FeastVoyage: Your Culinary Compass

Here’s a fun fact for ya: Did you know that Saucony hasn’t always been a Boston-based company? Nope, it’s actually named for the Saucony Creek in little old Kutztown, Pennsylvania. It started there all the way back in 1898, so you could say that Saucony has been around the block a time or two. Our history with the brand doesn’t go back quite that far, but we’ve run in enough Endorphins and Kinvaras to play favorites. Here are the best Saucony running shoes you can buy right now.

Obviously, no single Saucony shoe is perfect for every run (though the Endorphin Speed comes pretty close), so we’ll try to cover the full range. We’ve laced up Saucony running shoes for everything from recovery runs to race days and even taken them for life off-roads. Whether you want a reliable daily trainer or a mud-ready monster, there’s a good chance we’ve got you covered.

Our picks always come from our own experiences here at Believe in the Run. After all, we get a lot of shoes in for testing, and we like to let our feet do the talking. While we don’t always love every shoe that arrives, it doesn’t mean that you won’t. We try to weigh thoughts from our running friends and the community in general. All of our picks should be available for you to buy right now, too.

KEY TERMS IN THIS REVIEW

PWRRUN FOAMS

PWRRUN: Tried-and-true EVA

PWRRUN Plus: TPU-based beads

PWRRUN PB: – PEBA beads

PWRRUN HG: PEBA beads, but better

PWRTRAC

Tacky, trail-ready rubber used on the outsoles of the Peregrine, Xodus Ultra, and Endorphin Rift

SPEEDROLL

Saucony’s rocker midsole technology, featured on all of the Endorphin models

FORMFIT

Saucony’s three-layered midsole setup that adapts and conforms to your foot

XT-900

Road-ready rubber that offers great grip without aggressive lugs, found on the Endorphin Pro 4 and Ride 17

Best Saucony Running Shoes Right Now

Saucony Endorphin Elite

$275

BEST FOR

Race day domination

WEIGHT

7.2 oz. (205 g) for a US M9,

6.5 oz. (185 g) for a US W8

STACK HEIGHT/DROP

40 mm in heel, 32 in forefoot (8 mm drop)

What could possibly be better than Pro in the pecking order? Elite, apparently. That’s right, the Saucony Endorphin Elite is the company’s new top dog, and it brings a wild design and plenty of new technology to match. As if the unique upper and funky, rounded midsole weren’t bold enough, Saucony paired them with a vibrant green upper that absolutely screams, “look at me!” We’re happy to look, too, since the Endorphin Elite is easily one of the best Saucony running shoes right now, if not ever.

For starters, the Endorphin Elite is the first to adopt the new PWRRUN HG foam, which is Saucony’s answer to Nike’s ZoomX. It’s light and poppy, though just a bit denser than the PWRRUN PB found on the Endorphin Pro 3 — at least in our opinion. Density or not, the Endorphin Elite sings louder the faster you go. Both Thomas and Meaghan found that the harder they pushed the pace, the faster they wanted to go and the happier the Endorphin Elite got.

On top of that high-powered midsole, Saucony has one of the wildest uppers in the game right now. It’s not as bold as the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro, but the cutouts and thin layers make it look almost alien compared to other racers. You might also want to grab some padded socks for the Endorphin Elite, as it sacrifices some padding to save weight.

Ultimately, the Endorphin Elite is Saucony’s best race day shoe to date, and it comes with a $275 price tag that only an Alphafly can love.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

$225

BEST FOR

Tackling the marathon

WEIGHT

8.5 oz. (241 g) for a US M10.5,

6.6 oz. (187 g.) for a US W7.5

STACK HEIGHT/DROP

40 mm in heel, 32 in forefoot (8 mm drop)

Alright, so the Endorphin Elite is still the cream of the crop, the icing on top, the whatever, but the Endorphin Pro 4 might be the best Saucony racing shoe for most people and the best for your bank account, too. It feels like a pivot back toward the original Endorphin Pro, yet packs enough new tech to keep up with the big boys. So, what makes it better than its ultra-premium sibling? Well, the Endorphin Pro 4 is all about excitement. It keeps the slightly wider platform of the Endorphin Pro 3 but adds more of the bounce and snap that we felt in the first versions.

