Pro Picks: 9 Best Saucony Running Shoes for Training & Racing

Pro Picks: 9 Best Saucony Running Shoes for Training & Racing

Looking for the best Saucony running shoes for training and racing? 
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Whether you're a professional athlete or a casual runner, Saucony offers a range of shoes designed to meet your needs, including:

  • Racing
  • Daily training
  • Stability
  • Trail running

So what are the best Saucony running shoes for training and racing?
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After fitting 1,000+ people for all kinds of running shoes, here are my top NINE Saucony picks...

👟Saucony fun facts

Fun fact #1 

  • Founded in 1898, Saucony is one of the oldest running brands out there. 

Fun fact #2

  • How do you say "Saucony"? 
  • They actually used to print this on their box and it's "Sock a Knee". 
  • When I worked the running store sales floor or run specialty store, I would hear people say it a different way each time. 
  • 🤣Sometimes I would say it differently just to get under the Saucony tech rep's skin.

9 best Saucony running shoes for every type of runner

If you're bound and determined to find the best Saucony running shoes, here's a little bit of advice...

  • These days, there is no best. 
  • There is only a best for your feet and for your goals. 
  • Someone who is looking for a well-cushioned daily trainer is going to find the best to be different than someone looking for a race day shoe. 
  • So the best running shoe is very dependent on your needs and goals.

Make sense? Cool.
.
Check out my top 9 best Saucony running shoes for specific needs and foot types.

👟Best Saucony Daily Trainers

Saucony Ride 17
  • Price: $139.95
  • Weight: 9.9 oz men's, 8.4 oz women's
  • Drop: 8 mm

As far as daily trainers, the Saucony Ride 17 is one of the most traditional daily trainers. It may not receive as much social media hype, but it's a workhorse of a shoe designed for most types of runs. 

  • There have been big changes to the newest update including a new upper and overhauled outsole. 
  • The new PWRRUN+ foam is more resilient and responsive.
  • With the addition of PWRRUN+, the Ride is softer and bouncier than ever but compared to many other brands, but it's still a more firm ride. 

If you are looking for a workhorse of a daily trainer that can handle almost all types of runs (think of a jack-of-all-trades type of shoe), the Saucony Ride 17 is a great option.

Saucony Triumph 21
  • Price: $160
  • Weight: 9.8 oz men's, 8.8 oz women's
  • Drop: 10 mm

If you're looking for a maximum-cushioned trainer, consider the Saucony Triumph 21. 

  • The Triumph was one of the first high-cushioned running shoes and maintains a staple from Saucony. 
  • It's one of my favorite running shoes, period! 
  • It stands out with its comfort, but yet responsive ride. 

With many high cushioned trainers, it's hard to run fast. The Saucony Triumph 21 makes it easy to pick up the pace.

  • This year, the redesigned upper of the Saucony Triumph 21 enhances breathability and fit, making it great for several types of runs.

It’s a great choice for runners seeking a premium cushioned shoe that can handle high mileage.

Best Saucony Stability Shoes

What many runners don't realize is Saucony makes some of the best stability running shoes, and they aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

Saucony Guide 17
  • Price: $139.95
  • Weight: 9.4 oz men's, 8.0 oz women's
  • Drop: 6 mm

The counterpart to the Ride, the Saucony Guide has always been the traditional stability shoe. If you need stability or arch support, consider the Saucony Guide 17.
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This year, the shoe has been heavily updated. 

  • There is no longer the traditional medial post and it features more modern ways of stability. 
  • There are sidewalls in both the heel and midfoot. 
  • The sidewall on the medial side of the forefoot provides mild stability. 
  • Saucony also made some adjustments in the geometry of the shoe, and now it's more responsive than previous versions. 

So if you are looking for a traditional stability shoe, consider the Saucony Guide 17.

Saucony Tempus
  • Price: $160
  • Weight: 8.9 oz. men's, 7.9 oz women's
  • Drop: 8 mm

There aren't many stability shoes designed for running fast, but the Saucony Tempus is one of the best speedy stability shoes. 

  • It’s built for those who require support but want a plated racing shoe. 
  • It really challenges the stereotype that stability means slow, proving that you can have a supported run while still enjoying running fast. 

