Saucony - Endorphin Azura

I’m a very similar runner to you pace-wise and stability-wise. I’m running in the Asics SB3 and Saucony Azura after also searching for a HM shoe (brooks glycerin GTS for marathon training/long runs). Loving them both! The asics are much softer compared to the firmness of the Azura so it may be a personal preference as well. Good luck!

Saucony Endorphin Azura! It’s amazing.

Puma magnify and magmax, Saucony Endorphin Azura (just came out), Novablast 5, Hoka Mach 6, (narrow foot friendly for sure), Tyr Maverick V1 are all lighter and protective but not mushy from my personal experience/research. The 1080v13 and v14 is also my go to casual/walking shoe and they increased the weight quite a bit from one to the other. But even then the 13 was a bit of a slog for me. I think modern trainers have the ability to pick up the pace and protect you on slower runs as well.

Good point to specify that Speed models are really narrowed ! Training for sub3 on marathon, I've found my happiness with the Azura, like Adidas EVO SL / New Balance Rebel, it's nice to found model to run fast without a plate (carbon or nylon).

I love these shoes. I only have about 20 miles in mine across 3 runs but I personally feel like they can do everything but marathon racing, and that’s only because I already have a GOAT marathon shoe. I wanna wear them for every other workout. I have a pretty wide foot, but I sized up a half size and they fit great.

Maybe have a look at Saucony Azura too. Nice daily trainer imo

I’ve been doing my speed work and all my 5K/10K/HM races in the Speed 5. I bought the Azura for the marathon, but after 100 km, I’m still not sure whether I’ll race the marathon in the Speed or the Azura. The Speed still feels nicer for paces around 4:45/km.

I’m a huge fan of the Endorphin Speed series. I actually liked the Speed 4 even more than the Speed 5. So far, I’ve raced all my races in the Speed 4/5. Since I’m currently preparing for my first marathon, I’ve been doing some long runs with marathon-pace segments in the Speeds. However, after around 25 km they start to feel quite stiff. I thought that the nylon plate might be the reason. That’s why I decided to try the Azura, but it wasn’t really the game changer I was hoping for. In my opinion, the Azura is a solid daily trainer and works well for easier runs. But for races and interval or tempo workouts, I’ll definitely stick with the Speeds.

I don’t see much difference between the Speed 5 and the Azura when it comes to stability.

I am also Saucony's best customer! I have Hurricane 25 for slow runs, Speed 5 for intervals and now Azura for daily and long runs. They will be replacing the Tempus 2, which I use for faster long runs and also HM. Also wondering if I should use Azura or Speed 5 for HM.

Love my azura! The colors are a bonus.

I’m also also have the same issues with the Azura tongue. I end up just re-tying it based on how it is in the position after it slides down because it was annoying how no matter what I did it would slide down. The tongues in my other Saucony shoes are pretty different than the Azuras, so they don’t have this issue (EP4, Omni 23, Hurricane 25).

Awesome review! I have about 100 miles in mine and as an overall shoe, they have been great. I also have the same issues with the tongue, where after it slides down, I need to retie the shoe based on how it feels since the tongue sliding down makes it more snug in the mid and forefoot.

I’m also looking for maybe replace my brooks glycerin max almost new that seems to be causing me soreness issues for my slow/ recovery runs. I already have SB2 for the rest of my runs and the softer and more versatile sb3 could be a nice option for my less intense rides. I did tried the azura and loved the respond of theses but my forefoot was not happy with how the fit turned out. Too tight on the sides just by testing them in the store. They would have been a great option for a good price.

If the azura fit well on your feet get theses surprisingly reactive shoes. Novablast are not even close in terms experience. Unfortunately the azura was rubbing my little toes while testing them in store. It would have been my choice for sure.

Idk why but it was slightly shaffing on the right foot not the other. Glad it fits well with you theses ones makes you push forward they are amazing for the price tag.