Saucony Endorphin Edge Review | Running Shoes Guru

  • Post last modified:May 6, 2023
  • Reading time:8 mins read

Saucony Endorphin Edge Review | Running Shoes Guru

Saucony Endorphin Edge Introduction

At $200, the Endorphin Edge is Saucony’s lightweight, fast, and responsive trail runner that introduces a full-length carbon plate to the midsole to maximize speed and efficiency. This price is consistent with other carbon-plated trail runners, like the Hoka Tecton X and the North Face VECTIV Sky.

The Edge reduces weight and maximizes speed through the use of PWRRUNPB foam cushioning (Saucony’s ultralight and springy midsole foam), along with a Carbitex™ MonoFlex carbon-fiber plate. The three-quarter carbon plate design is “asymmetrically flexible for a quick push-off and stable landing in varied terrain.”

The Edge is the trail-specific model in Saucony’s Endorphin lineup. The Endorphin line integrates SPEEDROLL Technology, which uses foam, propulsive plates, stack heights and midsole shape to achieve a unique geometry designed to propel you forward and get you to your toes faster.

The Edge integrates the most cutting-edge shoe technology compared to any other in Saucony’s trail runner lineup. It’s most similar to the Peregrine, only with more speed-focused features designed to propel you forward.

Saucony Endorphin Edge Impressions

Pulling the shoe out of the box, the first thing I noticed was the unique shape of the oversized outsole and high stack. I did not prefer the colorway (Fog Zenith) on the pair of Endorphin Edges that I tested. However, the Edge comes in other solid bright, poppy colors like Prospect Quartz hot pink, orange Clay, and bright blue Ocean, as well as a neutral Black/Goldstruck.

At 35mm in the heel and 29mm at the forefoot, this was the highest stack trail running shoe that I’ve run in aside from Hoka’s maximalist Stinson ATR. However, where the Stinson is plush and soft, the most noticeable feeling on my first run in the Endorphin Edge was that the midsole felt remarkably stiff.

The other signature feeling was responsive and fast, especially on hard-packed dirt or grass and road. These are ride features I expected with the carbon plate embedded in the midsole. The stiffness is more pronounced in the Endorphin Edge compared to Hoka’s carbon midsole competitor, the Tecton X.

I primarily tested this shoe during the transition from winter to spring; so these were most heavily tested on ice, snow, mud, and road. As a road-to-trail shoe during this time period, the Endorphin Edge was a fast, stable shoe that provided sufficient traction on slippery, wet, and mostly level surfaces.

There was variability in stability on more technical, uneven, and steeper trail terrain, The Endorphin Edges work well for less-technical road and trail terrain when speed (and fun) are the goal. On a longer, rockier, and more uneven trail I would opt for a more technical shoe.

Saucony Endorphin Edge Protection

The Endorphin Edge has sufficient protection for varied trail racing conditions. The full length rock guard and high stack offer exceptional protection against trail hazards underfoot.

A clear mudguard covering the space where the midsole connects to the upper is effective at adding durability and prevents water, mud, and dirt from easily entering the shoe. Added rubber on the toe box protects toes from the potential impact of roots, rocks, and other hazards.

The Endorphin Edge is compatible with a gaiter. I did not test the gaiter attachment during my testing, but it would be helpful for reducing dirt, mud, and debris from entering the shoe.

Saucony Endorphin Edge Durability

The Endorphin Edge has stood up decently after over 100 miles of testing on roads, snow, mud, and hard-packed dirt. On the outsole, the lugs have maintained their length and grip despite being used for many miles on roads. The most signs of wear are evident where the tongue rubs against the shoe’s upper.

I would expect the Endorphin Edges to be durable enough for a long ultra-distance race on less technical terrain. While there is some visible wear, the shoe’s performance has not been impacted.

Saucony Endorphin Edge Responsiveness & speed

The Endorphin Edge integrates a new 3-quarter carbon plate paired with Saucony’s springiest midsole foam to deliver the brand’s most responsive and springy trail shoe to-date.

The SPEEDROLL shape has a 6mm offset and is engineered to propel you forward regardless of whether you’re a mid-foot or heel striker. On road and hard-packed trail without too much unevenness, this shoe does a decent job of that.

On uneven terrain, the midsole shape and stack height can be a liability. I did not feel like my steps landed with very much stability on rutted out dirt roads or trails with roots, rocks, and other hazards. There were a few times where the risk of an ankle roll seemed evident, affecting my confidence on this type of terrain.

PWRTRAC technology used on the outsole allows you to take off in all types of terrain – from snow, ice, dirt, and sand. The 4mm lugs were sufficiently sticky, and I did not have to worry about grip. I would avoid using these on muddy trails, as the outsoles collected mud to the point where they got heavy. This shoe would excel on a fast course with less technical, uneven terrain.

Saucony Endorphin Edge Comfort and fit

The Saucony Endorphin Edges were true to size and comfortable out of the box. The lace system allowed for a locked-down and secure fit over the course of my runs. The lightweight mesh of the upper is breathable and moisture wicking to keep feet cool and dry. They also drained and dried out quickly after being submerged in some deep puddles and slushy snow.

Similar to other Saucony trail shoes that I’ve tested, the toe box is more narrow than other trail shoe brands. I experienced some hot spots on the top of my toes after longer runs. Over longer efforts, there is limited space in the toe box to accommodate toe swelling or splay.

Saucony Endorphin Edge Conclusions

With the Endorphin Edge, Saucony has thrown a solid new trail shoe into the realm of carbon-plated, speed-focused options. The Edge offers a fast and enjoyable ride on roads to non-technical trails, like hard-packed dirt or grass. The PWRTRAC outsole stood out in its grip and durability on steep grades and slick terrain.

Compared to other carbon-plated trail runners, I would be hesitant to recommend the Edge over other options because of its stability issues on uneven terrain. Hoka’s Tecton X (6.9 oz for Women’s, 8.5 oz. Men’s) is significantly lighter weight than the Edge (7.8 oz. Womens; 9 oz. Mens) and offers more stability for the same level of responsiveness at the same price point.

For shorter distances (for me, less than ten miles), the Edge is comfortable, durable, and offers substantial protection against trail hazards. While the high stack provides decent cushioning, the stiffness of the carbon plate does not always feel comfortable on longer, slower mileage.

At longer distances, the narrow toebox may be a limiting factor. As a part of a shoe quiver, I would reserve these for faster training runs or races.

Overall, the Saucony Endorphin Edge has introduced a solid carbon-plated competitor to the trail shoe world that fulfills its promise to propel you forward (on the right terrain!).

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