Shoe Review: Saucony Endorphin Speed 2

Gear
By Sarah Moxham
Saucony Endorphin Speed 2

By the Fleet Feet Review Team. With over 80 years of combined experience, our review team is dedicated to providing in-depth gear and shoe reviews to help you find the best shoes and gear for your next run.

Saucony continues to update it’s super-fast Endorphin collection with the lightweight Endorphin Speed 2.

Shop Now

Men's Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Race Shoes

$160 $120

Sale
Women's Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Race Shoes

$160 $120

Sale

With an updated mono-mesh upper, ultralight feel and responsive nylon plating, the Endorphin Speed 2 is ready for long runs, races and everything in between.

Our reviewers have been itching to run in the Endorphin Speed 2, and we have a feeling you will be too. We tested it out over hills, intervals and road races. Here’s what our reviewers thought.

Tech Specs

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2

Weight

7 oz (W) 7.9 oz (M)

Drop

8 mm

Category

Neutral, nylon-plated

Use

Training, Speedwork, Racing

Surface

Roads

The Speed 2 Makes Light Work of Speed Work

The Endorphin Speed 2 is powered by Saucony’s fastest, most propulsive technologies.

The Saucony Endorphin Pro running shoes

The whole shoe is built on a bed of PWRRUN PB midsole foam that delivers endless energy return while providing the cushion you need for efficient landings.

Within the PWRRUN PB foam is a full-length nylon plate that creates the stiffness you need to generate forward momentum without any added weight.

The nylon plate is unique in that it is much more flexible than a carbon fiber plate, making the Endorphin Speed 2 a great shoe for those we are just getting started running in a plated shoe.

No matter the plate material, a plated shoe provides the stiffness necessary for propulsive strides, and can increase the energy return to your legs. This means you feel fresher, and faster, longer.

Fleet Feet reviewers agree, the nylon plate stands out in the Speed 2, making it one of the more accessible models of the Endorphin collection.

“The biggest thing that stood out to me about the Speed 2 was the nylon plate. I was surprised at how flexible the shoe was even though it’s plated, but it still provides a ton of propulsion over long runs and speed work,” one reviewer says.

Our reviewers loved the pop of energy the Endorphin Speed 2 brings to each workout. One reviewer tested it over an interval workout and raved about the fast, cushioned feel.

The Saucony Endorphin Pro running shoes

“The Speed 2 really shines when you pick up the pace,” she says. “The rocker shape helps me roll forward for a smooth, quick transition. The cushion absorbs impact as I’m pushing the pace and protects my joints from pounding and offers excellent energy return.”

In addition to the springy PWRRUN PB foam, Saucony designers incorporated their unique SPEEDROLL technology into the geometry of the Speed 2. The shape of the shoe helps promote rolling transitions as you run, creating an effortless, fast feel.

“I absolutely love the SPEEDROLL technology in all the Endorphin shoes, but I feel it most in the Speed because of the more exaggerated rocker shape,” says one reviewer.

Whether you wear them for speedwork or longer efforts, the Endorphin Speed 2 will help you find your next gear.

Updated Upper Dials in Fit

The biggest changes throughout the Saucony Endorphin 2 series are in the upper, and the Speed 2 is no exception.

The Saucony Endorphin Speed running shoes

Saucony draped the Speed 2 in a mono-mesh upper that is incredibly flexible and well-ventilated. Reviewers love the new threads.

“I’m a huge fan of the mono-mesh as opposed to traditional knit uppers. The sock liner immediately hugs my foot and the upper is flexible but still locks my foot in place over the plate,” says one reviewer.

The snug bootie construction works with Saucony FORMFIT technology throughout the footbed to hug your foot in 3D comfort for a more personalized fit on the run.

Saucony designers revamped the heel collar for a more locked-in feel that offers the support you need at top speeds.

Light padding and suede detailing along the heel collar creates a super-smooth fit that is snug but not restrictive. This helps the Speed 2 accommodate a wide range of foot shapes, especially runners with a more narrow heel.

A roomy toe box is the icing on the cake, providing enough room for natural toe splay while stabilizing your foot over the footbed.

“I have a tendency to get black toenails from fast, long efforts (especially races), but so far the roomy toe box seems to give me the space and the freedom my feet need,” says one reviewer.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 vs. Endorphin Speed

A comparison of the Saucony Endorphin Speed and Endorphin Speed 2 running shoes

For fans of the original Endorphin Speed, the Endorphin Speed 2 runs just about the same.

From the stack height, midsole foam and nylon plating, not much has changed about the Endorphin Speed 2 under the hood.

The biggest difference can be felt up top. The Endorphin 2 has a much more padded heel collar and stabilized heel cup construction for a supported fit.

While the original Endorphin used an engineered mesh upper, the Endorphin 2 sports a lightweight mono-mesh that keeps the shoe flexible and breathable during even the toughest workouts.

Plus, Saucony designers went out of their way to incorporate recycled materials into the updated Endorphin 2, so you’re light on your feet and light on the planet.

Overall, you’ll find a much more snug, engaged feeling from the Speed 2 while still getting the lightweight, rolling run you love.

Tech Comparison:

Endorphin Speed 2

Endorphin Speed

Weight

7 oz (W) 7.9 oz (M)

6.8 oz (W) 7.8 oz (M)

Drop

8 mm

8 mm

Plate

nylon

nylon

Midsole

PWRRUN PB

PWRRUN PB

Upper

Mono-mesh

Engineered knit

Final Thoughts

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 offers a dialed-in fit over a bed of responsive cushioning that will propel you to top speeds.

“It’s a non-intimidating speed shoe for weekend warriors and competitive racers alike,” says one reviewer.

Our team recommends the Endorphin Speed 2 for speedwork, hard efforts, and road races from 5Ks to marathons.

Between the updated mono-mesh upper and padded heel collar, runners will love the lightweight ventilation during hard efforts. Designers even added in non-slip laces so you can secure your fit.

As ever, Saucony PWRRUN PB foam powers the Speed 2 and delivers unbeatable energy return and bounce from landing to toe-off.

The nylon plate provides unique flexibility while still adding the propulsive kick you need to run efficiently.

“The Endorphin Speed 2 is my No. 1 choice for speed work, races and long tempos this summer. There are a lot of fast shoes on the market these days, and the Speed stands out to me because of the comfortable fit, lightweight and fast feel,” says one reviewer.

Keep Reading

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 women's shoe on a tire.

Shoe Review: Saucony Endorphin Pro 2

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 packs powerful speed and lightweight cushioning- your PR's will be shaking in their boots. Read more about why our reviewers love this speed-demon shoe.
Gear
The Saucony Ride 14

Shoe Review: Saucony Ride 14

Saucony updated the Ride with a new look but kept the same reliable feel. Here's everything you need to know about the new Saucony Ride 14.
Gear
A man and woman wearing pairs of the Guide 14

Shoe Review: Saucony Guide 14

The Saucony Guide 14 is the newest version of a classic stability shoe. Thanks to a few thoughtful tweaks, Fleet Feet runners think it's the best one yet.
Gear