Article by Mike Postaski, Renee Krusemark, John Tribbia, Jeff Beck, Jeff Valliere and Sam Winebaum
Saucony Endorphin Rift ($170)
Introduction
Sam: The Endorphin Rift is an all new trail runner from Saucony. Very light at 8.6 oz / (244g) US9 for its 33mm heel / 27mm stack height, it features a full PWRRUN Pb supercritical foam midsole with a woven rock plate and a big 4.5mm lug PWRTRAC outsole.
Pb is an expanded bead PEBA foam which is found in multiple Saucony road and trail shoes as their top performance foam until recently (Endorphin Elite has a new foam). In trail, Pb has been in the Endorphin Trail, full carbon plated Endorphin Edge racer, and as a core insert in the Xodus Ultra.
When we first saw the Rift at the 2022 The Running Event, far down the big table, we were instantly drawn to its cheerful vibes upper and big outsole. We almost thought, before Saucony’s presentation, that it was a near “lifestyle” shoe. It is not that for sure but it sure looks sharp! And trail running shoes are often sold for hiking and more casual uses. Our test team of trail runners of varying paces and on varying terrain in Colorado, Nebraska, and New Hampshire put them to a rigorous test.
Pros:
Quick ride, feels fast - and mostly controllable on the run Mike P/Sam/Renee/Jeff B/Jeff V
Energetic, rebounding, flexible deeply cushioned ride Sam/Renee/Jeff B/Jeff V
Very high cushion to weight ratio for a trail shoe at men 8.6 oz / (244g) US9 with a big 32mm heel/27mm forefoot stack: Sam/Mike P/ Jeff B /Renee/Jeff V
Excellent Heel lockdown and midfoot hold Mike P /John /Sam/Jeff B/Jeff V
Stable heel landing and one that extends slightly further forward than usual. Credit to upper hold as much as midsole which is soft and forgiving Sam
Sock-like upper John
Upper material has been tightened up (compared to Edge) Mike P/John/Jeff V
Speedroll (toe rocker) feels great on inclines Mike P/Jeff V
More versatile/accessible than its sibling, the Endo Edge Mike P/Sam/Renee/Jeff V
Cons:
Big, thick lugs seem a bit “much” for the fast/energetic ride & add to shoe weight: Mike P/Sam/Jeff B/Jeff V
A bit heel “prominent” - can feel unstable under the heel Mike P/Renee/Jeff V
Toe box is narrowish (similar to Xodus Ultra from V1 to V2), some may need to size up Mike P/Jeff Not much adjustability to forefoot hold: why so few lace rows orr no extended strap upfront? Mike P/Sam/Renee/Jeff V
Sizing is slightly short Mike P/ John