The following article was published originally in July 2023. We are sharing it now for your perusal, but take into account that the following information may be outdated.
Saucony offers such a wide range of running shoe models that finding the right fit for your running needs might be a bit challenging. But that's a good thing. That's why I walked into the company's flagship store in Bnei Brak, where there's even a treadmill with a camera that analyzes your running stride stride by stride, allowing for a better fit or even recommending the need for insoles. I didn't come dead set on the Endorphin Speed 3. I measured and ran on the treadmill with several models available in the store. But the moment I slipped my feet into this model and stood up - it was clear to me that this shoe was comfortable in a league of its own - not just compared to the other three models in the store.
The Endorphin Speed 3 is the newest model in Saucony's Endorphin series (the name Endorphin is taken from the same chemical substance in the brain that provides a sense of well-being and enhances mood). Following the previous shoes in the series, Endorphin and Endorphin Speed 2, this new addition features a nylon plate with S-curve wings on the sole, providing better support for the foot. Right from the first wear, I could feel the thick foam sole with the nylon plate inside, providing both comfort and stability for the foot.
The shoe provides support to the entire foot, as if enveloping it in comfort, just waiting for you to run in it. Running on the flat sole without protrusions (and therefore less suitable for trails) goes smoothly and comfortably, thanks to the PWRRUNPB technology providing foam cushions that give a feeling of lightness.
Running in these shoes feels very pleasant. As mentioned, the lightness characterizes the run both on dirt trails and asphalt. The shoe is designed for neutral competitive running, and in the store in Bnei Brak, they even claim it's supposed to improve your performance by 5%. We'll see.
The appearance of the Endorphin Speed 3 might be misleading. On one hand, it looks like a shoe with a thick sole from the outside. However, the feeling from the inside is of a shoe that doesn't have an excessively high profile, unlike what I personally felt with HOKA shoes, for example. Additionally, I really liked that the shoes are made from recycled materials and are even "vegan" - meaning they contain no animal leather parts, all made from breathable fabric. Their weight - 229 grams (for men) - is also one of the advantages here - providing the lightness of running while still feeling like your foot is wrapped and protected.
One thing I didn't like about the shoe is the tongue, which is slightly short and tucks in under the laces (by the way, in the exact length). An additional centimeter would have added much more comfort. In terms of price, the Endorphin Speed 3 isn't cheap, and Saucony sells the shoe for NIS819 , but browsing online revealed prices of NIS 719 and even NIS 506 from foreign websites.
In conclusion, these shoes are definitely worth it if you find them at a good price. They are comfortable, lightweight (very), breathable, and provide a stable running sensation. Additionally, the shoes come in a variety of vibrant colors, like turquoise, red, and yellow - ensuring both fashion and safety. With the Endorphin Speed 3, you'll definitely look chic because as the famous saying goes - you're at your most beautiful when you're comfortable.