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The Saucony Endorphin Azura is a plate-free road trainer designed to cover easy runs and faster workouts in one shoe. Its PWRRUN PB foam and SPEEDROLL rocker give it a quick, rolling ride, but independent reviewers describe that ride as firm or dense rather than especially soft and springy. It is worth considering if you want a fast-feeling, relatively stable daily trainer without a plate; runners seeking maximum bounce or extra help at sustained speed may prefer another option.
What the Endorphin Azura is designed to do
Saucony announced the Endorphin Azura on January 20, 2026, as a non-plated daily trainer built with PWRRUN PB foam and SPEEDROLL geometry. The brand says it is intended for both easy running and tempo efforts. That is Saucony’s positioning, not proof that one shoe will suit every pace or runner. Saucony’s announcement
The design combines premium foam with a rocker but leaves out the plate found in some shoes aimed at faster running. That makes the Azura a potential middle ground: more workout-ready than a conventional easy-day shoe, without the stiffer, more assisted feel a plate can bring.
How it feels on the run
A smooth transition, with a firmer feel
Reviewers generally describe the Azura as versatile across easy and faster runs, with a smooth rocker transition. The trade-off is its foam feel: Doctors of Running calls the midsole very firm, while The Run Testers and Tom’s Guide describe it as less springy or dense compared with some alternatives. If you prefer a soft, highly lively ride, that distinction matters more than the shoe’s pace range on paper. Doctors of Running The Run Testers Tom’s Guide
#1 Best Overall
- SUPER FOAM: Relish the soft cushion of PWRRUN PB while you put in daily miles, and feel the power of the foam when it’s time to pick up the pace
- DURABILITY & TRACTION: The XT-900 rubber outsole is engineered to withstand the miles with you, placed where you need it to get the most out of your runs
- SPEEDROLL: A hallmark of the Endorphin series, SPEEDROLL is designed to enhance your transitions, creating a smooth, faster and more efficient ride.
- 8mm Offset
- Vegan and recycled materials
Capable for workouts, but not a plated speed shoe
RunRepeat considers the Azura suitable for easy runs and tempo workouts, and says some runners who prefer non-plated shoes might also use it for racing. Tom’s Guide reviewers liked its transitions across easy, tempo, interval, and longer efforts, but one noticed the missing plate during sustained faster running compared with the Endorphin Speed 5. These are reviewer impressions rather than controlled head-to-head test results. RunRepeat Tom’s Guide
Stability and outsole considerations
Several reviews describe the shoe as stable for a high-stack neutral trainer. The Run Testers also flags the outsole’s thin rubber coverage as a possible durability concern; that is a reviewer’s observation, not a demonstrated lifespan result. The Run Testers
Rank #2
- SUPER FOAM: Relish the soft cushion of PWRRUN PB while you put in daily miles, and feel the power of the foam when it’s time to pick up the pace
- DURABILITY & TRACTION: The XT-900 rubber outsole is engineered to withstand the miles with you, placed where you need it to get the most out of your runs.
- SPEEDROLL: A hallmark of the Endorphin series, SPEEDROLL is designed to enhance your transitions, creating a smooth, faster and more efficient ride.
- 8mm Offset
Fit, weight, and stack measurements
Fit impressions are broadly true to size, but they come from individual reviewers and do not guarantee a match for every foot. Doctors of Running’s David Salas found his men’s 9.5 true to size, with a slightly wide forefoot and otherwise fairly normal fit. The Run Testers’ four reviewers reported no sizing issue in their usual sizes, and Running Warehouse also lists the shoe as true to size. Trying it on is the best way to judge comfort and width. Doctors of Running The Run Testers Running Warehouse
Published measurements vary with the reviewer’s method and sample size. RunRepeat measured its sample at 40.7 mm in the heel and 32.7 mm in the forefoot, for an 8.0 mm drop; its tested shoe weighed 241 g (8.5 oz). Those are lab measurements of that sample, not universal specifications. Doctors of Running lists 40/32 mm and an 8 mm drop, with a men’s size 9 weight of 240 g (8.5 oz). The Run Testers lists 40/32 mm and an 8 mm drop, and its men’s UK 9 / US 10 shoe weighed 248 g (8.7 oz). Running Warehouse lists 41/33 mm, an 8 mm offset, and a men’s size 9 weight of 8.6 oz. RunRepeat Doctors of Running The Run Testers Running Warehouse
Rank #3
- Carbon Plate Racing Shoe for Speed — Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 features a dual-layer superfoam midsole with PWRRUN HG and PWRRUN PB for maximum energy return, cushioning, and race-day efficiency.
