Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

[RunBrianRun]

Right after hours of searching I’m about to break ranks with adidas and Nike and go for a pair of very snazzy looking Saucony Endorphin Speed 3s I’d appreciate any feedback VRBs might have for me on them before I finally pull the trigger. I’m especially interested in lateral stability, traction, energy return and impressions for use for track training and drills. Thank you 🙏

[misswobble Marathon]

I’ve got the first iteration. It’s very bouncy! Dangerous downhill! 😁

Tailchaser has the 3 I think and loves it. She’ll be running the marathon in them. I’ve done a half and full marathon in them but I keep them for shorter runs in dry weather these days

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thank you MW. That’s very interesting. Luckily I don’t plan on downhill running in them.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

They’re light for a cushioned shoe 😀 I find the bounce unusual and a bit destabilising On a track, over 100m , they’re probably fire 💥. They’re well made and really comfy

[RunWillie Marathon]

I’m not a huge fan of my Speed 3’s as I don’t think I go fast enough on my long runs & they feel unstable after awhile. You’re obviously much speedier than me so that’s not a problem for you. Mine also squeak when they get wet which drives me mad. Think it’s the nylon plate. It’s my current park run shoe & there’s a grass section in the middle so it’s a good incentive to run fast the 2nd half to stop the squeak 🤣 I’ve bought the Adidas Boston 12’s to replace mine. Happy shopping 👍🏻

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Thank you for your response RW. Are these a shoe that require a fast pace to get the most out of? I’m also concerned that cornering might be an issue especially the track bends. Do you think they’d be stable enough?

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

The speed 3’s are suppose to be more stable than the 2’s. TailChaser has run in both so she maybe be able to answer that. I don’t find them that stable but I’ve had some post tib issues in the past.

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

They sure are more stable Brian/RW. Certainly I had problems with the Speed 2s with that. The 2s are great but don’t wear them for anything other than running and don’t wear them too often as they throw your balance and cause issues with your hips/ITB. I always take a spare pair of shoes if I race in any Endorphin shoe now so I don’t have to walk in them. Unfortunately I have had to sell my 3s because the back is too high and rubs my sticky out achilles. Otherwise I’d recommend them.  Katnap may be able to give you further info as he now has a pair…

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Thanks TC. That’s encouraging. I’ll wait to hear katnap’s verdict though as I know he runs on tracks too.

[Freecloud Marathon]

I have the 2s and I don't wear them too often because of the stability, especially when running on the camber of the road. I think that they also hurt one of my toes on a long run.

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to Freecloud]

Ah, that answers my question to RW. You both mention stability and that’s an issue for me.

[Freecloud Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

I also have the Boston 12s and have done a few runs in them. I'm currently debating on wearing them for the Dublin marathon. I definitely wouldn't be doing that with the speed 2s.

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to Freecloud]

That’s very good to hear Freecloud as I’m hoping the Boston 12’s will be my marathon shoe 😍

[Katnap Marathon]

Late to the party...

I'm getting on okay with my Speed 3s (same colour as you're looking at RunBrianRun )

I've used them at parkrun, during marathon training, but not yet at the track. They've seen about 50 miles now with no problems. The stack and softness aren't affecting stability in corners so they should be okay at the track.

I reckon Speed 3s will be better when it gets colder as the upper isn't as airy as higher end shoes so will keep toes warmer and the nylon plate will be stiffer.

Hope that helps?

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[Katnap Marathon in reply to Katnap]

For comparison, the other shoes I have taken onto the track:

Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 - the heel design does not work for me. I have to wear extra protection for my Achilles or they get cut up. Really stiff for me. I have no idea if I actually activate the carbon plate.

Brooks Hyperion Tempo - really simple design. Not much bounce or stack but flexible. No plate. Lightweight, so good for higher cadence and stability.

New Balance Rebel 3 - like a lighter, softer, bouncier, more flexible Hyperion Tempo. Good for high cadence but not as stable in the corners... not such a problem as the stack is lower so depends if you want a bit of give when on the bend

Inov-8 X-Talon G210 - like a track shoe but with big fat rubber studs... a version with spikes would be better! 😉

Brooks Hyperion Max - almost like a hybrid of Elite 2 and Tempo. No plate but the stack stiffens the foam, so not as flexible as the Tempo and yet the stack gives more bounce. Stable in the corners.

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to Katnap]

That’s really helpful katnap. I’d heard good things about the inov-8 talons. So, do you think, of the ones you mentioned here that speed 3s are the best choice? Cheers

I meant to add that I’ll be mainly using them for the warmup. So it’ll be short, sharp, snappy stuff including Plyometrics and single leg hops and jumps etc. hence the need for some ankle stability.

[Katnap Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

FOD Runner isn't enamoured with Speed 3s saying the heel counter is too stiff and he prefers to use for HM pace at most in future.I'm reserving judgement as most of my runs in them have been marathon pace.

I did a reasonable 23:43 parkrun this weekend in them and they seemed ok (around 10k pace). I prefer my feet doing the work not the shoe.

Running in Brooks Tempo feels like having direct drive vs belt drive (softer midsole foam) and I've used them on nearly all surfaces with plenty of track time and no issues.

[misswobble Marathon]

Saucony do racing flats as well Thinking of Type A and Fastwitch

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

That’s really interesting! I shall investigate. Thank you