Which Saucony Running Shoe Should I Buy? Endorphin, Triumph, Guide & More
Saucony has been making running shoes since 1898 — longer than almost any brand in the industry. Pronounced "SOCK-uh-knee" and named after a creek in Pennsylvania, the brand now sits at the cutting edge of running technology with PWRRUN PB foam delivering 88% energy return and SPEEDROLL propulsion in their Endorphin racing series.
As authorised UK stockists, we carry Saucony's full running range from the Endorphin Speed 5 race shoe down to heritage ProGrid reissues. One thing that separates Saucony from brands like On Running and Salomon: Regular, Wide and Extra Wide fittings across most models. If you've been turned away by narrow-fitting shoes, Saucony is where you should be looking.
This guide covers every Saucony running shoe we stock, explains the technology inside each one, and helps you choose the right model for your running style, foot shape and budget.
1 | Saucony Running Shoes by Category
Saucony organises their running shoes into clear categories based on what you need them for. Every model uses a different combination of foam, plate, and outsole technology. Here is how the range breaks down.
Race / Speed
Endorphin Speed 5 — £180
Saucony's versatile race-to-training shoe. PWRRUN PB foam (PEBA beads, 88% energy return) with a nylon plate and SPEEDROLL geometry for continuous forward propulsion. 237g, 8mm drop. Fast enough to race in, durable enough to train in. The most popular Endorphin for runners who want one shoe that does everything at speed.
Road Running — Neutral
Triumph 23 — from £85
Maximum cushion, neutral. PWRRUN PB foam throughout. 266g, 10mm drop, 37mm heel stack. The plushest ride in the range. Ideal for long runs and runners who want maximum protection. Available in GTX waterproof.
Ride 19 — £140
Daily neutral trainer. PWRRUN+ (TPU beads) for exceptional durability over high mileage. 255g, 8mm drop. The workhorse — a balanced blend of cushion, responsiveness and longevity.
Road Running — Stability
Guide 19 — £140
Daily stability trainer. PWRRUN foam with CenterPath alignment technology. 278g, 6mm drop. Supports natural alignment without feeling restrictive. The go-to for mild to moderate overpronation.
Hurricane 25 — £165
Maximum stability and cushion. PWRRUN PB foam with CenterPath. 298g, 6mm drop, 41mm heel stack. For runners who need serious support plus premium comfort. The most protective stability shoe in the range.
Trail Running
Peregrine 16 GTX — £160
Agile trail shoe with GORE-TEX waterproofing. PWRRUN foam, Vibram MegaGrip outsole with 4mm lugs, forefoot rock guard. 271g, 4mm drop. Built for UK trails — muddy towpaths, rocky fells, wet conditions. The Vibram outsole provides grip that rubber-only outsoles cannot match.
Heritage / Lifestyle
ProGrid Guide 7 — £120
Heritage reissue of the mid-2000s Guide. PROGRID cushioning — more responsive than EVA in a lightweight package. Retro running aesthetic with modern comfort.
ProGrid Omni 9 — £150
Heritage reissue of the Omni stability shoe. PROGRID technology. Chunky retro silhouette that crosses from running heritage into everyday streetwear.
2 | The Endorphin Series Explained: Speed vs Pro vs Elite vs Azura
The Endorphin series is Saucony's speed platform. All four models share SPEEDROLL technology — a combination of elevated cushioning and stiff forefoot geometry that creates continuous forward momentum. The difference between them comes down to foam, plate material, and intended use.
SPEEDROLL: What It Actually Does
- Elevated cushioning positions your foot in an aggressive forward-leaning angle
- A stiff forefoot creates an instant snap at toe-off
- Combined, these two variables produce a rolling motion that propels you forward
- Saucony's tagline: "Run faster, not harder"
Endorphin Model Comparison
| Model | Foam | Plate | Weight (M) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elite 2 | IncrediRUN (TPEE) | Carbon + SPEEDROLL | 199g | Race day — championship speed |
| Pro 5 | PWRRUN HG + PB | Carbon + SPEEDROLL | 212g | Frequent racing — 5K to marathon |
| Speed 5 | PWRRUN PB | Nylon + SPEEDROLL | 237g | Race and train — wide range of paces |
| Azura | PWRRUN PB | No plate (SPEEDROLL only) | 240g | Daily trainer that feels fast |
Which Endorphin Should You Choose?
Endorphin Speed 5 (We Stock This)
The sweet spot. PWRRUN PB foam gives you 88% energy return. The nylon plate is responsive enough for tempo runs and races but forgiving enough for daily training. If you're buying one Endorphin, this is it. £180 at OD's.
