Not every fast shoe needs a plate to be fun to run in. The Saucony Endorphin Azura fills exactly that niche where training starts to feel like more than just “clocking up the kilometers.” It’s a model that doesn’t dictate your pace, but can naturally pick it up when your legs want to run faster on their own. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s very easy to lose track of time in them on longer runs.
Basic Info
Tech Specs
Best For
The Saucony Endorphin Azura is a lightweight training shoe designed for everyday running with a strong emphasis on speed. It’s not strictly a speed running shoe. Rather, it’s a tool for covering long distances that can effortlessly pick up the pace. The Endorphin Azura is best suited for runners who want plenty of cushioning and responsiveness without a carbon plate. It will also appeal to those looking for a versatile, dynamic training shoe suitable for easy runs, long runs, and tempo workouts alike.
Pros
- exceptional responsiveness, ideal for speed training and tempo runs
- sole geometry designed for fast running
- comfort and versatility
- good ventilation in the upper
Cons
- a less aggressive feel compared to shoes with a carbon plate
Saucony Running Shoes – Lineup
The Saucony Endorphin line is a collection of shoes focused on performance, speed, and dynamism. It includes both the most advanced and fastest Endorphin Elite models, as well as models that are slightly “slower” but better suited to a wider range of runners. The various models differ mainly in terms of responsiveness, stiffness, and intended use—ranging from racing to training.
The Saucony Endorphin Azura rounds out the collection. Its direct counterpart in the lineup is the Endorphin Speed, which remains a training-and-speed model, albeit with a nylon plate in the sole. The Azura, on the other hand, takes a completely different approach to running. It’s a shoe that doesn’t try to be a race shoe or simulate the presence of a plate. Instead, it prioritizes smoothness, comfort, and ease of running, even with a higher stack height and very springy foam.
The Azura’s place in this lineup is very clear. It’s the least aggressive model in the entire Endorphin family and, at the same time, the most accessible to a wide range of runners. The Azura rounds out the collection in terms of everyday use and versatility, offering a more natural and less forced running experience. And that’s exactly the point. It’s not the most advanced model, but for many people, it may be the most logical choice. Especially if you’re looking for a single running shoe to handle most of your workouts without dealing with the aggressive characteristics of models with a plate.
For more information, check out the Saucony running shoe shoe guide.
| RACING | SPEED TRAINING | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum performance |  Endorphin Elite 2 | |
| very high performance |  Endorphin Pro 4 |  Endorphin Trainer |
| high performance |  Endorphin Speed 5 | |
| mid performance |  Endorphin Azura |
Role in the Running Shoe Rotation
Here’s an example of a rotation: The Endorphin Azura is, of course, the all-around shoe here—the most versatile option, great as a fast, springy training shoe for light tempo runs, but also suitable for easy, slower runs. Saucony Triumph 21—this is a max-cushioned shoe designed for the longest, most relaxed, and sometimes recovery runs. Finally, Saucony Endorphin Elite is the game-changer at the starting line.
These three models complement each other perfectly: the Azura offers performance and comfort without a midfoot plate, the Triumph 21 serves as a workhorse for daily “mile-pounding,” and the Endorphin Elite is the lightest, fastest, and ultimate choice for races ranging from 10 km to a marathon.
| TRIUMPH 23 | ENDORPHIN AZURA | ENDORPHIN ELITE 2 |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| easy, long runs, recovery | intervals, speed training, tempo runs | racing |
Similar to Saucony Endorphin Azura
The market for training shoes with speed-oriented features is very broad and highly diverse today. These models often use similar foams to top-tier racing shoes, but offer a completely different running experience. They can be broadly categorized based on their level of “mechanical support”—ranging from stiff constructions with a plate (including carbon fiber) to more flexible designs, all the way to models that lack a plate entirely. It is the presence of the plate that most significantly defines the character of the shoe.
The Saucony Endorphin Azura sits at the very end of this spectrum. It’s a model completely devoid of a plate, deriving its performance solely from the foam and sole geometry. In practice, this means a smoother, less aggressive feel, without the “pop” effect typical of plate-based constructions. The Azura doesn’t provide “free speed,” but it allows you to generate it in a more natural and controlled way.
