7 Best Saucony Running Shoes in 2023

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
7 Best Saucony Running Shoes in 2023
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With a 120+ year history, Saucony has gained extensive experience in the running shoe industry. Not to mention that it has several lineups that have stood over 10 iterations, retaining a wide fan base.

As one of the best-rated running shoe brands, Saucony leads not only in quantity (130+ models) but in quality too. The brand ranks #7 in our running shoe brands’ rating.

We’ve been following Saucony for years and have tested over 50 of their most recent releases to find the best and brightest. Famous for their speed-oriented Endorphins, we have also selected some excellent daily trainers, supportive shoes for flat feet, as well as some wallet-friendly options.

Best Saucony running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

Extremely light, undeniably fast, and pleasantly grippy. Add comfort, and you have the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3. From easy runs to races, from hot to cold weather, from dry to wet roads, this shoe can do it all and do it all great. Make way for the Endorphin Speed 3, the best overall Saucony running shoe.

The Endorphin Speed 3 is weightless and peppy. At 225.0g (7.9 oz), it is much lighter than the average weight of road running shoes at 265g (9.3 oz). With its nylon plate, bouncy midsole, and rocker geometry, it is a fast and responsive shoe that just gave us that much-coveted runner's high.

The outsole's grip is superb. Our lab tests backed this up as the outsole was measured to be 3.5% softer than average. A softer outsole makes for a better grip, and we definitely felt this even in wet conditions. 

On our easy runs, long runs, and tempo runs, the Speed 3 gave us comfort for days. With an above-average stack height (34.1 mm at the heel vs. the 32.7 mm average), the cushion was just supreme. To top it off, the mesh upper is incredibly breathable—it's a wind-in-your-toes kind of speedster.

However, we felt that the heel lacked padding. Runners may prefer to wear thick socks when running in these shoes.

Pros

  • Peppy all the way
  • Comfy for easy days
  • More stable than ever
  • Cushioned for long miles
  • Quick and smooth transitions
  • Lightweight
  • Airy as hell
  • Roomy toe box
  • Fit is amazing
  • Grippy on dry and wet roads

Cons

  • Rubs the heel
  • Not for narrow feet
  • No reflective details
Full review of Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Goldstruck (S1075610)
White/Black (S2075611)
Red (S1075616)
White/Black/Vizi (S2075685)
Red Poppy (S2075616)
Concrete/ViZi (S2075627)
Agave Black (S2075625)
Night Lite (S2075665)
More colors

Best daily trainer Saucony running shoes

What makes it the best?

The Saucony Triumph 20 is an awesome-fitting daily trainer with great cushioning from top to bottom. We loved running in these shoes almost daily, and the lab tests confirmed that this is indeed the best daily trainer among the Saucony squad.

The Triumph 20 fits like a glove without being constricting. Although it is 2 mm narrower on the forefoot than the average running shoe, there was enough space for our toes to wiggle. Even when our feet swelled after long runs, there was room to move around. 

Comfort is the Triumph 20's claim to fame. The upper is well-padded and the tongue measures 7.9 mm—2.1 mm thicker than average. And even though the upper is plush, it remains breathable. In fact, the Triumph 20 scored 5/5 in our smoke test, sealing the deal as a great shoe for longer runs during warmer days.

The uber-soft and bouncy midsole only adds to its top-tier comfort. Our durometer readings found that the midsole is 24.5% softer than average. Plus, with a heel stack height that is 2.2 mm higher than average, our legs felt protected day in and day out. 

Unfortunately, the Triumph 20 tips the scales at 9.9 oz (282.0g)—17g (0.6 oz) heavier than the average of road running shoes. Runners looking for extra light daily trainers for speed sessions may want to check other options.