Endorphin Azura
Removes the plate entirely but keeps the PWRRUN PB foam and SPEEDROLL geometry. A daily trainer that feels fast without the aggressive ride of a plated shoe. Ideal if you want Endorphin cushioning for easy runs. Women's available at OD's from £140.
Carbon Plate vs Nylon Plate vs No Plate
Carbon (Elite 2, Pro 5): Maximum rigidity and energy return. Designed for race pace. Breaks down faster under daily training volume.
Nylon (Speed 5): Responsive but more forgiving. Lasts longer under mixed training. Race-capable without being race-exclusive.
No plate (Azura): Pure foam ride with SPEEDROLL geometry. Most versatile for daily use. Still faster than most conventional trainers.
3 | Best Saucony for Beginners: The Ride 19
If you are starting out or returning to running after a break, the Saucony Ride 19 is the shoe we recommend most often in-store. It is a neutral daily trainer with no gimmicks — just well-engineered cushioning that works for almost every runner.
Why the Ride 19 for Beginners
- PWRRUN+ foam (TPU beads) — softer than EVA, more durable than PEBA. Handles high weekly mileage without breaking down
- 8mm drop — standard heel-to-toe offset that works for heel strikers and midfoot strikers alike
- 255g — light enough that it never feels heavy, but substantial enough to feel protective
- FORMFIT construction — 3D cradle that shapes to your foot over the first few runs
- £140 — mid-range price without compromising on technology
The Ride has been Saucony's best-selling shoe for years because it sits in the centre of everything: not too soft, not too firm. Not too heavy, not too minimal. Not too expensive, not entry-level. For a first serious running shoe, it is difficult to beat.
Need Stability Instead?
If you overpronate (your ankles roll inward when you run), skip the Ride and go straight to the Guide 19 (£140). Same price point, same quality tier, but with CenterPath stability technology built in.
4 | Triumph vs Ride: Max Cushion vs Daily Trainer
This is the question we get asked most in-store. Both are neutral road shoes. Both are excellent. The difference is how much cushioning you want between your foot and the road.
| Feature | Ride 19 (£140) | Triumph 23 (from £85) |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | PWRRUN+ (TPU beads) | PWRRUN PB (PEBA beads) |
| Heel Stack | 36mm | 37mm |
| Drop | 8mm | 10mm |
| Weight (M) | 255g | 266g |
| Energy Return | Good (TPU is responsive) | Exceptional (88% PEBA) |
| Best For | Daily training, all distances | Long runs, recovery, maximum comfort |
| Waterproof Option | No | Yes (GTX from £95) |
The Short Answer
Choose the Ride 19 if you want a versatile daily trainer that handles everything from easy jogs to faster tempo work. PWRRUN+ is exceptionally durable — it will outlast most foam compounds over high mileage.
Choose the Triumph 23 if you want the plushest, most cushioned ride Saucony makes. PWRRUN PB is their premium foam — lighter, bouncier, and more responsive than PWRRUN+. It is the shoe you reach for on long Sunday runs, recovery days, and when your legs need maximum protection.
Triumph 23 GTX at OD's from £85
We currently have the Triumph 23 GTX (GORE-TEX waterproof) reduced from £190 to £95, and the Triumph 23 Lapis colourway at £85. At these prices, you are getting Saucony's best foam technology at less than the cost of most mid-range running shoes. These will not last at this price.
5 | Best Saucony for Overpronation: Guide vs Hurricane
Overpronation is when your foot rolls excessively inward during the gait cycle. It affects roughly 30% of runners and can cause knee pain, shin splints and plantar fasciitis if left uncorrected. Saucony builds stability into specific models using CenterPath technology — a medial guidance system that supports natural foot alignment without using rigid posts or hard plastic.
Guide 19 — Everyday Stability (£140)
The Guide 19 is Saucony's core stability shoe. It uses PWRRUN foam — a blended EVA compound that provides reliable cushioning with excellent shock absorption — combined with CenterPath alignment technology. At 278g with a 6mm drop, it feels firm and supportive without being heavy or clunky.
Best for: Mild to moderate overpronators. Daily training. Runners transitioning from neutral shoes who need a little extra support.
Hurricane 25 — Maximum Stability (£165)
The Hurricane 25 is the Guide's bigger, more cushioned sibling. It upgrades the foam to PWRRUN PB — the same premium PEBA compound found in the Triumph 23 — while keeping CenterPath stability. At 298g with a 41mm heel stack, it is the most protective stability shoe Saucony makes.
Best for: Moderate to severe overpronators. Heavier runners. Long-distance runs where you need both maximum cushion and maximum support.
