Topped off with a simple, yet effective Engineered Sandwich Mesh upper for a comfortable lockdown, this shoe tries to check many boxes with a single daily trainer.

This all seems well and good, but does it deliver on this promise? Let’s get into it and find out!

UPPER - Materials and Lockdown

The Endorphin Shift features an Engineered Sandwich Mesh Upper, which was inspired by Saucony's track spikes to stretch and adapt for a lightweight and unrestrained feeling.

This mesh is complemented with Saucony’s FORMFIT technology to hug the foot comfortably and deliver a personalized fit.

This mesh is supported by a TPU Heel Counter that supports the heel through the gait cycle. It works in unison with a medial rubber wrap to enhance structural support while minimizing extra weight.

This grants the runner some extra inherent stability throughout the heel-to-toe off.

The lacing system is fluid and provides a comfortable and secure lockdown when paired with such a padded tongue.

This upper is made with the intent of simplicity and comfort, it allows you to log all of those daily miles and long runs without having to think about lockdown issues or discomfort. The Shift just gets out of the way and lets you focus your run.

POSITIVE: The Heel Counter’s inherent stability through the gait cycle.

DRAWBACK: The upper mesh in the toe box area bunches up if you have narrow feet.

MIDSOLE - Soft Cushion with Energy Return

The midsole is made up of the new PWRRUN material, which cushions the underfoot and provides a “just-right” softness that feels forgiving without being squishy.

The PWRRUN foam is ideal for runners who want some solid underfoot protection and energy return. It feels soft, but also firm enough to feel durable and able to handle higher workloads.

This foam is designed around Saucony’s SPEEDROLL technology, which creates an “always forward” geometry that provides a lively rolling feel underfoot.

This again feels like it contributes to a more efficient stride by rolling the foot into the push phase of the gait cycle without any extra friction or wasted motion.

Integrating roller geometry is popular in the shoe industry nowadays. Saucony implements this without feeling awkward or overdone.

The midsole design shines on this shoe for Saucony. They nail a balance between soft and snappy.

The Endorphin Shift is stiff enough to provide some great energy return and propulsion, but also soft enough to allow for recovery on easy days.

Our friend Noble breaks the Endorphin SHIFT down in his video review. 

POSITIVE: Soft, Responsive, and Efficient Roll Geometry in Midsole.

DRAWBACK: Maybe too much foam, which adds to the shoe’s weight.

OUTSOLE - Strategic and Simple

Saucony implements an XT-900 rubber outsole, which is placed strategically to increase traction and durability.

The rubber is placed to protect the areas that have the most contact on the ground, which is generally the outside of the heel and the inside front area by the big toe.

This pairs well with the midsole foam, as it is durable enough to allow for less outsole rubber without compromising on durability. If anything, Saucony may be able to get away with even less outsole rubber to bring down the weight.

There is no question about it. The Saucony Endorphin Shift is built to provide comfort and stability on those recovery and mileage days.

The blend of cushioning and rolling geometry make the Shift soft enough for someone looking to save the legs, but also responsive enough to get things going when you feel good.

Because it has such a solid blend of cushioning and responsiveness, the Endorphin Shift could make for a good long run shoe as well. This will allow you to get in some quality miles without feeling too beat up the next day.

It’s not quite as light as most runners prefer their long-run shoe to be, but it can get the job done with an added recovery benefit.

The Endorphin Shift is a great option for many types of runs, but definitely best as a standard daily trainer.

Initially, I thought that the price was too high for a daily trainer, but after realizing the potentially extended durability I have changed my opinion. The price is pretty fair because it could last almost as long as two standard daily trainers on the market.

That is not to say I don’t wish for the price to be lower, as most daily trainers tend to be closer to the $120-$130 range but it seems like a fair enough trade for what you’re getting in return in terms of build quality, comfort, and durability.

You also need to consider what you want in a shoe, because the Endorphin lineup offers a dynamic and lightweight workout shoe/daily trainer in the Speed for about $160 and also a truly competitive racing shoe in the Pro for $200.

If you are looking for a faster and more aggressive daily trainer or racer, then these may be better options.

If you want a shoe that offers more options than just “daily training” then the extra $20 for the Endorphin Speed may be a better option for you.