Saucony Endorphin Elite 2: Softer is Faster?

Endorphin Elite 2: Quick Facts

 Weight: 

• 199g (M: US 9 / W: US 10.5)

Best For: 

• Road racing
• Speed workouts

Price: 

• $420 AUD

Stack Height & Drop: 

• 39.5mm heel / 31.5mm forefoot
• 8mm drop

Favourite Features: 

• The incrediRUN midsole is like nothing we've ever worn!
• Elite upper breathability

Release Date: 

• March 3rd, 2025

What's the Endorphin Elite 2 all about?

The Endorphin Elite 2 is Saucony's premium super shoe and a unique evolution within their race day line up. In a time where brands are exploring the next step in super shoe technology, Saucony have re-imagined the Elite 2. While the original Endorphin Elite from 2024 featured an ultra aggressive late-stage rocker and a firmer resilient midsole, the Elite 2 has been injected with a brand new midsole material for a completely different and distinct running experience.

The Endorphin Elite 2 also boldly sets itself apart from the Endorphin Pro 4, which leans more toward the "conservative side" for a super shoe. Saucony seems to have embraced a more unconventional approach with the Elite 2, pushing the boundaries in both design and performance.

There are three key changes in Endorphin Elite 2:

1) incrediRUN midsole - can soft be fast?

The biggest talking point with the Endorphin Elite 2 is the midsole. Saucony have developed a new foam called incrediRUN which technically speaking is a super-critical TPEE (thermoplastic copolyester elastomer) foam. The bottom line is this foam is soft, probably the softest midsole we've ever felt in hand! It's so compliant that it’s almost hard to believe it can deliver such high rebound properties. Saucony claims this material provides an industry-leading 96% energy return, the highest values they’ve recorded to date. For reference, the PwrRun HG midsole from the original Endorphin Elite recorded a value of 95%.

The shoe definitely feels different going from standing to running faster paces. Standing in the shoe, it feels like a marshmallow underfoot, but once you're up and running at faster paces, the incrediRUN midsole becomes much more dynamic to deliver a lively bounce. It feels like a shoe that will respond better the faster you go.

Saucony retains their signature SpeedRoll geometry, which is further enhanced by a full-length carbon plate. Some refinements have been made to the midsole geometry, including a lateral cutout to remove excess weight.

We think the density of the incrediRUN midsole is really unique. Whether you enjoy its feel will depend on your cushioning preference and how well you tolerate such a high-stack, ultra soft shoe.

2) Lightweight knit & molded heel cup

Saucony has evolved the minimal upper design from the Endorphin Elite 1 with a light knit and mesh combination. It is incredibly breathable through midfoot and forefoot which is exactly want you come to expect from a race day shoe.

While the Elite 2's upper feels slightly narrower than its predecessor, it still offers good midfoot and forefoot volume, with added structure for a more substantial feel. We also noticed the knitted tongue from the Endorphin Pro 4 has been brought across to the Elite 2 which is a nice touch.

One significant update is the seamless molded heel cup, which doesn't just contribute to the sleek silhouette of the shoe. It's really unstructured and rounded in shape so people who are sensitive to heel counters should do well in this. On the other hand, it doesn’t offer the most secure locked-in fit, which could be a consideration for runners who prioritise a secure heel hold in their race shoe.

3) Thin, but tacky outsole grip

The outsole of the Endorphin Elite 2 features an ultra-thin yet grippy PWRTRAC rubber, which is actually a similar compound to what they use on their trail shoes. Saucony has strategically placed thin rubber coverage only where necessary to reduce any unnecessary weight.

A key improvement over the previous Endorphin Elite is the enhanced wet-weather traction. The original model had issues with slipperiness in damp conditions, but the Elite 2 appears to have addressed this with a tackier feel. The low-density outsole material not only grips well but also contributes to the shoe’s overall lightweight construction. 

It'll be interesting to see how the Endorphin Elite 2 wears given the soft midsole and low density outsole. We don't think it'll last as long as the Elite 1, but we'll have to wait and see!

Our first thoughts

The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 pushes the boundaries of super shoe midsoles, setting itself apart from both Saucony's more traditional Endorphin Pro 4 and its aggressive predecessor, the Elite 1.

We think the Endorphin Elite 2 is for runners wanting one of the softest, bounciest-riding super shoes. However, this extreme cushioning comes with consideration—runners with stability needs may find the instability through heel and midfoot limiting, especially over races of a longer distance. It's a shoe best suited for runners with stable mechanics seeking one of the most unique super shoe experiences on the market! 

About the author

Nathan Pope - Runner and Shoe Nerd

I'm really passionate about running footwear and how shoes can be used as a tool to get the best of your running, whether that be general fitness or performance.

My favourite event is the marathon. I feel as though the marathon is the ultimate test both physically and mentally! It requires careful planning both within the race and during the training block and it can be super satisfying when it comes together on race day.