Best Saucony Running Shoes 2024: For Every Type Of Runner

Running shoes are a key part of any runner’s gear. Saucony, a well-known brand in the running world, offers many choices for different types of runners. We’ll look at the best Saucony running shoes for 2024.

We’ll cover shoes for various needs, from speed training to long runs on trails. By the end, you’ll have a good idea of which Saucony shoe might work best for you.

How I Test Best Saucony Running Shoes 2024

Before we dive into the shoes, let’s talk about how I test them. Testing running shoes is more than just putting them on and going for a quick jog. It involves many steps to make sure I get a full picture of how each shoe performs.

First, I look at the shoe’s build. I check the materials used, how well it’s put together, and any special features. Then, I try the shoe on and walk around to get a feel for how it fits and how comfortable it is.

Next comes the running part. I test each shoe on different surfaces – roads, tracks, and trails if it’s meant for that. I run at various speeds, from easy jogs to fast sprints. This helps me see how the shoe handles different paces.

I also pay attention to how the shoe feels during longer runs. Does it still feel good after an hour or two? Does it protect my feet from getting sore? These are important questions for many runners.

Lastly, I think about value for money. A great shoe isn’t just about performance – it should also last a good while and be worth the price.

Now, let’s look at some of Saucony’s top running shoes for 2024.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a popular choice for runners who want a fast, responsive shoe. It’s made for speed work and races but can handle daily training too.

What Makes It Special

The Endorphin Speed 4 has a special plate in the sole called a winged nylon plate. This helps give the shoe a bouncy feel, pushing you forward as you run. The foam in the sole, called PWRRUN PB, is light and springy. This combo makes the shoe feel fast and fun to run in.

The upper part of the shoe (the part that covers your foot) is made of a light, breathable material. This keeps your feet cool and comfortable, even on long runs or in warm weather.

Who It’s Good For

This shoe is great for runners who like to go fast. It works well for speed training, tempo runs, and races. But it’s not just for speedsters – even if you’re not racing, you might enjoy the shoe’s energetic feel for your regular runs.

Things to Think About

While many runners love the Endorphin Speed 4, it might not be for everyone. Some runners find it a bit unstable, especially when turning corners. It’s also on the pricier side, which might not fit everyone’s budget.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is the more serious sibling of the Speed 4. It’s built for racing and really pushing your limits.

What Sets It Apart

Like the Speed 4, the Pro 4 uses PWRRUN PB foam. But instead of a nylon plate, it has a carbon fiber plate. This makes the shoe even more responsive and efficient at turning your effort into speed.

The upper is made of a very thin, light material that fits snugly around your foot. This keeps the shoe’s weight down, which is important when you’re trying to run your fastest.

Who Should Consider It

The Endorphin Pro 4 is best for competitive runners looking to set personal bests in races. It’s especially good for distances from 5K up to marathons. If you’re serious about racing and want a shoe that can help shave seconds off your time, this could be the one.

Potential Drawbacks

The Pro 4 is very focused on speed, which means it might not be as comfortable for easy runs or long training sessions. It’s also one of the most expensive shoes in Saucony’s lineup, so it’s a big investment.

Saucony Guide 17

Moving away from speed shoes, the Saucony Guide 17 is designed for runners who need a bit of extra support.

Key Features

The Guide 17 has a special design that helps keep your foot from rolling inward too much when you run. This is called overpronation, and it’s common in many runners. The shoe uses a firmer piece of foam on the inner side of the sole to provide this support.

The PWRRUN foam used in the sole gives a good balance of softness and bounce. It’s not as springy as the foam in the Endorphin shoes, but it provides a more stable, consistent feel.

Ideal Users

This shoe is great for runners who know they need some extra support. It’s also good for people who run longer distances and want a shoe that will keep their feet comfortable mile after mile.

Considerations

While the Guide 17 provides good support, some runners might find it a bit firm. It’s not the lightest shoe out there, which might be noticeable if you’re used to more minimal shoes.

Saucony Peregrine 14

The Saucony Peregrine 14 takes us off the road and onto the trails. It’s designed to handle rough terrain and keep your feet protected.

Standout Qualities

The Peregrine 14 has a very grippy outsole with deep lugs. These help you keep your footing on muddy, rocky, or loose surfaces. The upper is made of tough materials that can stand up to branches and rocks you might encounter on the trail.

Inside, the shoe has a rock plate. This is a firm layer that protects your feet from sharp rocks and roots you might step on while trail running.

Best For

The Peregrine 14 is ideal for trail runners who tackle a variety of terrains. Whether you’re running on forest paths, mountain trails, or even in mud, this shoe can handle it. It’s also good for runners who do both road and trail running and want one shoe that can do both.

Points to Ponder

While the Peregrine 14 is great on trails, it might feel a bit stiff and heavy if you use it mainly on roads. The aggressive tread that’s so helpful on trails can feel unnecessary on smooth surfaces.

Saucony Ride 17

The Saucony Ride 17 is a versatile shoe that works for many types of runners and running.

What Makes It Stand Out

The Ride 17 uses PWRRUN foam throughout the sole. This gives a balanced feel – not too soft, not too firm. The shoe has enough cushioning to be comfortable on long runs but still feels responsive when you want to pick up the pace.

The upper is designed to fit a variety of foot shapes comfortably. It has some stretch to it, which helps it adapt to your foot as you run.

