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We've covered thousands of miles in more than 45 pairs of Saucony running shoes to find the best options for every running style, fitness goal, and surface type.
In the past year, we put over 120 pairs of running shoes through their paces on the roads and trails. You'll find our expert testers helping other runners when they're not logging miles themselves. The team includes professional exercise specialists, certified coaches, and biomechanics experts who use their knowledge to help you find the perfect shoe. Plus, our team of engineers tears apart each shoe in the lab to evaluate manufacturer claims.
We've tested a lot of Saucony options. The Boston-based shoe company has over 100 years of experience making running shoes, and it shows. Their models regularly take home awards in our running shoes testing. Our top recommendation is the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, thanks to a top-notch blend of comfort and performance.
Both our men's and women's teams agree that the Saucony Peregrine 14 is an excellent choice for your trail running adventures. It combines comfort and approachability with confidence on tough terrain.
The Endorphin Speed line is wildly popular, with good reason. Blending excellent responsiveness with plenty of comfort for longer efforts, the Speed 4 is the most versatile shoe we've tested. Nathaniel, our men's lead tester, wrote “This is a nearly perfect blend of comfort and responsiveness”. That's always what makes the Endorphin Speed great — the previous version was almost as versatile. But we don't think it's as good as the current version in terms of comfort or snappiness.
"The Endorphin Speed 4 is a fantastically comfortable shoe that is ready to move in all the ways I want to." — Ally, lead women's tester
The Speed 4 is best as an uptempo trainer. We love its ability to hit faster paces without sacrificing comfort. The nylon plate gives some stiffness and direction at pace without making easy paces feel unnatural. As one tester put it, “It's rare to find speed-focused shoes that offer such a high level of comfort on my feet.” An option like the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 comes close but isn't quite there. A huge part of that is the PWRRUN PB foam used in the Speed 4, which provides excellent insulation from the road but retains enough ground feel and energy return to feel snappy when you change paces.
The Endorphin Speed 4 is one of the best all-around daily trainers we've tested. It's as comfortable logging big miles as it is racing a 5K.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
We think the Speed 4 is best for two types of runners: the one-shoe rotation runners who like to go fast and the runners who want an uptempo shoe for workouts and fast long runs. This shoe is the ultimate quiver-killer for runners who value performance and responsiveness more than plush comfort in their daily trainer. For runners okay with a little less responsiveness, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 provides similar performance with a softer feel underfoot. For runners who want a comfortable workout shoe that they can use in their training, the Speed 4 slots into the rotation perfectly. While it isn't as fast as a race shoe, we think the Speed 4 is a great (and more budget-friendly) alternative to a super shoe for many runners.
The Endorphin Speed is one of the best trainers out there, but it won't be for everyone. Our lead testers noted that it lacks some stability compared to other uptempo options like the Brooks Hyperion Max 2, which has a wider and more structured base. They also found that while the Speed 4 is comfortable enough for long runs, a slightly less versatile daily trainer like the Hoka Mach 6 provides a bit more comfort after two hours of running. But if you're after an extremely versatile shoe from Saucony, we don't think you can do better than the Speed 4.
The Saucony Kinvara 15 is old-school cool. It doesn't have a fancy geometry, top-of-the-line midsole, or plate. Instead, Saucony has kept the Kinvara close to its roots, with a lightweight and simple reliability that many runners love. The women's version is one of our women's team's most recommended shoes overall, thanks to its “no-frills approach to running.” Compared to the previous version, the 15 offers a more comfortable upper, slightly lower stack height, and lower weight.
"When I'm craving a lightweight, no-frills running shoe, the Kinvara makes me feel right at home." — lead women's tester, Ally
The Kinvara 15 is simple, making it a very approachable shoe that some runners will love. The shoe's ride is very natural, making it a good choice for runners who don't want a shoe that dramatically alters their gait. Lead tester Nathaniel also noted that “it's a solid choice for shorter and faster workouts thanks to its low ride height and weight.” For the money, you're getting a solid shoe that can handle all the runs most recreational runners will throw at it. The Kinvara is best suited to runners who want a versatile shoe for running short to medium distances. The price is also nice — the Kinvara is one of our top budget recommendations. For more speed-focused features on a budget, the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is another good choice.
The Kinvara crushes as a simple, no-frills option for daily runs.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
If you want a soft ride, this probably isn't the shoe for you. You'd be better suited by an option like the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4, which is similarly light, but significantly more cushioned. If you want an excellent ground feel and a natural ride, you'll probably love the Kinvara ethos. Runners who want a go-fast shoe with a firmer ride and without a plate will also do well here — the Kinvara feels much closer to an old-school race shoe than a modern uptempo trainer.