Pros

  • It's now livelier
  • Comfy as expected
  • Fits like a glove!
  • Heel clutch couldn't be better
  • No lace bites
  • ...and they stay in place
  • Lighter than before
  • Plush yet breezy upper

Cons

  • Price is way up there
  • Rocker geometry isn't as pronounced
Full review of Saucony Triumph 20

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Men
Women
Any color
Black/White (S1075910)
Night Lite (S1075965)
Blue (S2075931)
Twilight/Rain (S2075921)
Vapor/Black (S2075916)
White/Black (S2075911)
Skyway (S1075935)
Fog/Mineral (S2075915)
More colors

Best Saucony running shoes for competition

What makes it the best?

When it comes to snagging a spot on the podium or smashing a personal best, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 is undoubtedly the best for competition in the Saucony roster. This racing shoe is superbly lightweight, incredibly energetic, and magnificently cushioned. 

The Endorphin Pro 3 is one of the lightest race shoes we’ve ever tested. At 206g (7.3 oz)—it is a whopping 61g (2.2 oz) lighter than the average road running shoe and 1g (0.03 oz) lighter than the average race shoe. Its stripped-down and minimal upper also made it very breathable during our runs.

The carbon plate gave us an otherworldly pop during our runs. In our flexibility test, a force of 94.4N was needed to bend it at room temperature—almost thrice the force needed to bend an average road running shoe (31.8N). This stiffness is complemented by a bouncy midsole foam and a high stack height. At the heel, we measured it to be 35 mm, 3.2 mm above the average, while the midsole is 36.7% softer than average. This superior combination makes it very forgiving on long races but also very responsive on shorter and faster races—truly a winner at every distance.

Unfortunately, the toebox of the Endorphin Pro 3 is 3.3 mm narrower than average, and runners with wide feet may want to look at other shoes for a better fit.

Pros

  • Speedier than ever
  • Snappy toe-off
  • More cushioned for long runs
  • Stable for during sharp turns
  • Perfect breathability for hot weather
  • Race-ready fit
  • Gusseted tongue
  • Insanely light
  • Grips on soaked pavements

Cons

  • Causes heel rubs
  • Toe box can be roomier
Full review of Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Goldstruck (S2075510)
Prospect Quartz (S1075540)
White (S1075585)
Fog/VIZI Orange (S2075525)
White/Black (S1075511)
Red/Rose (S1075516)
White/Gold (S2075513)
Night Lite (S2075565)
Green (S2075535)

Best Saucony running shoes for long runs

What makes it the best?

The third iteration of the Saucony Endorphin Shift proves that the third time's indeed the charm. This shoe features comfort and protection for days, reliable landings, and seamless propulsion. An excellent daily trainer that excelled in our runs and lab tests, the Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 is our pick for the best Saucony running shoe for long runs.

From its thin and airy upper up to its massive stack and protective midsole—this shoe redefines comfort. In the lab, we used our caliper to drill down on the numbers. At the heel, the midsole measures 39.6 mm—a massive 6.4 mm higher than the average road running shoe. It is even more pronounced at the forefoot, measuring 33.1 mm (8.5 mm higher than average). The midsole, which we measured to be 11.6% softer than average, gave us comfort in every step of our LSD runs and marathon training runs.

Other measurements taken in the lab revealed that the upper width of the forefoot is 94.2 mm and the midsole width is 110.8 mm. This explains the shoe's wide base that gave us stable landings, no matter the distance. 

Aside from this shoe being quite stiffer than the average (32.6%), the Shift 3's highly rockered geometry gave us an energetic ride and propulsive toe-offs all throughout our long runs.

It's important to note that the Shift 3 has a snug fit with a toebox that is 3.4 mm narrower than average. That being said, this is not the best shoe for runners with wide feet.

Pros

  • Light for a maximal shoe
  • Comfy and secure upper
  • Softer than before
  • Surprisingly stable
  • Very versatile
  • Protective underfoot
  • Above average durability
  • Doubles as a sneaker

Cons

  • Very big
  • Not for wide feet
Full review of Saucony Endorphin Shift 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
White/Sand (S2081331)
Concrete/Wood (S2081314)
Night Lite (S2081365)
Black (S1081310)
Indigo/Black (S2081322)
Ether (S2081335)
Blue (S2081325)
Gravel/Black (S2081323)
More colors

Best lightweight Saucony running shoes

Saucony Kinvara 14
78
Decent!

