Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Mens, 9.5 / Black/Goldstruck Blk

My name is Paul and I loath reviews. Reading and writing them. This is a testimony. I’ve run LA (twice), Long Beach (twice), and the Surf City Marathon. I even created my own marathon in 2020 and took out from home in a backpack. I love to run. It is spiritual. I wore the Books Levitate for a few years, until they tightened the mesh around the toe…that’s when I found these shoes. Light, bounce, smooth transition, PR, PR, PR. Most importantly, I should not be a marathon runner by body type. Broken leg (2 pins, 3 surgeries), football-type 50-year old body, college athlete (translation: my knees paid for my education), excuse, narrative, blah, blah, weak, weak! My spirit, these shoes, “the streets” instantly have a problem. Cue some 90’s hip hop, mixed with 80s pop, ... MoreMy name is Paul and I loath reviews. Reading and writing them. This is a testimony. I’ve run LA (twice), Long Beach (twice), and the Surf City Marathon. I even created my own marathon in 2020 and took out from home in a backpack. I love to run. It is spiritual. I wore the Books Levitate for a few years, until they tightened the mesh around the toe…that’s when I found these shoes. Light, bounce, smooth transition, PR, PR, PR. Most importantly, I should not be a marathon runner by body type. Broken leg (2 pins, 3 surgeries), football-type 50-year old body, college athlete (translation: my knees paid for my education), excuse, narrative, blah, blah, weak, weak! My spirit, these shoes, “the streets” instantly have a problem. Cue some 90’s hip hop, mixed with 80s pop, Sade, and 70s Rock (yes, I get down like that), let me get 3 miles of warm up and I ALMOST feel 39. All kidding aside, I do no even know “post etiquette” but I depend on these shoes. I have purchased over 40 pair. I always say to myself when training, “18 miles down the road, no one’s coming to save you.” Don’t need their help. Good shoes, water, gel pack, kill it, rinse and repeat. #IRunTheseStreets

Comfortable! Light! Fast!

I have been a loyal Saucony customer for nearly 2 decades. I run 5-6 days/week and multiple half marathons throughout the year. I like a light shoe, and have been running in the Type A shoes for many years. As I have been experiencing pain in my ankles for some time now, I decided to try out a shoe with more cushion. The Endorphin Pro 3 provides AMPLE cushion without adding incremental weight. It took me a few days to break them in, but since then they've been incredibly comfortable and I am ankle pain-free for the first time in I can't remember how long. Also, because of the way the sole is shaped, they almost force you increase your speed (which is a fun perk). Note on sizing: Many of the reviews said to order a 1/2 size larger because they thought they ran small, ... MoreI have been a loyal Saucony customer for nearly 2 decades. I run 5-6 days/week and multiple half marathons throughout the year. I like a light shoe, and have been running in the Type A shoes for many years. As I have been experiencing pain in my ankles for some time now, I decided to try out a shoe with more cushion. The Endorphin Pro 3 provides AMPLE cushion without adding incremental weight. It took me a few days to break them in, but since then they've been incredibly comfortable and I am ankle pain-free for the first time in I can't remember how long. Also, because of the way the sole is shaped, they almost force you increase your speed (which is a fun perk). Note on sizing: Many of the reviews said to order a 1/2 size larger because they thought they ran small, but I did that and then had to exchange them for my regular size.

Excellent fast shoe!

I have moved from the original endorphin speeds to this new one and there are definite marked improvements!Yes I did have 500 miles on the originals but even after the first couple of weeks and 100 miles with these, they have more bounce and are more stable.I would say that these perform best when running at a sub 7:30min/mile pace. Running quicker, I can definitely feel the roll off onto the toe and the push forward. These shoes like to go fast!Having said that though, they perform well on longer slower runs, they are comfortable and full of cushion without any fatigue.They really are a good all round shoe for most runs.My runs vary from 10k runs to marathon.Once these have run their course, I will absolutely stay with the endorphin range. I haven't tried the ... MoreI have moved from the original endorphin speeds to this new one and there are definite marked improvements!Yes I did have 500 miles on the originals but even after the first couple of weeks and 100 miles with these, they have more bounce and are more stable.I would say that these perform best when running at a sub 7:30min/mile pace. Running quicker, I can definitely feel the roll off onto the toe and the push forward. These shoes like to go fast!Having said that though, they perform well on longer slower runs, they are comfortable and full of cushion without any fatigue.They really are a good all round shoe for most runs.My runs vary from 10k runs to marathon.Once these have run their course, I will absolutely stay with the endorphin range. I haven't tried the pro's but if they are anything like these, they will make a fantastic race shoe.Even the speeds would make for a great race shoe.These are my go to!

