Saucony
Endorphin Trainer
A carbon-plated trainer that pairs a very soft IncrediRUN top layer with a firmer PWRRUN base. Reviewers liked it most for long and steady runs but found it heavier than key rivals.
About the Endorphin Trainer
Saucony describes the Endorphin Trainer as a maximalist super trainer for daily running and tempo work, and RunRepeat notes that it took over from the Kinvara Pro. It is the heaviest and tallest of the plated Endorphins: where the Endorphin Speed 6 uses a nylon plate and a single PEBA-based foam, this model combines carbon with two contrasting midsole layers.
Soft incrediRUN foam sits closest to the foot, concentrated in the forefoot, above a firmer PWRRUN layer, with a TPU-based PWRRUN+ insole on top. Between them, a carbon plate runs about three-quarters of the shoe's length, leaving the heel unplated, and Saucony counts it within its SpeedRoll family of rockered shoes. RunRepeat lists the wide midsole and firm PWRRUN base among its stability features. Two rubber pods cover the wear zones, with reinforced EVA elsewhere, beneath a ventilated mesh upper. Drop is 8 mm.
Specs and features from runrepeat.com and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.
Video reviews
Watch Saucony Endorphin Trainer reviewsOpens YouTubeWhat the critics say
81/100 review score
- RunRepeat 82/100
- Road Trail Run 7.9/10
The reviews in briefRunRepeat's Carlos Sánchez liked the bouncy top foam and stable base of the Saucony Endorphin Trainer on slow long runs, but found it heavy, firm underneath and narrow in the toe box. At Road Trail Run, Sam Winebaum rated it a forgiving daily trainer, while Sally Reiley found the loose upper and clunky ride tiring.
- Positive: Very soft, bouncy IncrediRUN top layer
- Positive: Wide, stable and forgiving platform
- Positive: Plate adds propulsion without feeling forced
- Mixed: Fit splits testers: narrow toe box for some, roomy and loose for narrow feet
- Mixed: One tester found it fast and pleasant, another clunky and heel-heavy
- Negative: Heavier than key rivals
- Negative: Firmer PWRRUN base layer can make the ride feel dull
Paraphrased from published reviews. Read them in full:
The numbers
- Super trainer
- Type
- 288 g
- Weight
- 41 mm
- Heel stack
- 8 mm
- Drop
- Carbon plate
- Plate
- Inherently stable
- Support
Weight for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5.
What it feels like
Fit
True to size
Testers found it true to size, but RunRepeat measured a narrow, tapered toe box while Road Trail Run testers found the upper roomy and loose on narrow feet.
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On TikTok
Endorphin Trainer on TikTokShort reviews and wear tests from runnersWhere to buy the Endorphin Trainer
RRP around £200. Tap through for today's price.
Saucony Endorphin Trainer
In short
If you want a cushioned, carbon-plated shoe for long, steady runs, testers found this bouncy and stable. It is heavier than rivals and the fit divides opinion, so try it on first.
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