Shoe guru Paul Freary puts the carbon-plated shoes through their paces

The Endorphin Pro from Saucony promised to be the most serious contender to the market leader in the times of carbon-plated shoes. It doesn’t disappoint.

Using a new, lightweight version of the brand’s PWRRUN, PeBa-based cushioning material and a full-length carbon fibre plate, the ‘energy return’ provided feels like nothing else.

Like many other shoes in the category, the Pro feels at its best when running fast and that’s thanks to the slimmer and very curved geometry of the cushioning. The carbon plate also forms part of this ‘speedroll’ design and gives a nice toe-off that’s both fast and gives a more natural feeling than some of its competitors.

There’s a little more outsole in key areas of wear and it’s a familiar Saucony design, therefore providing good traction and it should prove durable.

The upper is inspired by track spikes and for those seeking extra speed it helps; pulling the shoe on instantly helps put you in a fast place mentally as it wraps the foot and just feels ready to race.

Key facts: Saucony Endorphin Pro, weight 213g, stack 35.5mm/27.5mm = 8mm drop

Price: £190

Stockist: saucony.com

Further shoe reviews can be found here.