The Plus is about half an ounce lighter (in both men’s and women’s sizes) than the Pro 2. So, we thought that it would be a fun angle to kind of open it up for more people to buy.” “You never could find it, it wasn’t available. “Several years ago, you’d make prototypes for an athlete and people would wonder what it was (read: those suspect shoes worn by the pros at major races) but it never went to retail,” said Petersen. It’s a surprise release to keep us all sated as we wait for the Pro 3, which is tentatively scheduled to launch in June 2022. Think of the Plus as a behind-the-scenes look at an intermediary model usually only worn and tested by elites. And so, as the team was in the process of creating the Pro’s third version, the Plus came to be. But, one change would make the shoe even more race-ready: a more “deconstructed” upper. The overall consensus was that they absolutely loved the Pro 1 and 2, shared Saucony product line manager Jessie Petersen with Runner’s World on a video call. While developing the Pro 3, the brand’s product team had conversations with its elite runners, including Jared Ward, Laura Thweatt, and Parker Stinson. Saucony’s own professional athletes said they wanted an upper makeover, as well. Worse, if I loosened the laces to relieve some pressure, my gait became unstable and my ankles turned inward, making me wary of sharp turns. But, both models plagued me with a sore instep the upper put a lot of pressure on the top of my foot. I had raced in the OG and Pro 2, lauding both for their quick transitions and propulsive kick. But functionality-wise, the new upper is a major upgrade. Some flaunted it, others just went with it. Cosmetically, the Pro+ looks simpler and fresh, stripped of that crazy checkered pattern that was a divisive feature amongst testers.
SAUCONY ENDORPHIN TRAIL 2021 UPDATE
It’s an update of the Pro 2, which we praised for being a near-identical twin of the original. This beaut is like an early Halloween treat, the trick being its limited run. Indeed, you can’t find this rare shoe anywhere now, except eBay where the bidding starts at $350. Maybe you’re one of the lucky few to snag a pair of Saucony’s Endorphin Pro+ after its mid-September launch. Improved lacing system provides a more locked-in fit.Same Speedroll technology and Pwrrun PB midsole as the Pro 2.Lighter weight, more breathable mesh and suede upper.Over the course of 26.2 miles, we found the “plus” model more stable-and comfier-than the Pro’s previous two iterations. The RW Takeaway: The Endorphin Pro+ gives runners a sneak peek of what’s to come in 2022’s Endorphin Pro 3 release.