What makes it the best?

With its ultra-light upper, lofty cushioning, and modern insole, you wouldn’t be remiss to think that the Kinvara 14 had strayed from its path. While it’s no longer the lean mean Kinvaras of old, this new version still boasts the flexible, natural-feeling, low-drop ride loyalists have come to know and love. And despite the radical overhaul, this Saucony favorite remains one of the best uptempo trainers for those on a budget.

Pros

  • More cushioned and protective than ever
  • Responsive foam
  • The lightest Kinvara yet
  • Offers some mild guidance
  • Good grip even on wet surfaces
  • Smooth, natural-feeling ride
  • Pleasantly airy
  • Works for fast and slow paces
  • Can go the distance
  • Also a worthy racing shoe
  • Fairly priced

Cons

  • A bit on the firm side
  • Less outsole rubber means less mileage
  • Lockdown is so-so
Full review of Saucony Kinvara 14

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/White (S2082305)
Yellow (S1082335)
Citron/Black (S2082306)
Blue (S2082325)
Red (S1082316)
White (S2082385)
Triple Black (S2082312)
Fossil/Pool (S1082315)
More colors

Best Saucony trail running shoes

What makes it the best?

The Saucony Peregrine 13, true to its namesake (the Peregrine falcon), is a nimble and agile trail running shoe. It has extraordinary traction and a great fit. A more than capable all-rounder, it is definitely the best Saucony trail shoe.

For starters, it is incredibly light for a trail shoe. At 271g (9.6 oz), it is 26g (0.9 oz) lighter than the average of all trail running shoes we tested in our lab. These shoes felt really smooth and quick on our feet, allowing us to soar through technical trails and enjoy our time outdoors.

The Peregrine 13’s outsole is a beast. It provides incredible traction—thanks to its almost full-coverage outsole complemented with 4.8 mm lugs that are patterned to shed mud. Snow, mud, dirt, and gravel—the Peregrine 13 breezed through.

Fit is also phenomenal with its semi-gusseted and padded tongue. We didn't feel the laces dig in, nor did we experience any blisters and hotspots during our day hikes and trail runs. With the solid fit, we were able to focus on navigating the trails seamlessly. 

However, there is an indentation in the outsole of the shoe which exposes the midsole—making it prone to damage from debris along the trail. Trail runners who are concerned about durability should check in from time to time.

Pros

  • Cushioned and protective midsole
  • Better for longer efforts than the v12
  • A good trail racing option
  • Great traction whether on ice, snow, gravel, and dirt
  • Mud just falls off the outsole
  • Comfy and airy upper
  • Performance-oriented fit
  • No heel slippage
  • Smooth and natural-feeling ride

Cons

  • Debris tends to get in
  • Not as fast as other speedwork trail shoes
  • Too-firm midsole
Full review of Saucony Peregrine 13

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Vapor/Poppy (S2083816)
Wood/Fossil (S2083815)
Arroyo (S1083835)
Blue (S2083825)
Fog/Clay (S2083885)
Glade/Black (S2083830)
Grey (S2083875)
Finesse Black (S2083891)

Best value Saucony running shoes

Saucony Axon 2
88
Great!

What makes it the best?

A superbly versatile, surprisingly low-cost, and trustworthy durable shoe—the Axon 2 stands out among the Saucony range as the best value running shoe. As proven by our outdoor runs and lab tests, this incredible bang-for-your-buck shoe offers premium features without the premium price.

At $100 retail price, it is significantly below the average price for daily trainers at $118. The Axon 2's great price is complemented by great features that punch way above its price tag.

