Article by Zack Dunn, Jamie Hershfang, and Sam Winebaum
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 ($160)
Introduction
Sam: The first two editions of the Endorphin Speed were huge successes. They delivered never really seen before racer/trainers with high stack, beaded PEBA super foam, lightweight nylon plates, with friendly and pocketbook friendly rides suitable for faster training and racing. There were only minor differences between versions 1 and 2, the upper.
With the Speed 3 Saucony shakes things up!
broader base on the ground, a big 7mm wider at the heel and 5 mm wider at the forefoot with the midfoot staying the same.
wider winged shaped nylon plate with more front flex with the wings providing a touch of midfoot support which is more about stabilizing the softer foam than pronation control.
softer to touch and on the run PWRRUN PB Peba foam using smaller expanded beads. My sense it is a lighter foam as well.
no change in weight in my US8.5 from v2 at 7.76 oz / 220g despite wider base
outsole reduces coverage where it is not needed and gets more longitudinal flex contributing to the improved flexibility
New upper has a less pointy toe, more midfoot width, and somewhat softer thinner mesh
The basics above point to a slightly more mellow yet still speedy ride. Speed with comfort! Read on to see what we found in our testing.
Pros:
Zack/Sam/Jamie: Extremely versatile: can be used for racing, tempos, speed work and also for longer runs at moderate paces
Jamie/Sam/Zack: Upper has a nice, lightweight fit, is much more accommodating than v1/v2 while still providing a secure lockdown
Zack/Jamie: The midsole has a good amount of comfort, and the plate gives it a lot of response for faster paces
Zack: The outsole has the perfect amount of rubber coverage to still have grip yet keep weight light.
Sam: Broader platform and plate with significant improvements in stability over v2, yet with no weight gain.
Cons:
Jamie: None!
Sam: Less aggressive broader plate, wider platform, and softer foam leans the Speed slightly away from being a race day option.
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