Guide 19 vs Hurricane 25 Quick Decision
- Under 80kg, mild pronation, daily training? Guide 19 (£140)
- Over 80kg, moderate-severe pronation, long runs? Hurricane 25 (£165)
- Not sure how much you pronate? Visit us in-store — we can assess your gait
Wide Fittings Available
Both the Guide and Hurricane are available in Wide and Extra Wide fittings from Saucony. This is a significant advantage over On Running (standard width only) and Salomon (standard width only). If you have wide feet and need stability, Saucony is one of very few performance brands that will fit you properly.
6 | Best Saucony Trail Running Shoes: The Peregrine
The Peregrine 16 GTX is Saucony's signature trail shoe, and the GTX version we stock adds GORE-TEX waterproofing — essential for UK trail running where rain, mud, and wet grass are the default conditions.
Peregrine 16 GTX Specs
- Foam: PWRRUN — reliable, durable EVA-based cushioning
- Outsole: Vibram MegaGrip — 4mm lugs with unparalleled grip on wet rock, mud, and loose ground
- Protection: Forefoot rock guard (E-B-0 External Bedrock Outsole)
- Drop: 4mm — low drop for agile, natural foot placement on technical terrain
- Weight: 271g — lighter than most waterproof trail shoes
- Waterproofing: Full GORE-TEX membrane — breathable, fully sealed
- Price: £160 at OD's
Vibram MegaGrip vs Standard Rubber
The Peregrine uses a Vibram MegaGrip outsole rather than Saucony's own PWRTRAC rubber. Vibram's compound delivers a measurably higher coefficient of friction on wet surfaces — it grips where standard rubber slides. If you run on wet rock, slate, or muddy trails in the Lake District, Pennines, or Welsh mountains, this outsole difference matters.
Peregrine vs Salomon Speedcross
Both are excellent trail shoes, but they excel in different conditions. The Peregrine (4mm drop, 271g) is lighter and more agile with better rock protection. The Speedcross has deeper chevron lugs for very soft mud. For mixed UK trail conditions — packed earth, wet rock, grass, light mud — the Peregrine is the more versatile choice.
7 | Saucony Width Guide: Regular, Wide and Extra Wide
This is one of Saucony's biggest advantages and one of the most underappreciated features of the brand. While On Running, Salomon, and most fashion-forward running brands offer standard width only, Saucony manufactures many of their core models in three widths.
Saucony Width Options
- Regular (D for men, B for women) — Standard fit. Suits most foot shapes
- Wide (2E for men, D for women) — Additional forefoot room. Accommodates bunions, wider toes
- Extra Wide (4E for men, 2E for women) — Maximum width. For significantly wide feet or orthotics
Models Available in Wide / Extra Wide
| Model | Regular | Wide | Extra Wide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triumph 23 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Guide 19 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hurricane 25 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ride 19 | Yes | Yes | Select sizes |
| Peregrine 16 | Yes | Yes | No |
| Echelon 10 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Why This Matters
Roughly 20-25% of the population has feet that don't fit comfortably in standard-width shoes. If you've experienced numbness, blisters on the outside of your foot, or toenail issues in On Running or other narrow-fitting brands, Saucony's wide options could solve the problem entirely. Visit us in-store for a proper width assessment — we carry stock across widths where available.
8 | Saucony Heritage Collection: Jazz, Shadow, ProGrid
Saucony Originals is the lifestyle arm of the brand — heritage reissues of iconic running shoes from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. These aren't performance shoes. They're fashion pieces built on the silhouettes and technology of classic models, updated with modern cushioning and materials.
ProGrid Guide 7 — £120
A reissue of the mid-2000s Guide stability shoe. PROGRID cushioning technology delivers a responsive, lightweight ride that was revolutionary for its era. The chunky midsole and retro mesh upper sit perfectly in the current fashion cycle. Wear them with jeans, joggers, or cargo trousers.
ProGrid Omni 9 — £150
The Omni 9 was originally a stability running shoe with PROGRID cushioning and a substantial profile. The heritage reissue keeps that bold silhouette — thick midsole, structured upper, visible tech — in colourways designed for the street. At £150, it competes directly with New Balance 990 heritage and Nike Air Max reissues.
ProGrid Technology
- Saucony's signature cushioning from the early 2000s
- More responsive than EVA, more cushioned than standard rubber
- Lightweight package — doesn't add bulk the way modern max-stack foams do
- Heritage models use the original PROGRID compound, not updated PWRRUN
Running Heritage vs Running Performance
The ProGrid Guide 7 and ProGrid Omni 9 are lifestyle shoes. They look like running shoes, they're built on running shoe lasts, but they're designed for everyday wear. If you actually want to run in a Guide, buy the Guide 19 (£140) instead. If you want the retro look for casual wear, the ProGrid versions are the right call.
