I tested Saucony’s Endorphin Azura – the perfect challenger for Adidas’ prized Evo SL – and how to save nearly £30

THE SUN is out, and you’re desperate to shave a few seconds, or minutes, off of your Parkrun PB. You’ve tried starting from the front, you’ve tried the gels, a healthier breakfast, an energy drink, even, but nothing is cutting it. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Lloyd in his Saucony Endorphin Azura’s They are a very comfortable running option Time to change your shoes. And here you are, considering if maybe Saucony can help you do it. Spoiler alert, these shoes did it for me, and can for you too. SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield took the new Endorphin Azura’s for a spin, in an attempt to set some PB’s and trudge through more than 100 kilometres in his Chelsea running challenge. Pros: High stack cushioning for long runs Lightweight and responsive for the size of the shoe Can be used on multiple terrains Wide platform allows a smooth heel to toe transition Cons: There are better looking, more stylish shoes on the market Quite a firm ride at times Rating: 8.5/10 Quickfire Q&A How much are they? Usually £140, but can be found on sale in various places for closer to £100. Who are they best for? People who want a versatile shoe that can handle easy runs, tempo workouts, and even race day. What we loved: Easy to wear, comfortable from the first use, durable and lightweight, versatile and stable. What we didn’t: Ride is quite firm, and not the most stylish shoe available. First Impressions: When I was sent this pair of Endorphin Azura’s by Saucony, I actually sold my Adidas EVO SL’s on Vinted… I slipped them on and immediately they were comfortable and from my first run in them I knew we would get on, they were ready to wear out of the box. Most read in Sport My first run in them was an 11km plod around a reservoir, and I had no issues at all from a comfort standpoint, with the cushioning massively softening landings. I didn’t miss the Adidas EVO SL’s in terms of comfort, maybe a little in terms of speed (and looking like the coolest person in the park), but these more than delivered for what I needed. Do they deliver? They certainly do. I have run over 60 km in these now, and have been steadily improving my times in both long and short distances. I’ve previously struggled a bit with shin splints, but these seemed to help with that too, though that is maybe more about them fitting me better. I found them really comfortable and easy to run in from the first wear, and in a way, it was nice not to be wearing the same shoes as everyone else at Parkrun. In all weather conditions I seemed to thrive in these shoes. I also wore them to the gym a few times, not while running, and they were great for that too! How much are Saucony Endorphin Azura’s? For running shoes, I would argue they’re pretty reasonable! They’re usually £140, but are available on sale in multiple places. A pair is just £98 right now on Flannels, £119 on SportsShoes.com and £109 at Cotswold Outdoor. VERDICT The Endorphin Azura’s are a great challenger to the Adidas EVO SL’s. The midsole and responsive ride are great, but they’re also great shoes for anyone looking for a versatile running shoe with a lightweight build. The ride is quite firm, which may suit you or may not, but if you’re after skipping carbon-plated runners, then these will be as good as you can find. They were great for me as a fairly competitive casual runner, who enjoys running once or twice a week to keep fit and am a regular gym-goer too. How we tested I am currently undertaking a Chelsea FC running challenge, where I run 2km when The Blues win, 5km when they draw, and 8km when they lose. They lose a lot… I add on 1km per goal they concede, which is also a lot. So I have been running a varied distance, mostly between 10-11km per week, sometimes twice a week. But I have mixed in several shorter, faster runs too, as I am a Parkrun regular, and managed to get a PB of 20:36 in these shoes. Where to buy Cotswold Outdoor has them reduced to £109 Flannels has them for £98, but only in select sizes ASOS has 15% off and free next day delivery for new customers with the code NEWHERE. Alternatives Asics GT-2000 14 offer similar stability and are perfect for easy miles. Reduced to £105 in the mid-season sale. On Cloudrunner 3 also has good cushioning and is stability-focused. £140. Saucony Ride 19 offers a very similar feel, but slightly heavier and more cushion-focused. £140. Brooks Glycerin 23 feels similar on foot, but are a bit heavier. £165. Comment now