Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 RUNSHIELD Review
By Chief Editor Matt Klein and Contributor Megan Flynn
Saucony has continued to see success with their Endorphin series which have proven to be versatile for a variety of needs. The exception being a variety of extreme weather conditions. That problem has now been addressed as the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 is the first to get the Runshield treatment. While this was supposed to be mostly an upper update, the changes up top influence the rest of the shoe for a slightly different ride.
Specifications for the Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield (per Saucony)
Weight: 7.9 oz / 225 g (men's size 9) 7 oz / 200 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height:35.5 mm / 27.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Classification: All Weather Performance Trainer/Racer
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
Matt: The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield is an all-weather performance trainer racer made to handle tough conditions when you want to pick up the pace. An all-new water resistant Runshield upper sits up top, providing additional security and protection from the elements. The sole remains similar to the normal Speed 2 with a nylon plate and full length PWRRUN PB. However, the ride feels more secure thanks to added security in the upper. As the winter months approach, the Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield is a great option as the weather turns colder and wetter.
Megan: The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield is a lightweight, neutral shoe
with a full-length nylon-plate, PWRRUN PB cushioning and an added bonus
of a water-resistant upper. In addition to this upper, another primary
difference between the original Endorphin Speed 2 and the RunShield
version is the COLDTRAC outsole designed for improved traction in
cold-weather conditions. Comprised of PWRRUN PB cushioning and a nylon
plate, the midsole remains exactly the same when comparing the regular
Speed 2 and the Runshield version.
When I received these to test,
I was very excited as I had heard rumors that the Speeds were even more
comfortable (and potentially as responsive) when compared to the Pros. I
was most curious, however, to see how the water-resistant upper would
hold up in tough conditions. Actually, the first run I did in them was
at the tail-end of a hurricane and they were so comfortable and
responsive that it ended up turning into a progression long run. A
majority of the runs I did while testing these were in rainy/wet
conditions, but I did take them out in other conditions ranging from
sunny/hot temperatures to a typical northeast fall day (dry, mild
temps). I also took them out for a spin on easy runs, progression runs,
and some tempos. Long story short, the Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield lived
up to both the hype and the advertised water-resistant upper.
FIT (LENGTH / WIDTH / COMFORT)
Matt: The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield fits me true to size in my normal men's US size 10. Similar to the Speed 2, the Speed 2 Runshield fits snug in the forefoot and slightly snug in the heel and midfoot. There is a significant heel counter in the rearfoot that provides structure to the upper at the back. Those sensitive to heel counters should be cautious with this shoe, although there is some soft cushioning in the heel collar to offset it. The security of the upper is quite good and I did not have to lace lock the shoe at all. The toe guard is less noticeable than the normal Speed 2 and the internal liner is much softer despite the new upper. Although the upper has some breathability, running without socks does make the upper quite warm. I have used these both with and without socks mostly in warm/muggy Los Angeles weather and found that with socks they don't get as warm, but without socks things can get fairly toasty. The trails are finally opening after last years fires, so getting up in the colder mountain air feels better, but I would encourage socks unless you want a little extra heat. The Runshield upper is also much tougher than the normal mesh upper. I have used these on trails and while they are not meant for technical trails, the upper can take much more of a beating from dirt and rough terrain than I would use the normal Speed 2 for. During wet weather, the Runshield upper did keep my feet dryer than most shoes, but a little water still gets through. If too much water gets in, whether from sweat or external sources, the softer inner liner does tend to absorb this and can take a little longer to dry unless you get them next to a heater right away. However, overall the upper provides a little extra warmth and protection on tough weather runs, which is rare to find in a performance shoe.
Megan: Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield fits true to size in terms of length
and width. They have a comfortable toebox with adequate room for
movement in the forefoot. The heel cup adds to the stability of the shoe
and the pull-tab at the back of the heel makes them easy to slide on.
The combination of the PWRRUN PB cushion and full-length nylon-plate
make these shoes a good choice for short/easy runs, long runs, and
tempo/progressions. The nylon plate in the Speeds was not noticeable
like the carbon plate is in the Pros. The plate allows for a less rigid
feel and more comfort. The cushioning and the less aggressive
nylon-plate (compared to carbon) come together to create a perfect
balance of both comfort and responsiveness/speed.
