Four Running Shoes, Four Verdicts: Which 2022 Models Are Worth a Look

Introduction

Four running shoes, four very different verdicts. In this roundup we take a practical look at the Saucony Endorphin Shift 3, the Adidas 4D Forward 2, the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3, and the Puma Deviate Nitro 2. Each one targets a distinct slice of the running lineup: easy-day cushioning, experimental 3D printed midsoles, top-tier racing, and an accessible daily super shoe. Here is how they stack up and who each shoe actually makes sense for.

Saucony Endorphin Shift 3

The Endorphin Shift 3 has long had a reputation as an easy-day and recovery-run shoe, and for some runners even a long-run option. Plenty of people got on well with the previous versions, and the third iteration appears to have reduced the weight noticeably, reportedly dropping about an ounce versus the Shift 2, which could make it that little bit more versatile.

The shoe carries a large stack height in the heel, though closer inspection suggests the heel cups in around the foot, so it probably is not quite as towering as photos make it look. The upper looks closer to the original Endorphin Speed mesh from 2020, a material that conformed well to the foot, which is a significant improvement. The overall intent is clearly those lower-gear, easier-paced efforts, and that is exactly the gap this shoe could fill for runners who already enjoy the rest of Saucony’s Speedroll series.

Adidas 4D Forward 2

The Adidas 4D Forward 2 is the most experimental shoe of the group, built around a 3D printed midsole that behaves like a directional spring: it compresses and then returns to shape in a specific direction, returning some of the energy you put into it. That engineering is genuinely intriguing, and the Primeknit Plus upper has proven enjoyable on other Adidas shoes in recent years.

There are reservations worth weighing before buying. At roughly 340 grams in the larger sample size, it is on the heavier side, and the price of around 180 is a real consideration. It suits runners who are curious about 3D printed midsoles and are happy to wait for a discount rather than pay full price on day one.

FuelCell SC Elite v3

The FuelCell SC Elite v3, in its eye-catching electric red and cobalt New York Marathon Edition colorway, is the premium racing option here. The refined upper looks much like the v2’s with a change of material, less sparkly this time, and closer in spirit to the original RC Elite that many runners loved.

The major changes sit underfoot, with a large slab of midsole cut out that may amplify the highly cushioned feel of the previous version. But two issues stand out. The traction of the v2’s outsole was disappointing, and the v3 not only fails to bring back the Dynaride-style outsole coverage of the v1 RC Elite, it appears to have even less outsole rubber, something like the SC Pacer’s poor-grip layout. With a price around 210, paying that much for a shoe with a known traction weakness is hard to justify. A discounted purchase makes more sense than a full-price one.

Puma Deviate Nitro 2

The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 has been one of the most requested models around, and it is easy to see why. It carries an 8mm heel-to-toe drop per the spec sheet, though Puma’s own page also lists 6mm in places, a 36mm heel stack that is more conservative than most super shoes, and a mix of Nitro Elite foam up front with standard Nitro foam in the heel for a bit of stability.

There is a distinctly daily super shoe feel to it, a shoe that seems built to compete directly with the Endorphin Speed line. At around 140 it is a much easier price to stomach than the premium racers, and it shows the hallmarks of Puma’s recent running lineup that has been so consistently good. Interestingly, it is reportedly a touch heavier in a UK size 8 than the Deviate Nitro, but the plate placement in the forefoot and the foam mix still make this a compelling all-round option.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want a comfortable easy-day trainer, the Endorphin Shift 3 is the most tempting of the four thanks to its lighter build and improved upper. If you want a daily super shoe at a sensible price, the Deviate Nitro 2 is the standout value pick. The 4D Forward 2 is for the curious, ideally at a discount. The SC Elite v3 is the hardest to recommend at full price given its traction concerns, so wait for a sale if it is on your wishlist.

Conclusion

This lineup shows how differently brands approached their 2022 ranges: Saucony and Puma made meaningful, intelligent changes rather than simply adding more foam, while New Balance iterated more subtly at a premium price. Match the shoe to your actual running: easy-day cushioning, experimental tech, full-price racing, or everyday speed, and the right pick becomes clear.