Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 vs Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 5 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
More stable than the V2 thanks to less lateral foam cutout, better upper lockdown without needing swapped-in laces, and better initial outsole grip — though the V3's thinner rubber may wear out faster than the V2's.
More controlled and stable but doesn't lose the unique fun bouncy ride
Elite 3 is softer, more aggressive, and less stable than the Elite 2, which the reviewer wasn't sure was actually an improvement
Very similar soft, bouncy ride, but the 3 adds a bit more stability; he prefers the 3 slightly
Previous version had a decoupled heel and a squirrely, less stable ride; the v3 keeps the same soft, bouncy feel but is more stable and confident around tight corners
The Elite 3 is more stable and slightly softer than the 2, which the reviewer felt had an inconsistent build in his own pair
A little more stable than the V2 due to sidewalls and enhanced heel width
Fit and overall feel are described as much improved over version 2
Retains much of what the reviewer loved about the V2 — low weight, upper fit, midsole quality
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , soft_plush feel , high energy return , neutral stability .
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An extremely soft, heavily-cushioned marathon racer that some runners will love and others may find unstable.
In their words: "incredibly soft"
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EDDBUD calls the Endorphin Elite 2 one of the standout carbon racers for its compression and return, describing it as soft, forgiving, and surprisingly durable.
In their words: "mega forgiving" · "sheer amount of compression and return" · "surprisingly durable"
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A firmer, snappier lightweight versatile trainer with a prominent forefoot rocker and PEBA-based midsole, designed to roll the runner efficiently off the forefoot.
In their words: "firmer, snappier feel" · "really roll you off the front end" · "very noticeable forefoot rocker"
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The reviewer's chosen shoe for the Comrades Marathon — roomy, natural, disappearing fit with a balanced midsole that is poppy and propulsive yet protective enough for slower ultra miles, offering more agility and sprightliness than bulkier alternatives.
In their words: "lively, fun, free-flowing shoe" · "poppy, propulsive" · "disappears on my foot"
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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Despite costing £70 more and running heavier, Parkes found the Endorphin Elite v3 softer, bouncier and noticeably faster than the SC Elite v6 in a half marathon outing, and says it's the shoe he'd pick between the two.
In their words: "really quite a lot softer" · "a lot more bouncy" · "I just run so much faster"
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A race-shoe runner-up pick; the reviewer calls it one of the softest, bounciest race shoes around and a likely choice for an upcoming marathon.
In their words: "softer bouncier"
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His standout favorite of the tier list — wildly soft, compressive yet reactive, superbly light with an exceptional, foot-shaped upper. Tier S.
In their words: "it just seems to handle changes of pace very, very well" · "an S tier for me"
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On a first run, praised as by far the softest and bounciest super shoe the panel has tried, well suited to longer straight-line racing, though cornering control is a weak point.
Ride:First-time run in the shoe; tall sidewalls and dialed-in geometry make it a strong straight-line performer that responds well when the runner leans forward and engages the leg, but turning felt harder/less controlled than some other super shoes, and the soft PWRRUN foam bottoms out at top-end speed.
In their words: "the softest and bounciest super shoe" · "controlling it is another story"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 if
- Fast racing up to half-marathon for runners who can tolerate the narrow toe box — FORDY RUNS
- Half and full marathon racers who want maximum forgiveness underfoot. — EDDBUD
- Road ultra runners wanting a plateless shoe with natural freedom, bounce and protection that works across the full spectrum of road ultra paces. — The Run Testers
- Runners who love soft, bouncy carbon racers for distances from 5K up to marathon on good, flat surfaces. — The Run Testers
- Soft-and-bouncy racer fans; less aggressive than top picks. — The Run Testers
- Fast racing on flat, even courses for runners with stable mechanics who can handle a soft bouncy ride — The Run Testers
Consider the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 if
- Marathon and half-marathon racing for midfoot strikers wanting maximum cushioning and reduced perceived effort, including runners who found the V2 too unstable or narrow. — EDDBUD
- Runners who like a soft, springy, bouncy racer for half marathon to marathon distances on flat, even courses. — The Run Testers
- Marathoners running 3:30 or slower who want a cushioned, forgiving race-day ride that keeps the legs fresher over longer efforts. — Believe in the Run
- A premium marathon race-day shoe for runners willing to pay a high price point. — Ben Parkes
- Racing (10K, parkrun and up) for runners who like a very soft, bouncy ride; avoid if you need stability or dislike soft shoes — The Run Testers
- Runners who want a very soft, bouncy carbon-plated race-day shoe, especially for marathons where soft cushioning helps in the late miles; also versatile enough for uptempo training after racing. — Believe in the Run
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3?
The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is a race shoe and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 is a race shoe. By the numbers, the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 weighs 201g, has a 40mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 weighs 210g, has a 40mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $275 for the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 and $290 for the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3.
Should I buy the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 or the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3?
FORDY RUNS on the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2: Fast racing up to half-marathon for runners who can tolerate the narrow toe box. EDDBUD on the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3: Marathon and half-marathon racing for midfoot strikers wanting maximum cushioning and reduced perceived effort, including runners who found the V2 too unstable or narrow.
Per FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD.
Has anyone reviewed both the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3?
Yes — EDDBUD, The Run Testers, Believe in the Run, and Doctors of Running directly compared the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 in their reviews.
Per EDDBUD, The Run Testers, Believe in the Run, Doctors of Running.
Which is lighter, the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 or the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3?
The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is lighter, at 201g versus 210g (men's 9) — about 9g less.
Which is cheaper, the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 or the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3?
The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is cheaper at $275 versus $290 MSRP — about $15 less.