was on a road but had rolling terrain with challenging uphills and downhill sections. Being light and having a large stack of foam, it offered an excellent balance on this rolling terrain.  Since then I have used it for several medium-long runs under 25 KM.  The only gripe I have here is the more the time I am on foot in this shoe, it tends to lose its spring.  If you are considering this for longer distances beyond 30K, this is one thing to keep in mind.

In my current training cycle, I have used this shoe for a few tempo runs as well. These runs are 8k-15k at a pace faster than my half-marathon.  This is the most ideal use case for this shoe. The light and bouncy nature of the ride makes it the perfect choice. Probably the best shoe in the Indian market for these up-tempo runs.

Though it may not be the best, uphill repeats, shot intervals, strides, the shoe can handle all of them well. 

<LightBox src="/images/speed3_3.jpg" caption="Versatile ride, but biased towards speed" alt="" ></LightBox>

##### Fit and Comfort

The fit of the shoe is  perfect, and I liked it better than Speed 2.  While the Speed 2 fit was good, it felt a bit too snug for the longer runs. Speed 3 fit is a lot more relaxed, and there is plenty for toe room. The additional comfort makes it a lot more versatile.  The shoe didn’t need any break-in time, and you settled right in.

##### Stability

PEBA foam and higher stack mean, this shoe is not meant to be a  stability shoe.  But I don’t have any complaints about its stability.  It is comparable in stability to most neutral trainers out there, despite the higher stack and softer foam. 

##### Road Grip

The grip is very good on tarred roads, I can’t say the same for roads that are slippery with sand and construction debris.  It does manage to grip well enough, but not the best.  Here is where shoes like Deviate Nitro excel. Traction on wet surfaces lacked some confidence. You might have to be cautious running through hydration stations or on a rainy day. 

##### Aesthetics & Ergonomics

<LightBox src="/images/speed3_7.jpg" caption="Ocean/Vizigold colorway is an eye turner" alt="" ></LightBox>

Like the earlier edition, on aesthetics, this one has a lot of character.  I bought the Ocean/Vizigold colorway. Surely, one of my favorites. The Pelleted midsole has a nice touch of design with a pattern that is very similar to Endorphin Pro 3. It barely needs any maintenance and although the shoe is a dirt magnet, it is the easiest to clean. On the plus side, it is an eye turner in every sense.

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="006012003M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "Super comfortable ride that works for speed runs and long runs equally",
    "Fit wise it feels lot more roomier than earlier edition",
    "36mm stack of midsole has decent bounce that helps those tempo runs and race paced long runs",
    "The rocker that propel you at toe-off when running fast",
    "Despite high stack, the midsole is flexible and feels comfortable even at slow paces",
    "More versatile than previous edition", 
    "Makes a budget-friendly race day shoe"
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "Skimpy padding at the heel and tongue is a disappointment when compared to earlier edition",
    "Not so great at wicking the sweat away",
    "Few complained about it being too wide in the toe box",
    "No more reflective elements on heel and the tongue",
    "Pricier in absolute terms, but comparable to similar shoes with premium foam"
  ]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
  The Endorphin Speed 3 is a good daily trainer that can handle half-distance easily. It can also tackle a marathon distance, although it is not the best option for that type of distance. As with other shoes in the Endorphin line, the Speed 3 is eye-catching and will turn heads on the road or track. 

  Speed 3 is an excellent upgrade and definitive improvement over the earlier edition.  It is clearly one of the best daily trainers out there. It has not only got the best foam, but also has got the best ride.  Barring a few minor gripes such as removal of reflective elements, this is an upgrade that is done well.  It is undoubtedly one of the best daily trainers with a bent on Speed and tempo runs, but handles mid-long runs (under 25K) very gracefully
</InfoCard>




Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Review


Saucony's Endorphin series, which debuted in 2020, is a trio of versatile road shoes designed primarily for high-performance running. The series has already made a name for itself among runners, despite being a recent entry. But hey, we are not talking about Speed 3 here (watch out for our review soon), and not about Pro 3 either. The latter from the Endorphin series was Saucony’s super shoe until recently. A fourth sibling, the Endorphin Elite, was released which now takes the crown as the flagship. Also, let’s not forget the trail-running sibling, the Edge. 

This review is of the Endorphin Shift, the first shoe in the series. The name "Shift" seems to be aptly chosen as it reflects the shift from the daily trainer series to the performance-related series. Right out of the box, the Shift 3 is a maximalist shoe. It looks imposing and reminds me of the Hoka Clifton series. It packs the PWRRUN foam in the midsole, paired with Saucony’s Speed Roll technology. Despite its high stack, the Shift 3 maintains a low 4mm offset, making it a versatile option. The Shift is conceptually a daily trainer, but in my experience, it never hesitated to pick up the pace when demanded. 

Disclosure: This pair of Saucony Shift 3 was sent to us by Saucony India for review purposes. Please rest assured that this is a neutral review. This is neither a sponsored post nor does Saucony India have any say in this review.

