SAUCONY RUNNING GUIDE
The 7 Best Saucony Running Shoes
for Training & Racing
From easy miles to race day, find the pair that fits your run.
TRAIN • TEMPO • RACE • TRAIL
Saucony: more than a century of running
Saucony traces its roots to 1898, when four businessmen opened the brand's first factory in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, beside Saucony Creek. The creek became part of the brand's identity: its flowing water and the boulders along the riverbed inspired the Saucony logo. By 1910, the company was producing around 800 pairs of shoes a day and had introduced its first running shoe, the 7446 Spike. A major turning point came in 1968, when Abraham R. Hyde acquired the company and helped establish Saucony as a serious name in athletics.
The decades that followed were defined by a strong focus on running technology. In 1991, Saucony introduced its shock-absorbing GRID system, while more recent generations have brought technologies such as SPEEDROLL and the Endorphin family. Today, the range is built around different running styles, arch types and pronation needs, with options spanning everyday training, stability, speed sessions, racing and trail running.
A short Saucony timeline
| Year
| Milestone
|
| 1898
| Saucony is founded beside Saucony Creek in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.
|
| 1910
| Production reaches around 800 pairs a day; the 7446 Spike becomes the brand's first running shoe.
|
| 1968
| Abraham R. Hyde acquires the company, helping build its reputation in athletics.
|
| 1991
| GRID shock-absorption technology marks a major step in Saucony cushioning innovation.
|
| Today
| PWRRUN foams, SPEEDROLL geometry and plated Endorphin models define the modern performance line-up.
|
What makes Saucony running shoes different?
Across the line-up, Saucony combines cushioning, geometry and support according to the purpose of each shoe. The result is not one single ride feel, but a family of models that ranges from dependable daily trainers to highly responsive race shoes and grippy trail options.
Technology at a glance
PWRRUN & PWRRUN+: The everyday cushioning family. PWRRUN began as an EVA-based foam, while PWRRUN+ uses a lower-density formulation for a softer ride in daily trainers.
PWRRUN PB: A lighter, more energetic PEBA-blend foam used in faster models such as the Endorphin Speed. The source cites an 88% energy return.
PWRRUN HG: A premium PEBA-based superfoam designed for very high energy return and low weight, used in top performance models.
IncrediRun: A newer TPEE-based superfoam introduced in the Endorphin Elite line, designed to be especially soft, light and responsive.
Nylon & carbon plates: Nylon plates create a more flexible, training-friendly response; carbon-fibre plates are used in race shoes to maximise propulsion and efficiency.
SPEEDROLL: Saucony's toe-spring / rocker concept. The curved geometry helps the foot transition more smoothly through the stride, particularly in higher-stack performance shoes.
How the seven models were selected
The original review selection was based on current technology and specifications, hands-on testing over the previous year, editor feedback, existing Runner's World reviews and broader knowledge of the running-shoe market. The seven models below represent different use cases rather than seven versions of the same shoe.
Quick pick
| Best for
| Model
|
| Daily training
| Ride 19
|
| Versatility / long miles
| Triumph 24
|
| Stable race day
| Endorphin Pro 5
|
| Speed training
| Endorphin Speed 5
|
| Maximum race performance
| Endorphin Elite 3
|
| Stability
| Guide 19
|
| Trail
| Peregrine 16
|
01 • BEST DAILY TRAINER
Saucony Ride 19
| 
| The Ride 19 is Saucony’s dependable all-rounder: comfortable enough for easy miles, lively enough for longer runs and capable when the pace picks up. Its updated PWRRUN+ midsole feels softer and more energetic than the previous version, while the secure heel gives the shoe a stable, controlled character.
|
| PROS
✓ Versatile for everyday training
✓ Smooth, controlled ride
✓ Softer and lighter-feeling than Ride 18
| CONS
– Upper could feel more secure at the forefoot
– Not the most exciting option for runners chasing a highly dynamic ride
|
Key specs
| WEIGHT
255g (M), 220g (W)
| STACK
36mm heel / 28mm forefoot
| DROP
8mm
|
02 • MOST VERSATILE
Saucony Triumph 24
| 
| The Triumph 24 combines generous cushioning with a surprisingly light and responsive ride. Its IncrediLux midsole is designed for runners who want comfort over high mileage without giving up energy or pace versatility. It is especially compelling for long runs, recovery days and runners who prefer a higher drop.
