Which Saucony Running Shoes Should You Buy? A Breakdown of Their Top Models
Saucony's three standout models—the Omni 21 (£64.95), Hurricane 25 (£169.95), and Endorphin Pro 4 (£240)—cover the full spectrum from budget-friendly daily trainers to competition-grade racing shoes. The Omni 21 is the best value for everyday runs, the Hurricane 25 bridges comfort and performance for serious enthusiasts, and the Endorphin Pro 4 is built for speed-focused runners chasing personal records.
Why Saucony?
Saucony was founded in 1898 as a textile mill in Pennsylvania and pivoted to athletic footwear in 1910, making them one of North America's oldest running shoe manufacturers. They specialise in biomechanically engineered running shoes with a focus on responsive cushioning and injury prevention. Saucony's PWRRUN and PWRRUN+ foam technologies are proprietary blends designed to reduce impact while maintaining ground feel—differentiating them from bulkier competitors. They're trusted by both recreational joggers and elite marathoners, with strong sponsorship of professional athletes and a reputation for durability across price points.
Top Picks
Saucony Men's Omni 21 — £64.95
Best for budget-conscious runners seeking reliable daily-use shoes. The Omni 21 delivers cushioned support at less than one-third the price of premium models, making it ideal for beginners building mileage or runners training casually without needing specialised features.
Saucony Hurricane 25 — £169.95
Best for intermediate runners wanting responsive performance without the elite price tag. The Hurricane 25 sits in the sweet spot—it offers structured support, moderate responsiveness, and versatility across various distances without overcomplicating the fit.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 — £240
Best for competitive runners and those targeting race times. The Endorphin Pro 4 features Saucony's fastest foam compound and a carbon-fibre plate designed to propel stride efficiency, making it the choice for serious pace-focused training or marathon/5K racing.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |-------|-------|----------|------------------| | Omni 21 | £64.95 | Casual/beginner runners | Entry-level cushioning at unbeatable value | | Hurricane 25 | £169.95 | Intermediate distance runners | Balanced responsiveness and support | | Endorphin Pro 4 | £240 | Competitive/race-focused runners | Carbon-fibre plate for maximum propulsion |
What to Look For
- Cushioning level: The Omni 21 uses standard PWRRUN foam (softer for comfort), the Hurricane 25 blends PWRRUN with firmer support, and the Endorphin Pro 4 uses PWRRUN+ (firmer, more responsive). Choose based on whether you prioritise comfort (long easy runs) or ground feedback (speed work).
- Weight range: Heavier trainers like the Omni 21 suit slower, longer runs; lighter shoes like the Endorphin Pro 4 (under 200g per shoe) work better for pace work and racing.
- Drop and geometry: Check the heel-to-toe drop (typically 8-12mm for running shoes); higher drops suit runners with tight calves, lower drops work for natural strikers.
- Fit consistency: Saucony shoes run true to size across their range, but the Endorphin Pro 4 fits slightly narrower in the midfoot—account for this if you have wider feet.
The Bottom Line
The Saucony Omni 21 at £64.95 is the best entry point and unmatched value for casual runners or those building a shoe rotation. The Endorphin Pro 4 at £240 is the standout for serious athletes targeting race performance. If you're between these extremes—logging 30-40 miles weekly with ambitions to improve pace—the Hurricane 25 at £169.95 offers the best balance of responsive performance and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saucony good value for money?
Yes, particularly at the Omni 21 price point (£64.95), where you get proven cushioning and durability at less than many competitors' entry models. Even the Endorphin Pro 4 (£240) competes fairly against other carbon-plated racing shoes priced £260-£300.
What's the difference between the Hurricane 25 and Endorphin Pro 4?
The Hurricane 25 is a daily trainer with moderate responsiveness and broader appeal; the Endorphin Pro 4 is a race-specific shoe with a carbon plate and faster foam designed to improve running economy and stride speed. The Endorphin Pro 4 is lighter (roughly 30g less) and stiffer, making it less suitable for easy recovery runs.
Do Saucony running shoes run small or large?
Saucony running shoes consistently run true to size across their range. If you wear a UK 10 in casual trainers, order a UK 10 in Saucony running shoes—no adjustment needed.
Which Saucony shoe is best for marathon training?
The Hurricane 25 is ideal for marathon training: it handles high weekly mileage without fatigue, offers reliable support for long runs, and pairs well with the Endorphin Pro 4 for race day itself. The Omni 21 works for easy-paced long runs but lacks the responsiveness for tempo or speed work.
