Shoe Review: Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

The new Saucony Endorphin Pro 3.

Chase the elusive runner’s high in the all-new Saucony Endorphin Pro 3.

Saucony’s best selling carbon-plated racing shoe is back this summer with some major updates. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 features more responsive PWRRUN PB foam cushioning and a redesigned S-curve carbon-fiber plate, all in a featherweight package. The result is a springy, energetic ride that’s made for breaking personal records.

Fleet Feet reviewers put the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 to the test during speed workouts, tempo runs and daily cruises to get a feel for how it performs over various paces. Here’s what you can expect.

Tech Specs

Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2

Weight

6.2 oz (W), 7.2 oz (M)

6.3 oz (W), 7.5 oz (M)

Drop

8 mm

8 mm

Stack height (heel/forefoot)

39.5 mm/ 31.5 mm

35.5 mm/ 27.5 mm

Category

Neutral, race

Neutral, race

Surface

Road

Road

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Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 Offers More Cushion with Less Weight

A pair of Saucony Endorphin Pro 3.

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 manages to pack in more cushioning while reducing the overall weight, so you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for performance.

The latest version of the Saucony Endorphin Pro features more PWRRUN PB foam in the midsole than ever before - 4 millimeters more to be exact. Saucony’s PWRRUN PB midsole foam is light and springy, perfect for powering through to a new personal best.

“These shoes feel like magic for a speed workout. They’re so propulsive, and really fun to run in. They make me feel like I’m gliding, and definitely help me to pick up the pace. The way that the foam rebounds makes it a perfect race shoe,” Kate says.

“These shoes are super comfortable with a great bounce. I can definitely feel the difference from the carbon plate with turnover and the shoe helping to push me forward on the run,” Jasmine says.

A full-length carbon-fiber plate sits inside the midsole and serves as this shoe’s not-so-secret weapon. The carbon-fiber plate helps the foam compress upon landings and snap back during take-offs, using your own energy to propel you forward.

“These shoes are magical. Somehow they are as comfortable as the maximally cushioned shoes on the market, light as the most minimalist shoes, and still give a noticeable bouncy kick to your stride,” Alex says.

Saucony uses their SPEEDROLL technology in the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, the same geometry used in the previous two versions to help roll you forward during transitions. That, combined with the carbon-fiber plate and the light, springy foam, creates an effortlessly smooth ride that will keep you moving for miles.

“The shape and softness of the foam cradles my foot in a really cushy, supportive way. With each step the foam feels like it’s rebounding and sending me forward. For many shoes, the foam doesn’t really come alive until you start running, but with the Endorphin Pro 3, it feels lively from the moment you put the shoe on your foot,” Kate says.

Airy Mesh Upper Brings Style to the Start Line

The light, breathable upper of the Saucony Endorphin pro 3.

Not only will you feel speedy in the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, you’ll look the part too. The latest version of the Endorphin Pro offers a lightweight, breathable mesh upper that subtly shimmers.

Reviewers enjoyed the fit, feel and flash of the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3.

“The upper is super flashy – perfect for race day, and clearly designed to be light, with big, open mesh for ventilation and cut-outs along the top of the foot for extra breathability. The thin, suede tongue is soft and comfortable without adding anything unnecessary,” Kate says.

Saucony used their FORMFIT design in the upper to support the contours of your feet while offering breathability and flexibility. Reviewers with all different foot shapes found their perfect fit in the Endorphin Pro 3.

“I really love the streamlined mesh upper. It’s everything you want in a race shoe: super airy with a good balance of structure, contour and comfort. The tongue feels great, wrapping around the top of my foot with zero discomfort or hot spots,” Nate says.

“I can’t say enough good things about the mesh upper. I have a narrow foot and it felt like a glove when lacing up,” Jasmine says.

What’s an upper? Learn about the parts that make up a running shoe.

What is the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 Best For?

The inside sockliner of the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 reads "Speedroll technology."

With its carbon-fiber plate, bouncy foam and lightweight upper, it’s no secret that the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 is meant for running fast. From the 5K to the marathon, there’s no distance this shoe can’t tackle.

The latest version of the Saucony Endorphin Pro features a significant increase in cushion, making it even more comfortable for longer races.

“The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 is a really exciting update. It feels bouncier than what I remember from the previous version. If you’re looking for a pair of lucky racers, these will definitely add some pep to your step,” Kate says.

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