Among the myriad of brands in the running shoe market, Saucony been known for excellence and innovation, earning the trust of athletes and enthusiasts worldwide. In fact, I’ve been running in many of their shoes for over a decade! Today we look at their current line up of running shoes.

Best Saucony Running Shoes

In this comprehensive gear tester’s guide, we’ll delve deep into the world of Saucony running shoes, exploring the brand’s rich history, cutting-edge technologies, and the top-performing models for every runner’s needs.

As an avid running expert and gear enthusiast, I have put these shoes through their paces, testing them across various terrains, distances, and conditions to bring you an unbiased and insightful review.

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner aiming for a new personal best, an overpronator seeking stability and support, or an adventure-seeking trail runner, Saucony has a shoe tailored just for you. But choosing the perfect pair is no simple feat, as individual preferences and biomechanics play a crucial role in the decision-making process.

Let’s checkout their top-performing models for neutral runners, those needing overpronation support, specialized trail running options, and how to ensure the perfect fit for your feet.

7 Best Saucony Running Shoes

All right, the Endorphin line is getting all the hype right now. And they are awesome, I’m going to tell you more about them below. But they just aren’t the ONLY thing that Saucony is doing really well.

They have other shoes that have stood the test of time and continue to be favorites of mine and many other runners.

Let’s dive into the list of the best Saucony running shoes!

Best Saucony Long Run Shoe: Saucony Triumph 24

The Saucony Triumph 24 is a max cushioned trainer with a high-stack, maximalist shoe that somehow remains lightweight and bouncy even with all its cushion. The shoe is sturdy and durable, and it gives an energetic and responsive ride for this class of trainers.

Alongside the update to the midsole foam, Saucony also reengineered the lightweight mesh upper of the Triumph 24, making the shoe feel soft and comfortable yet light and breathable for a variety of climates and runs.

It’s a shoe that the middle and back of the pack can happily wear on half marathon and marathon race days!Sauconyh Triumph 24 Foam

While these shoes are lightweight for a max trainer, they still aren’t designed to pick up the pace. They are fantastic long run shoes and can easily handle marathon pace for the 4:30+ Marathon runner

Specifications

Best Saucony Lightweight Daily Trainer: Saucony Kinvara 16

This has been one of my go to shoe models for nearly a decade. That being said, the Kinvara has changed over that time. I’m so excited that for the 16 Saucony went back to the original stack height of 29mm!

There was also a small change to the geometry of the midsole, but as someone who has worn this shoe for YEARS, it didn’t really stand out to me.

The Kinvara continues to be a lightweight, nicely cushioned trainer that you’ll want to keep grabbing for. Saucony Kinvara 16 Review

The Saucony Kinvara 16 feels smooth and stable. If you want to pick up the pace in these, absolutely go for it! The PWRRUN foam is going to provide even more energy return, really giving the snappier feel underfoot.

The shoe’s upper is made from a breathable mesh material that allows for maximum airflow and helps to keep feet cool and dry. This one has a bootie style fit, meaning that the tongue is attached. I LOVE this because it means it’s not going to be moving all over while I run.

Specifications

Best Saucony Stability Shoe: Saucony Guide 19

The Saucony Guide 19 is going to be your stability shoe go-to.

That broad-based platform makes up what Saucony refers to as their CenterPath technology, which guides the foot through smooth transitions, while the high sidewalls hug the foot to provide additional support through the heel.

We love that nothing here feels overcorrective and there is no firm medial post, meaning you actually feel the cushion underfoot.

The real star of the show is the PWRRUN foam, which Saucony says is softer and even more responsive in this version of the Guide. In these it was the perfect level of softness, without sacrificing stability and responsiveness.

Not sure whether to pick the Saucony Ride or Guide…you know we got you covered.

Saucony Guide 19 Overview

The major downside to this stability shoe is one that plagues so many: weight. It’s a basic-looking shoe with a great, comfortable feel, but it’s not the easiest to pick up the pace. Definitely look to these as your easy run shoe.

Part of the weight in this model is more rubber coverage on the outsole, which improves durability.

Specifications

Best Saucony Max Cushion: Saucony Hurricane 26

 

Saucony has been revamping their foams on a few shoes and it is making an already good thing better, we have seen the IncrediLux foam on the Triumph 24 as well. Better cushion, more bounce, same great frame.

The Saucony Hurricane 26 is one of the best max-cushioned stability shoes available today. Rather than feeling bulky or overly corrective, it delivers a smooth, energetic ride that works for everything from easy daily miles to long training runs.