On the other hand, that can also be a drawback. The lack of modern, resilient foam left our testers' legs feeling more beat up than in other options. And while the low weight and excellent ground feel are wins for short, fast runs, the Kinvara 15 doesn't have any of the pop or bounce that the best uptempo trainers on the market do. If you want a lightweight and non-plated uptempo shoe, the Hoka Mach 6 provides more energy return and significantly more cushioning for long efforts. If you're after a budget option, the Adidas Adizero SL2 is a great daily trainer in an affordable package. At the end of the day, the Kinvara has stayed true to its roots. That makes it predictable, reliable, and versatile, a solid choice for many runners.
If you love highly protective, soft, and comfortable running shoes, the Saucony Triumph 22 might be a good choice for you. Thanks to a thick section of PWRRUN PB in the midsole, the Triumph is a phenomenally soft max-cushioning trainer. Our testing team notes that the shoe “is ideal for my runs with easy mileage and relaxed paces” while also noting that the overall size and comfort focus limit performance at speed. Compared to the previous version, the Triumph 22 is plusher but also slower.
The Triumph's focus on comfort is evident as soon as you pick up the shoe. The upper materials are plush and feel premium. In fact, we think the upper is one of the most comfortable we've tested, thanks to the soft-touch materials that still perform well in hot weather. Similarly, the midsole foam is a premium formula. It's very compressible underfoot and gives a very pleasant sensation on landing. Our testing teams noted that the Triumph 22 feels the closest to the otherworldly plush bounce of the Hoka Skyward X out of our max-cushioned options.
All that PWRRUN PB makes for a plush ride that took top marks in our testing.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
We think the Triumph 22 is best for runners who want a supremely comfortable trainer to eat up mileage. If you like to feel insulated from the ground, you'll be right at home in this shoe. On the other hand, if your easy mileages often include pace changes, or you want one shoe to do everything, you should consider a more versatile option. That's because the comfort focus that Saucony had when designing this shoe came at the expense of any pace versatility. We think that other max-cushioned options, like the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5, are easier to keep rolling.
"This shoe feels extremely comfortable, but it isn't the most engaging I've run in." — lead tester, Nathaniel
Really, that's our only complaint about the Triumph 22. It just isn't versatile. Our testers noticed that while it was extremely protective, it also felt heavy towards the end of hour-plus runs. They didn't enjoy it for long runs, even though it took top marks in the comfort category. We'd be remiss to talk about comfort and versatility without mentioning the Asics Novablast 5, which takes top marks for comfort and versatility. For most runners, we think it's a better option (and it's cheaper!). Still, the Triumph 22 is a solid shoe for runners who want a premium feel underfoot.
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is a solid race day option, but our testers agree it doesn't stack up with the best super shoes available today — not every super shoe is truly super. One tester wrote that “while this shoe won't be everyone's top choice, runners seeking a more approachable super shoe might enjoy” the Pro 4. Others on our testing team agreed, noting that “the Endorphin Pro has a lot to offer, but falls shy of the highest levels of performance and versatility that some other super shoes have.”
Compared to the previous iteration, this version is more aggressive, especially in the forefoot. That might work well for some runners. More importantly, our testers no longer felt the plate under their forefoot at the end of long efforts, making it more comfortable.
To be clear, the Endorphin Pro 4 is still a fast shoe. And we love the combination of PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN HG foams. Our men's and women's testers agreed that while the shoe feels a little firm and rigid underfoot, the 39 mm midsole insulates the legs well. The reworked midsole geometry will work well for some runners — the forefoot rocker is aggressive and late, making it very noticeable.
It's hard to miss the prominent forefoot rocker of the Endorphin Pro 4. Some runners will love it, but it may feel awkward for others.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
But it won't work well for every runner. The overall firmness under the forefoot and very stiff ride make this a poor choice for runners who prefer a race shoe with a little more give. For those runners, we'd try something like the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris, which is our favorite (and fastest) all-around racer. The Endorphin Pro's ride will feel good to some runners for shorter, faster races, and it might make a good entry into super shoes for some runners. On the other hand, we don't think this shoe massively outperforms the Endorphin Speed 4, which is more comfortable and versatile.
“I think this shoe's sweet spot is around 10K pace due to the firmness and ride.”
If it sounds like we don't like the Endorphin Pro 4, that isn't the case. It's a good choice. While it's worth noting that the shoe feels awkward at slower paces, our biggest complaint with this shoe is that it isn't as fast as other options. The aforementioned Metaspeed Sky Paris or the Nike Vaporfly 3 are faster and offer similar technology. And the Nike Alphafly 3 offers a bundle of technology that will work very well for some racers. Still, runners who like a late and aggressive rocker and a very stiff ride may prefer this Saucony racer, and we think it is a decent choice.
