Saucony Endorphin Azura: the best non-plated training shoe on the market?

At Saucony, the Endorphin line has become, in just a few years, a true benchmark for runners chasing performance. Endorphin Speed, Endorphin Pro, Endorphin Elite—three models that have shaped the brand’s fast DNA. With these shoes on their feet, thousands of runners have smashed personal bests. But what about an everyday training shoe? With the Endorphin Azura, Saucony smartly extends its performance range into daily running, offering a fast daily trainer without a carbon plate, yet built with the best ingredients from the Endorphin family: generous PWRRUN PB foam underfoot and the iconic SpeedRoll rocker geometry, a Saucony signature. No, this isn’t just another rework of an old model—the Azura is here to establish itself among the best premium daily trainers on the market.

| Saucony’s most versatile shoe to date

Until now, Saucony’s daily trainer lineup was already strong, with the Ride, a long-standing everyday classic (19 versions and counting), and the Triumph, more versatile and comfort-oriented thanks to its PWRRUN PB foam. But runners now want more—more performance and more versatility underfoot. That’s exactly what the Endorphin Azura delivers.

Think of it as a plate-free Endorphin Speed 5, with even more foam. Its ambition is clear: deliver a more dynamic, playful, performance-driven running experience that covers a wide range of paces for everyday use—without the demands of a plated shoe. It slots seamlessly into an now ultra-complete Endorphin collection: Endorphin Speed 5 for fast training, Endorphin Pro 4 and Endorphin Elite 2 for race day.

| Lightweight and lively with PWRRUN PB foam

At the heart of the Azura is a proven combo:
✔ Full-length PWRRUN PB foam—soft, light, and highly responsive
✔ SpeedRoll geometry, the Endorphin line’s signature, promoting a smooth roll-through and quick forward transition

With a 40 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot stack (8 mm drop), the Azura is more generous than both the Endorphin Speed and the Triumph—yet still lighter, at 240 g (men) and 212 g (women). That puts it among the lightest daily trainers available.

The absence of a plate clearly changes the feel: the stride is freer and more natural, yet still very dynamic. Many expert testers agree—the plate isn’t missed, thanks to the foam and rocker doing an excellent job creating propulsion.

© Saucony

© Saucony

© Saucony

© Saucony

© Saucony

© Saucony

| On the road: impressive versatility

This is where the Endorphin Azura truly shines. At easy paces, it feels comfortable and stable. Pick up the pace, and it adapts instantly—light, dynamic, and propulsive.

The pronounced rocker and well-tuned firmness of the PWRRUN PB foam create an almost automatic roll-through. Many runners describe that hallmark feeling of great fast daily trainers: “I’m running faster than I thought—without forcing it.”

Another frequently praised strength is stability. Despite the use of a super-foam, the Azura sits confidently on the ground, with a fairly wide platform and natural foot alignment. A real asset for a neutral shoe—especially on longer runs, when form can deteriorate late.

| A simple, effective, well-designed upper

The upper stays true to Saucony’s DNA: breathable, lightweight, with a comfortable, fairly universal fit. There’s ample room, secure midfoot hold without pressure, and a minimalist tongue that stays put. It doesn’t try to impress—it simply does exactly what it should. Underfoot, the XT-900 rubber outsole delivers reliable grip and reassuring durability, perfectly suited for daily use.

| Who is it for?

The Endorphin Azura targets a broad but performance-minded audience:
➜ Neutral runners
➜ Performance-oriented daily training
➜ Dynamic easy runs, tempo runs, active long runs
➜ Runners who love a sense of speed—without carbon plates
➜ Runners seeking an excellent fun / performance / value balance
➜ Runners looking for one shoe to do it all

For some recreational runners, it can even double as a race shoe.

| Endorphin Azura vs Endorphin Speed: what’s the difference?

The comparison is inevitable, but the differences are clear:
Endorphin Speed
✔ More rigid and structured, with a nylon plate
✔ Strongly oriented toward speed sessions and even racing (depending on level)

Endorphin Azura
✔ Softer and more natural
✔ More versatile for everyday use
✔ Just as fun—often easier to live with day to day

Two complementary philosophies, not competitors. The Azura excels on daily runs and active endurance long runs, where its generous foam really shines. The Endorphin Speed 5 is snappier thanks to its nylon plate, but may feel less versatile for everyday mileage.

| The Endorphin lineup

➜ Endorphin Azura: Premium daily trainer—fast, versatile, ideal for everyday runs and tempos
➜ Endorphin Speed 5: More dynamic trainer with a nylon plate, ideal for fast workouts
➜ Endorphin Pro 4: Carbon-plated race shoe, ultra-dynamic, from 5K to marathon
➜ Endorphin Elite 2: More aggressive carbon racer with IncrediRUN foam, from 5K to marathon

| What really matters

With the Endorphin Azura, Saucony nails it. The brand extends its performance range without muddying the waters, delivering a fast, light, stable, and incredibly enjoyable daily trainer. No plate—but plenty of performance, thanks to an outstanding foam, an effective rocker, and a shoe that simply makes you want to run. Often. For a long time. And sometimes, very fast. At €160, the Azura already stands out as one of the best value premium training shoes for 2026.

© Saucony

© Saucony

© Saucony

© Saucony

The Saucony Endorphin Azura is the shoe that brings fun to every daily run—and it’s bound to make waves in 2026. For Saucony, it’s a smart evolution, perfectly integrated into an Endorphin lineup that’s already proven itself. And if you love the Endorphin feel but want something more accessible for everyday running, the Saucony Azura is very likely the shoe you’ve been waiting for.

✔ The Saucony Endorphin Azura has been available since February 1, 2026, on saucony.com for €160.

Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist