Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 vs ASICS METASPEED RAY

Which Running Shoe Is Better?

Products

Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
ASICS METASPEED RAY

Tested using Methodology v0.9

Updated Oct 23, 2025 06:45 PM

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Saucony

Tested using Methodology v0.9

Updated Oct 30, 2025 12:40 PM

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  1. Recommended in 1 article:
  2. Marathon

Our Verdict

Saucony Endorphin Elite 2

ASICS METASPEED RAY

The ASICS METASPEED RAY and Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 are both exceptionally soft, high-stack racing shoes, but they take different paths to deliver speed. The RAY is dramatically lighter and feels more cushioned and bouncy overall, prioritizing maximum rebound and a highly energetic forefoot feel. The Endorphin Elite 2, while still soft, is firmer and more controlled under load (it compresses smoothly at lower forces but firms up as the pace increases), giving it a crisper, snappier toe-off and greater stability at marathon effort. Runners seeking the lightest, most cushioned option will gravitate toward the RAY, while those who prefer a more structured, balanced feel with better control may favor the Saucony.

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Variants

  • Endorphin Elite 2 (Buttercream/Ash - (Men - US 9))
  • Endorphin Elite 2 (Buttercream/Ash - (Women - US 7))
  • Endorphin Elite 2 (Citron/Black - (Men - US 9))
  • Endorphin Elite 2 (Citron/Black - (Women - US 7))
  • Endorphin Elite 2 (Fog/Cinder - (Men - US 9))
  • Endorphin Elite 2 (Fog/Cinder - (Women - US 7))
  • Endorphin Elite 2 (White/Peel - (Men - US 9))
  • Endorphin Elite 2 (White/Peel - (Women - US 7))
  • METASPEED RAY (White/Flash Red - (Men - US 9))
  • METASPEED RAY (White/Flash Red - (Women - US 7))

Main Differences for
Marathon Racing

Threshold 

0.10

Marathon Racing 

8.6
8.9

Weight  

8.1
9.7

Full Comparison

Design

Weight  

8.1
9.7

Right Shoe Weight Photo  

Left Shoe Weight Photo  

Weight 
 

201.9 g (7.12 oz)
129.3 g (4.56 oz)
Show Text 

Stack Heights 
 

Stack Height Photo  

Heel Stack Height 
 

40.0 mm
40.0 mm

Forefoot Stack Height 
 

32.3 mm
34.5 mm

Heel-To-Toe Drop 
 

8.0 mm
6.8 mm

Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop 
 

7.7 mm
5.0 mm

External Shape 
 

3D Model Full Shoe  

Outsole Heel Width 
 

87 mm (3.4")
71 mm (2.8")

Outsole Arch Width 
 

55 mm (2.2")
62 mm (2.5")

Outsole Forefoot Width 
 

112 mm (4.4")
94 mm (3.7")

Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio 
 

2.18
1.78

Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio 
 

3.47
2.72
Show Text 

Internal Shape 
 

3D Model Internal  

Internal Length 
 

273 mm (10.7")
268 mm (10.6")

Internal Heel Width 
 

55 mm (2.2")
54 mm (2.1")

Internal Forefoot Width 
 

90 mm (3.5")
89 mm (3.5")

Wide Sizing Available 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Other Features  

Other Features Photo  

Tongue Gusset Type 
 

Non-gusseted
Non-gusseted

Plate 
 

Carbon Fiber
Carbon Fiber
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Performance

Heel Energy Return 
 

8.8
8.7

Heel Compression Video  

Heel Energy Return  

See details
See details

Heel Energy Return 
 

85.8%
85.4%
Show Text 

Forefoot Energy Return 
 

8.8
9.0

Forefoot Compression Video  

Forefoot Energy Return  

See details
See details

Forefoot Energy Return 
 

86.4%
88.0%
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Heel Cushioning 
 

8.4
9.1

Heel Cushioning Picture  

Heel Cushioning  

See details
See details

Energy Absorbed At 550N 
 

4.68 J
5.21 J

Energy Absorbed At 1100N 
 

10.06 J
11.54 J

Energy Absorbed At 1900N 
 

15.62 J
17.92 J
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Forefoot Cushioning 
 

8.2
8.8

Forefoot Cushioning Picture  

Forefoot Cushioning  

See details
See details

Energy Absorbed At 800N 
 

5.50 J
5.68 J

Energy Absorbed At 1300N 
 

8.88 J
9.62 J

Energy Absorbed At 2050N 
 

12.56 J
14.37 J
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Heel Firmness 
 

5.9
5.0

Heel Firmness  

See details
See details

Firmness At 550N 
 

47.9 N/mm
40.6 N/mm

Firmness At 1100N 
 

131.9 N/mm
113.7 N/mm

Firmness At 1900N 
 

302.6 N/mm
269.0 N/mm
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Forefoot Firmness 
 

8.2
7.3

Forefoot Firmness  

See details
See details

Firmness At 800N 
 

106.8 N/mm
95.5 N/mm

Firmness At 1300N 
 

224.5 N/mm
181.0 N/mm

Firmness At 2050N 
 

454.1 N/mm
341.2 N/mm
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Forefoot Long Run Cushioning 
 

7.9
8.3

Forefoot Long Run Cushioning  

See details
See details

Energy Absorbed At 10km 
 

8.60 J
9.16 J

Energy Absorbed At 20km 
 

8.52 J
9.04 J

Energy Absorbed At 30km 
 

8.47 J
8.91 J

Energy Absorbed At 40km 
 

8.43 J
8.82 J
Show Text 

Saucony Endorphin Elite 2

ASICS METASPEED RAY

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Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 vs ASICS METASPEED RAY: Main Discussion

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