Its not fast, its not flashy, but boy is it comfy. If you are not afraid of the chonk, these make an excellent addition to your rotation for those days you don’t want to think about your feet for some easy running.
Saucony Hurricane 26 OverviewWill these be for everyone? No. That’s ok, there is no one perfect shoe for everyone. This is a LOT of shoe. But they also feel amazing and will be great for those nice easy miles, long miles, or joint friendly recovery miles.

Specifications

  • Weight: 9.2 Men’s, 8.1 Women’s
  • Stack Height: 41mm
  • Heel Drop: 6mm
  • Available in wide
  • Available on Saucony.com for $170

Best Saucony Max Cushion Super Trainer: Saucony Paramount Max

The Saucony Paramount Max will likely be a polarizing shoe. The Minimalist Militia will likely be turned off by it, while the Plush Platoon will think it’s the best thing since sliced bread.

Stability is great in the Paramount Max. A very broad platform gives you a lot of surface area to land. A substantial medial sidewall and a slightly lower lateral sidewall keep your foot centered as you roll through your stride.

It’s heavy compared to other super trainers, but also a really fun ride. You get that pick up, wonderful cushion and all with a lot of stability. It’s going to be a shoe that appeals more to the mid and back of the pack seeking a fun ride with the ability to go faster and long, but probably not so much for the front of the pack.Saucony Paramount Max Review

It can handle daily miles, recovery runs, long runs, and if it’s not a great long run option for you it can be paired with something like an Endorphin Speed for an all-Saucony Rotation.

If you’re not bothered by a heavier shoe on long runs you can have one shoe to do most of everything, save for the faster stuff.

Heavier runners will likely love the protection over long mile.

Specifications

Best Saucony Carbon Plate: Saucony Endorphin Elite 3

The shoes use Saucony’s new IncrediRUN foam, which has a super-soft, energetic feel while still providing enough cushioning to stay comfortable during harder efforts and race-day miles.

The IncrediRUN foam definitely has a sink-ink feeling, but the tradeoff is that running fast feels almost effortless.

Saucony also updated the plate design from previous models by introducing a new slotted carbon fiber plate.

The slotted design enhances the feel of the brand’s SpeedRoll technology, which is why every step felt so smooth and effortless during my run.

endorphine elite 3 overview

The tongue is attached to the upper and made from a super stretchy material, which makes the shoe easy to pull on while still allowing the tongue to lie flat comfortably once the laces are tied.

The heel is super flexible and has just the right amount of padding to keep things comfortable without creating any hot spots or blisters.

This lightweight, race-day shoe is perfect for those looking to hit PRs, from the 5k through the half-marathon. Front of the pack runners will find it holds up for marathon day, but we recommend other shoes for mid to back of the pack marathon runners.

Specifications

Runner Up Best Race Day Shoe: Saucony Endorphin Pro 5

Designed for speed with the carbon fiber plate, this is also a race day shoe. It’s got the carbon plate for speed, the cushion for that energy return. You are going to find this shoe is even softer than the Elite and you feel the speedroll even more than in the elite.

A change you may only notice if you put on one of each (the Pro 5 vs the Pro 4) is how it feels underfoot. That’s because Saucony changed the foam and plate to give a faster feel and turnover.

Underfoot, the Pro 5 is like a layered performance stack. You’ve got a PWRRUN PB base, topped with supercritical PWRRUN HG, paired with the new aggressive slotted carbon fiber plate, and finished off with a more durable PWRTRAC rubber outsole.

The upper now uses an updated sock-like liner, which we usually love. But on a few runs where my socks didn’t come up high enough, there were consequences, aka a few blisters.

endorphin pro 5 preview

The Pro 5’s outsole underwent a minor makeover. To improve grip and reduce surface abrasion, Saucony added a PWRTRAC rubber outsole. This change in the outsole means that if you’re a heavier runner, durability isn’t even a worry.

Specifications

Honorable Mention Race Day Shoe: Saucony Azura

This is a brand new shoe that Saucony introduced to its lineup in 2026. It was one we were skeptical about at first but is now a shoe we’re grabbing for constantly.

When you first wear the Saucony Endorphin Azura, they might feel a bit firm and not super snappy. Stick with them for a few runs, once you break them in a little, that’s when the magic starts to happen.

Like all Endorphin shoes, the Azura features SPEEDROLL technology, designed to help your foot move through each stride smoothly and more efficiently.