Mentioning striking, can we talk about the Phoenix Suns colorway? It’s absolutely stunning in a way that doesn’t feel like you’re just wearing an all-white shoe (sorry, Meg). Saucony pivoted back to a more traditional mesh tongue this time, too, with a featherweight knit in place of the large, circular holes on the Pro 3. All of this works together to keep the weight feather-light, as the Endorphin Pro 4 only gains a few grams to go with its additional foam.

Of course, we can’t talk about the Endorphin Pro 4 without showing some love for the midsole formula. Instead of a full bed of PWRRUN PB slapped around the plate, it combines a core of Saucony’s top-shelf PPWRRUN HG with a carrier shell of PB for the best of both worlds. The extra millimeter of stack also plays beautifully with the SpeedRoll rocker design to keep you rolling right on through your stride.

By the way, we still love any super shoe that comes in below $250, so props to Saucony for the $225 price point.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

$170

BEST FOR

Anything up to — and including — well, anything

WEIGHT

8.2 oz. (233 g.) for a US M9,

7.2 oz. (206 g.) for a US W7.5

STACK HEIGHT/DROP

36 mm in heel, 28 in forefoot (8 mm drop)

It’s not a secret that we loved the original Saucony Endorphin Speed. It quickly became one of our favorite tempo trainers around, as well as a top-tier budget racer for just about any distance. We were content when Saucony didn’t change much for version two ’cause it meant another year of a great, affordable shoe. Now, the Endorphin Speed is even better in year four, and it’s almost hard to believe.

The secret to Saucony’s update is that the Endorphin Speed 4 is slightly more attuned for daily training than purely for tempo work. That means it’s now a true do-it-all shoe for long runs, fast runs, and still a solid racing pick for under $200. The Speed still has the wider platform from its predecessor, but it’s angled to be more aggressive, and the winged nylon plate is even more reliable in its second generation, and a slightly higher stack for just a bit more comfort as you tick off the miles. Don’t worry, Saucony hasn’t messed with the classic 8 mm drop, which is the sweet spot for most days.

Honestly, if you want one running shoe that you can take on a vacation, it’s still the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4. It has the right mix of cushion, roll, and pop to keep you smiling for a mountain’s worth of miles.

Saucony Triumph 21

$160

BEST FOR

Max-cushion comfort

WEIGHT

9.8 oz. (279 g.) for a US M9,

8.8 oz. (250 g.) for a US W7.5

STACK HEIGHT/DROP

37 mm in heel, 27 in forefoot (10 mm drop)

We made a joke that the Triumph was just Saucony’s way of describing its year in 2022, but it wasn’t really a joke. In fact, it was such a good non-joke that the team decided to carry it into 2023. Saucony’s Triumph 21 is its max-cushion beast, complete with a big old slab of PWRRUN+ and an entirely rebuilt upper. Seriously, that’s a lot of comfort.

Honestly, you probably won’t find more cushion on any other Saucony shoe. The Triumph 21 is a cushioned cruiser, through and through. Both Chad and Meaghan loved the Triumph 21 as a marshmallow monster, rolling through recovery days and long efforts without any complaints. The yellow colorway we received might be a little trickier to rock casually than its grayed-out predecessor, but we’re still gonna lace it up for comfort alone.

The Saucony Triumph 21 isn’t an Endorphin in disguise, don’t get us wrong. You’re certainly not going to do speedwork in it, but not every shoe needs to be fast in 2024. It’s at its best as a training companion to the speed day beasts, and the generous upper padding might be more than you want for a tempo effort anyway. Meg might advise you to swap out the Triumph’s laces for ones a bit longer, but that’s entirely up to you.

BEST FOR

Stability at any speed

WEIGHT

8.9 oz. (252 g.) for a US M9,

7.9 oz. (224 g.) for a US W8

STACK HEIGHT/DROP

37 mm in heel, 29 mm in forefoot (8 mm drop)

Saucony Tempus

$160

We told you we’d cover a little bit of everything on this list of the best Saucony running shoes, and we meant it. We’ve already hit some racing, trail running, and max-cushion luxury, so why not sprinkle in a little stability while we’re at it? Besides, the Saucony Tempus is one of the most exciting stability shoes we’ve seen in a good long while, so it was getting a mention either way.

