Saucony Endorphin Trainer Review: A Shoe With an Identity Crisis
- FORDY RUNS
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 19
The Saucony Endorphin Trainer is the official replacement for the Kinvara Pro—but unfortunately, it stumbles in both purpose and performance. While it introduces some fresh ideas and premium materials, the execution leaves a lot to be desired, especially given its eye-watering price tag.
⭐ What Works
Cleaner Naming Strategy: Transitioning the Kinvara Pro into the Endorphin lineup gives Saucony a more cohesive product range.
Attractive Design: The shoe looks sharp, especially in the blue colorway. Overlays and detailing on the upper are aesthetically pleasing.
Comfortable Fit: True to size with plenty of padding around the collar and tongue. Lacing and overall step-in feel are classic Saucony—secure and plush.
Premium Foam Inclusion: Uses Saucony’s ultra-soft Incredibell (IncredRun) foam, previously seen in the Endorphin Elite 2. It’s soft, bouncy, and energetic on its own.
❌ What Doesn’t Work
Foam and Frame Clash: The biggest issue is the pairing of IncredRun foam with the PowerRun frame. The two components don’t blend well, resulting in a ride that feels mushy, imbalanced, and even unstable. It’s like running on jelly.
Uncomfortable Ride: Marathon-pace runs feel awkward and unsettling. The ride lacks confidence and structure, which is surprising for a shoe with a carbon plate.
Too Noisy: Surprisingly loud on the road—described as sounding like Wellington boots.
Overbuilt Upper: While padded, the upper is unnecessarily thick and warm. This impacts breathability and adds weight.
Outsole Issues: The outsole lacks sufficient rubber coverage, leading to fast wear—just like the Kinvara Pro before it.
Excessive Weight: At over 300g in a UK size 9, it’s heavy for a shoe that aims to be a high-performance trainer.
Price Point: At £200 (over $250 USD), the value is extremely hard to justify. Based on the performance, this shoe should be closer to £150.
🎯 Who Is This Shoe For?
That’s the core issue—it’s unclear. The Kinvara Pro previously filled a unique spot: a stable, plated option for heavier runners or those wanting some race-day magic in a more supportive form. The Endorphin Trainer loses that clarity.
It’s too soft and unstable for larger runners, too heavy and warm for speed workouts, and too pricey for daily mileage. In short: it doesn’t quite serve anyone particularly well.
🆚 Competing Options That Do It Better:
ASICS Superblast 2 – More stable, lighter, and overall more polished as a super trainer.
New Balance SC Trainer v2 – Well-balanced cushioning and structure at a similar price.
Nike Invincible 3 – Max cushion feel with better grip and smoother transitions.
All outperform the Endorphin Trainer in terms of ride quality, durability, and price-to-performance ratio.
🛠️ What Saucony Needs to Fix
To reclaim the magic of the Kinvara Pro, the Endorphin Trainer needs:
A different foam/frame pairing—or perhaps a new geometry altogether.
A lighter, more breathable upper.
More rubber on the outsole.
A clearer purpose: Is it a super trainer or a premium daily shoe?
