Saucony Endorphin Azura

The Saucony Endorphin Azura is a super trainer designed for versatility and bounce. Priced at $150, it competes with shoes like the Dynafish Xiaonian and Adidas Evo SL ($150). The Endorphin Azura is a new shoe for Saucony, designed to be a high mileage daily trainer companion to the Endorphin Speed series. The midsole is made of PWRRUN PB, although there is significantly more foam in the Azura than in the Speed, but without the plastic plate. The step-in feel is quite firm and the upper material feels a bit stiff with a number of stability elements added in through the midfoot and heel. It also feels a bit long in the toebox. The rocker geometry is more aggressive than in the Speed shoes, as it is apparently built on the same last as the OG Endorphin Elite, and the PWRRUN PB feels more firm. Out on the run we found the Azura to be energetic with good bounce, especially at faster paces and when putting down more power into the forefoot. The geometry definitely rewards getting up onto your forefoot and attacking, which is where the ride feels the most smooth. It feels less comfortable and more stiff at slower, more recovery paces. For $150, the Azura is definitely a more elevated, protective, and versatile daily trainer than most introductory performance running shoes on the market, but it is not as fun or comfortable as some of the newer super trainers, such as the R.A.D UFO, ASICS Megablast or the Nike Vomero Plus.