Quite simply, the Tempus is as close to sexy stability as it gets. It combines a stiff cradle of PWRRUN foam with a layer of PWRRUN PB for a mix of pop and security that hits just right. Honestly, Saucony could have cooked up some sort of Endorphin name for the Tempus and we probably wouldn’t have blinked twice. The Tempus has a simple mesh upper, too, which we’ll take over some structured-out, built-up stability mess any day. It’s light and breathable and feels pretty dang good when you pick up the pace.

Oh, and you should definitely give faster paces a try in the Tempus. Stability shoes tend to get a bad rap when it comes to speed work, so it’s good to know that at least Saucony is keeping an eye out.

Saucony Peregrine 13

$140

BEST FOR

Technical trail crushin’

WEIGHT

9.2 oz. (260 g.) for a US M9,

8.1 oz. (230 g.) for a US W8

STACK HEIGHT/DROP

28 mm in heel, 24 in forefoot (4 mm drop)

If every road runner starts in a pair of Brooks, every trail runner starts in the Saucony Peregrine. Alright, maybe a slight exaggeration, but only a slight one. There’s just something about the lightweight, low-stack formula that works perfectly with the PWRTRAC outsole and rock plate. We have a long history with the Peregrine, in versions both good and bad, and we can confidently say that the Peregrine 13 is more Taylor Swift than Friday the 13th.

Like quite a few of the best Saucony running shoes, the Peregrine 13 benefits from a little more cushion underfoot. It has an extra 2 mm in both the heel and forefoot, and the latest formulation of PWRRUN is the best it’s ever been. Sure, Saucony still calls it PWRRUN, but there’s something softer about it, and the responsiveness is just that much better. Overall, it makes for a more comfortable ride across technical terrain without sacrificing the low-stack aggression that makes the Peregrine so popular.

By the way, Saucony keeps making the Peregrine lighter, and we don’t know how. Version 12 trimmed an ounce over version 11, and version 13 trimmed a few more fractions for good measure. The upper has just enough overlays to offer peace of mind, and it’s narrow enough to feel fast without being so narrow as a Salomon or La Sportiva shoe.

If you have some sloppy terrain in mind, check out the Peregrine 13 ST and Peregrine 13 GTX while you’re at it.

Saucony Endorphin Rift

$170

BEST FOR

Trail racing without a plate

WEIGHT

8.6 oz (244 g.) for a US M9,

7.3 oz. (207 g.) for a US W7.5

STACK HEIGHT/DROP

33 mm in heel, 27 in forefoot (6 mm drop)

Endorphins… they ain’t just for the road anymore. After two wildly different trail offerings, Saucony finally seems to have settled on a “just right” option. We all remember the Endorphin Trail for what it was (trash) and the Endorphin Edge for making us feel like we were gonna be yeeted off the trail, but the Endorphin Rift feels like just the right balance of fun.

On a slightly more serious note, the Endorphin Rift’s trail-crushing ride comes from its premium mix of materials. It starts with an aggressive layer of PWRTRAC rubber decked out in 4 mm chevron-style lugs. On top of that, you get a massive slab of PWRRUN PB foam — the same stuff in the Endorphin Pro and Speed. This time, however, there’s no plate — Carbitex or otherwise — to send you flying off the side of a mountain. As Saucony has finally realized, the fun comes from the Speedroll geometry and the foam itself rather than a forked plate underfoot.

If there’s one thing you might complain about with the Endorphin Rift, it might be too white for some. If you’re ripping through mud and debris, it’ll probably pick up a new hue before too long. Also, PWRTRAC isn’t always the best rubber on hard, wet surfaces, though you shouldn’t have to worry about wild, muddy trails.

Saucony Kinvara 14

$120

BEST FOR

Lightweight daily training

WEIGHT

7 oz. (200 g) for a US M9

6.2 oz. (175 g) for a US W8

STACK HEIGHT/DROP

31 mm in heel, 27 mm in forefoot (4 mm drop)

Thomas will readily admit that we have the Kinvara to blame for all of this. Without it, there would probably be no Believe in the Run. Wild, isn’t it? He’ll also tell you that we haven’t loved every single version of the Kinvara — there were a few stinkers in the pre-teen years. However, the lovable, low-stack Kinvara is back, baby. It’s gone back to some of the basics that made it great in the first place, and it has Thomas running down memory lane.