Great Concept but Execution Lacking

I've run in and loved Endorphin Speeds for up to marathon distances since the first generation. The old Endorphin Pro's were too harsh for anything longer than 5ks. Enter the Endorphin Pro 3's...Nike Vaporfly competitors! The midsole's awesome, the carbon plate refined, but the tongue gets sucked into the shoe letting laces dig in , and the upper's too narrow...narrow toes, narrow arch that actually pinched my arch between the shoe upper and sole! It's a shame the sizing changed for such a great shoe! Saucony's spot on with all their other sizing...consistent as can be. But the Endorphin Pro 3's are way too narrow, especially for a shoe meant for marathon distances! No wide version available either...bummed!

Great Price, High end, lightweight, race day shoe

A Solid 4 stars. The price is awesome for this caliber of a shoe. I think we're all tired of paying $250, and up for carbon plated shoes. This shoe is a breath of fresh air, and easier on the pockets. Soft landing, and quick turnaround. Lightweight, and I love this color. I ran the the 2022 NYC marathon in them, and couldn't be happier with their performance. I happen to run a PR that day. Only one issue I have with them, and that would be the tongue. I noticed the tongue would ride down after just a little while. It's very annoying when you feel the laces against your foot in the middle of your run, and there's no tongue between your foot, and the laces.. Normally a shoe would have a small loop attached to the tongue to bring the laces through and hold the tongue ... MoreA Solid 4 stars. The price is awesome for this caliber of a shoe. I think we're all tired of paying $250, and up for carbon plated shoes. This shoe is a breath of fresh air, and easier on the pockets. Soft landing, and quick turnaround. Lightweight, and I love this color. I ran the the 2022 NYC marathon in them, and couldn't be happier with their performance. I happen to run a PR that day. Only one issue I have with them, and that would be the tongue. I noticed the tongue would ride down after just a little while. It's very annoying when you feel the laces against your foot in the middle of your run, and there's no tongue between your foot, and the laces.. Normally a shoe would have a small loop attached to the tongue to bring the laces through and hold the tongue in place. I don't know why a loop wasn't add here. It's a simple solution, and I would have rated this shoe 5 stars had it not been for this problem. Other than that, this is a solid race day shoe. I definitely recommend it.

Terrible feel but good performance

Used these for the Philadelphia Marathon this past weekend...The good - Great energy return, good grip, felt good UNDER the foot but everywhere else I couldn't wait to get these off.The bad - The lockdown seams ok but the tongue is terrible and will slide all over the place shortly after you start running leaving nothing in between the laces and your foot. The sides near the ankle seem too high. When cornering my ankles would dig into the side of the shoe (Might just be my ankles). The shoes just feel overall cheezy with the upper, tongue, and laces.Worst but not least. These have terrible hot spots on the heel near your Achilles tendon. I have several other pairs of Saucony and have never gotten blisters on my Achilles until these. And when I say bad... I ... MoreUsed these for the Philadelphia Marathon this past weekend...The good - Great energy return, good grip, felt good UNDER the foot but everywhere else I couldn't wait to get these off.The bad - The lockdown seams ok but the tongue is terrible and will slide all over the place shortly after you start running leaving nothing in between the laces and your foot. The sides near the ankle seem too high. When cornering my ankles would dig into the side of the shoe (Might just be my ankles). The shoes just feel overall cheezy with the upper, tongue, and laces.Worst but not least. These have terrible hot spots on the heel near your Achilles tendon. I have several other pairs of Saucony and have never gotten blisters on my Achilles until these. And when I say bad... I mean bad... rubbed raw and bleeding.Might just be my feet/ankles but there are too many downsides for these that I won't be running in them again.

The best light bouncy cushiony speed shoe EVER!!!

I have been running 8 miles a day and needed a shoe which would save my knees and prevent pain in my muscles.I tried at least more than 50 well know brand and different styles of running shoes and eventually I found Saucony pro 3 the best in the market for the speed, recovery and the long run. They are amazing. I cannot believe some people gave this shoes less than 5 stars. If I could give this shoes more than 5 stars I would definitely do.Despite they are pricey, I will keep buying them as I am enjoying my runs and the feeling of it. I have no pain or soreness anywhere in my feet or legs. It saves my knees. Since I am using these shoes I run my 8 miles in 60 minutes. Faster and really effortless. I feel I am cheating. Great feeling though.If you are a long ... MoreI have been running 8 miles a day and needed a shoe which would save my knees and prevent pain in my muscles.I tried at least more than 50 well know brand and different styles of running shoes and eventually I found Saucony pro 3 the best in the market for the speed, recovery and the long run. They are amazing. I cannot believe some people gave this shoes less than 5 stars. If I could give this shoes more than 5 stars I would definitely do.Despite they are pricey, I will keep buying them as I am enjoying my runs and the feeling of it. I have no pain or soreness anywhere in my feet or legs. It saves my knees. Since I am using these shoes I run my 8 miles in 60 minutes. Faster and really effortless. I feel I am cheating. Great feeling though.If you are a long distance runner who cares about physical health then this is for the best for you.

