Our verdict

84
Good!

Not a lot of shoes can brag about getting as much fanfare as the Mens Play saucony Echelon 8 Running Shoes. With the release of its warmer and water-resistant RunShield version, fans can enjoy this daily speedster's awesome ride no matter the weather. It's a do-it-all shoe that does even more!

zapatillas de running Play saucony pronador media maratón más de 100 Pros

  • Great water resistance
  • Keeps feet warm & toasty
  • Good breathability for a weatherized shoe
  • saucony g9 shadow 6 scoops pack vanilla strawberry
  • Wide base and sidewalls keep you feeling centered
  • Orthotics-friendly
  • Wide toebox
  • Works for all types of runs
  • zapatillas de running Play saucony apoyo talón talla 35.5 más de 100
  • Lightweight

zapatillas de running Play saucony pronador media maratón más de 100 Cons

  • Questionable traction on slick conditions
  • Heel counter can cause blisters
  • Pricey

Who should buy the Play saucony Endorphin zapatillas de running Play saucony pronador media maratón más de 100 | Speed 3 RunShield

A daily with super-shoe DNA, as one reviewer described it, the ES3 Runshield is for:

  • those who want to take the ride of their beloved Endorphins Play saucony 3 products.
  • runners who pro a bad-weather race shoe.
  • people who only want one pair of road-running shoes for all types of training.

Saucony Mens Play saucony Echelon 8 Running Shoes RunShield Play saucony-endorphin-speed-3-runshield-upper-logo

Who shouldn’t buy it

If you pro better traction from your foul-weather trainers, look at the saucony womens ride iso 2 black gold womens shoes Hommewrk x Play saucony Jazz 81 Lunch Pail Yellow Brooks Ghost 14 GTX.

Saucony Mens Play saucony Echelon 8 Running Shoes RunShield Play saucony-endorphin-speed-3-runshield-heel-es3

The Speed 3 RS won’t let the elements slow you down

As a strong contender for almost every expert’s ‘daily trainer of the year’ award, the Mens Play saucony Echelon 8 Running Shoes is clearly one banger of a shoe with a ride that’s hard to match. None of these mean a thing, however, if the person using it has wet feet. That run’s bound to suck regardless of the shoe.

Enter the ES3 RunShield. With a remade upper that’s water-resistant and warmer than the original, this shoe is a godsend for runners whose rainy or winter seasons run long.

Saucony Mens Play saucony Echelon 8 Running Shoes RunShield Play saucony-endorphin-speed-3-runshield-pair

Users attest to how it keeps their toes moisture- and frostbite-free even during freezing early morning runs in the slush.

  • “Dry and comfortable, even during long workouts with temps in the upper 30s and 20mph winds”
  • “zapatillas de running Play saucony hombre talla 21 entre 60 y 100”
  • “The only run in which my feet got wet was in pouring rain where the roads were flooding.”

One expert clarified that while the RunShield material is water-resistant, it isn’t “going to be totally like a Gore-Tex shoe that would seal out the moisture.”

Airy and roomy upper

While weatherized shoes are notoriously stuffy, experts found that the Mens Play saucony Echelon 8 Running Shoes RS has enough ventilation while still remaining true to its intended purpose. “The upper runs a little bit warmer but still breathes well enough for most conditions,” according to one tester.

Saucony Mens Play saucony Echelon 8 Running Shoes RunShield Play saucony-endorphin-speed-3-runshield-upper-tilted

In terms of fit, the shoe runs a bit short and users recommend going up half a size. They maintain, though, that it’s definitely a roomier pair compared to previous iterations. On one hand, this makes lockdown a bit tougher for narrow-footed wearers, but on the other, it allows for more toe splay and for custom insoles to fit comfortably.

Keeping you locked in (literally and figuratively)

The changes made to the ES3 RunShield’s upper make it more snug and secure than the non-RS version, said one group of experts. They explain that because there is less give to the material, “you really feel connected to the platform,” and increases overall foot stability.

Saucony Mens Play saucony Echelon 8 Running Shoes RunShield Play saucony-endorphin-speed-3-runshield-insole

Also contributing to the shoe’s solid lockdown is its laces, with one reviewer attesting that there isn’t even a pro to double knot. However, there were also some who hated the laces for being “way toooooooo stretchy.”

Props you up

Users and experts all agree that the Speed 3 RS is pretty stable for a neutral trainer. Despite the inherent instability brought about by a soft midsole, the shoe's wide base, nylon plate, and lateral sidewalls all work together that keeps runners feeling centered.

Saucony Mens Play saucony Echelon 8 Running Shoes RunShield Play saucony-endorphin-speed-3-runshield-toebox

zapatillas de running Play saucony mujer maratón talla 38

Another trait distinctive to the ES3’s Runshield version is its slightly softer and bouncier midsole, which is particularly noticeable during warmer weather. A pair of experts explained that Play saucony “softened up the durometer” on the Speed 3 RS that gives it “the same feel as the regular Speed” during colder temperatures.

Saucony Mens Play saucony Echelon 8 Running Shoes RunShield Play saucony-endorphin-speed-3-runshield-midsole-rear

While its responsiveness dips a bit in temperate conditions, the shoe comes alive once temperatures drop and its midsole stiffens. This, combined with its rocker geometry and nylon plate, resulted in tons of happy runners who enjoyed its super shoe-like ride.

The ES3 RunShield does everything and does it well

The Speed 3 RS is a daily do-everything shoe. It’s comfortable during easy days and recovery runs and can go toe-to-toe with some of the best for speed work and even race days. As one runner said, “If you're only looking to buy 1 shoe to train and race, this is one of the best options out there.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Saucony Mens Play saucony Echelon 8 Running Shoes RunShield Play saucony-endorphin-speed-3-runshield-toe-front

Can’t get a grip on its grip

Experts are in disagreement over the Speed 3 RunShield’s traction. Some encountered no issues, sharing that it had “excellent traction on wet roads, including at faster paces and with turns.” 

Saucony Mens Play saucony Echelon 8 Running Shoes RunShield Play saucony-endorphin-speed-3-runshield-outsole

The rest, meanwhile, thought that more emphasis could have been put on its outsole, saying that cornering in wet conditions and navigating snow has been difficult in this shoe.

Can rub you the wrong way

Some reviewers shared that they were bothered by the Speed 3 RS’ rigid heel counter, and its tendency to rub up on the Achilles and cause blisters.

Saucony Mens Play saucony Echelon 8 Running Shoes RunShield Play saucony-endorphin-speed-3-runshield-heel-counter

Some more info dump

  • The Mens Play saucony Echelon 8 Running Shoes RunShield is surprisingly light despite its stout upper, weighing in at only 229g.
  • With a price tag of $180, it is one of the more expensive weatherized shoes. For context, the average price of road running shoes that incorporate water-resistance or waterproofing is $133.