|
| PROS
✓ Responsive despite the generous cushioning
✓ Roomy and comfortable
✓ Cushioning remains supportive over long distances
| CONS
– A stronger rocker profile could make transitions even smoother
|
Key specs
| WEIGHT
249g (UK 8.5)
| STACK
43mm heel / 33mm forefoot
| DROP
10mm
|
03 • MOST STABLE RACE SHOE
Saucony Endorphin Pro 5
| 
| Built for speed with a more controlled personality, the Endorphin Pro 5 pairs dual-layer PEBA cushioning with a carbon plate and Speedroll geometry. The result is a propulsive race-day feel that remains predictable when fatigue sets in, making it a strong option for runners who value both pace and stability.
|
| PROS
✓ Lightweight and fast
✓ Propulsive without feeling overly unstable
✓ Controlled feel late in hard efforts
| CONS
– Some runners may experience rubbing around the heel
|
Key specs
| WEIGHT
206g (M), 178g (W)
| STACK
39.5mm heel / 31.5mm forefoot
| DROP
8mm
|
04 • BEST VALUE SPEED SHOE
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
| 
| The Endorphin Speed 5 sits in the sweet spot between a daily trainer and a full race-day super shoe. A semi-rigid nylon plate adds snap while still allowing the foot to flex, and the rocker geometry helps create quick, smooth transitions. It works particularly well for tempo sessions, mixed-pace workouts and runners who want one fast shoe for many uses.
|
| PROS
✓ Cushioned yet responsive
✓ Flexible nylon-plate feel
✓ Secure, foot-hugging upper
| CONS
– Runs slightly small; half a size up may suit some runners
|
Key specs
| WEIGHT
237g (M), 204g (W)
| STACK
36mm heel / 28mm forefoot
| DROP
8mm
| TYPE
Neutral
|
05 • BEST RACE SHOE
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
| 
| The Endorphin Elite 3 is the most aggressive race-day option in this selection. Its TPEE-based cushioning delivers a highly energetic, bouncy ride, while updates to the plate and midsole aim to improve stability and ground contact. It rewards runners who enjoy a bold, spring-loaded sensation and are willing to spend a few runs adapting to it.
|
| PROS
✓ Explosive rebound
✓ More stable platform than before
✓ Secure knit upper
| CONS
– Takes time to adapt to the very bouncy ride
– Noisy underfoot
– Premium price point
|
Key specs
| WEIGHT
204g (M), 184g (W)
| STACK
39.5mm heel / 31.5mm forefoot
| DROP
8mm
| TYPE
Road / performance
|
06 • BEST FOR STABILITY
Saucony Guide 19
| 
| The Guide 19 is built around balanced support rather than intrusive correction. Its wider midfoot and Center Path geometry help guide the foot through the stride, while PWRRUN cushioning and a rocker sole keep the ride comfortable and smooth. It is a dependable choice for runners who need extra stability on everyday road miles.
|
| PROS
✓ Comfortable, cushioned feel
✓ Accommodating midfoot fit
✓ Balanced stability
| CONS
– Runs slightly long
|
Key specs
| WEIGHT
275g (M), 252g (W)
| STACK
35mm heel / 29mm forefoot
| DROP
6mm
| TYPE
Road / stability
|
07 • BEST FOR THE TRAILS
Saucony Peregrine 16
| 
| The Peregrine 16 is designed for technical terrain, combining confident traction with a nimble, stable platform. A Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4mm lugs handles loose and muddy surfaces, while reinforced areas and gaiter attachments add protection for rougher trails. The ride stays connected to the ground without becoming harsh.
|
| PROS
✓ Excellent grip on technical trails
✓ Reliable on loose and muddy terrain
✓ Nimble and stable
| CONS
– Runners seeking maximum cushioning for very long distances may want a softer option
|
Key specs
| WEIGHT
271g
| STACK
32mm heel / 28mm forefoot
| DROP
4mm
| TYPE
Trail
|
Which Saucony is right for you?
Choose by the job you want the shoe to do. Ride 19 covers everyday mileage; Triumph 24 adds plush long-run versatility; Endorphin Speed 5 brings pace to training; Pro 5 and Elite 3 target race day; Guide 19 adds structured stability; and Peregrine 16 takes the line-up off road.
RUN YOUR WAY.
