REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Responsive
Good landing comfort
Great for racing
REASONS TO AVOID
Narrow fit
Less stable
Non-traditional fit
Upper is sparse
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 - Women's Review
If you want a svelte and speedy shoe for track workouts and races, this responsive and lightweight shoe might be perfect for you
The SPEEDROLL technology takes some getting used to. But once you adapt, you'll feel like you're flying when you're running downhill.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women of 2024
Our Verdict
The Endorphin Speed 3 is a stellar choice if you want a shoe that propels you from one step to the next on your runs, thanks to the classic Saucony Speedroll technology. It truly feels like each step rolls right into the next, though the nylon plate isn't as snappy as other race shoes we tested. But this is a solid choice if you are looking for a lightweight running shoe to help you run your fastest while staying comfortable. On the other hand, if you desire a shoe with some lateral stability that will support you throughout your long-distance endeavors, you might want to seek out a shoe that is more specific to those goals.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on October 9, 2023, to edit our assessments for accuracy after adding new options to the lineup.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a lightweight shoe built for speed. With each women's size 6.5 shoe weighing in at a scant 6.29 ounces, weight won't inhibit your pace ambitions. The built-in nylon S-plate provides a comfortable ride that is full of energy return.
Performance Comparison
When it comes to speed, the Endorphin Speed is one of our go-to picks.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Landing Comfort/Cushioning
One of our favorite things about the Endorphin Speed 3 is that it's built for speed but still comfortable. Landing comfort and cushioning are relative in this case, with varied outsole hardness across the shoe's base. But when it comes to shoes that feel good while performing the way they are intended, the Endorphin Speed shows up. While not a plush shoe, Saucony's Formfit design allows the shoe to form to your unique foot shape. Each shoe has a light underfoot cushion to help dampen the impact on your joints and provide comfort, especially if your mileage starts to add up. Compared to other shoes in our roundup, the Endorphin Speed sits a bit higher and feels a bit cozier; this is typically what we expect from an ultra-responsive shoe. The neutral support and measured drop of 10mm (Saucony claims 8mm, we measured a bit more) somehow made our feet feel like they were above the ground, which is different from many shoes that feel more like they are housing your foot at ground level.
With an measured drop of 10mm, the heel sits at a high 35mm above the ground and the toe box rides at 25mm.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Responsiveness
This is the metric in which the Endorphin Speed 3 shines, as intended. From the moment we slipped our feet into these Formfit-focused shoes, we were inspired to run fast. The S-curved plate propels you from one step to the next without feeling cumbersome or bubble-shaped underfoot. Everything about this shoe is built for speedy paces, from the aerodynamic profile to the architecture to the ultra-lightweight. The energy return is far better than in many of the shoes we tested, though less than those with more rigid sole plates.
The high stack height and PWRRUNPB cushioning soften the impact of each speedy footfall.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Stability
Though not a stable shoe built to help correct over-pronation, the Endorphin Speed feels stable enough and speedy in motion. We attribute much of this stability to the reconfigured XT-900 outsole design. This outsole patterning provides extra external grip, which we love. This isn't a shoe that we recommend to long-distance runners with postural imbalances they are trying to correct. But if you are in the market for a shoe that provides speed and enough traction to encourage standard stability, the Endorphin Speed will treat you right.
While not a stability shoe by any means, the Endorphin Speed offers a small amount of lateral guidance.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Upper Comfort
Despite the fairly narrow profile, the Saucony Endorphin Speed offers above-average upper comfort. The Formfit-engineered mesh balances a sturdy body with comfort. This shoe is not plush or well-cushioned, but the materials are certainly soft and forgiving. Our main complaint regarding the upper comfort is that it is narrower than most. While this makes sense and is quite functional for speed work, it is unlikely to accommodate all foot shapes. The speed-forward structure doesn't leave much space for toes to splay, and the overall body feels snug — to the point that even our narrow-to-average-footed tester didn't feel comfortable wearing thick running socks. If the body of these kicks fits your foot, we think you'll love running in them. But if you have wide feet, there are better options in the world of responsive shoes.
We like running in the slender Endorphin Speed, but we acknowledge that the narrow body won't suit all runners' feet.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Weight
Unsurprisingly, a shoe built for speed also has a focus on staying light. The Endorphin Speed weighs 6.29 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe and feels feathery while running. This low weight is matched only by a few other kicks in our roundup, most of which don't offer as much responsiveness. If you are a narrow-footed, speed-focused runner, this lightweight shoe is likely to be a great match for you.
The Endorphin Speed is one of the lightest shoes in our collection, making it great for speed.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Should You Buy the Endorphin Speed 3?
Because the Endorphin Speed fits into a fairly niche category, it won't be the right fit for all runners. It offers enough that it isn't a specialty shoe, but it is built for speed above all else. This is very apparent from the moment you slip them on. The slim fit has an aerodynamic appeal, and the midsole's shape has fantastic energy return. If you want a shoe for marathon training, the Endorphin Speed probably won't be it. As we have mentioned, it might be, but as expert gear-testers and seasoned runners ourselves, it certainly wouldn't be our choice. But when it comes to speed workouts or track days, we often reach for the Endorphin Speed above others to help us find our wings.
Something about the Endorphin Speed makes us feel a sense of freedom on our runs.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?
The most obvious alternative to the Endorphin Speed 3 is the Puma Deviate Nitro 2. It offers some cushion, slightly elevated responsiveness, and similar racing prowess. The Nike Vaporfly 3 is our standout speed shoe of the season, beating out all others for both responsiveness and weight. The Brooks Ghost 15 is an exceptional shoe that provides some responsiveness, but also the support and comfort of a long-haul running shoe. If short, speedy runs are your thing right now, opt for a shoe that provides responsiveness first. If you want to move fast across more miles, something a bit more standard with structure and support might serve you better.
—Ally Arcuri
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