Saucony Endorphin Shift Shoe Review

The Saucony Endorphin shoe line is one that I have been interested in trying out ever since Jared Ward wore the Endorphin Pro (retail at $199) shoe during the 2020 US Olympic Trials back in February. Not only did the shoe looked great, but it was touted as the next carbon plated shoe from Saucony.

I jumped at the chance to order the Endorphin Shift when I found them on sale at Shoes.com.

Now for the Endorphin shoe review.

Saucony Endorphin Shift Overview

The Saucony Endorphin Shift is a neutral/minimal stability running shoe from Saucony. If you are familiar with the Hoka Clifton or Hoka Arahi, these shoes felt similar to these popular Hoka running shoes.

The PWRRUN midsole provides plenty of cushion and support. The increased stack height of the sole makes this shoe feel and look taller than your average running shoe. The other thing you will feel is the SPEEDROLL technology, which is somewhat like the Meta-Rocker technology from Hoka, which propels your foot forward naturally with each step.

The mesh upper and ankle collar are all nice features of the shoe, but the one thing that other runners have commented on is the heavier weight of this shoe (10.4 oz. for a men’s 9).

At the time of this review, the Saucony Endorphin Shift has 5 color options, so there is an option for everyone.

I ordered a 1/2 size up just to make sure my forefoot had a little extra breathing room in the forefoot area.

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Here are few pictures of the Saucony Endorphin Shift worn for this review.

Here are some pros and cons of the Saucony Endorphin Shift shoe.

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Saucony Endorphin Shift Shoe Verdict

Our Rating:

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The Saucony Endorphin Shift running shoe is worth trying if you are looking for a daily trainer with plenty of support and cushion. While this isn’t the fastest or lightest shoe, it is great for daily recovery and longer runs.

The combination of the PWRRUN midsole, SPEEDROLL technology, soft ankle collar, and breathable mesh upper make for a great running shoe that retails for $140. I don’t think I would pay retail price for these shoes, but would definitely buy a pair if I could find them on sale.

I have worn these for 60 miles and so far, everything has felt great. No warm spots or blisters, just mile after mile of comfort. As some other runners have stated, this shoe isn’t as soft as the Arahi or Clifton, but still very comfortable. I also really like the comfortable ankle collar, something that was a nice surprise. The sole is still in great shape and have high hopes for a durable shoe. If that changes, I will update this review.

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Saucony Endorphin Shift Initial Thoughts

I had high expectations for this shoe after reading reviews and seeing pictures of this shoe. I know the Endorphin Shift isn’t the Endorphin Pro version, but a shoe I have wanted to try for a long time.

When I first opened the box, I immediately noticed the bright ankle collar, laces, and midsole. The midsole stack was much higher than expected, which immediately made me think of the Clifton, a shoe I have always enjoyed running in.

When I laced them up, I noticed the forefoot had plenty of space and the shoe felt like it would be supportive and cushioned. I did notice the SPEEDROLL technology, which propelled me forward with every step, even when walking.

All in all, my initial thoughts were excitement to try this new Saucony running shoe.

Saucony Endorphin Shift Shoe Specifications

• Shoe Weight: Men’s: 10.4 oz (size 9) | Women’s: 9.3 oz (size 8)
• Shoe Category: Neutral/Minimal Stability
• Pronation: Neutral
• Sole Height: 4mm
• Heel Stack Height: 35mm
• Forefoot Stack Height: 31mm
• Cushioning: PWRRUN
• Surface: Road (can be worn on soft trails as well)
• Previous Version: First Version

Saucony Endorphin Shift Shoe Sole

The sole on the Endorphin Shift was different than other Saucony shoes I have tried.

If you look at pictures of the sole below, the green parts are softer while the yellow are firm, which as you can see is balanced across the forefoot. I assume this is to try to balance out durability with the cushioned support of the shoe.

The midsole consists of PWRRUN and SPEEDROLL technologies, which helps propel you forward as you run. As I mentioned this feels similar to the Meta-Rocker technology by Hoka.

Saucony states the PWRRUN+ foam sole is “Our lightest cushioning technology. 28% lighter, in fact than our previous foam.” Visit the PWRRUN+ page to learn more.

If you look at the sole of the shoe below, you will see that the XT-900 rubber outsole is placed strategically across the bottom of the shoe to provide traction in most weather conditions.

Here are a few pictures of the Endorphin Shift sole.

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Saucony Endorphin Shift Shoe Upper

The upper of Endorphin Shift is very comfortable for a few few reasons. The mesh upper provides plenty of room for your forefoot, the FORMFIT mesh provides plenty of support, and the gusseted tongue means the tongue will stay in place, something I wish more running shoes had.

Saucony.com states that the latest upper “FORMFIT acts like a luxurious bucket seat for your foot, conforming to you for the perfect fit and providing comfort from every angle.”

The mesh upper is breathable and really kept my feet cool and dry. I wouldn’t wear these in the snow or rain as they would absorb the moisture. The heel/ankle collar was soft and very comfortable, something you will notice if you haven’t worn a shoe with this feature.

Here are pictures of the upper on the Endorphin Shift.

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Saucony Endorphin Shift Shoe Ratings

Please provide any feedback or experiences you have while running in the Endorphin Shift running shoes!

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