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: 09.05.2023
Best All-Around Saucony Running Shoes
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
Best Saucony Running Shoe for Beginners
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
Best Saucony Marathon Running Shoe
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
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
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
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.
Best Saucony Running Shoes – Honorable Mention
Saucony Endorphin Shift 3
The Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 is the baby brother of the Endorphin Speed 3 and Endorphin Pro 3. It’s not plated and the midsole features PWRRUN cushion, a soft and cushy form of EVA. It’s best aspect is the implementation of Saucony’s Speedroll and incredibly smooth heel-to-toe transition.
It’s not as soft or bouncy of a shoe as its big brothers but it has a smooth ride and a bunch of durable foam. Not only is it a solid shoe for recovery and easy days but it’s great for joggers and walkers as well. It’s a wear all day to do all the things type of shoe.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 4mm, Price $150 NOW ON SALE
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
Best Saucony Cross Training Shoe
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
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best Saucony running shoes list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
