Saucony's latest running shoe promises a speed boost without a carbon plate

Saucony
(Image credit: Saucony)

Saucony has launched a new running shoes designed to give you extra speed without the need for a carbon plate.

The EndorphinSPEED is intended for speed training and racing, with a plate made of semi-rigid nylon plate that Saucony says provides 'snappy transitions' as you run. At $160 / £155 (about AU$280), it's a more affordable alternative to carbon-fiber shoes, which often retail for over $200.

The company has also released a new shoe built for everyday endurance running. The EndorphinSHIFT is a cushioned stability shoe with a thick, stiff midsole that delivers guidance without any plate at all. It retails at $140 / £130 (about AU$230).

The shoes are available for both men and women, and come a distinctive 'White Mutant' colorway. With a white upper, turquoise midsole, orange sock and yellow laces, it won't be for everyone, so thankfully there's a choice of more subtle options as well.

Saucony's first Endorphin shoe arrived in May. Much like Nike's infamous VaporFly series, the Endorphin Pro features an S-shaped carbon fiber plate to transfer forces as your foot rolls forward, giving you more power with each step.

The VaporFly attracted controversy and fascination when it was investigated by a World Athletics review panel to see if their thick sole and carbon plate gave runners an unfair advantage.

It was eventually given the green light, leading to a flurry of new releases as other shoe makers put their designers to work creating to give plates a new spin.

The full Endorphin range (both with and without carbon) is available to buy now directly from Saucony

Cat Ellis

Cat is the editor of TechRadar's sister site Advnture. She’s a UK Athletics qualified run leader, and in her spare time enjoys nothing more than lacing up her shoes and hitting the roads and trails (the muddier, the better)