Want to learn more about this type of running shoe? Check out our speed training shoe guide.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Adizero Boston 13 | 37/30.5 | 6.5 | 260 | 219 | 160 |
| adidas Adizero Evo SL | 36/26 | 5 | 224 | 188 | 150 |
| Asics Magic Speed 5 | 37.5/30.5 | 7 | 196 | 207 | 180 |
| Asics Noosa Tri 16 | 34.5/29.5 | 5 | 215 | 185 | 150 |
| Brooks Hyperion 3 | 36/28 | 8 | 241 | 210 | 150 |
| Brooks Hyperion Max 3 | 46/40 | 6 | 280 | 249 | 170 |
| Hoka Mach 7 | 29/24 | 5 | 237 | 203 | 160 |
| Hoka Mach X 3 | 44/39 | 5 | 289 | 243 | 190 |
| New Balance Fuelcell Rebel v5 | 36/30 | 6 | 225 | 164 | 160 |
| Nike Zoom Fly 6 | n/a | 8 | 265 | 214 | 170 |
| Saucony Endorphin Azura | 40/32 | 8 | 240 | 212 | 160 |
| Puma Deviate Nitro 4 | 39/29 | 10 | 280 | 236 | 170 |
Cushioning and Performance – Softness That Doesn’t Compromise Control
The sole construction of the Saucony Endorphin Azura is based on a completely different concept than that of models with a midfoot plate. It’s made of highly resilient PWRRUN PB foam, but in slightly greater quantities. The stack is approximately 40 millimeters under the heel and 32 millimeters under the forefoot. This is a shoe with a very high level of cushioning, which provides a great deal of protection, especially on longer runs. At the same time, thanks to the foam’s characteristics, the softness isn’t “sinking”—it’s springy and responsive.
This extra material also defines the shoe’s character. The Azura feels less “grounded” than the Endorphin Speed 5, but it makes up for it with a wide platform and greater stability. There’s none of the wobbling effect found in some high-top models. In practice, this means the shoe performs better even with slightly heavier runners. It isn’t geared so much toward lighter runners—heavier runners will also be able to take advantage of its cushioning without feeling like there isn’t enough foam. Of course, everything has its limits, and 90 kilograms is the maximum body weight for this model.
The absence of a midfoot plate is also key here. The Azur has neither carbon nor nylon—it’s the only shoe in the Endorphin line without a midfoot plate. All the performance comes from the foam and the SpeedRoll geometry. There’s no element here that stiffens the construction and “holds” the movement in a single path. Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily, because instead we get a more natural sole action and greater flexibility in the transition from landing to push-off.
Outsole – Durability and Traction Without Unnecessary Weight
The outsole on the Saucony Endorphin Azura is more complex than that of typical speed training shoes. Saucony uses XT-900 rubber in key ground-contact zones—primarily the heel and forefoot. The midfoot area of the outsole is mainly exposed, which helps keep the weight down and allows the foam to function naturally. Compared to typical racing models, however, the Azura has a significantly larger rubber surface area, which translates to better durability and a more stable feel on the ground. This also means the shoe should wear out more slowly than the lightest models.
The outsole is designed primarily for roads and hard surfaces. The grooves aren’t deep or aggressive, but they’re sufficient to ensure reliable traction in dry—and perhaps even slightly damp—conditions.
Upper – Everyday Comfort in a More Refined Form
The upper of the Saucony Endorphin Azura is made of thin, double-layer mesh. It feels more like an everyday running shoe than a strict racing model. The mesh is thin and highly breathable, especially in the forefoot. Airflow is excellent, but the construction isn’t as “flimsy” as in the most race-oriented models. Thanks to this, the shoe should hold up better during prolonged use.
The front of the upper is quite comfortable. Its width is typical and represents a compromise. The shoe offers less space than classic everyday training shoes but more than Saucony’s pure racing models. The upper is of fairly standard width but makes enough room for the toes to move naturally. The flexibility of the material further helps prevent pressure points, especially over longer distances. The midfoot, on the other hand, fits snugly, which should improve control of the shoe at higher speeds.
The heel counter in the Azur is stable and noticeably stiffened. It holds the heel securely and firmly, making it possible to achieve a stable, performance-oriented fit without being excessively stiff. Its internal foam padding is fairly moderate, which is sufficient to ensure comfort while also enhancing the feeling of stability and heel hold. Like many elements of this shoe, this is a compromise between ultra-comfortable training and racing, contoured fit.
Weight – a Reasonable Balance and Lightness
According to the producer’s data, the Saucony Endorphin Azura weighs approximately 240 grams in the men’s version and 212 grams in the women’s version, which is a very reasonable figure. In my size, US 12, the shoe weighs 279 grams, which is very close to the average for all speed training shoes. The feel on the foot is also very positive and light—the shoe doesn’t feel heavy but adds a sense of lightness. In contrast to its fairly secure softness, it provides a very light feel on the foot that encourages a livelier run.
In summary
The Saucony Endorphin Azura is a shoe that doesn’t try to compete in any extreme category, but instead deliberately strikes its own balance between comfort and performance. The lack of a midfoot plate, soft foam, and pleasant geometry create a combination that lets you run freely, yet still with a distinct sense of springiness underfoot. It’s a model that doesn’t force the pace but supports it very well as it picks up. As a result, you get a shoe for everyday running with a distinct sense of “fun,” but delivered in a controlled, stable form.
