The weather is finally getting to a place where you are don't need as many layers to keep warm just to go for a run, or you may just be ready to get back into running, it's the perfect time to invest in a new pair of shoes.
That's where this guide comes in handy.
We gathered testers from all over the country, including veteran runners at ACTIVE, to extensively test the shoes in this guide. All of our testers put their shoes through a minimum of 20 running miles (some way more than 20 miles) while paying attention to comfort, fit, weight, breathability, flexibility and ride.
From updates of old favorites that had our feet singing to new releases that will ensure you'll find something to motivate your miles well into summer, you're guaranteed to find a shoe you'll love. We know money might be tight, but if you can, treat yourself! You deserve it.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Saucony Triumph 22
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Saucony Ride 17
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
About: The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, a groundbreaking addition to Saucony's renowned lineup of performance footwear. Engineered for runners seeking the perfect blend of speed and comfort, this cutting-edge shoe is designed to elevate your running experience. With its innovative PWRRUN PB foam and carbon-fiber plate, the Endorphin Speed 4 offers exceptional energy return and a smooth, responsive ride. Whether you're training for a marathon or pushing your limits on a tempo run, the Endorphin Speed 4 is your ideal companion for achieving new personal bests.
It's so great to have found a shoe that I can wear for both my warmup run to the track and the intervals on it!
Things We Liked:
"My favorite feature of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is its PWRRUN PB cushioning technology. Even in the heat (which makes everything feel harder!) it made for a comfortable long training session that included some harder efforts."
"Effortless is one word that came to mind when running with these. You don't need to think about them at all."
Areas for Improvement:
"One improvement for the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 could be introducing a wider variety of color options to cater to all preferences and styles."
Final Thoughts
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 - a cutting-edge running shoe crafted to elevate your training and take your performance to the next level! Boasting a full-length nylon winged plate, this shoe delivers an explosive, responsive energy with every single stride. Versatility is at its core, making it the perfect pick for any runner, whether you're hitting the track or training for the big race.
Compared to its predecessor, the Endorphin Speed 4 packs a serious punch - Channeling the fierce, aggressive design of version 2, while retaining the comfort and support of version 3. The result? A top-of-the-line, unrivaled running experience that's guaranteed to leave a lasting impact on the competition. And let's not forget the full-length PWRRUN PB (PEBA) midsole, engineered to offer a plush, durable ride that can handle the toughest of long distances. With an updated upper design, the secure fit and gusseted tongue keep your foot firmly in place, unleashing your true potential with every step.
Specs:
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 7.2oz
- Price: $170
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Road Running
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal For: Recovery, Long Distance, Cross Training
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Saucony Ride 17
About: The Saucony Ride 17 shoes provide an unrivaled blend of comfort, performance, and style, making them an excellent choice for runners of all levels. With the introduction of these shoes, Saucony continues to prioritize innovation, featuring an updated midsole for superior cushioning and a redesigned upper for improved fit and breathability. Designed for everyday training, the Ride 17 ensures a smooth and responsive ride, allowing runners to focus on their stride rather than their footwear. Whether you're hitting the pavement for a quick 5K or embarking on a longer marathon training session, the Saucony Ride 17 is engineered to support and enhance your running experience.
These are the perfect shoes to slip on when the schedule (or body!) says "easy miles."
Things We Liked:
"With a wide, plushly cushioned base. The Saucony Ride 17 is an excellent choice for all those base miles that make up a majority of a runner's training."
Areas for Improvement:
"I would soften up or lower the heel tab just slightly, as the rubbing caused blisters for the first several wears."
Final Thoughts
The Saucony Ride 17 is a solid training shoe. Most Saucony models feel quite comfortable out of the box, and this model and iteration is no different. There is almost a "molds to your foot" feeling right out of the box, however on the run, that "perfectly snug" feeling seemed to take a bit of breaking in to reach its peak comfort.
The laces seemed to stretch/loosen up a bit on the move, and at times required some tightening/relacing. In order to get a snug enough fit with the aforementioned loosening without too much pressure on the midfoot, those with a high midfoot may benefit from a heel-lock lacing pattern.
While it is a neutral shoe, the shoe has a very wide base and increased outsole coverage, which, combined with Saucony's soft and ample PWRRUN+ foam cushioned base, provide a comfortable and stable ride; perfect for those long or recovery miles!
Specs:
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 8.4oz
- Price: $140
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Road Running
- Fit: True to Size (can run wide)
- Ideal For: Recovery, Long Distance, Cross Training
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Saucony Triumph 22
About: Running enthusiasts, are you ready to elevate your running game? The Saucony Triumph 22 promises to blend comfort, performance, and style into a shoe designed specifically for you. Whether you're an experienced marathoner or just starting your running journey, this shoe could be your new best friend on the track. In this article, we'll dissect everything you need to know about the Saucony Triumph 22, make comparisons with previous models, share user experiences, and provide expert tips tailored to your running needs.
The Saucony Triumph 22 is making waves in the running community, thanks to its impressive blend of advanced technology and thoughtful design. This shoe is not just another addition to Saucony’s lineup; it’s a game-changer engineered to offer unparalleled comfort and performance. The Triumph 22 boasts features such as enhanced cushioning, improved stability, and superior responsiveness, making it a top choice for runners aiming for excellence.
These shoes look great with a high stack of foam that gives the perception of speed.
Things We Liked:
"The Triumph 22 is nice on days where your feet may be feeling a little tired and aching to have a shoe with a comfortable interior that is very stable on your ankles."
"Comfort in the best quality of this shoe, so much cushion in the sole and lightweight."
Areas for Improvement:
"I get that Saucony is attempting to move with the trend of more foam and highly cushioned shoes, but being a forefoot runner, I did not feel any responsiveness from this shoe, so it's tall, clunky and heavy without any perceived benefit. I would revert back to less foam with more responsiveness."
"They can be a bit heavy initially but something you can get over quickly."
Final Thoughts
The Saucony Triumph 22 with the PEBA foam is a dependable, comfortable shoe that will deliver on long training runs while protecting your feet. This is a shoe that will last a long time and is solidly constructed with a padded heel to withstand months of training. It is best suited for dry conditions due to shallow tread that does have significant slippage in wet conditions.
Runners that are looking for a versatile shoe that can handle long training runs as well as easier days on the track will likely not pick this shoe as an everyday trainer. It's too heavy and doesn't feel as if it forms to your foot like some other Saucony models. It feels best suited for beginner runners or those logging slow, consistent miles that need extra protection for their feet. In this category, at the price point, it feels there are other everyday trainers that could deliver this and more.
Specs:
- Drop: 10mm
- Weight: 8.8oz
- Price: $160
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Road Running
- Fit: True to Size (can run wide)
- Ideal For: Long Distance, Cross Training
Buy:
Women's | Men's
About the Author
Stephen is the Editor in Chief for ACTIVE.com. He has been running been involved in the fitness industry for more than 10 years but has been running or playing sports for most of his life.
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