Saucony, an American classic since 1898, isn’t just another name in the running world; it’s a legacy. While they craft shoes for a spectrum of athletic endeavors, it’s their running game that truly stands out and captures hearts.
Saucony is known for using high-quality materials and innovative technologies to design performance-oriented running shoes for track-and-field, daily training, long-distance racing, trail running, and more.
At Marathon Sports, we’re always on the chase for excellence. So, we laced up to put Saucony’s latest to the test. Curious about the best of Saucony in 2024? Here are the top eight standouts our team swears by after rigorous months of testing.
The Best Saucony Running Shoes for 2024
- Best for Daily Training: Saucony Ride 17
- Best for Cushioning: Saucony Triumph 22
- Best for Long Runs: Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
- Best for Speed Days: Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
- Best Stability Shoes: Saucony Guide 17
- Best Neutral Shoes: Saucony Kinvara 14
- Best for Racing: Saucony Endorphin Elite
- Best for Trail Running: Saucony Peregrine 14
Best for Daily Training: Saucony Ride 17
The Saucony Ride 17 is a comfortable trainer intended for everyday running. This version is a complete redesign that adds comfort and makes your running experience more energetic. The most noticeable update is the midsole, which now includes PWRRUN+ foam. This addition improves the shoe’s responsiveness and provides greater protection on longer runs. In addition, the Ride 17 has a wider fit than the previous version, along with sidewalls on the midsole that cradle the foot.
The Ride 17 remains a durable go-to trainer that delivers all the traction you expect of the Saucony Ride line. Our reviewers praise this model for its upgrades that shift it towards comfort-oriented trainers. The improved responsiveness provided a softer ride that makes the Ride 17 more versatile in the distances and pace it can handle. Reviewers also appreciated its updated mesh upper, which provides more comfort for runners with wider feet.
Best Cushioned Running Shoe: Saucony Triumph 22
The Saucony Triumph is a highly-cushioned running shoe designed to remain soft and comfortable on long-distance runs. However, our reviewers praised the Triumph 22 for its comfort on lay days, too.
The upgraded PWRRUN PB midsole foam absorbs shock and propels you forward on take-offs. The rocker-like geometry also creates smooth transitions from heel to toe. It’s a remarkably comfortable and lightweight running shoe with high-performance attributes to help runners move faster.
Additional upgrades in the latest version include a new adaptive lacing design and plush, breathable upper. Our reviewers claimed it fits better than all previous versions, with a snug fit designed to adapt to your foot shape. With so much soft cushioning underfoot and plenty of upgraded features, it’s one of the best running shoes for long distances on our list.
Best for Long Runs: Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Many running enthusiasts favor the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 for long distances. Built to help you go the distance for any race, it offers more technologies to improve comfort and durability when you want to enhance your performance.
One of the most impressive features of this shoe is the PWWRUN PB foam midsole. It works with the nylon plate sandwiched between the midsole and outsole to deliver a responsive ride. The nylon plate features a winged design that allows for exceptional flexibility while maintaining stability. Plush cushioning offers incredible comfort and absorbs shock for smoother steps.
Another stellar feature of the Endorphin Speed 4 is SPEEDBALL technology. It propels feet forward so you can maximize speed effortlessly.
From moderate training runs to the high speeds of race day, the Endorphin Speed 4 does it all. It’s an energetic shoe that helps you train effectively and push past the finish line with ease on race day.
Best for Speed Days: Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
For runners seeking a snappy and responsive running shoe that can help them achieve a new PR, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 fits the bill. It takes all of the features you love from the Endorphin Pro to a new level so you can tackle any distance.
Revolutionary cushioning sets the Endorphin Pro 4 apart from its competition. A combination if PWRRUN HG and PWRRUN PB foam provides superior comfort and shock absorption with every step. This model also trades on the stable nylon plate in many Saucony running shoes for a carbon plate that offers more support. SPEEDROLL technology propels feet forward to help you reach your personal best with minimal effort.
With its technical improvements, the Endorphin Pro 4 is one of Saucony’s best options when it comes to speed. It helps you reach your goals in every training run and race while cushioning your feet for supreme comfort.
Best Stability Shoes: Saucony Guide 17
The Saucony Guide 17 is an industry favorite among our reviewers with flat feet and those who overpronate. It’s one of the best stability running shoes on the market, with Saucony’s HOLLOW-FIT guide frame that prevents overpronation without overcorrecting. In addition to helping prevent foot fatigue, pain, and injury, the guide frame keeps wear and tear even.
The Saucony Guide 17 also features PWRRUN foam cushioning for a plush yet energetic ride. It’s a stability running shoe that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or speed for support.
Read our in-depth Saucony Guide 17 review to learn if it’s the stability running shoe to suit your preferences and personal needs.
