Craft - Endurance 2

Summary

Craft Endurance 2 offers plush heel cushioning, true-to-size fit, and a comfy, breathable upper. It’s versatile—soft for long runs, responsive for speed. I'm finding the shoe durable after 100 miles, and a great pick for various training efforts.

Posted Mar 09, 2025

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Endurance 2

5.0/5

(1)

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Pros

Excels for both long runs with plush cushioning and speed work with impressive responsiveness.
True-to-size with a roomy toe box and breathable upper, ideal for wide feet and varied weather.

Cons

Back of the shoe feels squishy on the sides with a hollow center during casual wear.
White upper looks great but is tough to keep clean in regular use.

For reference, I'm a 43-year-old middle-of-the-pack runner with six to seven years of running experience. I log about a thousand miles per year on a mix of road and trail, with one or two marathon-to-ultramarathon events plus several shorter races sprinkled throughout.

If I’m being honest, Craft wasn’t really on my radar for running shoes. I’ve seen their gear pop up on sponsored athletes in the trail and ultra scene, but when it comes to daily trainers, I’ve always stuck with the usual suspects. So when I had the chance to try the Craft Endurance 2, I was curious but skeptical. Could this shoe actually hold up against the big names?

After 100+ miles, I have my answer: Yes. And then some.

Technical Specifications

First Impressions:

Right out of the box, the Endurance 2 looked sleek. My only immediate concern? The white upper. It looks sharp now, but we all know it won’t stay that way for long. Aesthetic worries aside, the fit felt great.

The first thing I noticed lacing them up was how soft the heel felt. Some shoes have that dense, firm cushioning—this one is plush. It’s the kind of step-in comfort that makes you want to head out for an easy run just to see how they feel on the road.

Fit and Comfort:

I typically wear a size 10.5, and the Endurance 2 fits true to size—maybe slightly on the roomy side, but not enough to size down. My feet, which could be described as "caveman-like" due to their width, found the toe box accommodating and comfortable. The stiff back makes them easy to slip on and off, which I appreciate for the convenience. The upper is thin and breathable, but still kept my feet comfortable in Ohio’s chilly winter weather with just a pair of full cushioned wool socks.

Performance:

Cushioning: Initially, the cushioning felt incredibly soft—ideal for those long, easy miles. Having over 100 miles in, it has firmed up slightly, either from the foam settling or adapting to my stride. It’s lost a bit of its fresh-out-of-the-box plushness, but it still provides a smooth, comfortable ride.
Responsiveness: When it’s time to pick up the pace—whether during tempo runs or hill workouts—the Endurance 2 responds well. It doesn’t feel sluggish like some highly cushioned trainers. Instead, it’s surprisingly snappy for a shoe in this category.
Durability: After 100 miles, there’s little visible wear, which suggests these shoes will hold up well over time.
Traction: While I’ve primarily ran in dry conditions (and managed to keep the white upper mostly clean), the grip has been excellent, with minimal wear on the rubber tread so far.

Who is this shoe for?

If you’re looking for a do-it-all daily trainer, this is a great option. I find myself reaching for it over my other trainers simply because it feels good underfoot, whether I’m logging easy miles or picking up the pace. I wouldn’t hesitate to wear it for anything from a recovery run to a tempo workout.

Would I buy another pair? Yeah, I’d consider it. Craft may not have the same name recognition as the bigger brands, but if they keep making shoes this enjoyable to run in, I’ll happily be a customer.

Recommendations:

The Craft Endurance 2 has quickly become a favorite in my rotation. It delivers a great mix of comfort and performance, making everyday miles feel smooth and enjoyable. If you’re in the market for a versatile daily trainer that can handle a variety of runs, this one is worth a look.