<ShoeCard shoeCode="006002003M"></ShoeCard>

##### What makes up Saucony Endorphin Shift 3?

This is a maximal shoe, as I mentioned earlier. Shift 3 looks huge and one would expect it to be on the heavier side. The Shift 3 has a stack height of 39mm in the heel, pretty close to breaking the World Athletics legal limit of 40mm for road racers, but we are living in times where brands are not reluctant to push even higher (Hello Asics Superblast!).  Shift has 35mm height in the forefoot, resulting in an offset of 4mm, making it most suited to forefoot and midfoot runners.  But the heel bevel helps heel strikers too. Despite the stack height, Shift 3 is surprisingly light for the stack, weighing 266 grams for UK 8.  It is much lighter compared to its previous editions, and it also matches up to the other high-stacked daily trainers in the competition. 

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    <LightBox src="/images/shift3_6.jpg" caption="Lower in the weight scale for similarly stacked shoes" alt="" ></LightBox>
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Priced at ₹13,990, the Shift 3 looks expensive, especially when a lot of neutral daily trainers are priced below this mark, including the likes of Nike Pegasus 39, Brooks Ghost 15 and even Saucony’s own Ride 15. But what justifies Shift 3's price? The maximal nature, packed with a performance-oriented yet stable ride is its selling point and needless to say the shoe aces in it. Stability is one element where Shift 3 stands out from the competition, amidst all the foam underneath. The closest competition available in India is the Asics Glideride which is also priced at the same level.
 
**Midsole**

The Shift 3 midsole looks visually similar to its predecessor, but it boasts two significant changes. First, the stack height has been increased by 2mm on both the heel and forefoot, with measurements now at 39 mm and 3 5mm respectively. Second, despite the increased stack height, the midsole is now even lighter and softer than before. Like the previous two iterations, Shift 3 continues to pack PWRRUN foam underneath, which is made from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) compound that is much bouncier than traditional EVA foam. 


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    <LightBox src="/images/shift3_2.jpg" caption="High stack, but firmly cushioned for versatility" alt="" ></LightBox>
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</div>

PWRRUN used in Shift 3 is tuned to be way softer, and the durometer score of 25 confirms the midsole softness. Another shoe from Saucony's stable, the Kinvara 13, measures 35 mm.  It is softer than most neutral trainers out there. The sock liner, which is thick and cushy (durometer score of 15), further adds to the shoe's overall comfort level. 

Rocker midsole geometry of Saucony Shift 3 uses the Speed Roll technology. This means that the forefoot is rockered to help the runner propel forward. The rigidity of the midsole packed with rocker makes it ideal for uptempo paces. The noticeable heel bevel aids in the heel-to-toe transition and also helps reduce impact on the knee. There’s a lot going on in the midsole and is not done yet. It adds some stability features, a more noticeable one being the TPU heel cup, which provides stability to the shoe by adding structure and support to the rearfoot.

**Upper**

The upper of this shoe features perforated engineered mesh that provides excellent breathability and ventilation to keep your feet cool and dry during intense workouts. The design of the upper is particularly well-structured around the toe area, which provides a comfortable fit and protects your toes from impact and friction. The asymmetrically shaped tongue is gusseted, which helps to hold your foot in place and prevent it from slipping around inside the shoe. Thankfully, the colour variant I have features standard flat laces. However, if you're considering the ViziPro variant, keep in mind that it features rounded laces which may not be to everyone’s liking.

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  <div class="col-12 col-md-8 px-1">
    <LightBox src="/images/shift3_5.jpg" caption="Highly breathable" alt="" ></LightBox>
  </div>
</div>

**Heel**

The heel counter in Shift 3 isn't as tall as it looks. Instead, it only runs until the pull tag and is cushioned material that hugs my heel comfortably. As someone with Haglund deformity, I appreciate that these shoes don't irritate my Achilles. However, I don't find the elastic pull tag to be very useful in my experience.
 
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    <LightBox src="/images/shift3_4.jpg" caption="Comfortable heel" alt="" ></LightBox>
  </div>
</div>

**Outsole**

There’s nothing exciting on the outsole here. The design is largely unchanged from previous editions. XT-900 carbon rubber outsole material is used, as with many of its other shoes. The rubber runs thick along the edges of the midsole, with a thin strip in the middle, providing ample protection and durability. The rubber is also robust enough, on par with the durable rubber used in other popular trainers such as the Nike Pegasus. The midsole foam has a pattern underneath to offer some additional traction.

<div class="d-flex flex-row align-items-center justify-content-center">
  <div class="col-12 col-md-8 px-1">
    <LightBox src="/images/shift3_1.jpg" caption="Rubber only at hotspots, not great at traction" alt="" ></LightBox>
  </div>
</div>

##### Why should one consider this shoe?

If you're a runner looking for a shoe that offers comfort, versatility, and support, then the Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 is definitely worth considering. Not only is it an excellent example of the #OneShoeCanDoAll philosophy, but it's also an excellent choice for making long runs more enjoyable. As someone who loves to mix things up during my runs, whether it's with progressive pacing or throwing in some tempo paced efforts during the long run, I find that the Shift 3 is the perfect shoe for the job.

