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Best Saucony Running Shoes 2024
Saucony is an American brand of athletic footwear and apparel. Founded in 1898, the company is owned by Wolverine World Wide. Saucony's shoe boxes once had the phrase "sock a knee" printed on them, which represents the correct pronunciation of the company's name.
The Saucony brand logo represents the Saucony Creek's constant flow, and the boulders lining its creek bed. The company is a popular racing shoe producer, making track spikes and cross country racing flats.
It's not always easy for runners to choose the best Saucony running shoe for them. Here is Saucony’s lineup, with our selection of the best shoes for different runners and usage.
Table of content
Our favorite Saucony running shoes of 2024
Keep scrolling or click on a shoe to find out why we chose it and what other shoes you should consider.
Best Max Cushioned Shoe
Best for Daily Training
Best Supportive Daily Trainer
Best for Speed Training
Best for Road Racing
Best for Trail Running
An overview of Saucony technology
While looking into Saucony running shoes, you’ll bump into a series of materials and technologies with bold but unclear sounding names. Here are the most important ones for you to know:
SpeedRoll
A forefoot rocker which effortlessly propels you forward to enhance your stride.
S-Curve Carbon-Fibre Plate
Designed to facilitate a more efficient energy transfer from heel strike to toe-off, giving a spring effect to every step.
FORMFIT XT-900
Rubber for durability and traction, and gripping the road to keep you moving forward.
PWRRUNPB
An elite-level technology best known for its responsiveness, meaning it quickly returns energy to the runner with each footstrike. PWRRUN PB is composed of tiny pellets rather than a single block.
PWRRUN HG
This is the latest premium foam from Saucony, and one of the most responsive out there.
Best Max Cushioned Shoe
These thickly stacked trainers are designed to be the plushest, most luxurious feeling in the range. They are designed to provide maximum impact protection with very little ground feel.
The winner
In short
The Saucony Triumph 21 is a daily trainer that can log all the miles you want to throw at it. This shoe is designed to take a pounding and make you feel comfortable the whole time, and it hits the mark.Pros
- Incredibly comfortable in all running situations
- Enough traction for all runs in all conditions
- Lots of energy return on the toe-off
- Well proportioned last
- Breathable upper that flexes with each step
Cons
- The cushion can be too bouncy for all-day wear if you stand a lot
- If you land extreme end of heel, the cushion becomes unstable
Who should buy it
This shoe is designed for any daily runner who wants high cushion. Bigger, or smaller runners would benefit from it as it provides cushion and is not too heavy.
Who should not buy it
There is absolutely no stability features in this shoe, so anyone who needs any type of stability — especially with a high-stack and high-bounce sole unit.
Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
10 oz
Heel
39 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
10 mm
Toe
29 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
10
Upper
10
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
7.0
Team review
This is a tall, stable trainer with deep cushioning. It has a full-length PWRRUN+ midsole which returns energy so it doesn’t feel mushy at all. It has great versatility and can also pick up the pace if you need it to. Read full reviewBest for Daily Training
Designed to be durable, comfortable, and versatile. If you were to only own 1 running shoe, it should be a daily trainer that can perform a variety of runs well.
The winner
In short
The Saucony Ride 17 is a superb neutral daily trainer which excels in versatility. While it still doesn’t have much flair, it has excellent stability and durability, and it represents great value. Version 17 has a more modern ride than version 16 due to its upgraded PWRRUN+ midsole. It has noticeably more energy return but it comes in at a much heavier weight.Pros
- Increased energy return from new PWWRUN+ foam
- No more midsole squeak
- Durable outsole
- Good stability
- Softer ride
Cons
- Big weight increase
- Slappy outsole
Who should buy it
If you’ve tried the Saucony Triumph and you found it too soft and unstable, the Ride 17 is a great alternative. If you want a no frills trainer similar to the Pegasus or Ghost but with a more lively ride, the Ride 17 is a good option.
Who should not buy it
If you’re looking for a lightweight trainer for mostly speed work, the Ride 17 is not your shoe.
Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
10.1 oz
Heel
37 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
29 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
9.0
Team review
A firmer, more versatile trainer than its bigger brother, the Triumph. The Ride 17 also features a PWRRUN+ midsole which provides speed, durability, cushioning and stability when you need it. Read full reviewRunner up
In short
The Saucony Kinvara 14 is an agile, versatile trainer which has a really well-balanced ride. It’s designed for speedwork but it can handle easy paces equally well thanks to its stability. Its lack of outsole rubber gives it a super smooth ride. Version 14 has been updated with a lighter, more breathable upper, a thicker midsole and a PWWRUN+ insole. It has a softer ride with more cushioning depth than previous Kinvaras and it also weighs less than its predecessor.Pros
- More bounce
- Increase in cushioning
- Lighter than the Kinvara 13
- Upper breathability improvement
Cons
- Lateral tongue slide
- Low outsole durability
Who should buy it
If you want a lightweight speed trainer and you don’t like stiff, plated trainers, the Kinvara 14 is a good option. If you prefer a daily trainer which has a padded, smooth ride and you don’t care much for outsole durability, the Kinvara is also a good option.
Who should not buy it
If you want a maximalist trainer with a stiff, snappy forefoot, the Kinvara 14 is not for you. The Kinvara 14 has a relaxed, flexible forefoot so your foot has to do most of the work when you want to pick up the pace.
Main Specs
Type
Lightweight
Weight
7 oz
Heel
mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
4 mm
Toe
mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
9.0
Team review
A lightweight daily trainer with a flexible forefoot. It has a PWRRUN midsole with a PWRRUN+ insole for extra energy return and cushioning. Read full reviewBest Supportive Daily Trainer
These trainers are designed to help runners who overpronate excessively by providing guidance or support.
The winner
In short
The Saucony Tempus is a fresh breath of air into the stability game that eloquently balances support and speed. With a modest support profile, you can not only dial into a comfortable pace, but also use it to translate into faster efforts.Pros
- Versatile shoe with light stability.
- Provides great balance of responsiveness and support.
- Comfortable fit.
Cons
- Long break-in period.
- Pricey.
Who should buy it
This is great for runners who slightly overpronate but people who land neutral can also appreciate it. Great for uptempo efforts and long runs when you need some extra oomph.
Who should not buy it
I would stay away if you are looking for something with a full support profile as this shoe bleeds into being a regular trainer with neutral profile.
Main Specs
Type
Stability
Weight
9.1 oz
Heel
37 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
29 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
10
Upper
10
Sole unit
10
Landing
10
Transition
10
Toe-off
10
Traction
10
Durability
10
Value / Price
7.0
Team review
An exceptional everyday trainer which can also be used for uptempo runs. It has a PWRRUN+ core with a firmer PWRRUN frame for stability. A durable XT-900 outsole provides excellent traction. Read full reviewRunner up
In short
The Saucony Guide 16 is truly an everyday stability trainer. This edition comes with small tweaks to the big changes they made last year. Its classic approach delivers a comfortable and stable ride every time.Pros
- Comfort
- Traditional Stability
- Versatility
Cons
- Narrow in places
- A bit stiff
Who should buy it
This is for a runner who is looking for a moderate stability trainer built for any pace and any distance
Who should not buy it
Main Specs
Type
Stability
Weight
9.5 oz
Heel
35 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
25 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
8.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
10
Landing
8.0
Transition
10
Toe-off
10
Traction
8.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
10
Team review
A moderate stability shoe built to be a daily workhorse. It has a PWRRUN midsole and a PWRRUN+ insole. Built-up side walls help guide your feet and keep them centered during transitions. Read full reviewAlso consider
In short
The Saucony Omni 22 is a moderate stability shoe built for durability with comfort and a smoother transition with lighter weight. A supportive heel stands out in this shoe and limits inefficient torsional movement as the foot begins to roll forward.Pros
- Stable base
- Durable
- Smooth ride
- Comfortable, supportive heel fit
Cons
- Lacks energy return
- Long break in
Who should buy it
Wear Omni for regular runs up through about 10 miles. Runners who overpronate may benefit from the extra-secure heel to minimize excess movement. The regular fit is best for narrow feet; medium to wide-footed runners should try the wide fit.