If you are looking for a plated speedwork and racing shoe, but require some stability, the Saucony Tempus is a great option.
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In fact, Saucony thinks so, too, and hasn't updated it in several years.

👟Best Saucony Racing Shoes

As far as race day and workouts, Saucony has more variety than almost every other brand in the running industry.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
  • Price: $170
  • Weight: 8.2 oz men's, 7.2 oz women's
  • Drop: 8 mm

The Endorphin Speed 4 is one of the most versatile plated shoes out there. 

  • With a nylon plate, it can handle speed, but it can also handle easier runs too. 
  • Plus, it's much cheaper and more durable than its carbon plated counterparts, making it a great option to train in. 
  • The latest version is even more durable and versatile than ever before. 

If you are looking for a fast shoe, but don't want to pay the price of carbon plated footwear, the Saucony Endorphin Speed is one of the best Saucony running shoes.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
  • Price: $225
  • Weight: 8.5 oz men's, 6.6 oz women's
  • Drop: 8 mm

The brand new Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is the traditional carbon-plated racing shoe. 
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At $50 cheaper than the Endorphin Elite, many people prefer this price point. It's more durable and cheaper. Although you are sacrificing some speed.

  • This year, the Endorphin Pro 4 introduces a blend of PWRRUN HG and PWRRUN PB foams, offering a responsive yet cushioned experience. 
  • Compared to the Endorphin Elite, the upper of the Pro 4 is thicker and more durable. 

If you are looking for a traditional carbon plated racer, consider the Endorphin Pro 4.

Saucony Endorphin Elite
  • Price: $275
  • Weight: Men: 7.2 oz Women: 6.5 oz
  • Drop: 8 mm

The Saucony Endorphin Elite is the fastest Saucony running shoe. 

  • With its debut of the PWRRUN HG foam, it offers a blend of lightweight responsiveness and durability. 
  • The Elite not only looks the part, but performs, too. It's designed to help you run your fastest time yet. 
  • The Saucony Endorphin Elite is definitely on the lighter end of carbon-plated racing shoes.

👟Best Saucony Trail Running Shoes

Saucony Peregrine 13
  • Price: $140
  • Weight: 9.2 oz men's, 8.1 oz women's
  • Drop: 4 mm

The Peregrine 13 is a lightweight yet rugged shoe that thrives on technical terrain. 

  • Interestingly enough, in 2024, this is one of the few Saucony running shoes with a drop of 4 mm. 
  • The latest version of the Peregrine boasts an optimized cushioning system and an aggressive PWRTRAC outsole for good grip on the trails. 
  • The Peregrine 13's adaptive fit and durable construction make it a reliable choice for trail runners. 
  • This year also features increased cushion and a design focused on balance and agility. 

If you are looking for a trail shoe that can handle most types of trail runs, consider the Saucony Peregrine 13.

Saucony Rift
  • Price: $169.95
  • Weight: 8.3 oz men's, 7.3 oz women's 
  • Drop: 6 mm

The Endorphin Rift is tailored for those who want a shoe that can perform well on soft surfaces while offering substantial cushioning. 

  • It features the full-length PWRRUN PB midsole, which makes for a responsive and bouncy ride. 
  • It's smooth and flexible and can handle almost any type of trail. 
  • The outsole is enhanced with thicker PWRTRAC lugs, which provides traction on uneven trails.

Even though the Saucony Rift doesn't have a carbon plate, it stands out for its blend of speed and flexibility. It is a light, cushioned, and adaptable trail shoe for training and racing on difficult terrain. That makes it easy to run fast.

Still searching for the best Saucony running shoe?

As you can see, there is none.
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The best running shoe is dependent on your needs. 

  • From racers seeking speed to trail enthusiasts requiring durability, Saucony caters to all and has a best running shoe for each experience and each foot type. 

If you are still struggling to find the best Saucony running shoe (for YOU), consider going to your local running store. 

  • Locally owned running stores can fit you for the best pair of running shoes and the shoes aren't more expensive. 
  • Plus, many times, they have a great return policy.

👟What's your favorite Saucony running shoe?

Create a WeeView or tell us about it in the comments.

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Hollie S
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Mojave Desert, CA
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Hollie has worked in run specialty for 8+ years and fit over 1000 people for shoes. Her favorite distance is the half maratho...

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