With a midsole foam taller 2.1mm taller than the average at the heel, it packs comfort adequate enough for our short and easy runs. Lab results showed that the Axon 2 is 20% stiffer than average, which helps to explain the responsive pop we felt when we picked up the pace. This level of comfort and responsiveness makes the Axon 2 a versatile running partner.

When it comes to durability, the Saucony Axon 2 is a trustworthy ally. Even after a number of miles, there weren't any significant signs of wear. In the lab, we measured the outsole to be 4.1 mm—just 0.7 mm more than the average outsole thickness of road running shoes. It is also 6.8% denser than the average—making it more capable of tackling more miles and multiple training blocks.

At its price point, the Saucony Axon 2 is already quite the steal. However, runners looking for plusher or faster shoes may find other options at higher prices.

Pros

  • Comfy for easy days
  • Seamless heel-to-toe transitions
  • Lighter than it seems
  • Soft, form-fitting upper
  • Breathable in warm weather
  • Tacky on dry and wet surfaces
  • Long-lasting
  • Great-value purchase

Cons

  • Firm for long miles and recovery days
  • Squeaky noise on pavement
  • Lacks bounce and energy return
Full review of Saucony Axon 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (S2073205)
Alloy/Topaz (S2073215)
Blue (S2073225)
Gold (S2073216)
Black (S1073214)

Comparison of the 7 best Saucony running shoes

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Overview of Saucony running shoes

Unlike most popular athletic brands, Saucony keeps its focus on running alone.

Over the years, the brand has developed a wide range of running shoe categories for any type of run: easy, fast, race, trail, mud, etc. The sections below will help you make an informed decision on which models match your needs.

Saucony running shoes
Road Trail
Daily running

Speed trainers

Race shoes
Neutral Stability

Daily running shoes from Saucony

If you are after a hardy workhorse for daily miles or training for a marathon, Saucony has quite a selection to choose from. Minimal or highly cushioned, neutral or stability, find out more about each collection below.

Neutral or stability?

TIP: Choose neutral shoes if you’ve never experienced discomfort or pain in most footwear.

Neutral shoes are meant for runners with normal pronation (no excessive inward or outward rolling of the foot), while stability shoes have supportive components to prevent overpronation.

Learn more in our guide on pronation.

Neutral running shoes from Saucony

neutral-daily-running-shoes-saucony.jpg

Kinvara and Freedom are on the firmer, more minimal side. Ride is more cushioned. Triumph is the softest, max-cushioned option.

Saucony Kinvara

lightweight trainer for easy-to-fast runs

Simple, fast, light, nimble, it feels minimal in all the right places. The firmest and lightest of Saucony daily trainers, it makes a great speedwork option.

Saucony Freedom

light, responsive trainer for any run

It is a versatile lineup that is ready for slow daily miles as well as speed training. It is more cushioned and durable than the Kinvara.

Saucony Ride

solid daily trainer

The Ride has a more traditional feel and a great fit. Moderately firm and responsive, it’s the middle ground between Triumph and Kinvara.

Saucony Triumph

max-cushioned daily cruiser

“Cadillac of easy run shoes,” it is a series of premium, highly-cushioned trainers, perfect for building up the mileage.

Stability running shoes

saucony-guide-stability.jpg

Guide is a staple stability shoe from Saucony

Saucony Guide

subtle stability version of the Ride

This lineup shares most design components with its neutral counterpart. Its inherent support not only works for mild overpronation but is also unobtrusive for neutral runners.

Saucony Hurricane

max-cushioned stability

Pulling cues from the Triumph series, the Hurricane is a highly-cushioned premium stability shoe from Saucony. Recommended for moderate overpronation.

Saucony Omni

maximum pronation control

The most stable in this lineup, the Omni is recommended for moderate to severe overpronators.

Saucony Endorphin collection

In 2020 Saucony made a hit with its Endorphin trinity, which provided tough competition to the revolutionary Nike Next% race shoes.

It is a premium lineup that includes three models for different purposes, from easy runs to setting personal bests. Equipped with the latest technologies from Saucony, these are meant to minimize energy loss and maximize your running performance.

