Saucony Endorphin Azura Review - A Versatile Daily Trainer That Lives Up to the Hype
- FORDY RUNS
- Feb 9
- 4 min read
The Saucony Endorphin Azura is one of the most anticipated running shoes of early 2026 — and for good reason. Sitting within the Endorphin lineup as a non-plated training shoe, the Azura promises versatility, performance, and a ride that bridges the gap between lightweight tempo shoes and longer-run trainers.
The big question is simple: is it actually as good as everyone says it is? And more importantly, where does it fit alongside standout shoes like the Adidas Adizero Evo SL and the ASICS Superblast? After putting in over 20 miles across a full week of running, here’s the honest verdict.
Key Specs & Features
The Endorphin Azura is a non-plated daily trainer built around Saucony’s proven performance foams and geometry.
Midsole: PWRRUN PB (same foam as the Endorphin Speed)
Stack height: 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot
Drop: 8mm
Weight: 255g (UK 9.5)
Fit: True to size
Outsole: XT-900 rubber
Technology: Speedroll geometry
On paper, this already puts the Azura in a very interesting position — especially given the lack of a plate and the relatively high stack height.
Upper & Fit
The mesh upper is excellent. It’s comfortable, breathable, and supported by well-placed overlays that add structure without feeling restrictive. There’s plenty of padding around the heel for comfort, and the toe box has good depth with no issues around rubbing or pressure points. Fit is true to size, and overall the upper feels premium and well thought out. It’s a clean, functional design that works well for daily training.
Midsole & Ride Feel
The heart of the shoe is the full-length PWRRUN PB midsole, and if you’ve run in earlier versions of the Endorphin Speed, you’ll recognise the feel immediately.
One thing that might surprise people is that the Azura is firmer than expected. It’s still comfortable and slightly soft, but it’s not overly squishy — and that’s actually a good thing. The firmer feel gives the shoe excellent stability and makes it easier to handle longer runs without feeling unstable or wobbly.
Despite the 40mm stack, it doesn’t feel overly tall on foot. Combined with the wide base and Speedroll geometry, the shoe delivers a smooth, efficient transition that works particularly well once you pick up the pace.
The toe spring is quite aggressive, and you definitely feel it during toe-off. If you’re not used to Speedroll geometry, it may feel noticeable at first, but once adapted, it becomes a real strength of the shoe.
Pace Range & Versatility
This is where the Endorphin Azura really shines. I ran in this shoe from easy paces (around 8:30 per mile) down to steady and moderate efforts around 7:00–7:15 per mile, and it handled everything comfortably. It’s not designed to be an all-out speed shoe, but it’s far from sluggish.
The versatility is excellent:
Easy daily mileage
Steady aerobic runs
Long runs
10K and half marathon efforts
This is a shoe that can genuinely cover a wide range of training without feeling out of place.
Stability
Thanks to the slightly firmer PWRRUN PB foam, wide platform, and non-plated design, the Azura offers excellent stability. This will suit runners who don’t always get on with softer, more aggressive super trainers. For bigger runners or those who find shoes like the Evo SL a bit too lively or unstable over longer distances, the Azura could be a much better option.
How It Compares
vs Adidas Adizero Evo SL
The Evo SL is outstanding at faster paces and excels in shorter, punchier workouts. However, it’s not a shoe everyone wants to take deep into long runs.
The Endorphin Azura:
Feels more stable
Is more comfortable over longer distances
Is more versatile overall
The Evo SL still wins for speed-focused sessions, but for long runs and all-round training, the Azura makes a strong case.
vs ASICS Superblast
The Superblast is more expensive and leans heavily into long-run comfort and cruising efficiency.
Interestingly, the Azura sits between the Evo SL and the Superblast:
It can do some of the faster work like the Evo SL
It can also handle longer, steady runs like the Superblast
At its price point, that’s a big compliment.
Price & Value
At £140, the Endorphin Azura is very competitively priced — especially given the performance and versatility on offer. With discounts available (such as affiliated club pricing), it becomes an even more attractive option. For what it delivers, the value here is excellent.
The One Major Downside: Outsole
Unfortunately, there is one significant letdown: the outsole grip. Despite using XT-900 rubber (usually very reliable), traction in wet conditions has been disappointing. In the UK rain, grip has been inconsistent, with a couple of noticeable slips. It’s frustrating because everything else about the shoe works so well. If Saucony had nailed the outsole, this would be very close to a flawless daily trainer.
Final Verdict
The Saucony Endorphin Azura absolutely lives up to the hype. It’s not a direct Evo SL replacement, and it’s not a pure Superblast alternative — instead, it finds a sweet spot between the two. The result is one of the most versatile daily trainers you can buy right now.
If you’re looking for:
A stable, non-plated daily trainer
A shoe that can handle easy runs, long runs, and steady efforts
A reliable option for half marathon training and beyond