Best Neutral Shoes: Saucony Kinvara 14
The Saucony Kinvara 14 is another running shoe designed for speed. It’s a high-performance neutral running shoe that’s also one of the best for wide feet, as it’s available in a wide version and up to a men’s size 15.
Our reviewers praised the Saucony Kinvara 14 for its ability to move fast, thanks to responsive, lightweight PWRRUN foam and a rocker-like geometry. The shoe also features contoured walls to promote faster transitions. They found the shape of the shoe most ideal for up-tempo training rather than long-distance running at a consistent pace.
The updated upper is lighter than previous versions and provides optimal air circulation. It keeps feet cool while moving fast on hot days. As one of the most responsive shoes on our list, it was a favorite among almost all our reviewers.
Best for Racing: Saucony Endorphin Elite
The ultimate racing shoe in Saucony’s 2024 lineup is undeniably the Endorphin Elite. It’s also one of the most talked about running shoes this year.
The Endorphin Elite is loaded with technologies, including a carbon plate for propulsion and a slotted forefoot. The SPEEDROLL geometry is aggressive to keep runners on their toes and moving fast as effortlessly as possible. It’s also an ultra-lightweight shoe that feels virtually weightless under the foot.
In addition to the SPEEDROLL geometry and carbon plate, speed comes from the PWRRUN HG superfoam, the most responsive of all Saucony foams. Our reviewers praised the Saucony Endorphin Elite for its maximum comfort, unrivaled speed capabilities, and unique, open-air construction that allows maximum air circulation.
It’s safe to say a number of our team members fell in love with the Endorphin Elite and are eager to put this aggressive running shoe to the test on race day. We see new PRs in the near future.
Best for Trail Running: Saucony Peregrine 14
For people who like to take their runs off-road, the Saucony Peregrine 14 is a must-have shoe. Featuring technical upgrades that boost performance, comfort and flexibility, this shoe helps you tackle any terrain with confidence.
The Peregrine 14 features a PWRRUN foam midsole for incredible cushioning. A PWRRUN+ sockliner further enhances comfort, while the PWRTRAC outsole offers exceptional traction on various surfaces. Whether runners prefer to venture off the beaten path or stick to well-established trails, the Peregrine 14 can take them anywhere they want to go.
Another impressive feature of the Peregrine 14 is the rock plate between the midsole and the insole. It offers additional protection from hazards on the trail and provides extra stability and support so you stay light on your feet at all times.
It’s a versatile shoe that keeps your feet safe at all times when you want to take your run off the asphalt.
Our Review Process
At Marathon Sports, we lace up the running shoes we test and hit the streets, trails, or track. Our team members are avid runners who receive numerous shoes to test every year. The best way to find out how they feel and perform is to simply start running.
Our reviewers assess several factors when choosing the best running shoes, including fit, performance, durability, cushioning, and overall comfort.
In this review, we placed the shoes into the categories in which they performed best. Our mission is to help you find the best Saucony running shoes for you based on your preferences and running style.
Saucony Running Shoe Technologies
Saucony is a historic running shoe brand known for state-of-the-art running shoe technologies. We’ve outlined a few of the brand’s latest and greatest innovations to help you better understand our reviews.
- PWRRUN foam: An EVA-based foam for plush cushioning and responsiveness.
- PWRRUN+ foam: This TPU-based foam is even more energetic, durable, and flexible than traditional PWRRUN foam. It’s 28 percent lighter and 5 percent more impact-absorbent. You’ll find this in Saucony’s highly cushioned and more technical running shoes.
- PWRRUN PB foam: This Pebax-based foam is the lightest and fastest of Saucony’s foams. Known as a super foam, Saucony often combines it with a carbon fiber plate for extra propulsion.
- SPEEDROLL: SPEEDROLL refers to the shoe’s geometry, which creates a “rolling” effect for faster, smoother transitions from heel to toe.
These are just a few of the many innovations you’ll find in Saucony’s running shoe lineup for 2024. Others may include PWRTRAC outsole traction, FORMFIT footbed technology, and more.
Choosing the Right Saucony Running Shoes for You
The best running shoes for one person may not function well for another runner. That’s because athletes have varying foot shapes, gaits, running styles, and preferences. Our Marathon Sports experts know how to connect you with the best running shoes for your personal needs.
Stop by one of our locations to join our The Right Fit™ program. Our experts will assess numerous factors, like your pronation, gait, and foot shape, to suggest the right Saucony running shoes for you. We know which models perform best in various running disciplines, and it’s our goal to outfit you with the shoes that help you reach your full potential.
Shop our complete selection of Saucony running shoes and gear from all the industry’s top brands at one of our Marathon Sports stores or online today!