- Updated Slotted Carbon Fiber Plate — Full-length carbon plate with forefoot slots delivers explosive propulsion while allowing natural medial and lateral flex for smoother toe-off.
- Speedroll Technology for Fast Transitions — Aggressive rocker geometry promotes quick turnover, forward momentum, and efficient stride mechanics during tempo runs and races.
- Lightweight, Breathable Race-Fit Upper — Engineered mesh upper with elastic wrap provides a locked-in, secure fit while remaining breathable and ultra-light for competition.
- Durable High-Traction Road Outsole — PWRTRAC rubber outsole offers reliable grip, abrasion resistance, and confidence on wet or dry pavement during training and race day.
In RunRepeat’s lab testing, energy return measured 70.6% in the heel and 74.7% in the forefoot. These results describe that lab’s tested shoe and method; they do not by themselves predict how responsive the shoe will feel to an individual runner. RunRepeat
Who should consider the Azura?
- Consider it if you want one neutral road shoe for daily mileage with the option to run faster, and you like a rocker and premium foam without a plate.
- It may also suit you if you value a relatively stable platform in a fast-feeling trainer; reviewers noted stability compared with some lighter, livelier competitors.
- Look elsewhere or try it first if you want a very soft, highly springy ride, or want more assistance during sustained fast efforts. Reviewers found the Azura firmer or less lively than some rivals, and described the plated Endorphin Speed 5 as having more punch for faster running.
How it compares with alternatives
These are comparison points reported by reviewers, not a universal ranking. Fit and ride preferences are personal, and current model versions and prices can change.
Rank #4
- Designed as an up-tempo shoe, it’s quickly proven itself as much more, equally capable during long, moderate training sessions and sprints to the finish.
- Energy efficient PWRRUN PB foam bounces back with every step combined with a winged nylon plate that provides torsional rigidity while maintaining flexibility in the forefoot, making for a sure footed, snappy ride
- SPEEDROLL technology for effortless speed and addictive forward motion you can rely on daily
- Increased amount of rubber coverage in the heel, extending further up the shoe and to the edges for added durability
- Full length longitudinal groove to add increased flexibility for a more natural, smooth transition in your gate cycle
| Model | What reviewers distinguish | What to compare for your running |
|---|---|---|
| Adidas Adizero Evo SL | Run Testers and Tom’s Guide describe it as lighter or livelier than the Azura; the Azura is described as more stable. | Ride pop, stability, fit, and current price. |
| New Balance Rebel v5 | Another lightweight, plate-free trainer; reviewers differ on relative comfort and faster-run feel. | Easy-run comfort, workout response, and fit. |
| Puma Velocity Nitro 4 | Run Testers cites more grip and pop in the Puma, while describing the Azura as narrower or more accommodating in fit. | Grip, forefoot fit, foam feel, and current price. |
| Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 | A plated shoe described as having more punch for fast efforts; reviewers describe the Azura as more comfortable for easy efforts. | Whether you want a plate, workout pace, and daily comfort. |
The Run Testers Tom’s Guide RunRepeat
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Price and availability
The Run Testers lists £140 / $150, while Running Warehouse’s review page lists product listings at $149.95. These are figures shown by those sources, not a guarantee of today’s price or local availability; check the live listing for your region, size, and color. The Run Testers Running Warehouse
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