##### Ride In Shift 3

I received the Saucony Shift 3 about 6-7 weeks before my marathon debut at the Tata Mumbai Marathon, during a phase when I was looking to add some intensity to my endurance training. At the time, I was also testing out the Brooks Ghost 15 (review) and trying to determine if the Nike Zoomfly 4 was the right option for both training and racing. However, the Zoomfly tended to irritate my Achilles, so I replaced it with the Shift 3 for tempo runs and speed intervals thereafter. 

During my very first run in Shift 3, which included 800-meter repetitions, I was impressed by the shoe's performance. Putting it on feels initially strange when you suddenly feel unnaturally tall. However, the break-in period is quick, usually taking just 3-4 runs.

Since then, I have logged over 120 kilometres in Shift 3. These runs have primarily consisted of speed intervals, tempo workouts, and marathon-paced long runs. Following the marathon, I also used them for all my easy runs and long runs. Surprisingly, Shift 3 performed exceptionally well for all these workouts. The shoe overall feels stable and firm, and I’m not complaining. This rigidity helps when picking up tempo paces.  

The rocker geometry makes it easier to glide and stride. The rocker is subtle and not aggressive, which is just right for a daily trainer. The heel bevel makes sure the transition from heel to toe works really smoothly and also ensure the impact on the knee is minimal.

In almost all my runs, I found myself landing on my forefoot, likely due to the low drop. The easier runs felt soft, and I believe this is due to the sock liner playing a role. I also chose to wear them for my easy runs since I like to close them with strides, and Shift 3 does a great job of accommodating this.


<div class="d-flex flex-row align-items-center justify-content-center">
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    <LightBox src="/images/shift3_3.jpg" caption="Rocker and low offset offers a nice ride" alt="" ></LightBox>
  </div>
</div>


**Fit & Comfort**

The shoe fits true to size in my men's UK 7. Its wider counterpart is surprisingly not available in India which might be a deal-breaker for some. Putting on the shoe can be a bit of a challenge, and this hasn't changed even after several runs. Once on, the shoe feels snug, and I have not experienced any heel slippage despite the heel counter not being well-covered. While the fit in the heel and the toe box is just right, the forefoot is a bit tight, and I'm not complaining here, though this would be a personal preference. Such a snug fit gives me confidence while picking up some intense paces. A layer of gusseted tongue runs beneath the perforated design, and this provides a comfortable fit for the forefoot. During my long runs over the past few weeks in the onset of Mumbai's summers, I initially had concerns about the shoe's breathability. That surprisingly ain't the case even with the decent amount of padding that's present on the heel and the midfoot. 

**Stability**

The design of Shift 3 screams support. The shoe's TPU heel counter adds stability by helping to anchor the heel, reducing movement and providing support. The support is massively aided by sidewalls on both the medial and lateral sides. Makes an excellent choice for those with low foot arches and over-pronators looking for support. A well- structured lockdown from the heel to the toe makes sure your foot isn’t wobbling around. This is aided by a fully gussetted tongue. Cornering especially during uptempo paces feels really confident. 

Though the upper runs narrow in the regular width variant, the outsole is wider both in the heel and in the forefoot. This provides more support since it provides a broad base for the foot to land on. I’ll put Shift 3 in the neutral stable category, where the stability is taken care of without compromising its weight. 

**Durability & Road Grip** 

The Saucony Endorphin Shift 3's outsole uses the durable XT-900 rubber compound in the typical hotspots, similar to the approach taken in the Kinvara where only the heel area is covered with rubber. This limited coverage raises questions about the shoe's overall durability compared to other neutral trainers that have more extensive rubber coverage. The larger responsibility here shifts to the midsole, which is known to be durable and resilient. I would be willing to retire this one early and take a cautious approach after 600-odd kilometres. Offering traction is another area where the outsole struggles, which will make me avoid Shift and rather opt for the Nike Pegasus or the Brooks Ghost during my occasional off-roads or rainy days. 

**Aesthetics**

The Shift 3 is not the most exciting shoe out there, but it looks aesthetically pleasing and cleaner than its previous editions. Unfortunately, in India, only the Black and ViziPro colourways are available, which may be a deal-breaker for those looking for a clean white look. Personally, it is my favourite among the colorways.

##### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="006002003M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "Highly versatile daily trainer",
    "True to size fit",
    "It has best in class stability",
    "Upper is highly breathable",
    "Priced competitively in the category",
    "Lighter even with all the stack",
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "Traction is not up to the mark",
    "Rocker design may not be for everyone", 
  ]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">

Saucony’s Endorphin Shift 3 is a one-shoe-do-all kind of trainer. It's a training shoe that can handle various workouts. The shoe is pretty light, feels comfortable, runs stable, and performs well when one at faster paces. Even with all the stack underneath, the ride is very stable, especially during speed intervals and tempo workouts. If there’s one workout which this shoe aces, it will be the marathon-paced long run. Considering the upcoming summer, Shift 3 stands at a better place. The only area where the shoe struggles is the outsole durability and traction. To conclude, if I had to pick just one shoe for all my training, Shift 3 is my top choice. 

</InfoCard>

Reviews

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Review

Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 Review