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Best Saucony Running Shoes

Best Saucony Running Shoes

Saucony is an American footwear brand founded in 1898 in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, and named for the nearby Saucony Creek. Over the years, Saucony has produced many different types of shoes, but running shoes have always been the focus. Today, Saucony is owned by Wolverine World Wide and is a well-known brand within the running shoe industry, producing great options for everyday running and racing. This is our list of the Best Saucony Running Shoes.

This list does not include all of our Saucony running shoe reviews – just the best ones. If you want to see more, you can check out all our running shoe reviews here or all of our Saucony running shoe reviews here.

All the shoes mentioned here are at the top of their category within the brand. We tried to make it easy to find the categories that are most important to you. Just click the category you want to read in the table of contents, and you’ll quickly see what we have to say about the best shoe from that category.

Updated: 03.13.2024

Best All-Around Saucony Running Shoes

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 continues to be the best shoe in Saucony’s line despite a full aesthetic overhaul. There’s something about the way the TPU plate, Saucony’s Speedroll rocker, and the PWRRUN PB work together. It’s magic on speed days and really earns the Speed name. Despite a more narrow toebox, the Endorphin Speed 4 is one of the most versatile shoes on the market. And, if you don’t like carbon-plated shoes, the Speed 4 is a great option for race day. Read the full review. 

Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price $170

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Endorphin Speed 4 Buy Women's Endorphin Speed 4

Most Sustainable Saucony Running Shoes

Saucony Triumph RFG

Saucony Triumph RFG

The most sustainable Saucony shoe doubles as the best daily trainer. The regular Saucony Triumph 21 is solid overall but the knit upper is a little too sloppy. The Triumph RFG solves it with an engineered mesh upper that fits well and feels great.

But the plant-dyed upper isn’t the main reason why this is Saucony’s most sustainable shoe ever, that distinction belongs to the 80% natural rubber outsole and the PWRRUN+ BIO midsole. The midsole uses a 55% corn-based formula created with Susterra, a company that makes bio-based building blocks for performance apparel and footwear.

The midsole feels almost exactly like Saucony’s regular PWRRUN+ midsole in terms of plush comfort and bounce. It’s hard to tell a difference. And that’s good news because more Saucony RFG versions of popular Saucony models are on the way.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price $160

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Triumph RFG Buy Women's Triumph RFG

Best Saucony Marathon Running Shoe

Saucony Endorphin Elite

Saucony Endorphin Elite

The Saucony Endorphin Elite is the first shoe to feature Saucony’s next PWRRUN HG foam. It’s a little firmer than the PWRRUN PB in the Endorphin Pro 3 but it’s also bouncier. The carbon plate is segmented at the toe for a little more flexibility but it and the midsole curves up sharply for added toe spring. You sit inside the midsole a bit to keep you on the footbed while the midsole also flares outward resulting in one of the more stable modern marathon shoes on the market.

The outsole has no rubber at the rear so if you’re a heel striker, you may not get great durability…but midfoot and forefoot strikers should be ok. The Endorphin Elite is also one of the most breathable shoes on the market making it a great fit for warmer races. The biggest drawback is the $275 price point…but just like the Alphafly, if you’re a shoe nerd and heavy into marathons, this shoe will deliver value to match. See full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price $275

9.5/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Endorphin Elite Buy Women's Endorphin Elite

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is more accommodating than previous models and mirrors the fit of the Endorphin Speed 4. The bounce from the PWRRUN PB and carbon plate combo is smooth and propulsive. The built-in knit tongue is comfortable and the entire upper is more pliable and feels better on foot. If you used the Pro 3 as your preferred marathon shoe, the experience only got better. You’ll enjoy the changes and feel as fast as ever. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price $225

9.25/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Endorphin Pro 4 Buy Women's Endorphin Pro 4

Best Saucony Trail Running Shoe

Saucony Endorphin Edge

The Saucony Endorphin Edge brings a bouncy PWRRUN PB midsole and a flexible 3-quarter Carbitex carbon fiber plate to the trails. How does it perform? Really, really good. The Endorphin Edge midsole provides a bouncy ride with solid impact protection. All the sharp rocks and roots are blunted while the upper and lacing system keep you locked into the shoe. You won’t slide around inside the shoe (even though it is wide-footer friendly) or be at risk of turning an ankle on precarious downhill runs.

It’s a comfortable, protective shoe that can handle all-day hikes and long-distance trail racing. We did have issues with durability as one of our testers ripped a couple of lugs off the outsole and saw significant chipping on the sides of the fragile Pebax midsole. Those aren’t dealbreakers but know the Edge will get some battle scars rather quickly. If you’re in the market for a speedy, comfortable, and bouncy trail shoe, the Endorphin Edge is one of your best options.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price $200

8/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Endorphin Edge Buy Women's Endorphin Edge

What is Saucony RUNSHIELD?

