Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 Review
Endorphin Pro 3's Comfort and Versatility Topple the Competition
Likes
- Soft and responsive underfoot
- Comfortable fit with stable platform
- Stylish and fun colours
Dislikes
- Midsole less responsive than version 2
What's New
The Endorphin Pro 3 is Saucony's elite marathon racing shoe, designed to help runners capture personal bests at everything from 5Ks all the way beyond marathon distances. After a relatively modest update from version one to version two, this third iteration takes even bigger leaps forward with more PWRRUN PB Foam stacked underfoot, a redesigned S-Curve carbon plate for soft yet efficient landings that don't sacrifice energy return, and a wider platform for increased stability. The SPEEDROLL midsole geometry continues to promote quick and efficient transitions, while the XT-9000 outsole delivers durability that runners can rely on. Sitting on top of the Endorphin's fantastic midsole, a lighter and more breathable FORMFIT mesh upper provides a locked-and-loaded feel that is uncharacteristically comfy for a super shoe.
The Bottom Line
The Endorphin Pro 3 is an excellent upgrade from version 2, featuring updates from top to bottom that truly dial in Saucony's elite marathon racer. Where some found the previous version to feel a bit harsh over marathon distances, the Endorphin Pro 3 may now be the most comfortable elite super shoe on the market. While this comfort-oriented design may have caused the Endorphin Pro 3 to lose some of its aggressiveness when compared to the likes of the Alphafly, Vaporfly, METASPEED, and Adios Pro, the shoe more than makes up for it with its accommodating fit and surprisingly versatile ride. This is a product of the shoe's incredible midsole design, which utilizes a combination of PWRRUN PB foam, SPEEDROLL geometry, and an S-Curve carbon plate.
The increased level of PWRRUN PB foam in the midsole accentuates the shoe's soft yet highly energetic feel, and our testers agreed that the Endorphin Pro 3 is now more comfortable over long distances than the previous version. The updates to the midsole also deliver improved versatility at different paces, which makes the Endorphin Pro better equipped to help runners as they grind through the trials of training. The wider platform elevates the shoe's level of stability to heights not seen in other super shoes, providing a platform that is friendlier to a larger range of runners, from elite racers to beginners. Combine this with a lightweight, breathable, and secure upper, and you get a super shoe that is also super fun for runners of all experience levels. The Pro 3's favorable price point compared to the competition is just the cherry on top!
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 207 g (size EU 42.5) | Women's: 184 g (size EU 39) |
| Stack Height | 39 mm (heel), 31 mm (forefoot) |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
Men's Saucony Endorphin Pro
Women's Saucony Endorphin Pro
Individual Thoughts
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 is a big upgrade from the Endorphin Pro 2. Version two did not work for some runners, and many preferred the Endorphin Speed because of the more versatile ride and increased comfort.
I feel like the Pro 3 captures the high-performance qualities of the carbon plate and responsive foam but dials in the ride to be more adaptable with the versatility to handle a wider variety of paces. I have enjoyed running in the Pro 3 and keep reaching for it during workout days and for marathon-paced long runs.
The only downside to the shoe I can find is that I am starting to see a bit of wear on the outsole, and the thin upper is not the best for sockless wear. These two things are minor complaints and would not keep me from running in the Endorphin Pro 3. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 is an elite-level super shoe that will work for different types of runners and offers increased performance over past models.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I cannot get enough of the Endorphin line. Since its launch, the line has continually impressed me, and version 3 of the Endorphin Pro might be my favorite yet. Well, besides maybe the Speed 3.
The PWRRUN PB midsole is fantastic, with a bouncy return that isn't too harsh underfoot. But the overall comfort of the shoe, especially compared to other super shoes, is the defining characteristic of the Endorphin Pro 3. Also, as someone who cannot afford a full shoe rotation, the Endorphin Pro's versatility was highly appreciated. I had no problem using the shoes on various road runs throughout testing.
The Endorphin Pro 3 is not the fastest marathon racing shoe available and may not be ideal for those who only care about speed, but given the shoe's level of comfort, versatility, and affordability, the Endorphin Pro 3 is my super shoe recommendation, especially for sub-elite runners like myself.