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Since around 2019, fast carbon-plated shoes have revolutionized the running world. These new technologies are getting more and more advanced. I'm old enough to remember when a waffle racer was your cheapest running shoe, and now your racing shoes are the most expensive. Wow, times have changed.
Saucony has developed several Endorphin versions, including Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and Saucony Endorphin Pro +. So why come out with the Saucony Endorphin Elite? The Saucony Endorphin Elite is the most expensive Endorphin version coming in at $275. Just like the Nike Alphafly, this shoe is considered the cream of the crop from the brand. It is the racer all of their professional runners are using.
So what makes the Endorphin Elite different?
The Saucony Endorphin Elite uses PWRRUN HG foam. It also has a light, stripped-down upper, lightweight outsole rubber, and new midsole geometry. The fit is VERY different than other Endorphin models. Personally, I think it's very different in a good way.
The Endorphin Elite uses a combination of knit and mesh plus has ample side ventilation holes. There is also a weird hole in the side which I guess really there is no purpose for fabric to be there, but it seems silly to have a hole in the side of your shoe. There are also holes in the tongue for breathability. The flat tongue isn't gusseted, but I haven't had any issues with it sliding around.
There is a strap that wraps around the midfoot and forefoot. This is to secure your midfoot, but I've found that it will bother you if you have super wide feet. I've never seen these types of straps "good," Usually, they do more harm than good. Several years ago, Brooks had a shoe with a midfoot strap on it. If we are being honest I cut the strap off and never looked back. I thought about doing that with the Endorphin Elite, but I really haven't had any issues with it. My foot aires on the side of wide, so I am fine but if you are wearing a double wide, you might consider cutting it.
The best-running shoe uppers disappear off your foot; for the most part, the Saucony Endorphin Elite does just that. I find that midfoot strap weird, but it still does what it needs without irritation. I wear socks with running shoes (some people just looked at me mortified but there are really people who run sockless) so I haven't had any issues of chafing with the weird side hole in the Endorphin Elite.
Typically, I wear between a size 10-11 wide in running shoes. For the most part, I've found racing shoes to be around a 10.5, and the Saucony Endorphin Elite is the same way. In all, the Saucony Endorphin Elite fits true to size. I personally prefer the fit of the Endorphin Elite over the Endorphin Pro. The fit of the Endorphin Elite is a lot more forgiving and just a lot more comfortable.
Is the Saucony Endorphin Elite faster than the Pro 3? Yes. That's why you will see most Saucony pros wearing it and also why it's more expensive. More expensive technologies and material were put into the Endorphin Elite. Why make two different "Fast shoes"? With Nike, some people prefer the Alphafly while others prefer the Vaporfly. Is the Alphafly technically a faster shoe? Yes, but if you prefer the fit and feel of the Vaporfly, you'll likely run faster. It is the same way with the Saucony Endorphin Elite and Pro. Certain people will favor different things.
The main difference between the Endorphin Pro and Elite is the toe spring and how it curves up. The different shape allows faster transitions from heel to toe in the Endorphin Elite, and it's easier to increase your cadence. Truthfully the Saucony Endorphin Elite is the fastest carbon-plated shoe outside of Nike on the market. Brands have been getting close to what Nike has created but none have gotten as close as the Endorphin Elite.
So what about the foam isnthe Endorphin Elite? The PWRRUN HG is entirely different from Saucony's signature PWRRUN PB. It doesn't consist of tiny pellets that have been fused. The PWRRUN HG has a firmer ride than the PB foam, making the shoe more bouncy.
The midsole of the Saucony Endorphin Elite is also unique and consists of two different pieces:
This combination and double foams makes the Saucony Endorphin Elite look huge. But the actual ride is similar to Hoka running shoes; your feet sit very low in the shoe. You won't feel as rockered as other versions, but it will feel fast. Believe me, it's not as much shoe as most people are worried it is. You won't trip and fall because you are "so far off the ground".
Durability and Traction: Sorry to say, the Endorphin Elite doesn't have much of each. You don't get many miles out of it (maybe 50-100?). Can you still run in it after that, sure but you aren't going to get the same benefit of the "fast" carbon-plated shoe. These shoes are designed for that 4% advantage for up to around 100 miles. After that, they might not be worn out but you aren't going to get that advantage of a carbon plated shoe. Can you still run well in them? Sure, but you are probably much more fit than you think.
There isn't any rubber on the medial side of the heel, so they wear down quickly, and the exposed PWWRUN HG doesn't last long. Personally I wish brands would have full outsole coverage of rubber so the shoes are more durable. Not just that, but the shoe's rubber that is there is thin, so it gets beat up and worn out very quickly. This is the biggest contributor to low durability and traction in the Endorphin Elite. But the more rubber, the heavier the shoe is.
There is a decent amount of traction (more than the original Next%). They aren't my first choice for inclement weather. They are fine; they will do the job but they are not my first choice. If you're racing in the torrential rain (think Boston), I would probably go for the Endorphin Pro just because it does have a little traction. Although it's also hard because the Endorphin Elite has a better upper, especially for inclement weather. The better upper is going to feel better and less heavy in bad weather.
What should you use the Endorphin Elite for? It's a fast racing shoe! Using it for easy runs is unnecessary because it's expensive and doesn't last long. If you are looking for a fast racing shoe, that's what it does. I feel fast in it, and you can feel the aggressive rocker feeling. It does feel more intense than the other Endorphin shoes.
So which is better, the Saucony Endorphin Elite or the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3?
If money was unlimited, I would almost always choose the Saucony Endorphin Elite over the Pro 3. I do like that Endorphin Pro 3 is more durable and will last longer. So you aren't just paying $25 more for the Elite. You are paying $25 more for a shoe that lasts less. Plus in torrential rain, I would feel more comfortable the Pro would keep me from falling.
The rides of both models are very different, and the Saucony Endorphin Elite is more aggressive. You'll feel the shoe pushing you more on your toes. It's an excellent and fast shoe, but the durability is not there. Finally, the Endorphin Elite has an overall better fitting upper that will accommodate wider feet.
Who should buy the Saucony Endorphin Elite?
If you are looking for one of the fastest carbon-plated shoes on the market, it's a good option. It has an aggressive toe spring and tipping sensation. If you want the best carbon plated shoe that isn't Nike, the Endorphin Elite is it.
Who should not buy the Saucony Endorphin Elite?
If you aren't looking for a very firm and aggressive racer. If you prefer feeling the ground when you race, this isn't the shoe for you.
I was paid to write an unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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