Saucony RUNSHIELD is Saucony’s line of water-resistant shoes meant for wet or cold-weather running.

In our testing, we’ve found RUNSHIELD shoes keep your socks dry by keeping water and ice out of the shoe. At first, we were hesitant because Saucony wasn’t using GoreTex, the sneaker industry standard for wet weather shoes. But, in practice, the RUNSHIELD line performs just as well as running shoes with GoreTex. The only way water will get inside your shoe is if you’re running in a monsoon or you submerge your entire foot in a stream, which allows water to come inside through the foot opening.

One thing to note is that RUNSHIELD shoes, like all water-resistant shoes, run warm. Breathability has to be sacrificed in order to prevent water intrusion. That means those in tropical wet climates are likely better off with the regular version of Saucony shoes.

Typically, all the best Saucony running shoes (except the racing shoes) get a RUNSHIELD version. For example, both our favorites, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 and Saucony Triumph 20, are available in RUNSHIELD versions.

Shop Saucony RUNSHIELD

Best Saucony Running Shoes – Now on Sale

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a near-perfect everyday running shoe. It’s versatile enough to handle easy running, track work, tempo runs, and even races. The fit is excellent with impressive lockdown and stealthy but solid midfoot/arch support. The PWRRUN PB in the midsole is both plush and bouncy. It’s a well-cushioned, long-lasting ride ideal for long distances. The only small issue is some slippage in wet conditions. But that can be easily overlooked because the Endorphin Speed 3 is comfortable top-to-bottom and a true do-everything running shoe. Read the full review. 

Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price $170

9.5/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Endorphin Speed 3 Buy Women's Endorphin Speed 3

Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 is the latest evolution of Saucony’s flagship marathon racing shoe. And it’s a winner. The midsole is slightly softer than in years past but still stable, and the upper is lighter and more breathable. The Saucony Speedroll rocker is still hella smooth and makes each footfall effortless.

The fit is a little strange at first — the heel is narrow, and your arch will feel like it’s hanging over the edge of the shoe (similar to the OG Nike Alphafly), but that’s mainly noticeable while walking around. Get up to running speed, and the Endorphin Pro 3 becomes a bouncy, peppy shoe that feels like it’s returning loads of energy. In our minds, this is the Saucony racing shoe that finally surpassed the Nike Vaporfly and is now one of the best marathon racing shoes available.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price $225

9.25/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Endorphin Pro 3 Buy Women's Endorphin Pro 3

Saucony Kinvara 14

The Saucony Kinvara 14 is a lightweight, breathable but firmer trainer with a very good value proposition at $120. And while it may be too firm for larger runners or when your legs are absolutely crushed from a hard workout the day before, it’ll work well in most other circumstances. The upper, though built with just regular mesh, does include a gusseted tongue that locks the foot down nicely and keeps everything in place. The outsole, though light on rubber, there are only two small sections, grips extremely well with its wavy foam pattern. Though the Kinvara 14 is somewhat minimal, it’s perfect if you want less shoe. And, the lightweight, flexible build is great for elementary or middle school kids just beginning their running journey. Saucony thankfully realized this and made the Kinvara 14 available in kid sizes as well.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 4mm, Price: $120

8/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Kinvara 14 Buy Women's Kinvara 14

Saucony Ride 16

The Saucony Ride 16 is a neutral cushioned daily running shoe with an extremely comfy upper that includes a soft, gusseted tongue that locks you into the shoe nicely. The midsole is on the firmer side and lines up nicely with the Brooks Ghost and Nike Pegasus though the Pegasus is plusher in the forefoot. The midsole’s rocker doesn’t look particularly pronounced but turns over nicely while running. The outsole grips well but wears down faster than we’d like to see. It’s a comfortable, breathable shoe meant for lighter runners who don’t need quite so much squish in the midsole.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price $140

7/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Ride 16 Buy Women's Ride 16

Best Saucony Cross Training Shoe

Saucony Freedom Crossport

Saucony Freedom Crossport

Saucony recently updated its Freedom line to lean into its strengths as a HIIT workout shoe. The Freedom Crossport will appeal to all Saucony fans because it brings the feel of a Saucony runner to the gym. Because the PWRRUN PB midsole is so bouncy and squishy, we don’t recommend it for heavy olympic lifts or balance exercises. Still, it excels at plyometrics, jumping work, and lateral drills. Basically perfect for a high-intensity class environment or someone who runs to and from the gym. Wide footers should go up half a size; otherwise, you’ll find a comfy upper. You will need to tighten the laces for lateral work but if you do, you’ll stay on the footbed. The Freedom Crossport is also great for wearing all day…which is not something you can say about most gym shoes. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 4mm, Price $150

8/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Freedom Crossport Buy Women's Freedom Crossport

Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best Saucony running shoes list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.

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