Some shoes try to be everything and end up feeling like nothing. The Saucony Endorphin Azura doesnât fall into that trap, and quite honestly, the Azura feels like a $200+ shoe on the run.
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After a decent block of miles, itâs become clear this one lives comfortably in that sweet middle ground between a super trainer, cushioned tempo shoe, and fast daily trainer.
For runners stacking up consistent mileage but still wanting that bounce and zip for steady runs and faster sessions, this one makes a strong case for being a true one-shoe rotation.
It has a high stack, but never feel clumsy, even when cornering at speed, and most importantly, it manages to feel fast without putting too much effort in.
Key specifications
- Price: $150 at saucony.com (available for purchase Feb 2026)
- Weight: 8.5 oz (240g) â Menâs US 9
- Drop: 8mm. Stack height: 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot
- Upper: Breathable engineered mesh
- Midsole: PWRRUN PB super foam with SPEEDROLL geometry (there's no plate in here, and it's not needed either)
- Outsole: XT-900 carbon rubber
- Sockliner: SRS
Sizing and fit
Fit is true to size for me in my usual US 9, with a medium but spacious toe box. Thereâs some room for toe splay without the shoe feeling sloppy or unstructured.
Through the midfoot and heel, lockdown feels secure without pressure points or overbuilt padding.
I'm also appreciating the articulated heel counter after my recent blister experience with the Endorphin Pro 5 heel counter.
The upper is breathable and comfortable even on longer efforts when feet start to swell. No irritation or weird rubbing going on for you to worry about - perfecto!
Alastair Dixon
Performance review
The PWRRUN PB midsole gives you that bouncy, light sensation you expect from Sauconyâs faster, more expensive lineup, but without the stiffness of a plate, or the crazy price tag.
The ride feels smooth and controlled, with a soft landing, smooth, forward rolling transition, and a whopping toe off for good measure, all without a plate.
It doesnât collapse under load or feel unstable when I start leaning into the pace or taking corners fast.
Thereâs a very natural energy return here, coming solely from the PWRRUN PB super foam and midsole geometry. It produces a predictable rebound that works whether Iâm cruising steady miles or picking things up for fast tempo efforts.
Itâs one of those shoes that still feels responsive late in the run, when your legs start to feel heavy and your form isnât perfect anymore.
On paper, the 8mm drop is standard, but underfoot it feels more natural, especially when compare to the 8mm found on the Megablast (don't ask me why).
Thereâs no forced rocker sensation or awkward roll-through that some high-stack shoes suffer from. Instead, it supports a smooth forward roll whether youâre a midfoot striker or landing slightly on the heel; it's especially noticeable at the heel.
Despite the high stack, the platform feels balanced and predictable at all times.
Alastair Dixon
Stability & control
For a non-stability shoe, with a 40mm stack, the Azura is impressively stable.
Not in a corrective way, just naturally controlled through its base geometry and design.
Landings feel secure, even on tired legs or slightly uneven pavement; this is a big part of why it works so well as a high-mileage daily trainer.
If youâre used to nimble lower-stack shoes, the height might feel noticeable at first, but it never crosses into feeling unstable or awkward.
Versatility is where the Endorphin Azura really shines, it handles:
- Easy and recovery runs comfortably
- Steady state and moderate tempo efforts with ease
- Long runs without bottoming out or feeling dull (thank you, super foam)
It doesnât lose its character when you change pace, which makes it genuinely useful if youâre trying to keep your rotation simple.
You can even race a marathon in these and have a great time out there.
Outsole traction
The XT-900 rubber outsole grips very well on dry roads and has handled patches of wet pavement confidently in my runs so far.
It feels durable and built for the kind of weekly mileage this shoe encourages.
No obvious signs of premature wear yet, though long-term mileage will tell the full story. I am going to be wearing these A LOT more!
Overall run feel
The best way I can put it is that this shoe makes running feel efficient and inviting.
It smooths things out without disconnecting you from the ground, and it never feels like itâs fighting your natural stride, quite the contrary - it encourages a much faster pace out of you.
Itâs the kind of shoe that makes you want to keep stacking miles instead of cutting runs short.
My verdict
The Saucony Endorphin Azura sits comfortably as one of the most well-rounded high-stack trainers Iâve ever run in. At $150, this super trainer feels like a steal, especially when you consider it can turn 3 targeted training shoes into 1 (tempo, max cushion, daily trainer).
I recently said similar complimentary things about the ASICS Megablast, just 1 month ago, but the Endorphin Azura confidently takes the crown away from that shoe.
Why? Simply because it doesn't have the tapered toe box issue or high drop feeling that stopped the Megablast from being perfect.
Itâs lightweight, fast (without even trying to be), naturally stable, smooth through transition, and versatile enough to cover most of your training week. If you're looking for a new do-it-all daily trainer, this is the one!
If you have any questions about these running shoes, just ask me in the comments below and I'll be happy to help you out! Oh and if you haven't already, go subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more reviews like this one. -Alastair
