7 Best Saucony Running Shoes in 2024

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
7 Best Saucony Running Shoes in 2024
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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.

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.

How we test running shoes

As a team full of running shoe enthusiasts with an independent RunRepeat shoe lab, we thoroughly analysed 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.

Best Saucony running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

Endorphin Speed 4 leads the Saucony pack with its incredible lightness, undeniable speed, and surprisingly comfortable ride. It delivers high performance from our easy runs to race pace and from short to long distances and our lab confirms its delightful versatility.

ES4 is much lighter and much more responsive than the average running shoe. Our scales reveal it’s only 8.4 oz (237g), 10.9% lighter than average. Upon dissecting the shoe, we discovered a nylon plate embedded in the midsole, explaining its peppy ride. What’s special about this nylon plate is it feels more natural on foot than ultra-stiff carbon plates. Our bend test shows a 29.4N force, which is as flexible as the average running shoe and even non-plated trainers.

On our easy runs, long runs, and tempo runs, the Speed 4 gave us comfort for miles. With an above-average heel stack (36.2 mm vs. the 33.5 mm average), the cushion is leg-saving. This is composed of a balanced PWRRUN PB foam to keep our strides controlled and stable. To top it off, the mesh upper is incredibly breathable.

Heads up, the thin 2.0 mm tongue may cause some lace bite when tied too tight and on longer runs. 

Pros

  • Remains lightweight
  • Excels at all paces
  • Great for track workouts
  • More spacious fit
  • Bouncy and enjoyable ride
  • Enhanced stability over v3
  • Suits daily training
  • Exceptional value

Cons

  • Slightly heavier than predecessor
  • Could be a bit firm for some
Full review of Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

Best Saucony daily running shoes

Saucony Ride 17
90
Superb!

What makes it the best?

In our extensive tests in and out of the lab, the Ride 17 emerges as the top daily trainer among the Saucony line. This shoe proves to be a reliable workhorse that excels across various distances, striking a perfect balance between cushioning and responsiveness. Not only does it deliver comfort, but it also showcases outstanding durability, making it an ideal companion for burning daily mileage.

The Ride 17 stands out with its plush yet bouncy ride, boasting above-average measurements of 35.1/26.6 mm in the heel and forefoot. Our durometer readings reveal a remarkable softness, scoring 19.1% lower than average. This shoe provides consistent support and a buttery-smooth feel, enhanced by the ultra-soft 6.7 mm thick insole.

One of the Ride 17's key strengths lies in its robust outsole, which showed minimal wear even after rigorous outdoor and Dremel testing in the lab. Registering a high 86.0 HC durometer reading and excelling in durability tests, this shoe proves its longevity and toughness in various conditions.

While the Ride 17 impresses with its durability and cushioning, some users may find it slightly lacking in natural feel due to its stiffness. Its 29.4N above-average resistance to bending, as indicated in our 90-degree test, may require a bit more effort to conform to our demands.

Pros

  • Incredible value
  • Most cushioned Ride yet
  • Roomy upper
  • Enhanced stability
  • Upgraded PWRRUN+ midsole
  • Best-in-class durability
  • Superior lockdown

Cons

  • Narrow toecap
  • Subpar breathability
  • Could be lighter
Full review of Saucony Ride 17

Best Saucony running shoes for race

What makes it the best?

Among the Saucony roster, Endorphin Pro 4 is our best bet for smashing PBs and earning podium wins. It has tons of cushioning and energy to boast while keeping its weight to a minimum. Our lab confirms what our feet truly enjoyed: running fast feels effortless with EP4.

This racer is a featherweight champion, measuring 7.8 oz (220g) on our scale—17.3% lighter than average! It even has a remarkably airy and surprisingly durable upper that gained above-average scores in the lab: a flawless 5/5 in our breathability test and an impressive 4/5 in our durability test.

The S-shaped carbon plate delivers seamless energy rebound in our strides. Our flex test reveals it’s 137.5% stiffer than average. It features Saucony’s Speedroll technology, sustaining our momentum and power efficiently.