The Saucony Tempus 2 is the most fun stability trainer we've tested. Typically, stability shoes lack pace versatility. The Tempus uses premium PWRRUN PB and rocker geometry to amp up the responsiveness, and as lead tester Ally put it, “the results are kind of awesome.” The Tempus 2 is a versatile daily trainer for runners who value stability, but it will also work for other runners.
We love the way Saucony designed the midsole of this shoe. By building an EVA frame and filling it with highly resilient PEBA-based foam, they gave the shoe a resilient yet stable ride. Sure, it isn't quite as poppy as the Endorphin Speed 4, but the forefoot still has excellent bounce and turnover. And with 38 mm of foam at the heel, this shoe has plenty of insulation for those long runs on pavement.
Our testers agreed that the Tempus 2 is a snappy shoe, which isn't typical for a stability option.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
The Tempus 2 should be the first choice for runners who value stability and regularly push the pace. But we think it might find its way into other rotations as well — Nathaniel, our men's lead tester who rarely likes stability shoes, has kept his pair in his personal rotation after the official testing was over. We think that it works best for runs at moderate efforts, meaning it could be a good marathon training partner for runners who want support. Runners who aren't worried about pace might enjoy the more relaxed feel and comfortable upper of the Asics Gel-Kayano 31 more.
"Finally, a stability shoe that is actually fun to run in!" — lead tester Nathaniel
Not everything about the Tempus 2 is perfect. The fit runs a little narrower than average, and the stability features might cause discomfort for some runners. In particular, our testers noticed that it was firmer than expected around the arch area. While it didn't cause issues for them, other runners might be more sensitive. If you try the Tempus on and don't like it but still want a stability shoe, check out the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24. It's not as versatile, but it's an approachable option with lots of support. Overall, though, we think the dedicated stability focus of the Tempus will work for many runners, and it's a pretty solid all-around daily trainer.
The Saucony Peregrine 14 offers excellent comfort and a nimble ride to trail runners. Our lead men's trail shoe tester, Matthew, wrote that running in the Peregrine on “challenging terrain feels precise and effortless.” The women's testing team praised this shoe's combination of versatility and comfort, with one tester saying this shoe is “my go-to pick for a shoe that feels familiar but still gives me plenty of tech to tackle chaotic terrain.”
"Not only is the Peregrine 14 well-tractioned and protective, but it also offers sensitivity for runners who prioritize trail feel." — lead tester, Ally
That approachable feeling makes the Peregrine stand out. It's a comfortable and enjoyable shoe to run in on a variety of terrain. Our testers noted that the lower stack height and fabric-based rock plate allow for above-average sensitivity — great for dancing down tricky trails. Those features also make it versatile, making it nicely balanced between comfort and performance.
The Peregrine 14 is versatile and ready for adventures on dirt.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
We think the Peregrine is best suited to runners who want an approachable and relatively simple shoe. It has a wide variety of features to satisfy runners looking for a daily trail shoe. Solid ground feel? Check. Excellent comfort? Got it. Versatility? Has that, too. If you're looking for a speed-focused trail shoe, our testers agree that better options exist, like the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3. But the Peregrine does a great job at what it's designed to do: get you through long miles on the trail with comfort and confidence.
Our testers agree that the Peregrine 14 isn't the most responsive shoe. It's better for adventures than races, where an option like the Nnormal Kjerag might be a better fit. For many runners, though, we think the Peregrine is a perfect partner for your off-road adventures.
The Peregrine 14 is approachable and comfortable, perfect for long days in the mountains.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
How We Tested
Our expert running shoe team logs thousands of miles yearly testing running shoes. They put shoes through their paces, testing them in challenging conditions and at various speeds to consider how each pair feels, responds, and reacts in the real world. Each pair gets a minimum of 30 miles on the roads or trails. Many get significantly more in conditions, including sub-0-degree temperatures, muddy trails, and wet roads. At the same time, our lab team dives into a series of tests that includes cutting up each pair to provide clear and unbiased data and measurements for every shoe.
Ally crushing a track session in the simple and speedy Kinvara 15.
We take our testing seriously, logging thousands of miles in varying conditions each year.
Why Trust GearLab
Our testers Ally Arcuri, Nathaniel Bailey, and Matthew Richardson not only stack mileage on the roads and trails but also bring wide-ranging competitive and educational backgrounds to their testing, helping you to find the best shoe for your needs. Ally is a trained exercise specialist and uses her background to consider how each pair affects a runner's biomechanics. Nathaniel coaches post-collegiate and high school athletes and continues to compete on the roads. Matthew spends his non-working time exploring as many trails in Colorado as he can, testing trail shoes in a huge range of rugged terrain.
On top of strenuous real-world testing, we do in-depth evaluations of each shoe in the lab.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
—Nathaniel Bailey, Ally Arcuri, and Matthew Richardson