Who should not buy it
Omni is not the best option for runners wanting a trainer/racer combined. While it rolls forward with a comfortably-smooth transition, the shoe lacks the spring into toe-off desired in speed work and racing.
Main Specs
Type
Stability
Weight
10.1 oz
Heel
35 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
27 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
10
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
7.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
6.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
Read full reviewBest for Speed Training
These uptempo trainers are designed to be fast and durable at the same time. This includes being as lightweight as possible and often having responsive foams and plated technology in the midsole.
The winner
In short
The Kinvara Pro is an exciting new, stiff speed trainer with a carbon plate. It performs well at a variety of paces due to its stable ride and its snappy forefoot. It’s a great training companion for the Endorphin Pro and Elite if you want a similar ride at a cheaper price point. While it doesn’t have as much bounce or energy return as other speed trainers, it still has a fast, propulsive ride.Pros
- Stiff ride, similar to the Saucony racers
- Stable ride for such a thick midsole
- Energy-saving forefoot rocker
- Comfortable upper
- Highly cushioned
Cons
- Midsole foams feel a bit flat
- Low outsole durability
- Narrow fit
Who should buy it
If you find the Endorphin Speed 3 too soft or flexible for speed training, the Kinvara Pro is a good option which delivers a more similar feel to the Saucony super shoes. It has a more stable, snappier ride.
Who should not buy it
If you prefer minimal rides with a lot of ground feel, look elsewhere because the Kinvara Pro is a firm, maximalist trainer. If you like flexible, natural rides, the Kivara Pro is also not for you.
Main Specs
Type
Lightweight
Weight
8.4 oz
Heel
42 mm
Carbon plate
Half length carbon plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
34 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
7.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
A stiff trainer with 3 different Saucony midsole foams and a ¾ plate. A jumbo thick midsole provides deep cushioning and little ground feel. Read full reviewRunner up
In short
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a flexible, plated trainer which is best suited to uptempo runs. It doesn’t offer as much speed assistance as other plated trainers but it has a natural ride with excellent traction. Version 4 feels faster than version 3 due to its firmer ride. It has a higher level of ground feel and a more streamlined design.Pros
- Excellent traction
- More stability
- Faster ride
- Better agility
Cons
- Still a very different ride to the Endo Pro
- Colour bleeds onto the laces
- Less cushioning
Who should buy it
If you prefer your speed trainers to have a flexible ride which makes you work harder, the Endorphin Speed 4 is a good option for you. It has enough cushioning for long distances and it has decent stability.
Who should not buy it
If you want a similar ride to the Endorphin Pro 4, the Speed 4 is not the shoe for you. It has a much more flexible midsole which results in less propulsion.
Main Specs
Type
Lightweight
Weight
8 oz
Heel
37 mm
Carbon plate
Plate in other materials
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
29 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
7.0
Build quality
7.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
7.0
Landing
7.0
Transition
7.0
Toe-off
7.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
5.0
Team review
A lightweight speed trainer with a nylon plate for extra propulsion and a responsive PWRRUN PB midsole. Read full reviewBest for Road Racing
Built to be lightweight and propulsive, racing shoes contain the most cutting-edge and innovative technologies that brands have to offer. They are designed to make you run as fast and efficient as possible.
The winner
In short
The Saucony Endorphin Elite is a brand new, top of the range marathon racer with a super aggressive toe-spring and a propulsive ride. It’s an S-tier racer which can compete with the fastest marathon shoes on the market. The Endorphin Elite uses Saucony’s new PWRRUN HG foam which has a slightly firmer feel than PWRRUN PB. It has a firmer but more stable ride than the Endorphin Pro 3 however its main weakness is its low outsole durability.Pros
- More accommodating fit than the Endorphin Pro 3
- Super aggressive toe-spring
- High level of stability
- Breathable upper
Cons
- Firmer ride than the Endorphin Pro 3
- Low outsole durability
- Very high price
Who should buy it
If you’re looking for a cushioned, marathon super shoe with an aggressive toe-spring which provides a forward-tipping sensation, the Endorphin Elite is your shoe. If you find the Endorphin Pro 3 too soft, the Endorphin Elite has a firmer, more stable ride.
