As a runner, I know comfort is most important on the trails - these £130 Saucony trainers are my favourite for that exact reason

Running on trails is always going to be slower than running on the road, but some trail shoes have a secret weapon to help you keep your pace up this summer - and that's a carbon plate. The Saucony Endorphin Edge is the best trail running shoe we've tested, with this feature sandwiched into the foam midsole to help you move fast, even on soft, uneven surfaces.

Our reviewer, Cat Ellis, is usually in training for road marathons in her running shoes, but she tried these shoes out for some training on softer surfaces and came back with a glowing report.

"The amount of cushioning here feels just right; enough to absorb lumps and bumps, but not so much that they feel bouncy or unstable at low speeds," says Cat, who calls them the most comfortable trail shoe she's ever worn.

With a full-length carbon plate, great traction and a secure fit, these are the shoes we recommend for anyone who wants to hit the trails this summer without sacrificing speed.

Saucony Endorphin Edge running shoes review

Specifications

• Size range: 3 - 10
• Weight: 220g per shoe
• Stack height: 35 - 29 mm
• Heel to toe drop: 6 mm
• Lug depth: 4 mm
• Waterproof version available: Yes
• Materials: Textile upper, EVA foam midsole, carbon fibre plate, rubber outsole (includes some recycled materials)

What are the Saucony Endorphin Edge shoes like on the trails?

The Saucony Endorphin Edge is built for speed, and upon pulling it out of the box, the first thing you'll notice is how light and stiff it is. This is thanks to a full-length carbon plate embedded in the midsole, which makes even difficult trails feel springy and fun, and you'll be able to move fast with plenty of control. However, it does mean these aren't a trail shoe for total beginners. You should try the Hoka Speedgoat 7 for that.

Cat's first experience with the Endorphin Edge was a 10-mile run from Keynsham railway station to Bath Spa on a very hot summer's day, but she says she had no issues with her feet swelling. "The collar has minimal padding, but is ergonomically shaped, and I never experienced rubbing during my runs," she says.

"It fits true to size, and the toebox is particularly roomy, giving plenty of room for your feet to swell during a long, hot run. The extra wiggle room was something my toes particularly appreciated in the summer months."

The upper is made from closely woven textile with a thinly cushioned, gusseted tongue that manages to stay breathable on hot days and still prevents grit from invading your shoes. The outsole is equipped with chevron-shaped lugs, which are quite widely spaced to prevent the accumulation of excess mud and keep you from slipping.

Cat found it was easy to manoeuvre quickly on hard, rutted field tracks, and generous reinforcements on the heel and toe box should keep you safe from painful collisions with roots and rocks.

Whether you're hiking or running on rocky trails, your foot won't slip around due to the excellent lacing system that allows a good, snug fit around your midfoot without putting uncomfortable pressure on the tops of your feet.

When this shoe was first released, it came with a hefty price tag of £200, which is normal for carbon shoes. These days, as it's no longer the newest in the range, it's priced closer to £130 in the pink colourway, which is much more reasonable.

Can you wear the Saucony Endorphin Edge shoes on the roads?

Trail running shoes aren't always ideal for harder surfaces, especially when they have thinner soles to allow for more trail sensation and deep lugs. This is not a problem that the Saucony Endorphin Edge has, however. The chunky midsole and carbon plate mean the shoe also works well as a road-to-trail shoe for mixed terrain.

"My first adventure with them included dry compacted soil, grass, and some paved surfaces, and it felt great on all of them right out of the box, with no need to break it in," says Cat.

The shoe handles well on wet roads after heavy rain, and the closely-woven upper will resist some water if you end up splashing through the puddles.

Who are the Sucony Endorphin Edge shoes for?

The Saucony Endorphin Edge shoes work really well for anyone looking to get a little more serious about trail running. They're more technical than some other trail shoes we've tested, such as the Merrell MTL Long Sky trail running shoes, and the comfortable design means they're appropriate for longer runs when you don't want to succumb to tired feet.

That said, if you're typically more of a fast-paced road runner and want to get into trail running, there's also an argument to be made for shoes like these, as they can help you satisfy your need for speed.

If you don't think you really need that carbon plate and you'd like to spend a little less, check out the Brooks Cascadia 19s or Keen's first trail shoe instead, which are just as comfortable and very fun to run in.

The w&h verdict on the Saucony Endorphin Edge

It's very hard to fault the Endorphin Edge. In fact, the only real downside of them was the price, which is no longer so much of an investment in 2026.

They're more technical than many of the other shoes on our list, so they are not the best choice for total beginners.