The Mechanics of Plated Shoes
Plated shoes combine the natural ball of foot landing with the mechanics of the force of a backward drive to push the body forward . This is achieved by literally springing from forefoot to forefoot and protecting the landing with high energy return midsole material , and by using a shaped plate to dictate the landing angle , the plated shoes reduce energy-loss , force good running form , and improve performance . Those who do running drills will have practised this movement , and now it is the shoe enforcing this action to change the proficiency of how we run .
What is important to know is that the rigidity of the plate prevents our foot from moving naturally in the ( medial ) arch area , and puts large loads into our calf / soleus muscle . It is for this reason that it is vital to gradually adapt to the use of plated shoes . This is particularly true of runners who previously ran heel-toe or flat to midsole , as they will also not have used their feet and rear lower leg mechanism in the way they will be forced to with the plated shoes . The more rigid the plated shoe , the truer this is , and this is again a reason that some companies are now introducing more flexible versions of the plated shoe . These shoes have greater adaptation for the mass recreational market .
Mixing and rotating shoes will help with the adaptation , but importantly will also allow the foot days when it will be exercised and days when the load will be carried by the rigid plate . If a runner uses only the rigid plated shoe , then the loading and movement of the foot muscles , joints and ligaments are carried by the plate . An unused muscle loses strength and weakens over time . For this reason alone , do not buy plated shoes without having a second or third pair of shoes to balance your training . The plated shoe can be kept for races and dry-run trials for races , and will last much longer if used sparingly .
As such , the XTEP 160 is not available in SA , as it is reserved for the Chinese market , but the good news is that the Saucony Endorphin Pro , another brilliant plated shoe , is available here . I am not for one second implying that this is a lesser quality product , hence being exported by the Chinese , because the Saucony shoes are top line products , with top line research and product development , and with an excellent heritage that goes back decades , but we have them here because the brand is available in SA . The Endorphin Pro 2 thus sells for around the R4500 mark , which is certainly pricey by SA standards , but still not the most expensive plated shoe on the market , and as I am about to explain , it ’ s great value for money .
An Impressive Midsole
For this wear-test , Saucony sent me the original Endorphine Pro model , whereas you ’ ll find the Endorphin Pro 2 in stores , with just minor changes to the upper ( more on that later ). On first sight , the shoe may appear a bit heavy , due to the thickness of the midsole , which gives the look of a robust control shoe , but as soon as you pick it up , you are immediately struck by its lightness and the minimalistic nature of the upper .
The outer sole is made of high-carbon rubber , which means it will wear well and protect the very soft and more vulnerable midsole , but it is totally minimal , with the trade-off being less grip in the wet or damp . Only the key points on the outer have the rubber contact points ; the remainder is the PWRRUN PB midsole , which is the same incredible high energy return X-Dynamic Foam used in the XTEP 160 . This midsole material is truly long-lasting , with minimal loss of cushioning or indentation of the impact points . It has a springy cushioned return , and even after 22 months of using the XTEP 160 and doing around 3000km of running and racing in them , there is minimal loss of return and protection . It ’ s a really impressive material !
The midsole on the Saucony drops from 35.5mm at heel to 27.5mm under the forefoot . This is even thicker than the XTEP , which adds to the rigidity of the embedded carbon plate that ‘ forces ’ the runner to land on the forefoot . It ’ s this forward lean style that promotes backward push , resulting in forward thrust , making the Endorphin Pro 2 such a performancerelated shoe . While most other features in the shoe contribute to the feel of a racer , it is this amazing combination of the carbon plate , midsole material and the sculpted Speed Roll design of the midsole that maintains momentum and provides the shoe ’ s drive and performance .
Great Fit & Comfort
The upper uses Saucony ’ s Formfit , with a single-layer mesh that skims grams from the upper while also creating a lightness that is extremely attractive . Few materials offer such good ventilation . The tongue is gusseted , and by being held in place , it creates a sock-like feel in the shoe and prevents the irritation of a floating tongue .
On the original Endorphin Pro , there is a really smart addition of a lace band attached to the tongue , about halfway up the lacing yoke . This is clever and versatile , as it allows a multitude of options . In my case , I use it to secure my Stryd power meter footpod , but it is located in a great position to handle any pod , or also to slip extra length of laces under , which prevents laces from flapping around or undoing . This little innovation has been removed on the Pro 2 , where a textile loop is provided two-thirds up the lacing , which helps lock the shoe fit to the foot and gives addition control for those with a more mobile heel .
Given that this is a forefoot land-and-push shoe , the highly comfortable heel section is lightweight with minimal required support . There is ample width in the forefoot and no unnecessary overlay supports or laminations that can cause irritation , but two forward guide-bands hold the foot in position . The fit is incredible from the moment it is put on , and so lightweight .
With well over 100km on the shoe , there is little sign of wear and no loss of comfort . My preference is for use on the tar , and the faster the session , the better this shoe performs . It did fairly well on non-technical trail or dirt-track , but the design is best suited to tar and track , and in my opinion , this is one of the best plated racing shoes on the local market .
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