The material in the upper is thin and lightweight with minimal stretch,
which actually serves to improve midfoot lockdown. The FORMFIT component
of the upper and the cushioned tongue also adds to the overall comfort.
Advertised as water-resistant, I was expecting minimal breathability in
the upper and didn’t think they would be comfortable when running in
the heat. I was surprised with the breathability in all conditions
including 85 degree weather down to 40 degree weather (did not get a
chance to test below this temp, yet). The most impressive part of the
upper is that it actually was able to keep my feet dry in light rain and
even when (purposely) splashing through puddles to truly test them out.
A few times I ended up stepping in puddles above my ankles and that was
the only time my feet ended up getting wet with these shoes on, as
expected.
PERFORMANCE (RIDE / SPEED)
Matt: The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield is supposed to have the exact same midsole as the normal Speed 2. However there are some differences that I noticed immediately that make it a slightly different shoe. Like the inline version, there is full length PWRRUN PB foam in the midsole along with a nylon plate. The nylon plate provides some slightly stiffness, which isn't noticeable until the pace picks up. There is plenty of cushioning and the rocker, both the mild heel bevel and SPEEDROLL toe spring are integrated very well into the sole. The 8mm drop is not noticeable for that reason and the ride is very smooth. The changes occur most with the outsole durability and the sole softness. The sole feels softer in the Speed 2 Runshield than the normal SPEED 2. Particularly in the heel, the amount of give in the sole feels more significant, especially for me as I land farther lateral at the heel. This makes the ride far more relaxed and more trainer like than the normal Speed 2. The weight is still light at 7.9 oz for men's size 9, but the softer sole feels better going at easier/longer paces. I have used the Runshield for a variety of runs, but found them best for easy, recovery and long runs as they don't have as much pop when the pace picks up. The PWRRUN PB and plate can still handle uptempo paces but seem to max out at tempo efforts.
The durability has also been much better than the inline Endorphin Speed. I have 130 miles on my pair and have still not worn through the XT-900 outsole rubber. I have chewed through a little of the exposed PWRRUN PB, but not nearly as much as I would have expected. This includes some trail miles, albeit these have been on well groomed fire roads. I would definitely not suggest this shoe for technical trails, but the outsole and upper are durable enough to handle less aggressive trails. So for those looking for a lighter shoe for mileage during tough weather conditions and light trail work with the potential to handle some uptempo efforts, the Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield is worth a look.
Megan: The Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield is a responsive and lightweight shoe
that performs well in all tested conditions and provide a smooth ride at
various paces and distances. I tested these shoes in a few long
progression runs with paces ranging from 7:30min/mi down to 6:15min/mi
and they did not falter in either the comfort or responsiveness
categories. The midsole adds to the bounciness of the shoe with the
PWRRUN PB foam and is more forgiving in terms of rigidity when compared
to the Pros (thanks to a nylon-plate instead of a carbon-plate). The
nylon-plate in the midsole combined with Saucony’s SPEEDROLL technology
results in a springiness and forward propulsion which helps to increase
efficiency throughout the stride.
There is one area where this shoe is lacking: traction in wet
conditions. When running on wet road/asphalt, the traction is fine.
However, on any other wet surfaces – including painted lines on the
road, grates, some sidewalk surfaces (such as slate) – I was slipping.
After realizing this, I purposely avoided running on any of these
surfaces. I did not get a chance to test them out in cold-weather
conditions (yet), but I am a bit hesitant to trust them in snowy/icy
surfaces after seeing the traction in some wet surfaces.
STABILITY
Matt: The stability of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield is similar to the normal Speed 2. The forefoot, with the broad platform, well place toe spring and the nylon plate, is very stable. The midfoot, with the narrowing and slight elevation off the ground is less stable. The heel has decent stability thanks to the stiffer heel counter and upper. This is offset slightly by the softer sole that is most noticeable in the heel. This is a neutral shoe, so those needing significant methods of stability will not find it here. However those with mild stability needs will do fine here with the more secure upper.
