Endorphin Elite 3

I tried them on and was obsessed! Easily most fun shoe I have demoed, but I simply could not spend $290 at the time on one pair of shoes that may only go 100 miles. As ugly as the EE3 are though, they fixed essentially every issue I had with the EE2. Maybe if I come across some extra cash this summer I will try them out.

For me the EE2 were just too unstable for long distances, and the toebox taper paired with the somewhat unforgiving upper material in the reinforced spots rubbed/squeezed my toes. The EE3 lacks the medial cutout which promotes better stability, and the upper is a stretchy mesh-like material that conforms better to my foot. It may lessen the durability though. Not sure on that score.

I tried to like them. I actually have two pairs. But they are like a quicksand when trying to run any faster. I land on a different part of my sole depending how quick I'm going and there are some paces where the stability feels just good. But mostly it is not just stable enough for me. Elite 3 looks promising, based on the Doctors of Running review.

EVO Sl are great shoes for tempo workouts, but they really end at 10k, for longer runs I go for the Adizero Pro 4’s, but for a HM and coming from Evo SL’s the pro 3’s are probably better, here you can still buy them at some shops, for about 170eur, not sure what your situation is. The nitro elites are also a great option, since the foam is also a bit more firmer, but sizing can be a thing, they are pretty narrow. Also the endorphin speed pro’s are a bit firmer, but they don’t have the bounce and pop like the Evo SL’s, perhaps the Saucony Elite 1, comes a bit closer. Foams nowadays are for a lot of brands far softer but with great bounce, and the evo SL’s is at a sweet spot but it needs for your running a HM a bit more stability. 

I like mine, considered them for a marathon but having done a 5k and 10k fartlek session in them yesterday I feel I won’t get the best out of them as they absolutely fly at the faster paces, and I’m not fast enough, the midsole doesn’t feel a soft to me as a lot of the reviewers make out, it compresses but like it’s under tension, like it’s always ready to explode. Quite a different feeling to anything else I’ve used. I think the endorphin elite and adi pro 4 are heaps softer. For foam properties/squish I’d say it feels similar to zoom x but with more resistance. I’m 86kg for reference.

I’m usually a Brooks girl (a lot of miles in Glycerins) but love the Endorphin Elite for race day. I’ve gone through a couple of pairs and both have been excellent and reliable - could be interesting if you’re already in the Saucony world too. They’ve been part of my plan for a couple of big marathon PRs.  IMO they are very light, and have an intense rocker, but still feel stable and comfortable. Minimal ground feel but also not deep cushion… just bouncy.  Haven’t tried a ton of super shoes but they were a big step up for me from the Brooks Hyperion Elite (which just still isn’t super competitive).