Saucony Endorphin Azura Review

The Azura is also the only Endorphin shoe to use PWRRUN PB foam without a plate, which means you’ll get a slightly softer, more cushioned feel underfoot compared to the others.

This PEBA foam is lighter and offers great energy return, but without a plate, it’s not going to feel as fast as the Endorphin Speed. It may also lessen the durability compared to the EVA, which is where the outsole comes in.

It’s a lightweight, high-performance daily trainer with just the right amount of cushion, making it a good pick for a wide range of runners.

Specifications

Best Speed Work Shoe: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

If you’ve ever had to pack a second pair of shoes just in case you want to toss in a little speedwork, you’ll appreciate the versatility here. The Endorphin Speed 5 is that rare mix of lightweight and responsive without being overly aggressive.Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 spec

It’s a solid pick for interval workouts, tempo runs, and anything fast-paced. But Saucony also built it with enough cushioning and durability to carry you through longer training runs, too, making it a pretty versatile option to have in your rotation.

Saucony made a smart move with the Speed 5 by extending the rubber outsole all the way to the end of the heel, which helps with durability; you’re less likely to see the sole breaking down after just a handful of runs.

Specifications

Honorable…ish Mention: Endorphin Shift

This feels like a cushioned slightly stabilizing shoe, good for everyday training. Admittedly I did not love the newest version which had a massive increase in stack height.

That’s why I didn’t break it out in the list as one of the best running shoes, but since it’s part of the super popular Endorphin line I felt like it had to be mentioned.

Saucony Endorphin shift 3 Review

Specifications

Best Saucony Trail Running Shoe: Saucony Peregrine 16

The Peregrine 16 brings back support and confidence on technical trails while still feeling easy on smooth singletrack.

It keeps things comfortable with a nice amount of padding around the back of the heel collar.  In addition to the slightly padded tongue with a PWRRUN+ sock liner, there is gusseting for about two-thirds of the length just to keep things from sliding side to side over the miles.  

And the gaiter hooks are still there for that added accessory on the gravel terrain.Saucony Peregrine 16 Overview

The 4mm heel to toe drop is another reason we’ve long recommended this shoe. It reduces that knee angle and really helps with IT Band issues for a lot of runners.

Specifications

Saucony’s Unique Technology

Each brand has a variety of technology that sets them apart and right now for Saucony it consists of a few key elements. You saw us mention a few different of these in the shoe descriptions above, so let’s take a look!

Saucony Speed Roll

A bit like the metarocker you’ve heard of. It uses elevated cushioning and a stiff forefoot, which creates a more responsive shoe to help move you forward.

PWRRUN

PWRRUN is a midsole cushioning material that offers a perfect balance between softness and responsiveness. It is engineered to provide a plush underfoot feel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride throughout your run. The lightweight nature of PWRRUN helps to reduce the overall shoe weight, which is beneficial for longer distances, speed workouts, and race days. This cushioning technology aims to attenuate impact forces, reducing the strain on your legs and feet, while also delivering a more energetic toe-off for a snappier and efficient stride.

PWRRUN+

Building on the foundation of PWRRUN, Saucony introduced PWRRUN+ as an enhanced version of their cushioning technology. PWRRUN+ takes cushioning to the next level by being even softer and more responsive, making it ideal for runners who prioritize maximum comfort without compromising on performance.

The additional responsiveness of PWRRUN+ ensures that each stride feels more lively and energized, contributing to an improved running experience. This technology is often featured in Saucony’s premium and high-performance running shoe models, catering to runners seeking an ultra-plush and bouncy feel during their runs.

More about Saucony

Like another well known running brand (New Balance), Saucony started it’s first factory in 1898 in Kutztown, Pennsylvania near the Saucony Creek. And by 1910 they were making running spikes…but few people were running or even looking for running shoes, so it wasn’t until the 1970’s that they started to grow.Saucony History

First they became known for their casual shoe with it’s cool style and then, the big time hit.

Runner’s World featured them in 1979 as a top 10 running shoe. By the 80’s they were making shoes with a non-slip sole which was a big innovation.

Then came 2009 and the Saucony Kinvara – this one shoe changed many things about their design and philosophy. It was the more natural running shoe (yes during the barefoot trend).  The new goal became how to strip shoes down, without sacrificing cushion and comfort.

Good performance, good health and good community are their guiding principles.  You may have seen their hashtag #runforgood – which is really about doing good, giving back and finding sustainable practices.

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