Megan: The Speed 2 Runshield provides a generally flexible experience
throughout the foot while maintaining stability in the midfoot and heel.
The PWRRUN PB foam and the nylon plate in the midsole of the shoe
provides the flexibility. If this shoe didn’t feel so springy, I don’t
think I’d even be able to tell that there was a plate in the midsole. I
actually did not notice the plate at all while walking around. The
FORMFIT upper and laces lock down the midfoot while the heel counter
provides rearfoot stability. At the midfoot, the width of the outsole is
narrower, placing additional stability demands on the midfoot –
specifically to control pronation during midstance. Some shoes with a
wider base (i.e. Hoka, Altra) will provide some stability during
pronation, preventing excess navicular collapse – the Speed 2 Runshields
don’t provide a ton of this support. Overall, the Speed 2 Runshields
are a perfect combination of stability & comfort as well as
responsiveness, making them a great option for almost any type of run.
THOUGHTS AS A DPT / FOOTWEAR SCIENCE
Matt: We have discussed the importance of uppers more frequently as of recent given the number of upper only updates we have seen that change the ride of shoes. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield is another example of this as the new upper provides slightly more security compared to the normal Speed series. However, the ride of a shoe is a function of all the parts interacting and not just one thing. An all-weather performance trainer is a rare thing to find, let alone one that uses one of the new super foams and has a plate, albeit a nylon plate. The upper locks in the foot very well and provides a nice balance between keep the foot warm and breathing a little.
However, in tougher weather conditions, like rain, snow, etc, solid sole stability/contact is also important. We have discussed that a shoe with more outsole ground contact is inherently more stable. If the surface you are running on is unstable, whether it be due to trail, wet road, snow, etc, then you are going to need more stability from the shoe. There is a degree of balance to this, given that the shoes that have extremely wide lasts like tanks and are difficult to maneuver/react in. So wide lasted maximal shoes also have a risk of ankle injuries due to the fact that if you hit the ground the wrong way, the wider sole will pitch you laterally or medially faster AND you will have a delayed reaction due to the taller stack height decreasing the amount of proprioceptive input, ie the information that your sensory system uses to react. On the other end of the spectrum, you do not want a sole that is too narrow as that will similar to running on stilts. A narrower sole will allow you to be more precise with landings, but will require more stability from your body to control.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield has some degree of balance in regards to this. The upper security is great, locking the foot down well and keeping the feet, which tend to lose a great deal of heat and rely on blood flow for warmth, warmer. The forefoot is wider and has a triangular outsole that has some traction. The heel has better durability and a bevel, albeit it is centered more than it needs to be. The midfoot is still narrow and elevates slightly off the ground. In wet/snowy/uneven terrain, the whole sole needs to be on the same page or in this case on the ground. Unless you are a forefoot striker, most people are going to transition through the midfoot. This transition will occur during mid to terminal stance, where the body is passing directly over the foot. Given that one foot is supporting the weight of the body, it needs to be on a stable platform if it is to do this on unsteady terrain. Thus I continue to encourage Saucony to wide the midfoot a bit in the Speed 2, especially given the fact that this is more of a training shoe and the all-weather version needs a fully stable sole to match the solid tough upper.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: My suggestion for the Speed 2 Runshield is similar for the normal Speed 2. I would suggest widening the midfoot to create a little more stability through that area. The benefit of doing that is that it will dramatically increase the versatility of this shoe on different surfaces. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield is close to what I was hoping for from the Saucony Endorphin Trail (REVIEW) but clearly did not get. I would encourage Saucony to take the outsole from the Endorphin Trail, put it on the Speed 2 Runshield and widen the midfoot. Then you will have a killer trail performance/racing shoe.
Megan: The Endorphin Speed 2 Runshields exceeded my expectations in terms of
comfort, responsiveness, and stability. They are a versatile shoe, being
a good option for easy runs, long runs, tempo workouts, etc. making it
difficult to find many flaws. The only area of improvement for the next
generation of these shoes would be to improve the outsole traction.
