Saucony Endorphin Pro Plus Review: A Lighter Carbon Racing Shoe Worth the Hunt

Introduction

The Saucony Endorphin Pro Plus arrived as something of a curveball: a neutral marathon racing shoe that takes the Endorphin Pro formula and cuts real weight without changing the midsole at all. The result is a shoe that now sits in the same weight class as the most aggressive super shoes on the market, which is a big deal for anyone racing a half or full marathon.

It does not come without trade-offs, though, and the most notable one is heel lockdown. This review walks through what changed, what stayed the same, and who should actually be spending money here.

Weight and Upper: Where the Savings Come From

Saucony cut well over half an ounce between the Endorphin Pro 2 and the Pro Plus, with most of the saving coming through the upper. The engineered mesh is lighter and more open, and it has a track spike-inspired feel: more form-fitting, though slightly looser and more relaxed than most actual track spikes.

The weight loss is genuinely impressive for a high-stack carbon shoe. It is now on par with the lightest marathon racers around, and it puts real competitive pressure on the rest of the carbon plate market.

The catch is the tongue, which is not gusseted or semi-gusseted, and the heel counter. The heel pocket offers noticeably less lockdown than the Pro 2, and the score reflects that yearning for a little more structure and padding through the heel. The fit itself is true to size with no issues in the toe box, midfoot, or heel, but fit and lockdown are different things here, and the lockdown is the weaker half of that pair.

Midsole and Ride Feel

The midsole is PWRRUN PB, the polymer-based PEBA foam, and it is exactly the same as the Pro 2. Combined with the carbon fiber plate, energy return scored 7.75 out of 10 after 50 miles, and the overall score actually climbs a little thanks to solid durability.

The stack is high but not maximalist: 35.5mm in the heel and 27.5mm in the forefoot for an 8mm drop. If you want full benefit from both the midsole foam and the carbon plate, this shoe delivers it, and the reduced weight makes that benefit easier to carry over a full marathon distance.

Outsole and Durability

The outsole uses XT-900 rubber, and the amount on the Pro Plus is described as just right. Unlike many racing shoes where you would want a brand to trim rubber to save weight, Saucony did not need to cut anything here.

Durability is a strong point for a racing shoe: the prediction is around 300 miles, and it is possible you will get even more, especially compared with some softer competitors. It is not breaking down nearly as quickly as other super foams in this category.

Price and Value

At $250, this sits at the higher end of the marathon carbon racing shoe market, which is why the value score lands at 6.5 out of 10. The overall review score comes in at 7.6 out of 10, an improvement over the Pro 2, driven by the weight loss and durability rather than any change to the ride itself.

One practical note: the Pro Plus has essentially sold out everywhere, so if you want a pair you may need to wait for a restock or consider alternatives.

Buying Advice

If you want the exact same ride for less money and slightly more heel security, the Endorphin Pro 2 is still a valid pick. If you are running or racing your first half marathon or marathon, or simply want to pinch some pennies, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 1 or 2 is the recommended alternative: the nylon plate still gives real benefit through foot strike, and the Speed 1 in particular is a great shoe if you can find it in your size.

If weight is your priority and you are choosing between the fastest marathon racers, the Pro Plus now belongs in the same conversation as the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 and the ASICS Metaspeed Sky.

Conclusion

The Saucony Endorphin Pro Plus is a genuinely impressive update: same proven midsole, dramatically lower weight, and durability that outlasts several rivals. The heel lockdown is the clear trade-off, and the $250 price means you should buy it only if that featherweight feel matters to you. For everyone else, the Pro 2 or Endorphin Speed remain smart alternatives.