Saucony Triumph vs Endorphin Speed – Running Shoe Review

Performance Summary

Saucony, a renowned name in the world of athletic footwear, has been synonymous with innovation, performance, and a commitment to helping runners achieve their goals since its inception in 1898. With a rich heritage spanning over a century. Saucony has consistently strived to create running shoes that blend cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of the runner’s needs. Whether you’re a dedicated marathoner seeking top-tier performance or a casual jogger looking for comfort and style, they offer a diverse range of running shoes designed to cater to every runner’s unique requirements. And today we’ll be diving into two of their more popular models, comparing the Saucony Triumph vs Endorphin Speed. So let’s get to the in depth reviews for both.

Saucony Triumph

When unboxing the Saucony Triumph, my first impression was that they definitely had more cushion. But even with the noticeably added cushion in the soles, the design looks fast and fits right into the Saucony lineup of shoes. That said, even in hand, you could feel the added weight. I wouldn’t go as far as calling them heavy, but they are far from light. The model comes in a few color options; I believe there are six overall, but I found the two-tone blue and white to be my favorite. And they are true to the color from online to what showed up at my door.

Once I put them on, a couple of things stood out. Two features I really like are the cord on the back that helps you pull the shoes on and the laces with a bit of stretch, adding to the comfort. Sizing-wise, the mid and toe box of the shoes felt like it was very true to size, something you don’t find in a lot of shoes nowadays. The upper also felt comfortable, hugging but stretchy and flexible, making it fit my foot comfortably. And most importantly, there’s the soft cushion the shoe provides. I’ve run in a lot of Saucony shoes and have never considered them for recovery and long runs. But the Triumph felt noticeably different once I put them on. So I was excited to hit the streets for a run.

Taking to the streets in the Triumphs offers all the cushion as advertised. I wouldn’t say they feel plush, but there is plenty of give to take the impact off your legs. With the added cushion comes a bit less rebound and responsiveness, but they are very stable for the stack height. I wouldn’t say they have great turnover, but for logging a ton of miles, this doesn’t bother me too much. The only real drawback I could find was the lack of tread, which I think is great for dry weather. But running in the southeast means the roads are often wet following the afternoon showers, and I did wish I had a bit more grip. But this shouldn’t matter for most runners. Overall, the Triumphs performed incredibly well.

Saucony Endorphin Speed

This was going to be my first time testing the Saucony Endorphin Speed, and I was excited to get my hands on them. The Endorphin Speed is the base model in the Endorphin lineup and is considered a great “affordable” racing shoe. It features a new S-curve, winged nylon plate for energy return and better support. Out of the box, I have to say that they are really good-looking shoes. When held, they feel remarkably light, with an upper that appears incredibly breathable. They even give off a sense of speed before you put them on your feet. They come in more colors than I can count, but I went with the two-tone blue and white.

Lacing up the Endorphin Speeds for the first time, I’d say they run a bit narrow through the midfoot and toe box. Based on other reviews, I went half a size up, and I’m glad I did. I would recommend most other runners do the same. Aside from that, once they’re on your feet, the shoes just feel fast. They are light on the feet, and just walking around, I was impressed with the amount of cushion provided by the combination of the nylon plate and padding, considering how light they are. Based on this, I was eager to get out and log some miles to put them to a real test.

Hitting the streets in the Endorphin Speed, I can honestly say I was impressed. For their weight, the nylon plate-cushion combo provides an incredibly comfortable ride. However, if you’re looking for shoes that allow you to feel the road, these might not be the best choice. Instead, they offer a quick turnover, great energy response, and are lightweight runners that you can rack up a lot of miles in. Because of this, I’m really interested in trying the other models in the Endorphin lineup. The one drawback is the same as with the Triumphs; there is a lack of overall traction in anything besides dry conditions. But again, this shouldn’t impact most runners.

Image Comparison

When looking at the Saucony Triumph vs Endorphin Speed side by side, you can see the difference in cushion. With added thickness running the length of the Triumphs.

Saucony Triumph Profile

Saucony Endorphin Speed Profile

From the top, you can see the narrow mid foot on the Endorphin Speed. Which is why I would recommend going a half size up for most runners.

Saucony Triumph Topview

Endorphin Speed Topview

Below you can see how similar the soles on both shoes are. Lacking a lot of grip and traction provides less friction for speed, but also makes them a bit slick any anything aside from clean conditions.

Saucony Triumph Soles

Saucony Endorphin Speed Soles

Conclusion – Saucony Triumph vs Endorphin Speed

This is a rare instance where I genuinely enjoyed both of the models. I can envision incorporating both of these shoes into my collection, and that’s primarily because they serve distinct purposes. Each of them has its unique applications. Therefore, when deliberating between the Saucony Triumph and the Endorphin Speed, the choice truly boils down to your intended use. So, which one should you choose?

Which road running shoe to buy?

When deciding which pair is right for you, it’s crucial to consider your intended use. The Triumphs offer exceptional cushioning without the bulk typically associated with highly cushioned shoes. They are ideal for recovery days and for covering a substantial distance during your training. So, if that aligns with your needs, they’re the perfect choice.

On the other hand, the Endorphin Speeds serve as the brand’s introductory model to their high-end racing shoes. They incorporate a nylon plate for energy return and excel in speed work and race day performance. If you’re in search of a race-ready shoe, they make an excellent selection. However, if your goal is to log slower, zone 2 miles, they might not be the best fit. In that case, opt for the Triumph.

This is precisely why I mentioned that owning both pairs could be a wise choice. The Triumphs are excellent for recovery and long runs, while the Endorphin Speeds are designed to help you achieve top speeds on race day.