Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 vs Endorphin Pro 3: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 vs Endorphin Pro 3: For runners seeking a high-performance ride, Saucony’s Endorphin Pro series has been a go-to choice for many.
With the release of the Endorphin Pro 3, many are wondering how it stacks up against its predecessor, the Endorphin Pro 2.
From updates to the midsole and upper to changes in weight and ride, we’ll break down the nuances of each shoe to help you choose the perfect companion for your next run.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 vs Endorphin Pro 3: A Quick Overview

Similarities:
- Both shoes feature a carbon fiber plate for added propulsion and energy return
- They share a similar midsole geometry and rocker design for a smooth ride
- Both shoes have a breathable and lightweight upper with a comfortable fit
- They both have a 8mm heel-to-toe offset
Differences:
- Weight:Â Endorphin Pro 3 is slightly lighter than the Endorphin Pro 2 (7.4 oz vs 7.7 oz)
- Midsole Material:Â Endorphin Pro 3 features a new, lighter, and more responsive midsole material called PWRRUN PB
- Upper Material:Â Endorphin Pro 3 has a more minimalist and lightweight upper with reduced material usage
- Heel Counter:Â Endorphin Pro 3 has a more substantial and supportive heel counter for improved stability
- Traction:Â Endorphin Pro 3 has a revised outsole with deeper grooves for improved traction and durability
- Color Options:Â Endorphin Pro 3 has more color options available compared to the Endorphin Pro 2
Performance:
- Both shoes are designed for fast and efficient running, but the Endorphin Pro 3 is slightly more responsive and springy
- The Endorphin Pro 3 is better suited for shorter, faster runs, while the Endorphin Pro 2 is more versatile and can handle longer distances
Conclusion:
- If you’re looking for a more responsive and lightweight shoe for shorter, faster runs, the Endorphin Pro 3 might be the better choice
- If you prefer a more versatile shoe that can handle longer distances, the Endorphin Pro 2 might be the better option
Cushioning and Comfort: Which Brand Offers Better Comfort?

Cushioning
- Endorphin Pro 2:
- Features a PWRTRAC technology for a smooth heel-to-toe transition
- Has a more substantial and softer midsole for added cushioning
- Provides a more comfortable ride, especially for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis
- Endorphin Pro 3:
- Features a new PWRRUN PB midsole material that’s lighter and more responsive
- Has a slightly firmer and more responsive midsole for a snappier feel
- Provides a more efficient and springy ride, but may not be as comfortable for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis
Comfort
- Endorphin Pro 2:
- Has a more substantial and comfortable upper with a roomier toe box
- Features a more padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Provides a more relaxed and comfortable fit, especially for runners with wider feet
- Endorphin Pro 3:
- Has a more minimalist and lightweight upper with reduced material usage
- Features a more streamlined and snugger fit, especially in the midfoot and heel
- Provides a more secure and locked-in feel, but may be less comfortable for runners with wider feet
Key Differences
- The Endorphin Pro 2 is more focused on comfort and cushioning, while the Endorphin Pro 3 is more focused on performance and responsiveness
- The Endorphin Pro 2 is better suited for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning, while the Endorphin Pro 3 is better suited for runners who prioritize speed and efficiency
Support and Stability: Which Shoe Reigns Supreme?

Support
- Endorphin Pro 2:
- Features a more substantial and supportive heel counter for added stability
- Has a more pronounced medial post for added support and stability
- Provides a more supportive ride, especially for runners with moderate to severe overpronation
- Endorphin Pro 3:
- Has a more minimalist and lightweight heel counter for a more natural stride
- Features a reduced medial post for a more neutral ride
- Provides a more neutral and efficient ride, but may not be as supportive for runners with severe overpronation
Stability
- Endorphin Pro 2:
- Has a more substantial and supportive midfoot for added stability
- Features a more pronounced lateral crash pad for added stability and smooth heel-to-toe transition
- Provides a more stable ride, especially for runners with moderate to severe overpronation
- Endorphin Pro 3:
- Has a more minimalist and lightweight midfoot for a more natural stride
- Features a reduced lateral crash pad for a more efficient ride
- Provides a more efficient and responsive ride, but may not be as stable for runners with severe overpronation
Key Differences
- The Endorphin Pro 2 is more focused on support and stability, while the Endorphin Pro 3 is more focused on efficiency and responsiveness
- The Endorphin Pro 2 is better suited for runners who need more support and stability, while the Endorphin Pro 3 is better suited for runners who prioritize efficiency and speed
Traction and Grip: Which Shoe Stack Up for Hiking?