Saucony-endorphin-pro-2-pair.jpg

Saucony Endorphin Shift

a daily trainer for easy and long-distance runs

  • most durable
  • highly cushioned
  • stable and supportive
  • heavier (10.1 oz / 286g)
  • less expensive ($140)

Saucony Endorphin Speed

a versatile shoe for speed training and racing

  • less propulsive than Pro but still snappy (flexible nylon plate)
  • light (7.8 oz / 221 g)
  • expensive ($160)

Saucony Endorphin Pro

an elite race shoe

  • most propulsive (stiff carbon plate)
  • thinner and reduced upper for higher speed
  • the lightest (7.5 oz / 213 g)
  • the most expensive ($200)

Saucony trail running shoes

You’ll need something more rugged to go off the beaten path and explore the forests and mountains. Here is an overview of the brand’s dedicated trail shoes.

saucony-peregrine-11-profile-photo.jpg

Peregrine is the brand's flagship trail shoe that can do it all

Saucony Switchback

minimalist trail shoe

This shoe prioritizes ground feel above anything else. Light, nimble, grippy, it can take you fast along moderate trails. An innovative BOA closure is a welcome touch. Has a rock plate.

Saucony Mad River TR

softer shoe for semi-technical trails

More flexible, plush, and forgiving than the Peregrine, Mad River works best for cruising on less demanding terrain. No rock plate.

Saucony Xodus

versatile trail-to-road workhorse

This heavy, max-cushioned trainer can go from paved roads to technical trails easily. Its high stack and rock plate will keep you surefooted at all times.

Saucony Peregrine

flagship, high-performance trail runner

This lineup is not only best within the brand itself, it is also among the top-rated shoes in the market. Outstanding grip, durability, and lockdown that work at any speed and terrain. It also comes with a rock plate for extra protection.

Peregrine GTX - waterproof version

Some of the road running shoes are also released in trail versions (see shoes with “TR” in the name). They are meant to bring the familiar experience of your favorite road shoes to the trail, but with added grip and protection.

Let’s talk tech: Special features in Saucony shoes

Technology name means nothing if you have no idea how it benefits you. Here we briefly explain the most common and popular features used in Saucony shoes.

ISOFIT

saucony-isofit.jpg

ISOFIT is an upper design that was present in nearly all Saucony running shoes throughout 2015-2019. It was meant to provide a more adaptive fit by separating the inner sleeve and the external floating support cage. However, it received criticism for making it harder to lace the shoe up and adjust the tightness. That’s why more recent releases come without it.

FORMFIT

saucony-formfit.jpg

First seen in the 2020 editions of the Triumph and Guide, this design offers a holistic approach to comfort. It aims to cradle the foot from above, below, and behind to give a secure fit with no pressure points.

PWRRUN / PWRRUN+ / PWRRUN PB

A step-up from the EVERUN, PWRRUN was first introduced in Saucony Guide 13 (2019 release). Based on runners’ feedback, it feels noticeably lighter and softer than the EVERUN.

saucony-pwrrun.jpg

Comprised of small TPU “bubbles”, it may look very similar to Adidas Boost but it has a lighter, livelier ride.

A more advanced version is the PWRRUN+. First seen in 2019, it is now incorporated into such premium lineups as Triumph, Hurricane, and Freedom. It is 28% lighter than the standard PWRRUN and is highly praised for its responsiveness.

Comprised of small TPU “bubbles”, it may look very similar to Adidas Boost but it has a lighter, livelier ride.

The PWRRUN PB stands at the help of the series. It is considerably lighter than the PWRRUN+ (by 40%) and embodies an elite-level of energy return and durability. “PB” stands for Pebax, a material that’s used in the high-end race shoes like Nike Alphafly and Vaporfly. This foam is currently only employed by Saucony Endorphin Pro racer.