9 | Price Guide: What You Get at Each Level
Saucony's range spans from £85 (reduced models) to £250 (carbon-plated race shoes). Here is exactly what your money buys at each price point.
| Price | Model | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| £85 | Triumph 23 Lapis (reduced) | PWRRUN PB premium foam at a bargain price. Max cushion. Exceptional value while stock lasts |
| £95 | Triumph 23 GTX (reduced) | All of the above plus GORE-TEX waterproofing. The best deal in our running range |
| £120 | ProGrid Guide 7 | Heritage lifestyle shoe. PROGRID cushioning, retro design. Not for running |
| £140 | Ride 19 / Guide 19 | Core performance tier. PWRRUN+ (Ride) or PWRRUN (Guide). Everyday running |
| £150 | ProGrid Omni 9 | Heritage lifestyle shoe. Bold silhouette, street-ready. Not for running |
| £160 | Peregrine 16 GTX | Trail running with Vibram MegaGrip + GORE-TEX. UK trail-ready |
| £165 | Hurricane 25 | Maximum stability + PWRRUN PB premium foam. For serious overpronators |
| £180 | Endorphin Speed 5 | Race-to-train. PWRRUN PB + nylon plate + SPEEDROLL. The fastest shoe we stock |
Best Value Right Now
The Triumph 23 GTX at £95 (down from £190) and Triumph 23 Lapis at £85 (down from £170). You are getting Saucony's flagship PWRRUN PB foam — the same compound used in the £180 Endorphin Speed 5 — at half the price. These are clearance prices on current-season technology.
10 | Shop Saucony at OD's — Real Stock, Real Prices
Every Saucony shoe below is in stock and available now. As authorised UK stockists, every pair comes with full manufacturer warranty and is sourced directly from official distribution.
Performance Running
Stability
Reduced — While Stock Lasts
Heritage / Lifestyle
Women's Running & Endorphin Azura
Not Sure Which Saucony Is Right for You?
Visit us at 44 Barrow Street, St Helens (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm) for expert fitting advice including gait assessment and width fitting, or browse our full Saucony collection online. Call us on 01744 730985 if you need sizing help before ordering.
11 | Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saucony a good brand?
Saucony is one of the most respected running brands in the world. Founded in 1898 and now headquartered near Boston, they engineer shoes used by elite marathoners and everyday runners alike. Their PWRRUN PB foam delivers 88% energy return — comparable to the best from Nike, Asics, and New Balance. They are one of the "Big Five" specialist running brands alongside Brooks, Asics, New Balance, and Hoka. At OD's, we stock Saucony because the engineering quality is consistently excellent across the entire range.
Are Saucony shoes true to size?
Generally, yes. Saucony running shoes run true to UK sizing for most foot shapes. Their FORMFIT construction adapts to your foot over the first few runs, so they may feel slightly snug initially before settling in. We recommend ordering your normal UK size. If you are between sizes, go up by half a size. Saucony also offers Wide (2E) and Extra Wide (4E) fittings on many models, which is a significant advantage if standard-width shoes feel tight across the forefoot.
What is the difference between the Saucony Ride and Triumph?
Both are neutral road running shoes, but they use different foams. The Ride 19 (£140) uses PWRRUN+ (TPU beads) — durable, responsive, and ideal for daily training across all distances. The Triumph 23 (from £85 reduced) uses PWRRUN PB (PEBA beads) — lighter, softer, and more energy-returning. Choose the Ride for an all-purpose daily trainer. Choose the Triumph for maximum cushion on long runs and recovery days.
Which Saucony shoe is best for overpronation?
The Guide 19 (£140) for mild to moderate overpronation, and the Hurricane 25 (£165) for moderate to severe overpronation. Both use Saucony's CenterPath alignment technology, which supports your foot's natural motion without the rigid medial posts found in older stability shoes. The Hurricane adds PWRRUN PB premium foam for more cushion. Both are available in Wide and Extra Wide fittings. If you are unsure about your pronation level, visit us in-store for a free gait assessment.
What is the difference between the Endorphin Speed and Pro?
Both are Saucony's racing shoes with SPEEDROLL propulsion technology. The Endorphin Speed 5 (£180) uses a nylon plate and PWRRUN PB foam — it is versatile enough for both racing and speed training. The Endorphin Pro 5 (£250) uses a carbon fibre plate with a dual PWRRUN HG + PB foam stack — it is stiffer, more responsive, and designed specifically for race day. Most runners should buy the Speed 5 because it handles a wider range of training. The Pro 5 is for runners who want a dedicated race-day shoe and are willing to pay more for marginal gains.
Is OD's an authorised Saucony stockist?
Yes. OD's Designer Clothing is an authorised UK stockist of Saucony. Every pair purchased from us is 100% authentic with full manufacturer warranty, sourced directly from official distribution. Visit us at 44 Barrow Street, St Helens, WA10 1RY, or shop online at odsdesignerclothing.com.