Who It Suits

The Ride 17 is a great all-around shoe. It works well for daily training, long runs, and even faster workouts. If you’re looking for one shoe to handle most of your running, this could be a good choice.

Things to Keep in Mind

While the Ride 17 does many things well, it doesn’t excel in any one area. Runners looking for a very soft or very fast shoe might want to look at other options.

Saucony Triumph 21

The Saucony Triumph 21 is all about comfort, especially for longer runs.

Notable Features

The Triumph 21 uses a lot of PWRRUN+ foam in its sole. This foam is very soft and absorbs a lot of impact as you run. The result is a shoe that feels plush and comfortable, even after many miles.

The upper is also designed with comfort in mind. It’s well-padded and has a roomy fit, which can be nice when your feet swell during long runs.

Ideal Users

The Triumph 21 is perfect for runners who prioritize comfort. It’s great for long, slow runs and recovery runs. It’s also a good choice for runners who spend a lot of time on their feet and want a shoe that can keep them comfortable all day.

Considerations

The softness and comfort of the Triumph 21 come at the cost of weight. It’s one of the heavier shoes in Saucony’s lineup. Some runners might also find it too soft for faster running.

Saucony Endorphin Elite

The Saucony Endorphin Elite is the brand’s top-of-the-line racing shoe.

What Sets It Apart

The Endorphin Elite uses Saucony’s most advanced technologies. It has a full-length carbon fiber plate for maximum energy return. The foam is a new type called PWRRUN HG, which is even lighter and more responsive than the foam in the Endorphin Pro.

The upper is incredibly thin and light, using special engineered mesh to save every possible gram of weight.

Who It’s For

The Endorphin Elite is for serious racers looking for every possible advantage. It’s designed for setting personal bests in distances from 5K up to the marathon.

Points to Consider

This is Saucony’s most expensive shoe. It’s also not very durable – it’s really meant just for race day, not for regular training. Some runners might find it feels unstable due to its tall stack height (the amount of foam under your foot).

Saucony Endorphin Edge

The Saucony Endorphin Edge brings some of Saucony’s high-end road technologies to the trail.

Key Features

The Endorphin Edge has a carbon fiber plate, just like Saucony’s fast road shoes. But it’s designed to work on uneven terrain. The sole has deep lugs for grip on trails, and there’s a rock plate to protect your feet.

The upper is tougher than road shoes to stand up to trail conditions, but it’s still pretty light for a trail shoe.

Best For

This shoe is great for trail runners who want to go fast. It’s good for trail races or for runners who like to push the pace even on rough ground.

Things to Think About

The Endorphin Edge is expensive for a trail shoe. It might feel too stiff for some runners, especially on smoother trails or roads. Like other shoes with carbon plates, it might not be the most stable on very uneven ground.

Saucony Tempus

The Saucony Tempus is a unique shoe that combines support with a more energetic feel.

Standout Qualities

The Tempus uses two types of foam. The main part of the sole is soft PWRRUN PB foam, like what’s in the Endorphin shoes. But there’s also a firmer foam on the inner side to provide support.

The upper is made of a stretchy knit material that adapts to your foot shape. This gives a comfortable fit while still holding your foot in place.

Ideal Users

The Tempus is great for runners who need some support but don’t want a heavy, controlling shoe. It’s also good for runners who like a bouncy, energetic feel in their supportive shoes.

Considerations

Some runners might find the mix of soft and firm foams feels a bit strange at first. The Tempus is also on the pricier side for a daily training shoe.

Saucony Xodus Ultra 2

The Saucony Xodus Ultra 2 is designed for long distances on trails.

What Makes It Special

The Xodus Ultra 2 has a thick layer of PWRRUN PB foam, which is unusual for a trail shoe. This gives it a soft, comfortable feel even on long runs. The outsole has multi-directional lugs for grip in all conditions.

The upper is made of tough materials to protect your feet, but it’s still breathable for comfort on long runs.

Who It’s Good For

This shoe is perfect for ultra runners or anyone who spends hours on the trails. It’s also good for runners who want a trail shoe that feels a bit more like a cushy road shoe.

Things to Think About

The soft foam might not provide enough ground feel for some trail runners, especially on technical terrain. The shoe is also quite heavy, which might be noticeable on longer runs.

Saucony Kinvara Pro

The Saucony Kinvara Pro is a new addition to Saucony’s lineup, combining elements of the popular Kinvara with some high-end features.

Notable Features

The Kinvara Pro has a carbon fiber plate, but it’s only in the forefoot. This gives some of the benefits of a plated shoe without making it too stiff. It uses PWRRUN PB foam for a light, bouncy feel.

The upper is very light and breathable, similar to Saucony’s racing shoes.

Ideal Users

The Kinvara Pro is great for runners who want a lightweight, fast-feeling shoe for training and racing, but don’t want something as extreme as the Endorphin Pro or Elite.

Considerations

The partial plate might feel strange to some runners. The shoe might not be as durable as some other training shoes due to its light construction.

Conclusion

Saucony offers a wide range of running shoes to suit different needs and preferences. From the speedy Endorphin series to the comfortable Triumph, there’s likely a Saucony shoe that will work well for you.

Remember, the best shoe for you depends on your individual needs, running style, and goals. It’s always a good idea to try on shoes before buying if possible, or to buy from a store with a good return policy so you can test the shoes on a run.

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