Saucony Endorphin Speed 1, 2 and 3 Compared: What Changed Across Three Generations

Introduction

Saucony’s Endorphin Speed line has quietly become one of the most popular nylon-plated tempo shoes in running, and putting the first three generations side by side makes the evolution easy to see. This comparison covers the Endorphin Speed 1, Speed 2, and the newest Speed 3, with a quick first impression of the carbon-plated Endorphin Pro 3 as well.

A quick note on methods: the older pairs have been stored for a couple of years, and midsole foam naturally breaks down over time when exposed to air and sunlight. Any firmness comparisons between generations should be taken with a grain of salt, but the weight and design changes are easy to observe.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 1

The original Endorphin Speed set the template: a PWRRUN PB midsole with a nylon plate designed to add snap without the aggression of a full carbon racer. The first-generation pair weighed in right around 7.5 ounces in a typical men’s size, which put it squarely in lightweight tempo-trainer territory.

Its midsole measured noticeably firmer on a durometer than the newest versions, though age likely plays a role there. What matters more is the ride character it established: lively, versatile, and comfortable enough for both workouts and long efforts.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2

The Speed 2 essentially held the weight steady. On the scale it landed in the same 7.5-ounce neighborhood, give or take a fraction depending on the reading, suggesting Saucony chose refinement over dramatic change.

It kept the same core formula that made the first version popular, and for many runners it remains the reference point for the line. If you already owned the original, the second generation did not demand much adjustment.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

The Speed 3 is the most visibly changed of the three. The tested pair arrived in a striking bright blue colorway that is impossible to miss, but the more interesting differences are underfoot. The midsole has a little more girth, roughly a couple of millimeters of additional foam by rough measurement, which suggests more cushioning under step and a somewhat more stable ride overall.

That extra foam shows up in the weight too, with the newer shoe ticking slightly above its predecessors on the scale. On foot, the Speed 3 felt a touch softer than the earlier versions, and the tongue has been made a bit thinner, which many runners will consider an improvement in fit and comfort.

First-run impressions were positive: it still feels like a Speed, meaning it retains the energetic, tempo-friendly character the line is known for. Whether it is outright faster than the Speed 1 or 2 is harder to say, but the added midsole volume should appeal to runners who want a bit more protection for longer sessions.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 3: A Quick First Impression

Saucony’s carbon-plated flagship, the Endorphin Pro 3, was also tested alongside the Speed line. The early takeaway: the midsole feels impressive, light on foot with a distinctly bouncy, peppy response under step.

For runners chasing a race-day shoe to pair with their Speed trainer, the Pro 3 looks like a compelling option, though longer-term testing will tell the full story.

Buying Advice

If you want the classic, proven Endorphin Speed experience at what is now likely a lower price, the Speed 1 and Speed 2 remain excellent picks and are nearly identical in weight and feel. If you want the most current version with more midsole volume, a thinner tongue, and a softer ride, the Speed 3 is the one to get. And if you are shopping specifically for a carbon-plated race shoe, the Pro 3’s bouncy first impressions make it worth a look alongside the Speed 3 as a lighter, more versatile training companion.

Conclusion

Across three generations, the Endorphin Speed has stayed remarkably consistent in weight while gradually adding cushioning and refining fit details. The Speed 3 is the most distinct of the trio thanks to its extra midsole volume and softer feel, while the earlier versions remain solid, proven options for tempo training. For many runners, the hardest part will simply be choosing which generation suits their ride preferences best.