Saucony Endorphin Edge Introduction
At $200, the Endorphin Edge is Saucony’s light-weight, quick, and responsive path runner that introduces a full-length carbon plate to the midsole to maximise pace and effectivity. This value is in keeping with different carbon-plated path runners, just like the Hoka Tecton X and the North Face VECTIV Sky.
The Edge reduces weight and maximizes pace by means of the usage of PWRRUNPB foam cushioning (Saucony’s ultralight and springy midsole foam), together with a Carbitex™ MonoFlex carbon-fiber plate. The three-quarter carbon plate design is “asymmetrically versatile for a fast push-off and steady touchdown in assorted terrain.”
The Edge is the trail-specific mannequin in Saucony’s Endorphin lineup. The Endorphin line integrates SPEEDROLL Expertise, which makes use of foam, propulsive plates, stack heights and midsole form to attain a novel geometry designed to propel you ahead and get you to your toes quicker.
The Edge integrates probably the most cutting-edge shoe expertise in comparison with every other in Saucony’s path runner lineup. It’s most just like the Peregrine, solely with extra speed-focused options designed to propel you ahead.
Saucony Endorphin Edge Impressions
Pulling the shoe out of the field, the very first thing I seen was the distinctive form of the outsized outsole and excessive stack. I didn’t want the colorway (Fog Zenith) on the pair of Endorphin Edges that I examined. Nonetheless, the Edge is available in different strong shiny, poppy colours like Prospect Quartz sizzling pink, orange Clay, and shiny blue Ocean, in addition to a impartial Black/Goldstruck.
At 35mm within the heel and 29mm on the forefoot, this was the very best stack path operating shoe that I’ve run in apart from Hoka’s maximalist Stinson ATR. Nonetheless, the place the Stinson is plush and comfortable, probably the most noticeable feeling on my first run within the Endorphin Edge was that the midsole felt remarkably stiff.
The opposite signature feeling was responsive and quick, particularly on hard-packed dust or grass and highway. These are experience options I anticipated with the carbon plate embedded within the midsole. The stiffness is extra pronounced within the Endorphin Edge in comparison with Hoka’s carbon midsole competitor, the Tecton X.
I primarily examined this shoe in the course of the transition from winter to spring; so these have been most closely examined on ice, snow, mud, and highway. As a road-to-trail shoe throughout this time interval, the Endorphin Edge was a quick, steady shoe that offered adequate traction on slippery, moist, and largely stage surfaces.
There was variability in stability on extra technical, uneven, and steeper path terrain, The Endorphin Edges work nicely for less-technical highway and path terrain when pace (and enjoyable) are the purpose. On an extended, rockier, and extra uneven path I might go for a extra technical shoe.
Saucony Endorphin Edge Safety
The Endorphin Edge has adequate safety for diverse path racing situations. The total size rock guard and excessive stack provide distinctive safety in opposition to path hazards underfoot.
A transparent mudguard overlaying the house the place the midsole connects to the higher is efficient at including sturdiness and prevents water, mud, and dust from simply coming into the shoe. Added rubber on the toe field protects toes from the potential influence of roots, rocks, and different hazards.
The Endorphin Edge is suitable with a gaiter. I didn’t check the gaiter attachment throughout my testing, however it might be useful for decreasing dust, mud, and particles from coming into the shoe.
Saucony Endorphin Edge Sturdiness
The Endorphin Edge has stood up decently after over 100 miles of testing on roads, snow, mud, and hard-packed dust. On the outsole, the lugs have maintained their size and grip regardless of getting used for a lot of miles on roads. Essentially the most indicators of damage are evident the place the tongue rubs in opposition to the shoe’s higher.
I might anticipate the Endorphin Edges to be sturdy sufficient for an extended ultra-distance race on much less technical terrain. Whereas there’s some seen put on, the shoe’s efficiency has not been impacted.
Saucony Endorphin Edge Responsiveness & pace
The Endorphin Edge integrates a brand new 3-quarter carbon plate paired with Saucony’s springiest midsole foam to ship the model’s most responsive and springy path shoe to-date.
The SPEEDROLL form has a 6mm offset and is engineered to propel you ahead no matter whether or not you’re a mid-foot or heel striker. On highway and hard-packed path with out an excessive amount of unevenness, this shoe does a good job of that.
On uneven terrain, the midsole form and stack peak generally is a legal responsibility. I didn’t really feel like my steps landed with very a lot stability on rutted out dust roads or trails with roots, rocks, and different hazards. There have been a number of occasions the place the danger of an ankle roll appeared evident, affecting my confidence on one of these terrain.
PWRTRAC expertise used on the outsole lets you take off in all forms of terrain – from snow, ice, dust, and sand. The 4mm lugs have been sufficiently sticky, and I didn’t have to fret about grip. I might keep away from utilizing these on muddy trails, because the outsoles collected mud to the purpose the place they obtained heavy. This shoe would excel on a quick course with much less technical, uneven terrain.
Saucony Endorphin Edge Consolation and match
The Saucony Endorphin Edges have been true to dimension and comfy out of the field. The lace system allowed for a locked-down and safe match over the course of my runs. The light-weight mesh of the higher is breathable and moisture wicking to maintain ft cool and dry. Additionally they drained and dried out rapidly after being submerged in some deep puddles and slushy snow.
Much like different Saucony path sneakers that I’ve examined, the toe field is extra slim than different path shoe manufacturers. I skilled some sizzling spots on the highest of my toes after longer runs. Over longer efforts, there’s restricted house within the toe field to accommodate toe swelling or splay.
Saucony Endorphin Edge Conclusions
With the Endorphin Edge, Saucony has thrown a strong new path shoe into the realm of carbon-plated, speed-focused choices. The Edge gives a quick and pleasant experience on roads to non-technical trails, like hard-packed dust or grass. The PWRTRAC outsole stood out in its grip and sturdiness on steep grades and slick terrain.
In comparison with different carbon-plated path runners, I might be hesitant to advocate the Edge over different choices due to its stability points on uneven terrain. Hoka’s Tecton X (6.9 ozfor Girls’s, 8.5 oz. Males’s) is considerably lighter weight than the Edge (7.8 oz. Womens; 9 oz. Mens) and gives extra stability for a similar stage of responsiveness on the identical value level.
For shorter distances (for me, lower than ten miles), the Edge is snug, sturdy, and gives substantial safety in opposition to path hazards. Whereas the excessive stack offers first rate cushioning, the stiffness of the carbon plate doesn’t all the time really feel snug on longer, slower mileage.
At longer distances, the slim toebox could also be a limiting issue. As part of a shoe quiver, I might reserve these for quicker coaching runs or races.
General, the Saucony Endorphin Edge has launched a strong carbon-plated competitor to the path shoe world that fulfills its promise to propel you ahead (on the precise terrain!).
