If you love a good cushion and enjoy a great trainer, this Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 review is going to please you. Like he made my feet.
Have I already finished?
Listen, I’ve been running in Saucony shoes since the first one in 2009. It was love at first run and this shoe was completely different, a hit with me very quickly as well.
As you know I am always honest in my shoe reviews about what I like, dislike and what might work for you that didn’t for me! So hopefully, again I can give you some insight into whether this is a running shoe you’ll enjoy.
I’ve been logging miles on the Endrophin Shift for a few months now and it’s a permanent part of my shoe rotation. Although now we are entering winter, they are white…and will probably join the treadmill running shoes because the dirty gray would freak me out.
There is no perfect running shoe for all runners, so I’m going to share my findings. But as always I encourage you to walk into the store and put them on! Take a walk around the store and see what you think.
Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 Details
This is the latest version of Endorphin Shift and my feet were pleasantly surprised by the changes. As a maximalist running shoe, it will remind you of HOKA from the start with a slightly wider base for stability and cushioning.
A maxi shoe simply means that the stack height is large, not that it is large from heel to toe. The larger stack allowed them to shake in some extra lightweight cushioning.
My initial impression was of a really cushiony shoe. I was going to call it plush, but then put on several shoes to compare and realized it’s actually a pretty responsive moderate cushion. This is usually ideal because we don’t want to sink too much into the cushion.
In other words, the perfect amount of cushioning for this daily trainer helps absorb impact and yet not so much that you’re losing a ton of energy with each step. You can definitely do some speed work in this shoe, which is why it’s in the Endorphin lineup.
It’s also considered a bit of a supportive shoe, which I think is mostly due to the height of the stack and not what the shoe is trying to fix.
A great choice for cushioned neutral Saucony shoes for easy everyday runs with a low heel drop.
- 4 mm heel drop
- Women’s 8.11 oz
- Men’s 9.40 oz
- cushioned
- Available in 4 colors and Vizipro (their reflective line).
- Available in Wide.
- Available at stillness, Zappos and retail stores for $150
gave Saucony ride Previously considered their most cushioned shoe, while it has great cushioning it doesn’t quite have the same plush feel. The ride has a big heel drop at 8mm, but it weighs a little less.
So if you’re looking for a cushioned everyday trainer without the bulk, this is your winner.
While they also mention that the shift has a speed roll design. This means the forefoot is a little stiffer, and the shoe is designed to help you roll a little from heel to toe to make you run faster. Most brands are now playing with some version of this.
I can’t say I noticed it much in this shoe, but with the high stack and cushioning it’s probably precious, but not very noticeable.
Saucony Endorphin Fit
In general, Saucony shoes are a bit narrower than some brands. I found the shift to be a bit wider than the Virgo, but nothing noticeable. Just a note as many people find the brand a bit tight.
The tongue is thin, lightly padded, Breathe and relax. I’ve seen this trend in several shoes lately to reduce weight, but not everyone has nailed it. Take the UltraTurion where the thin tongue is so hard on the shoe it cuts right up to my ankle.
I have found these shoes to be quite comfortable on the easiest of runs. I could probably wear them up to half marathon distance for easy training. They are light enough to make a great 10K shoe. Even for a new runner. When we’re starting out and the body is adjusting to the pounding, that extra cushion can really help.
On 90% of my running shoes, I use heel lock lacing and they have enough laces to make it easy to do. I saw that someone mentioned problems with heel clearance. I didn’t get it, but used this lacing technique again.
Who Shouldn’t Get the Endorphin Shift?
If you bounce from trail to road, this is not an ideal shoe in my book. It doesn’t have much grip or lugs to enjoy on a crushed gravel path.
Those looking for a fast workout shoe or racer will not find this level of responsiveness in this shoe.
Endorphin running shoes
Since Saucony really shook things up by introducing a whole new line of shoes, it feels like there’s at least some discussion to be had! While it’s been out for a few years now, they still have a lot of buzz around this line.
Which shoe is the fastest, what do I need? Questions I see most often.
One of the big things they talk about is the speed roll that helps propel your foot forward, which is actually quite similar to the rocker that skaters put into their running shoes from the start. .
Remember that carbon fiber shoes are prone to wear and tear. So just because it’s exciting to gain a few seconds on your easy run, doesn’t mean you need carbon fiber all the time.
- Endorphin Pro – Designed for speed with a carbon fiber plate, this is your race shoe.
- Endorphin rush – Also designed as a neutral, cushioned shoe that you can take to the races, but without the carbon fiber plate. Instead it uses a nylon plate for some of these benefits.
- The endorphin shift – A slightly stable shoe with a cushion, good for everyday training.
What you need to know about Saucony running shoes.
Like another famous running brand (New Balance), Saucony opened its first factory in 1898. And by 1910 they were making running spikes… but very few people were running or looking for running shoes, so it wasn’t until the 1970s that they started to grow.
He first became known for his cool style with his casual footwear and then, hit the big time.
Runner’s World featured them as one of the top 10 running shows in 1979. By the 80s, they were making shoes with non-slip soles, which was a major innovation.
Then came 2009 and the Saucony Kinvara – this one shoe changed many things about their design and philosophy. It was a more natural running shoe (yes during the barefoot trend). The new goal became how to get shoes off without sacrificing cushioning and comfort.
Good performance, good health and good community are their guiding principles. You may have seen their hashtag #runforgood – which is really about doing good, giving back and finding sustainable ways.
How do you say Saucony?
Since I get this question a ton, let me help you out.
Sock a knee.
It’s actually named after a creek in Pennsylvania and their logo represents water flowing! They really love places for shoe names. I got to visit Ireland’s original towns of Kinvara and Kilkenny, just to name a few of their shoes.
Cons of Saucony Running Shoes
As mentioned, every runner has a preference, so from my experience there are only two things.
- They are not ideal for people with high arches or high mid-feet.
- Most of them run a little tighter than other brands.
- Still a very traditional looking running shoe, not fashion forward.
- Bright colors or white dominate the selection.
- Limited wide selection
Check out this shoe finder. To help find the right size and which shoe is comparable to what you’re running in.
See current colors and prices on all models >>
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