Traction
- Endorphin Pro 2:
- Features a PWRTRAC technology for a smooth heel-to-toe transition
- Has a more aggressive tread pattern for added traction on various surfaces
- Provides a more confident and stable ride on wet and slippery surfaces
- Endorphin Pro 3:
- Features a revised outsole with deeper grooves for improved traction and grip
- Has a more flexible and adaptive tread pattern for improved grip on various surfaces
- Provides a more responsive and agile ride on dry and smooth surfaces
Grip
- Endorphin Pro 2:
- Has a more substantial and aggressive outsole for added grip on wet and slippery surfaces
- Features a more prominent heel-to-toe offset for added grip and traction
- Provides a more confident and stable ride on wet and slippery surfaces
- Endorphin Pro 3:
- Has a more minimalist and lightweight outsole for improved grip and traction on dry surfaces
- Features a more subtle heel-to-toe offset for a more natural stride
- Provides a more agile and responsive ride on dry and smooth surfaces
Key Differences
- The Endorphin Pro 2 is more focused on traction and grip on wet and slippery surfaces, while the Endorphin Pro 3 is more focused on grip and traction on dry and smooth surfaces
- The Endorphin Pro 2 is better suited for runners who prioritize traction and grip on wet and slippery surfaces, while the Endorphin Pro 3 is better suited for runners who prioritize agility and responsiveness on dry and smooth surfaces
Weight and Responsiveness: The Verdict Both The Shoes