This shoe can do it all

I've had all three versions of the Endorphin Speed and this one is the most well rounded of the three. It works when you have to pick up the pace but it is also better than the previous 2 versions for those long slow miles as well.The upper is great and an improvement from the other two as it feels lighter and has less "stuff" on it. The heal counter is still sturdy but I think is the best implementation of the three so far. What I don't like is the tongue. It is too short and it rides down as you go, even though is semi-gusseted. I am also not to fond of the stretchy laces that came with this version, which I will switch out soon.The midsole is amazing. PWRPB was great but now its a bit more forgiving, making the shoe a bit softer but still responsive. The ... MoreI've had all three versions of the Endorphin Speed and this one is the most well rounded of the three. It works when you have to pick up the pace but it is also better than the previous 2 versions for those long slow miles as well.The upper is great and an improvement from the other two as it feels lighter and has less "stuff" on it. The heal counter is still sturdy but I think is the best implementation of the three so far. What I don't like is the tongue. It is too short and it rides down as you go, even though is semi-gusseted. I am also not to fond of the stretchy laces that came with this version, which I will switch out soon.The midsole is amazing. PWRPB was great but now its a bit more forgiving, making the shoe a bit softer but still responsive. The slightly wider foot base is also a welcomed feature. It seems that most shoe manufacturers are now doing this.The outsole is the same material as the previous with a different layout. I can't say it is better or worse. I did notice that I slipped a bit on wet road paint so might try to avoid that in the future.Overall is a great shoe that Saucony keeps improving on. Definitely recommend.

Too firm; stiff arch

The Endorphin Speed 2 has been one of my favorite shoes since it released. But for me the changes to the Speed 3 have ruined it. Not just in a "kind of don't like it" way, but absolutely "can't wear it, return immediately" way. Straight out of the box my first thought was how firm it felt, and second was that the arch hits too far back toward the heel. It fits properly everywhere else, so I don't think sizing up would help. But after just having it on and trying to walk around on a carpeted surface for a minute, it was making my arch hurt. I put them aside, tried again the next day, and quickly decided the risk of pain and arch issues isn't worth it (no matter how much I love the looks of the Speed 3!) I also liked the updated upper. The last cycle the Speed 2 was ... MoreThe Endorphin Speed 2 has been one of my favorite shoes since it released. But for me the changes to the Speed 3 have ruined it. Not just in a "kind of don't like it" way, but absolutely "can't wear it, return immediately" way. Straight out of the box my first thought was how firm it felt, and second was that the arch hits too far back toward the heel. It fits properly everywhere else, so I don't think sizing up would help. But after just having it on and trying to walk around on a carpeted surface for a minute, it was making my arch hurt. I put them aside, tried again the next day, and quickly decided the risk of pain and arch issues isn't worth it (no matter how much I love the looks of the Speed 3!) I also liked the updated upper. The last cycle the Speed 2 was my go-to shoe for light training and everyday use, and the Pro 2 was for heavy training. Now, the Pro 3 is my go-to and I'll have to skip the Speed 3 entirely. Maybe I'll look into the Shift again, as I haven't tried it since Model 1. And please, Saucony, give us the cool color ways on the Pro 3 like the Speed 3 (the Sophia, the bright yellow, the white/gold)...

Very good overall neutral running shoes

Overall I'm enjoying training in these shoes. They have the right amount of support for me and yet feel quite light on my feet. I've only put about 100 miles on them so far, so I can't comment on their durability, but so far they've shown almost no visible wear, which is a great sign.The only reason I gave 4 stars and not 5 is the redesign from the Endorphin Speed 2, which was wearing for about a year before I got these, that removed the tongue slot that lets you run the laces through and keeps the tongue from slipping. I can't fathom why Saucony chose to remove that. Despite the more integrated tongue, the tongue on these shoes is very prone to sliding down, which I found uncomfortable. This was a change that it seems like Saucony designers either didn't think ... MoreOverall I'm enjoying training in these shoes. They have the right amount of support for me and yet feel quite light on my feet. I've only put about 100 miles on them so far, so I can't comment on their durability, but so far they've shown almost no visible wear, which is a great sign.The only reason I gave 4 stars and not 5 is the redesign from the Endorphin Speed 2, which was wearing for about a year before I got these, that removed the tongue slot that lets you run the laces through and keeps the tongue from slipping. I can't fathom why Saucony chose to remove that. Despite the more integrated tongue, the tongue on these shoes is very prone to sliding down, which I found uncomfortable. This was a change that it seems like Saucony designers either didn't think through carefully enough or didn't test thoroughly enough. There's really no good reason for this reduction in comfort on long runs.One other small issue is the laces themselves. Saucony, please never, every use stiff, round laces on running shoes! Such laces belong on hiking boots, not running shoes. They don't stay tied, no matter how tight I make the knot. Running shoe laces should be soft and flat to provide the best ability to stay tied during a long run.