Who should not buy it
If you’re looking for a durable racer that you can use for training, the Endorphin Elite is not your shoe. It is one of the least durable super shoes on the market. It’s also a stiff, maximalist racer so if you like flexible racers with a high ground feel level, it’s also not your shoe.
Main Specs
Type
Racing
Weight
7.2 oz
Heel
40 mm
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
32 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
10
Transition
10
Toe-off
10
Traction
8.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
6.0
Team review
An aggressive, explosive premium super shoe with responsive PWRRUN HG in its midsole and a stiff, full-length carbon plate which is forked. Incredibly lightweight with a high level of cushioning. Read full reviewRunner up
In short
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is a good racer which is best suited to marathon racing. It has a soft, stable ride and a very stiff carbon plate but it isn't in the top tier of racers due to its midsole foams and geometry. Version 4 has a softer ride and a less aggressive forefoot rocker so it doesn't have as much oomph but it has more long-distance comfort.Pros
- Improved upper comfort
- Durable midsole foam
- No more tongue slide
- Grippier outsole
- Softer ride
Cons
- Narrow toe box - need to size up
- Less aggressive forefoot rocker
- Feels slower than v3
Who should buy it
If you are looking for your first carbon-plated racer, the Endorphin Pro 4 is a great option which has a “friendly” ride. It has good stability, excellent cushioning and comes in at a lower price than most flagship super shoes.
Who should not buy it
If you enjoyed the Endorphin Pro 3 but you want something more aggressive and faster, the Endorphin Pro 4 is not the shoe for you.
Main Specs
Type
Racing
Weight
7.4 oz
Heel
39.5 mm
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
31.5 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
7.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
7.0
Traction
10
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
9.0
Team review
A friendly super shoe designed for most runners looking for a fast, stable race day option. It has a PWRRUN HG core with PWRRUN PB surrounding it for a cushioned, energetic ride. Read full reviewBest for Trail Running
Trail shoes have protective uppers, tough outsoles and lugs to help with traction. They are built to withstand the elements that runners encounter on uneven terrain.
The winner
In short
The Peregrine 13 continues its legacy as a lighter weight nimble trail shoe but now with more cushioning and greater protection. This shoe is a great choice for any trail runner looking for a responsive Gripping shoe for everything from easy runs to racing.Pros
- Well tractioned
- Responsive
- Breatheable and light weight
- Comfortable rock plate
- Balanced cushioning
Cons
- Outsole not suited for pavement
- Slightly narrow toebox
- Rigid lower heel counter.
Who should buy it
Neutral trail runners looking for a trail shoe that con do it all.
Who should not buy it
Higher volumes feet runners or runners wanting a race specific shoe.
Main Specs
Type
Trail
Weight
9.2 oz
Heel
28 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
4 mm
Toe
24 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
10
Upper
10
Sole unit
10
Landing
10
Transition
10
Toe-off
10
Traction
10
Durability
10
Value / Price
10
Team review
A versatile trail specialist with a PWRRUN midsole and excellent grip. It can handle training as well as racing. Read full reviewRunner up
In short
Meet the Saucony Endorphin Rift, a wonderful addition to the Endorphin trail family. The Rift shares a lot in common with its older sibling, the Endorphin Edge, such as being packed with an ultra-resilient midsole cushion, except for the carbon fiber plate. This gives the Rift a certain nimbleness and superb flexibility on tricky trails.Pros
Cons
Who should buy it
Who should not buy it
Main Specs
Type
Trail
Weight
8.6 oz
Heel
mm
Carbon plate
Heel drop
6 mm
Toe
mm
Rating breakdown
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Team review
A premium racer/trainer with a PWRRUN PB midsole and a carbon-fibre plate for extra propulsion. Read full reviewQuick Questions you might have
Are Saucony running shoes any good?
In my opinion, Saucony in 2024 has a lot of great running shoes in their lineup. From the Ride to the Endorphins, from the Guide to the Kinvara - there are a lot of shoes that we feel comfortable recommending to our readers.
How do you pronounce "Saucony" ?
"Sock-a-knee"