Weight
- Endorphin Pro 2:
- Weighs approximately 7.7 oz (men’s size 9)
- Has a more substantial and supportive midsole and outsole
- Provides a more comfortable and cushioned ride, but at the cost of added weight
- Endorphin Pro 3:
- Weighs approximately 7.4 oz (men’s size 9)
- Has a more minimalist and lightweight midsole and outsole
- Provides a more responsive and agile ride, with reduced weight and improved efficiency
Responsiveness
- Endorphin Pro 2:
- Features a more substantial and supportive midsole for added cushioning and comfort
- Has a more pronounced heel-to-toe offset for added stability and support
- Provides a more comfortable and cushioned ride, but with reduced responsiveness
- Endorphin Pro 3:
- Features a more minimalist and lightweight midsole for improved responsiveness and agility
- Has a more subtle heel-to-toe offset for a more natural stride
- Provides a more responsive and agile ride, with improved efficiency and speed
Key Differences
- The Endorphin Pro 2 is more focused on comfort and cushioning, while the Endorphin Pro 3 is more focused on responsiveness and agility
- The Endorphin Pro 2 is better suited for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning, while the Endorphin Pro 3 is better suited for runners who prioritize speed and efficiency
Breathability and Ventilation: Keeping Your Feet Cool and Dry
Breathability
- Endorphin Pro 2:
- Features a more substantial and supportive upper with a breathable mesh material
- Has a more prominent tongue and collar for added breathability and ventilation
- Provides a more comfortable and breathable ride, but with reduced ventilation
- Endorphin Pro 3:
- Features a more minimalist and lightweight upper with a highly breathable mesh material
- Has a more streamlined tongue and collar for improved ventilation and airflow
- Provides a more ventilated and breathable ride, with improved airflow and moisture management
Ventilation
- Endorphin Pro 2:
- Has a more substantial and supportive upper with reduced ventilation and airflow
- Features a more prominent heel counter and tongue for added support and stability
- Provides a more comfortable and supportive ride, but with reduced ventilation
- Endorphin Pro 3:
- Has a more minimalist and lightweight upper with improved ventilation and airflow
- Features a more streamlined heel counter and tongue for improved ventilation and moisture management
- Provides a more ventilated and breathable ride, with improved airflow and moisture management
Key Differences
- The Endorphin Pro 2 is more focused on comfort and support, while the Endorphin Pro 3 is more focused on ventilation and breathability
- The Endorphin Pro 2 is better suited for runners who prioritize comfort and support, while the Endorphin Pro 3 is better suited for runners who prioritize ventilation and breathability
Durability and Longevity: Which Shoe Will Last Longer?
Durability
- Endorphin Pro 2:
- Features a more substantial and supportive midsole and outsole for added durability
- Has a more robust and durable upper material for improved longevity
- Provides a more durable and long-lasting ride, with reduced wear and tear
- Endorphin Pro 3:
- Features a more minimalist and lightweight midsole and outsole for improved efficiency
- Has a more streamlined and lightweight upper material for reduced weight and improved flexibility
- Provides a more efficient and agile ride, but with reduced durability and longevity
Longevity
- Endorphin Pro 2:
- Has a more substantial and supportive midsole and outsole for improved longevity
- Features a more robust and durable upper material for extended wear and tear
- Provides a more durable and long-lasting ride, with improved mileage and wear
- Endorphin Pro 3:
- Has a more minimalist and lightweight midsole and outsole for improved efficiency
- Features a more streamlined and lightweight upper material for reduced weight and improved flexibility
- Provides a more efficient and agile ride, but with reduced longevity and mileage
Key Differences
- The Endorphin Pro 2 is more focused on durability and longevity, while the Endorphin Pro 3 is more focused on efficiency and agility
- The Endorphin Pro 2 is better suited for runners who prioritize durability and longevity, while the Endorphin Pro 3 is better suited for runners who prioritize efficiency and agility
Style and Aesthetics: Which Shoe Looks and Feels Better?
Style
- Endorphin Pro 2:
- Features a more substantial and supportive upper with a bold and aggressive design
- Has a more prominent heel counter and tongue for added style and flair
- Provides a more statement-making and attention-grabbing look
- Endorphin Pro 3:
- Features a more minimalist and lightweight upper with a sleek and streamlined design
- Has a more subtle and understated heel counter and tongue for a more refined look
- Provides a more understated and sophisticated look
Aesthetics
- Endorphin Pro 2:
- Available in a range of bold and vibrant color options
- Features a more prominent Saucony logo and branding for added visual appeal
- Provides a more eye-catching and attention-grabbing aesthetic
- Endorphin Pro 3:
- Available in a range of more subdued and muted color options
- Features a more subtle and understated Saucony logo and branding
- Provides a more refined and sophisticated aesthetic
Key Differences
- The Endorphin Pro 2 is more focused on making a statement and grabbing attention, while the Endorphin Pro 3 is more focused on providing a refined and sophisticated look
- The Endorphin Pro 2 is better suited for runners who want to make a bold fashion statement, while the Endorphin Pro 3 is better suited for runners who prefer a more understated and refined look
The Final Step: Which Shoe Reigns Supreme in Our Head-to-Head Comparison?
The Verdict
- Endorphin Pro 2:
- Ideal for runners who prioritize comfort, support, and durability
- Better suited for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis
- Provides a more comfortable and supportive ride, but with reduced responsiveness and agility
- Endorphin Pro 3:
- Ideal for runners who prioritize responsiveness, agility, and efficiency
- Better suited for runners with neutral foot pronation and a more efficient stride
- Provides a more responsive and agile ride, but with reduced comfort and support
The Winner
- It depends on your individual needs and preferences!
- If you prioritize comfort, support, and durability, the Endorphin Pro 2 may be the better choice
- If you prioritize responsiveness, agility, and efficiency, the Endorphin Pro 3 may be the better choice
- Ultimately, the best shoe for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and running style
FAQs
Q: What is the main difference between the Endorphin Pro 2 and Endorphin Pro 3?
A: The main difference is that the Endorphin Pro 2 is more focused on comfort, support, and durability, while the Endorphin Pro 3 is more focused on responsiveness, agility, and efficiency.
Q: Which shoe is better for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis?
A: The Endorphin Pro 2 is better suited for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis due to its more supportive and comfortable design.
Q: Which shoe is better for runners with neutral foot pronation?
A: The Endorphin Pro 3 is better suited for runners with neutral foot pronation due to its more responsive and agile design.
Q: How do the two shoes compare in terms of weight?
A: The Endorphin Pro 3 is slightly lighter than the Endorphin Pro 2 due to its more minimalist design.
Q: Which shoe has better traction and grip?
A: The Endorphin Pro 2 has better traction and grip due to its more aggressive tread pattern and more substantial outsole.
Q: Which shoe is more breathable and ventilated?
A: The Endorphin Pro 3 is more breathable and ventilated due to its more minimalist upper and improved airflow.
Q: Which shoe is more durable and long-lasting?
A: The Endorphin Pro 2 is more durable and long-lasting due to its more substantial midsole and outsole.

Mia Smith is the founder of Shoe Storyteller, a blog that celebrates the art and stories behind shoes. With a passion for fashion and a flair for storytelling, Mia brings a unique perspective to the world of footwear.