The COLDTRAC outsole was not reliable in wet conditions unless on a
perfectly paved road. While running in wet conditions, I noticed that
there were many surfaces that felt slippery and I had to adjust my
stride to avoid sliding. My recommendation: improve the grip/traction in
the outsole to make these truly all-weather shoes.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR (Conclusion)
Matt: The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield is for those that want a performance trainer that can handle tough weather conditions. The upper is redone with a water resistant material that still allows some breathability while being protective. The sole is fairly similar, although the heel feels slightly softer. The softer ride feels better for easier/longer miles, with the ability to pick up the pace lightly if needed. The outsole durability has dramatically increased, which along with the tougher upper gives this shoe a little more versatility on light trails. Those used to the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 should be fairly at home in this shoe, but the upper will keep you much drier and warmer as we enter the winter months.
Megan: The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield is an excellent option for
someone looking for a versatile shoe to use on daily/easy runs, tempos,
or on long runs. During testing, I wore these shoes for almost every
type of run (except speedwork on the track) in various conditions and
they proved to be comfortable, responsive, and a lot of fun to run in.
There were multiple progression workouts in which I wore these during
the warmup/easy miles and ended up keeping them on for the entirety of
the workout because they were so comfortable and responsive - instead of
switching to a different racing shoe, as planned. Being a neutral shoe,
they do have some mild stability demands on the body including
pronation control due to a narrower midfoot. These are also a great
option for someone trying to gradually transition from a regular trainer
to a carbon-plated shoe. The nylon plate is not as aggressive or rigid
as a carbon-plate but provides that “springy” feeling of a plated shoe.
The Runshield upper is an added bonus to an already excellent shoe as it
fulfills its’ promise of being water-resistant. Overall, the Speed 2
Runshields impressed me as a perfect balance and hybrid of comfort and
speed!
GRADING (SHOE CATEGORY)
Matt
Fit: B+ (Slightly snug fit, particularly in forefoot makes for a secure and more performance oriented fit. Durable upper that is water resistant and keeps the feet warm in cold/tough conditions)
Performance: B+ (Softer durometer feels better for training miles and some uptempo work. )
Stability: B (Good stability in forefoot and better overall security thanks to upper, but midfoot could still be better)
DPT/Footwear Science: B (The design of the Speed 2 is based on research, however, for a shoe that is supposed to handle tough conditions, like slippery roads, a wider midfoot for stability would be a far better design approach. )
Personal: A- (A great recovery shoe for me that I consistently reach for when I am beat up. The durability is fantastic and held up well against my normal onslaught)
Overall: B+ (A solid and rare all weather performance trainer with a secure/solid upper and enough durability to handle light trails)
Megan
Fit: A (fits true to size in length and width)
Performance:
B+ (responsive, lightweight, and comfortable – a perfect combination;
however, the traction on some surfaces brings the grade down a couple
points)
Stability: B+ (narrower midfoot requiring some additional stability/control during pronation)
Personal:
A- (I loved running in these. They’re versatility is unmatched as far
as I’m concerned. They’re comfortable, making them a great option for
easy training runs; while they’re also responsive and lightweight making
them a good option for tempos/long runs)
Overall: A- (The
Speed 2 Runshields are one of my favorites so far. The midsole of the
Speeds is excellent…add the water-resistant Runshield upper and that’s a
bonus!)
VIDEO REVIEW
Matt Klein and Nathan Brown discuss their thoughts on the Runshield!
SHOP | SUPPORT DOR
Find the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield at Running Warehouse here. Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much!
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FURTHER READING
Compare Workout Trainers
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Adidas Adios 6: A snappy, non-plated option from Adios. The lightstrike pro forefoot is fun to launch with
New Balance Rebel v2: The light, responsive Rebel v2 is fast enough to workout in and comfortable enough to daily train with
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Thanks for reading!
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Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
Pinterest: Doctors of Running
TESTER PROFILES:
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Megan Flynn, PT, DPT, MS
Doctor of Physical therapy
Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I am currently taking clients for running evaluations.
Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
NEXT: Altra Paradigm 6 Review
