Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 Review: The Best Carbon-Fiber Running Shoes for Speed and Efficiency

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is the highly anticipated successor to the original Endorphin Pro, a shoe that revolutionized the world of running with its exceptional speed and performance. This second iteration builds upon the success of its predecessor, offering even more advanced features and improvements that make it a top choice for professional athletes and avid runners alike.

Unleashing Speed: Features of the Endorphin Pro 2

The Endorphin Pro 2 is designed to deliver unrivaled speed, thanks to its innovative features that optimize performance. Let’s take a look at some of the key features that make this shoe stand out:

1. PWRRUN PB Foam: The Pro 2 features Saucony’s proprietary PWRRUN PB foam, which is incredibly light and responsive. This foam not only provides excellent energy return but also offers a high level of cushioning, ensuring a comfortable and smooth ride.
2. Carbon Fiber Plate: One of the standout features of the Endorphin Pro 2 is its full-length carbon fiber plate. This plate acts as a spring, propelling you forward with each stride and enhancing your running efficiency. It helps reduce fatigue, allowing you to maintain your speed for longer distances.
3. FormFit Technology: Saucony has incorporated its FormFit technology into the Pro 2, ensuring a snug and personalized fit. The shoe adapts to the shape of your foot, offering a secure lockdown without sacrificing comfort. This feature is particularly important during high-intensity runs or races, where a secure fit can make all the difference.
4. Weight and Stack Height: The Endorphin Pro 2 is impressively lightweight, coming in at just 7.5 ounces for men’s size 9 and 6.3 ounces for women’s size 8. Its stack height is 35mm in the heel and 31mm in the forefoot, providing a balanced and responsive platform.

Exceptional Comfort: How Does the Endorphin Pro 2 Feel?

Comfort is paramount when it comes to running shoes, especially for long-distance runners. The Endorphin Pro 2 excels in this aspect, offering a plush and supportive feel throughout your run. Here’s why this shoe is a standout in terms of comfort:

1. Breathable Upper: The upper of the Endorphin Pro 2 is made of lightweight and breathable mesh material. This allows for excellent airflow, keeping your feet cool and dry even during intense workouts or races.
2. Soft Collar and Tongue: The shoe features a soft collar and tongue, which provide cushioning and prevent any discomfort or irritation around the ankle area. This ensures a comfortable fit and eliminates the risk of blisters or hot spots.
3. Responsive Cushioning: The PWRRUN PB foam in the midsole not only enhances performance but also provides a comfortable and responsive cushioning. It absorbs impact and reduces stress on your joints, allowing for a more enjoyable and pain-free running experience.
4. FormFit Technology: As mentioned earlier, the FormFit technology in the Endorphin Pro 2 ensures a personalized fit. The shoe molds to the shape of your foot, providing a glove-like feel that eliminates any unnecessary movement or slippage.

Lightning-Fast Performance: Testing the Endorphin Pro 2

To truly understand the capabilities of the Endorphin Pro 2, it’s crucial to test it under real-world conditions. This shoe has been put through its paces by professional athletes and everyday runners, and the results are nothing short of remarkable.

1. Impressive Speed: The Endorphin Pro 2 lives up to its reputation as a speed demon. Runners have reported significant improvements in their pace, with many achieving personal bests and even breaking records. The combination of the carbon fiber plate and lightweight design enables runners to maintain a fast tempo and efficient stride.
2. Smooth Transitions: The shoe facilitates effortless transitions, allowing for a fluid and natural gait. The carbon fiber plate enhances the rolling motion of the foot, propelling you forward with each step. This results in a smooth and efficient stride, minimizing wasted energy and maximizing speed.
3. Versatile Performance: While the Endorphin Pro 2 excels in races and tempo runs, it also performs admirably during daily training runs. It strikes a perfect balance between speed and comfort, making it a versatile option for various training sessions and distances.
4. Excellent Traction: The outsole of the Pro 2 features durable rubber with strategic placements of high-abrasion rubber in areas prone to wear. This provides reliable traction on both wet and dry surfaces, ensuring a secure grip even in challenging conditions.

Durability and Longevity: Endorphin Pro 2’s Build Quality

When investing in a premium running shoe like the Endorphin Pro 2, durability and longevity are essential factors to consider. Fortunately, this shoe has been meticulously crafted with high-quality materials and construction techniques that ensure it stands the test of time.

1. Reinforced Upper: The upper of the Endorphin Pro 2 is reinforced with durable overlays, protecting it from wear and tear. This enhances the shoe’s overall lifespan, allowing you to enjoy its performance benefits for an extended period.
2. Durable Outsole: The rubber outsole of the Pro 2 is designed to withstand the rigors of regular running. It offers excellent durability and shows minimal signs of wear, even after extensive use on various surfaces.
3. Stitching and Bonding: Saucony has paid great attention to detail when it comes to the stitching and bonding of the Pro 2. The shoe is expertly crafted, ensuring that all components are securely held together. This results in a shoe that maintains its structural integrity even after prolonged use.
4. Midsole Resilience: The PWRRUN PB foam in the midsole retains its responsiveness and cushioning properties, even after countless miles. It’s designed to withstand repeated impact and compression, providing reliable performance throughout the lifespan of the shoe.

Comparing the Endorphin Pro 2 to its Predecessor

The Endorphin Pro 2 builds upon the success of its predecessor, taking its performance to new heights. Here’s a comparison between the two models to highlight the improvements:

As seen in the comparison table, the Endorphin Pro 2 offers an upgraded midsole foam, further enhancing its responsiveness and cushioning. The weight has also been slightly reduced, allowing for a more lightweight and agile feel. Other aspects, such as the carbon fiber plate and fit, remain consistent, ensuring that the Pro 2 maintains the qualities that made its predecessor so impressive.

Final Verdict: Is the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 Worth It?

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is undoubtedly worth the investment for serious runners looking to unlock their full potential. With its exceptional speed, comfort, and durability, this shoe is a game-changer in the world of running. Whether you’re a professional athlete aiming for a new record or an enthusiast seeking to improve your performance, the Pro 2 is designed to help you achieve your goals. Embrace the power of the Endorphin Pro 2 and experience the thrill of running like never before.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the weight of the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2?

A1: The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 weighs 7.5 ounces for men’s size 9 and 6.3 ounces for women’s size 8.

Q2: Does the Endorphin Pro 2 have a carbon fiber plate?

A2: Yes, the Endorphin Pro 2 features a full-length carbon fiber plate that enhances speed and running efficiency.

Q3: How does the Endorphin Pro 2 compare to its predecessor?

A3: The Endorphin Pro 2 builds upon the success of its predecessor with upgrades in the midsole foam and a slight reduction in weight. However, it maintains key features such as the carbon fiber plate and excellent durability.

Q4: Is the Endorphin Pro 2 suitable for daily training runs?

A4: Yes, the Endorphin Pro 2 is versatile enough to be used for daily training runs, offering a balance between speed and comfort.

Q5: How does the Endorphin Pro 2 provide a personalized fit?

A5: The Endorphin Pro 2 incorporates Saucony’s FormFit technology, which molds to the shape of your foot for a secure and comfortable fit.

Q6: Does the Endorphin Pro 2 offer good traction?

A6: Yes, the Endorphin Pro 2 has an outsole with durable rubber and strategic placements of high-abrasion rubber, providing reliable traction on various surfaces.

Q7: What is the stack height of the Endorphin Pro 2?

A7: The stack height of the Endorphin Pro 2 is 35mm in the heel and 31mm in the forefoot.