Saucony · Reviewed by Alex Cyr · Published 2026-04-18
Based on a review by Alex Cyr (accessed 2026-04-18).
Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about exceptional versatility for both easy runs and workouts — just accept its use of workout foam initially caused debate regarding its categorization as a pure daily trainer.
The reviewer concluded that the Saucony Endorphin Azura is his number one favorite daily trainer of the year, despite initially debating its inclusion due to its workout shoe foam. He was particularly impressed by its dual capability for easy running and workouts, and its surprising durability, earning it the highest score.
This video review from Marathon Handbook ranks the reviewer's top five daily trainer running shoes for 2026 so far. Senior editor Alex Cyr shares his experiences and detailed opinions on each shoe, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help runners choose the right one.
The Saucony Endorphin Azura is the best easy running shoe of the year because of its unparalleled versatility, seamlessly blending daily trainer comfort with workout shoe performance. It ingeniously incorporates Saucony's high-performance PWRRUN PB foam, typically found in faster workout shoes, into a daily trainer chassis, enabling it to excel at both easy paces and quick workouts. The reviewer confirmed its unexpected durability during rigorous testing, dispelling initial concerns about the longevity of such a performance-oriented foam. If you seek a single shoe capable of handling both your relaxed recovery runs and your faster workout sessions without compromise, this model is an outstanding choice. However, if your preference is for a purely traditional, maximally cushioned easy running shoe with no speed aspirations, you might find other specialized trainers more aligned with your needs.
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The Puma Forever Run 2 is described as 'very, very durable' and 'like a cockroach,' indicating its robust construction and longevity for easy running.
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The Puma Forever Run 2 received 'top marks for comfort' and is considered 'the most comfortable shoe that Puma's made so far' by the reviewer.
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New Balance introduced a new Infiniam foam for the 1080 V15, described as a 'nitrogen-infused TPEE mid-sole,' which is touted for being lighter, more responsive, cushy, and durable.
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The 1080 V15 is still 'thoroughly an easy running shoe' that 'encourages you to pick up the pace a little bit,' offering versatility for different running efforts.
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The Glycerin 23 is compared to the New Balance 1080 V15, with the reviewer stating it 'has a more stable instep and overall just feels like a slightly more stable shoe.'
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The reviewer recommends the Glycerin 23 to anyone 'starting to run and is nervous about injuries because it's about the safest shoe that you can get.'
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ASICS managed to get the Nimbus 28 'down to under 10 oz,' which the reviewer calls a 'feat of engineering,' implying a significant weight reduction from previous models.
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The Nimbus 28 uses 'FF Blast Plus foam' which is 'lighter and more responsive than the previous foam that they had.'
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The reviewer states he put 'over 1,000 km in a previous version of the Nimbuses,' demonstrating long-term durability, and notes the Nimbus 28 is 'harder to beat down' than the Glycerin 23.
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The Saucony Endorphin Azura uses PWRRUN PB foam in its midsole, which is typically found in workout shoes like the Endorphin Speed.
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The Azura is a 'two-trick pony' that can be used for workouts (light, fast, rock forward) without compromising its ability as a good easy running shoe (nice, comfortable, durable).
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The reviewer's initial fear that the Azura 'would crap out on me quickly' was unfounded, as it proved to be a 'durable shoe,' leading to a bumped-up value rating.
The reviewer highlights the Puma Forever Run 2 as the 'most comfortable shoe that Puma's made so far' and gives it top marks for comfort. The New Balance 1080 V15 is also called 'incredibly comfortable' and the Brooks Glycerin 23 is 'one of the most comfortable shoes that I've ever worn.' The ASICS Nimbus 28 also scores highly for comfort and maintaining that feel over hundreds of kilometers.
The reviewer specifically recommends the Brooks Glycerin 23 to 'anybody who's starting to run and is nervous about injuries because it's about the safest shoe that you can get.' The ASICS Nimbus 28 is also noted as a very safe shoe, with the reviewer never hearing of anyone getting injured in it.
The Puma Forever Run 2 is highlighted as 'very, very durable' and 'like a cockroach.' The Brooks Glycerin 23 has 'excellent durability.' The ASICS Nimbus 28 is described as 'harder to beat down' than the Glycerin 23, with the reviewer having put over 1,000 km on previous Nimbus versions. The Saucony Endorphin Azura also surprised the reviewer with its durability, proving not to 'crap out quickly.'
The New Balance 1080 V15, while an easy running shoe, 'encourages you to pick up the pace a little bit.' The Saucony Endorphin Azura is lauded as a 'two-trick pony' that can be worn for workouts (being light, fast, and having a rock forward profile) while still being an excellent easy running shoe.
The New Balance 1080 V15 features new 'Infiniam' foam, a nitrogen-infused TPEE midsole, making it lighter and more responsive. The Brooks Glycerin 23 uses Brooks' own nitrogen-infused foam. The ASICS Nimbus 28 utilizes 'FF Blast Plus' supercritical foam for reduced weight and increased responsiveness. The Saucony Endorphin Azura uniquely uses PWRRUN PB foam, typically found in workout shoes, for enhanced performance.
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In this review, Alex Cyr from Marathon Handbook, who has run over 5,000 km and tested dozens of shoes, presents his top five daily trainers for 2026. He details the features, performance, and specific scores for the Puma Forever Run 2, New Balance 1080 V15, Brooks Glycerin 23, ASICS Nimbus 28, and the unexpected winner, the Saucony Endorphin Azura. The reviewer emphasizes stability, comfort, and durability as key factors for daily trainers and notes a trend towards more upscale foams in this category.
Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.
This page converts Alex Cyr's review of the Saucony Saucony Endorphin Azura into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.