Saucony Endorphin Azura Review: Everyday Speed, Without the Plate
Staying fast doesn’t always mean running in a plate.
The Saucony Endorphin Azura is Saucony’s answer to runners who love the energetic feel of the Endorphin series but want something lighter, simpler, and more versatile for everyday training. Built with PWRRUN PB superfoam and SpeedRoll geometry — but without a plate — the Azura delivers smooth, efficient speed you can actually train in daily.
This is Saucony’s modern take on the fast daily trainer.
What Is the Endorphin Azura?
The Endorphin Azura sits squarely between traditional daily trainers and plated speed shoes.
Instead of relying on a nylon or carbon plate, Saucony uses:
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A full slab of PWRRUN PB superfoam
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Signature SpeedRoll geometry
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A lightweight, performance-focused upper
The result is a shoe that feels quick and responsive, but remains comfortable and forgiving enough for high weekly mileage.
If you like the idea of the Endorphin Speed — but don’t want to train in a plate every day — the Azura fills that gap perfectly.
Ride Feel: Smooth, Fast, Surprisingly Versatile
On the run, the Endorphin Azura feels light, fluid, and efficient.
The PWRRUN PB midsole provides:
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A soft initial landing
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A controlled, energetic rebound
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A smooth roll-through that naturally encourages forward momentum
SpeedRoll geometry does most of the work here — guiding you through toe-off without forcing pace or feeling aggressive. The shoe feels just as comfortable on easy miles as it does when you start nudging tempo.
Importantly, the Azura avoids the “flat” or dull sensation that some plate-free trainers can suffer from.
Stability Without Being a Stability Shoe
Despite its 40mm heel stack, the Azura is impressively stable for a neutral trainer.
That comes from:
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A well-balanced platform
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Midsole sidewalls that subtly guide the foot
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A secure upper that locks you in without stiffness
There’s no correction or interference — just natural control. It’s especially reassuring late in runs when form starts to fade.
Upper & Fit: Performance-Focused, Not Restrictive
The engineered mesh upper is designed with purpose:
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Breathable and lightweight
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Secure through the midfoot
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Comfortable padding at the heel collar and tongue
Fit is true to size for most runners. The toe box is moderately accommodating, though runners with very wide forefeet may find it slightly tapered compared to traditional daily trainers.
Overall, it feels dialled-in without feeling race-tight.
Outsole: Durable Where It Counts
Saucony uses XT-900 rubber strategically under the heel and forefoot to keep weight down while maintaining grip and durability.
Traction is reliable on dry and damp roads, and the outsole is clearly designed for consistent road mileage rather than short-term speed sessions only.
Key Specs at a Glance
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Stack height: 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot
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Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
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Weight: ~240g men / 212g women
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Support: Neutral
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Best for: Daily training, long runs, steady efforts, tempo-adjacent work
Azura vs Other Popular Daily Trainers
If you’re choosing between premium cushioned trainers, here’s how the Azura stacks up:
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New Balance 1080v15
Plusher, softer, more comfort-led. Choose this if easy mileage is your priority. -
Brooks Glycerin 23
Smooth, premium, neutral cruiser. Less lively than the Azura when pace increases. -
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28
Maximum cushioning and protection, but heavier and less responsive. -
Saucony Endorphin Azura
The most performance-leaning option here — lighter, quicker, and more versatile across paces.
Who Is the Endorphin Azura Best For?
The Azura is ideal if you:
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Want one shoe to cover most of your training week
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Like a fast feel but don’t want to rely on plates
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Enjoy lighter, more responsive daily trainers
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Want cushioning without a marshmallow-soft ride
It’s less suited to runners seeking maximum softness or those needing structured stability.
Shop the Saucony Endorphin Azura
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Explore the full Saucony running collection
Fit Tip: Get the Right Setup
Fast daily trainers still need the right foundation. If you’re unsure whether a neutral, performance-leaning shoe like the Azura suits your gait, we recommend a proper assessment.
👉 Book a gait analysis for personalised advice.
Final Verdict
The Saucony Endorphin Azura is one of the most compelling plate-free performance trainers available right now.
It delivers:
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Superfoam energy
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Smooth SpeedRoll transitions
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Natural stability
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Real everyday usability
If you want a shoe that feels fast without feeling forced — this is one of the smartest choices in Saucony’s lineup.