SPEEDROLL

The Speedroll was introduced along with the Endorphin collection. It is the brand’s take on the rocker design, which promotes a faster and livelier forward roll.

saucony-speedroll.jpg

The upturned forefoot helps to create a rocker-like sensation.

Carbon-fiber plate

Used only in the Endorphin Pro race shoe, this full-length piece of stiff carbon creates extra propulsion for the speediest runs. It helps you maintain a high tempo on long distances and push through those final marathon miles easier.

Saucony-endorphin-pro-2-cut-in-half.jpg

The black elements inside the white foam are carbon plates.

PWRTRAC

Used on the Peregrines and some other Saucony trail shoes, this tacky rubber compound works together with the lugs for efficient traction in all conditions. It is also more resistant to abrasion than standard rubber.

saucony-peregrine-11-outsole-closeup.jpg

Frequently asked questions

Are Saucony running shoes good for walking?

Yes. All daily running shoes from Saucony can double for all-day wear. If you want to expand your options for casual wear, we recommend looking at stylish Saucony sneakers.

How long do Saucony running shoes last?

The brand itself estimates around 400 miles for its shoes’ lifespan. However, some models can be more durable, while others may not live up to that claim. Here are some of the signs that you need to replace your pair:

  • worn-out treading, lack of grip
  • tears, holes, creases and other deformities that affect comfort
  • the cushioning feels “dead”

Seasoned runners keep several pairs in their rotations to avoid burning through one shoe too fast. You can also use apps like Strava to keep track of your miles.

What Saucony shoe is best for plantar fasciitis?

Shoes with more cushioning, ample underfoot and upper support will make sure your foot condition doesn’t aggravate. There are more than a few lineups from Saucony that can help you feel more comfortable.

Are there cheap Saucony running shoes?

Saucony Echelon: stable, orthotic-friendly running/walking shoe

Although marked as a neutral shoe, the Echelon is constructed with a wide, straight base that offers stability. It is recommended for people with flat feet and other foot conditions as its spacious interiors accommodate custom orthotics.

Saucony Cohesion: cheap, beginner-friendly

An entry-level running shoes that is easy on the wallet and can double for gym and athleisure.

See our full list of affordable running shoes from Saucony.

Is Saucony made in the USA?

Not anymore. The manufacturing shifted abroad back in 1990s.

How do you pronounce “Saucony”? What does it mean?

Pronounced as [saw·kuh·nee], the brand is named after Saucony Creek in Pennsylvania where it was founded in 1898. It is translated from Native American as “place of outlet.”

Who owns Saucony?

The company is owned by Wolverine World Wide, an American manufacturer of footwear which also produces shoes and boots from Caterpillar, Merrell, Keds, Hush Puppies, Sperry, among others.

Are Saucony running shoes vegan?

Only two models are currently marked as ‘vegan’ on the brand’s official website: Endorphin Speed and Pro. It implies that they contain no animal products, by-products, or derivatives.

Is Saucony an ethical company?

According to Good On You, a company that ranks fashion brands based on to the principles of ethical and sustainable production, Saucony is “Not good enough.” There is no evidence on its reduction of environmental impact, low scores on labor standards, and lacking animal welfare policy.

How we test running shoes

As a team full of running shoe enthusiasts with an independent RunRepeat shoe lab, we thoroughly analyzed every new release from Saucony:

  • We measure over 30+ parameters that contribute to the shoe’s performance. That includes cutting each one into pieces, testing breathability with a smoke machine, and more.
  • We run 30-50 miles on average in each pair to deliver extensive feedback. 
  • No free shoes are received from the brand. We purchase every pair with our own funds to avoid bias.

This way we make sure that only the best Saucony running shoes make it to this list.

Author
Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic

Whether it's a vertical kilometre or an ultra, climbing in the Alps or exploring local mountains, Jovana uses every opportunity to trade walls and concrete for forests and trails. She logs at least 10h/week on trails, with no off-season, and 4x more on research on running and running shoes. With a background in physics and engineering management, she prefers her running spiced with data.