The important thing is that Saucony has stopped trying to make the Kinvara into something it’s not. Sure, it has an extra 3 mm of foam in the midsole, but the upper is light and minimal, and so is the rubber coverage on the outsole. That makes for a shoe that’s lighter, leaner, and ready to rock. The main benefit of Saucony’s added foam is that the Kinvara features slightly reworked geometry, allowing for a little more roll through the stride. It also has a PWRRUN Plus insole, which helps to liven up the main PWRRUN layer.

The easiest thing to do is to compare the Saucony Kinvara 14 (yes, FOURTEEN) to a Mazda Miata. It’s light, nimble, and fun, even if the Porsche-like super shoes will still win in a race.

Saucony Ride 17

$140

BEST FOR

All-around miles with a little speed

WEIGHT

9.9 oz. (282 g) for a US M9,

8.4 oz. (238 g) for a US W7.5

STACK HEIGHT/DROP

35 mm in heel, 27 mm in forefoot (8 mm drop)

This section used to be reserved for Saucony’s budget-friendly (if somewhat confusing) Axon, but, well, we didn’t get a new iteration for 2023. So, we’ve decided to bump up the price bracket just a bit with the Ride 17. It’s still an excellent value for a daily trainer, but it now stands a bit further apart from the Kinvara than before.

Where the Ride used to be a thicc Kinvara, it’s now a bona fide cruiser. Saucony swapped the PWRRUN foam for PWRRUN+ and completely rebuilt the upper, too. The Ride 17 has an open, airy mesh that keeps your dawgs breathing easy through summer and winter and summer again. Honestly, we didn’t mind the previous upper, but the change of midsole foam is where the real improvement lies. PWRRUN+ is just so much better than Saucony’s original formula.

If you’re after a slightly more stable ride (pun intended), you might want to check out the Saucony Guide 17. It used to be nearly identical to the Ride, but it now offers a more traditional flavor with PWRRUN underfoot and hefty medial posting. Oh, and don’t expect much from the Ride 17’s heel tabs — almost all of our reviewers accidentally ripped them off.

Saucony Xodus Ultra 2

$150

BEST FOR

Traversing technical trails with a little extra comfort

WEIGHT

9.6 oz. (272 g.) for a US M9,

8.5 oz. (241 g.) for a US W7

STACK HEIGHT/DROP

32.5 mm in heel, 26.5 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)

Last, but certainly not least, we have the Saucony Xodus Ultra 2. That’s right, a little more trail love to round out the best Saucony running shoes. We don’t usually see this much of a reboot from a first-generation shoe to the second, but somehow, Saucony made it work. After basically resurrecting the Xodus family a year ago, the main change is a revamped upper with tons of security.

Other than that, Saucony’s secret with the Xodus Ultra is that it’s not doing anything fancy. The midsole offers a PWRRUN PB core with a solid shell of PWRRUN around it, mixing in comfort without sacrificing durability. That tougher frame also means that the Xodus Ultra has plenty of natural stability — you won’t be rocking back and forth on a soft foam with this one. Of course, the Xodus Ultra is a bit thicker than its Peregrine cousin, offering about 33 mm of heel cush, but it’s still responsive enough while you tackle the trails.

Both Matt and Taylor applauded the Xodus Ultra 2 as a solid rebuild, and the upper is a certified winner. Saucony added an internal midfoot brace, which keeps you locked in even on unbalanced terrain. It’s roomy without being cavernous and cushioned without being smothering. By the way, the Xodus Ultra only costs $150 — easily beating Hoka’s Tecton X 2.

HOW WE MAKE OUR PICKS

All of our recommendations come directly from our feet to your screen. We test countless running shoes here at Believe in the Run, and we let our reviews guide our decisions. However, we also consider other reviews and our BITR community, as not every runner has the same experiences. We also aim to stick with shoes that are currently available so you can give our recommendations a try.

NTRO

TAYLOR: At the southern terminus of the Americas lies one of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes that this floating rock has to offer. Few adventurers get the opportunity to go, but a common descriptor is simply “wild.” Patagonia. In the heart of the region is where Weis, a trail-centric running brand, was born and tested.

We met Weis at The Running Event last year. They were skeptical of me asking for review products because they wanted to be sure that I wasn’t going to say good things in exchange for gear. They wanted the good, the bad, and the ugly from us to be able to provide the best options for runners.

Bad and ugly are terms that you won’t hear in this review. Quality is at the forefront of Weis, and niche brands like it, because they were born out of a sense of dissatisfaction. Honestly, more people should be dissatisfied more often, especially when it leads to top-notch gear like this.