Complementing the stiffness is the dynamic midsole—the true star of the show. It packs comfort, surefootedness, and responsiveness in one thanks to its dual-density foam and luscious 38.1 mm heel. The top foam is a plush 18.5 HA for comfort. The bottom support balances the softness with a firmer 22.0 HA to boost stability. This superior combination makes it very forgiving on long races yet responsive on shorter and faster races—a winner at every distance.

Unfortunately, its forefoot stack doesn’t match the heel cushioning. We find that heel-strikers are the ones who will truly benefit from EP4's features.

Pros

  • Durable upper and outsole
  • Spacious upper fit
  • Enhanced midsole comfort
  • Great value at £230 for a supershoe
  • Versatile across all paces
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • More stable than ever

Cons

  • Slightly heavier than v3
  • Less suited for forefoot strikers
  • Competitors may feel quicker
Full review of Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

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

Best lightweight Saucony running shoes

Saucony Kinvara 14
78
Decent!

What makes it the best?

The Saucony Kinvara 14 has wings for the feet. Aside from being extremely light and ultra-breathable, it also feels smooth and natural. A speedster shoe without the stiffness brought by carbon plates, it is also fairly cheap for what it offers. Hence, the Kinvara 14 is our choice for the best lightweight Saucony running shoe.

In our lab, we weighed the Kinvara 14 to be 194 g (6.84 oz)—that’s an epic 74g (2.61 oz) of weight difference against the average weight of road running shoes at 268g (9.45 oz).

While its minimalist upper also contributes to keeping the weight low, it also makes the shoe superbly breathable and breezy. In our breathability test, smoke easily passed through the upper and enveloped the shoe—earning the Kinvara 14 a perfect 5/5.

The Kinvara 14's responsive midsole is also low to the ground and has great flexibility. Having a heel stack height below the average (30.3 mm vs 33.2 mm) and a very flexible midsole (49.84% softer than average) contribute greatly to its smooth and natural ground feel.

In an effort to save weight, the outsole rubber coverage is few and far between. Moreover, it is 41.67% thinner than the average thickness in other road running shoes. Runners may look elsewhere for more outsole coverage.

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

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 midsole
  • Protective rock plate
  • 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

Best budget Saucony running shoes

Saucony Axon 3
86
Great!

What makes it the best?

A surprisingly low-cost and high-value shoe — the Axon 3 stands out from the Saucony range as the best budget running shoe. As proven by our outdoor runs and lab tests, this incredibly comfortable and durable trainer offers premium features without the premium price tag.

At £110, it’s significantly below the £140 average price of daily trainers. It's light in the pocket and light on foot with its 8.6 oz (244g) weight. That’s 12.5% below the average daily trainer!

For such an affordable shoe, the Axon 3 is pleasantly cushioned for long miles, especially its 27.9 mm forefoot. Our durometer confirms our sensation — indeed, the foam is 22.5% softer than average, making it a great companion for long miles.

We’re impressed with the Carbon Rubber outsole’s durability and grip. Even after many miles, there weren't any significant signs of wear. In our lab tests, Axon 3 emerged thicker and denser than the average. Yet what cements its high quality is its smaller indentation of 0.7 mm than the 0.9 mm average in our brutal Dremel test.

If comfort is the top priority, we recommend other options since Axon 3 may be too stiff for some runners.

Pros

  • Incredible value at only £110
  • Significant weight reduction from version 2
  • Impressively cushioned with PWRRUN foam
  • Fantastic durability
  • Suitable for quicker paces
  • Excellent as a daily workhorse
  • Lovely upper
  • Works for short and long runs

Cons

  • Probably too stiff for very relaxed runs
  • Slightly narrower forefoot than before
Full review of Saucony Axon 3

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 minimise energy loss and maximise 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 (£150)

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 (£170)

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 (£210)

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 prioritises 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.

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 favourite 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). 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.

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-fibre 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

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.

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.

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 labour standards, and lacking animal welfare policy.

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.