Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 review

The Endorphin Speed 3 is (unsurprisingly) the third iteration of the Saucony Endorphin Speed. We were very keen to test them to see how they compared to the much-loved previous version, and to see if they could possibly inch their way into our hearts and our list of the best running shoes for women.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I loved my last pair of Endorphin Speed so much that I only relinquished them when my big toe made a hole in the upper. And even then I gave them a couple more runs for luck. So, I was very excited about these landing on my doormat.

Saucony has waved some very special running fairy dust over the Endorphin range. As well as the Speed, it includes the Pro (big sister to the Speed, carbon plated and £210), the Trail (protective, and deep-lugged, and £165) and the Shift (everyday runner, £140). With each of these shoes, you get a huge amount for your money. While I realise that those prices taken on their own might seem big, in comparison with their direct competitors, these offer exceedingly good value indeed.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 technical details

Price: £165

Weight: 204g

Sizes: 5-12

Special technology: SPEEDROLL technology to propel you forwards, winged nylon plate to return energy, FORMFIT design to hug your foot, and XT-900 rubber outsole for better grip.

Eco-credentials: contains recycled materials.

Saucony Endorphin Speed pros:

• Extremely comfortable underfoot
• Brilliant energy return
• Beautiful fit and style

Saucony Endorphin Speed cons:

• Better suited to faster, tempo running
• Not as good an all-rounder as previous versions

Who are the Endorphin Speed 3 for?

The clue is definitely in the name here! These are shoes that are designed for runners who want to be fast. Saucony are also on a mission to make speedy shoes more accessible to everyday runners. They’ve used cushioning and other features to provide support for all different running forms – not just pro runners with the perfect foot strike.

What new features does the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 have?

The new S-curve winged nylon plate in the Endorphin Speed 3 is the thing they’re shouting from the rooftops about. This clever tech addition is designed to propel you forwards while retaining energy, but without the rigidity of a carbon plate.

Yes, these have been created for faster running (hence the name), but the theory is that you should be able to wear them on a greater variety of running sessions than the Saucony Endorphin Pro.

Other than that, you’ve got a redesigned upper for a more comfortable fit, and updated geometry that promises a smoother ride.

How do the Endorphin Speed 3 fit?

The feel underfoot is supremely bouncy, the upper hugs snugly but not too much, there’s enough wriggle room in the toe box. For reference, I go up half a size, and that suits me just fine. They didn’t even budge around the heel. Damn near perfect, since you asked.

I also have to mention Saucony’s really inclusive range of sizing. Many of the big brands these days don’t go above a 9, and we come in all sizes, so pushing up to a 12 is commendable.

Are the Endorphin Speed 3 comfy?

This is the question I’ve been wanting to answer since I dived into this review. Yes, yes and three times yes. They’re unquestionably one of those shoes that you lace up and instantly want to go for a run in.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 running review

I’ve taken the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 on a bit of a rollercoaster ride. We did a couple of ploddy mid-week pavement sessions, but I also tested them on a tempo run, and across a couple of uppy-downy fields (in dry conditions), because that’s the route I like.

The first impressions of comfort last throughout. These are extremely springy and a total joy to wear.

It was good to test them out on slower runs first to get my feet and legs used to that plate – something I’d advise everyone to do – because then I was up and at ‘em on that tempo.

As you pick up the pace, you can feel them flexing you forward – so much so that I bagged myself a Strava trophy for a PB on a one-mile stretch that I was really pushing myself on.

Endorphin Speed 3 vs Endorphin Speed 2

As much as I love them, I would say that these feel slightly less versatile than the previous version in that they really didn’t like going slow. This might not be an issue for many runners out there, but if you’re picking one shoe for everything, then this might not be it. However, if you’re after a shoe to really put some fire into your tempo and interval sessions, then I can think of no better shoe than the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3.

Where can I buy the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3?

The Endorphin Speed 3 is £165 and is available in three colourways. You can buy it online at Saucony.