WEIS SIMER II 10L VEST

TAYLOR: I’ll let our full review do the talking for this one. In short, this is one of the best vests available. The Simer II 10L should be your first stop when the fit is of utmost importance. Even with a full load of bottles, a phone, a jacket, and more, this vest worked its magic to resist bouncing and stay locked in place.

Usually, the cost of such security is the equivalent of letting a boa constrictor wrap your rib cage. Not here, as the Simer II employs a second set of security measures. It combines initial chest clip adjustments with some underarm tweaks to hold both the top and bottom of the pack close to the body. No matter how much you move or wiggle, it stays right where you set it.

Check the review linked above for more in-depth details on materials and pockets. In short, this vest has quickly become my favorite because of its excellent fit. I’m hoping for a second version to address some storage options (not necessarily issues), but that’s all I have in terms of criticisms.

PRICE: $140

WEIS SIMER 1L VEST

TAYLOR: We all know the struggle of deciding between a vest or a handheld for a run. There’s just that perfect middle distance where you’re not quite sure. Well, the Simer 1L Vest has been settling that debate for me as of late. It’s a vest, but it’s only big enough for the essentials. You could wear it for shorter runs where you only want the essentials or pick it for a race without too much distance between aid stations.

This simply constructed vest has the same up-front options as the other Simer vests, with multiple pouch-style pockets to fit all your goods. What comes in clutch here, again, is the fit. It’s remarkably secure and comfortable because of the multiple adjustment points. Not only do they stretch across the chest, but there are the same clutch adjustments hidden under the arms that bring the bottom side of the vest closer to the body. It’s got zero bounce, even with bottles.

What’s different about the 1L vest is that the back doesn’t have a pocket. It’s a vented mesh with two smaller pockets at the lower edge of the vest. These make for a quick and simple stash of items like gloves, a headlamp, or a windbreaker.

This is a light and hands-free option for trail and road runners alike.

PRICE: $130

500ML HANDHELD SOFT FLASK

TAYLOR: The soft-flask handheld seems to be the most convenient piece of gear in the Weis lineup. It combines a good-sized flask with a little burst of storage in an easy-to-hold package. Even the mesh handgrip is comfortable for long miles.

However, I had a few issues with the lack of overall structure. The soft approach was a bit too floppy for me to hold it securely, and it became more of a nuisance as I emptied the bottle. I know it’s a common complaint for similar handhelds, but it didn’t quite work for me.

PRICE: $35

SLIM FANNY PACK

TAYLOR: Clip, zip, and go! The Weis Slim Fanny Pack was the piece of gear I overlooked the most but ended up using a ton — funny how that happens.

This has been a go-to piece of gear this fall. I grab it for every trail run because of the comfort and security. Once clipped on and placed, I don’t even recognize it’s there.

I have a couple of other waist belts too, but this one is the least cumbersome. It’ll easily hold a phone and a set of keys (but not much more). Like their vests, this one had zero bounce for me until I had three or four items in the pocket, which I knew would be overloading the system a little. The easily adjustable strap lets you place the belt where you want it rather than having it slide up or down (my experience with other belts). I simply set it around the waistline of my shorts, and it stays.

The Slim Fanny Pack also works well for a third hand in the grocery store post-run. Just saying.

PRICE: $37

Z-COMPACT VARIO COMPOSITE X2 CARBON LITE POLES

TAYLOR: Poles have a unique place in my quiver of trail running tools. Since they’re one of those few and far-between items that I only bring for specific terrain and efforts, I’m particular about what I like. Chances are, you’re the same.

For starters, I think this particular set would be great for trekking but only alright for running. They’re easily packable and made of carbon fiber, but they’re still on the heftier side when put against the competition. It’s not a massive weight difference, but it could be enough to sway you with something as light as a pair of poles.

Other than that, the Z-Compact poles are some of the most durable I’ve ever used. The carbon fiber is impressive and handles wear and tear better than others. I don’t worry even a little bit about snapping them like I do with my Black Diamond pair. Weis picked some robust and comfortable handles for the top and matched them with a reinforced tip down below. You can swap between rubber and carbide, depending on your surfaces.

What’s really unique is that the Weis poles are incredibly adjustable. Most Z-poles come at fixed lengths and snap into place, but these can snap in and then adjust up or down for the right fit.

PRICE: $135