Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 vs New Balance Rebel v2: Two top daily trainers tested

If you’re on the hunt for a fun, fast daily training shoe, you can’t really go wrong with either the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 or New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2, especially if you opt for the snazzy London Marathon colourway of the Rebel.

However, the two shoes definitely have different strengths and weaknesses, and after logging a lot of miles in both Run Tester Nick delivers his verdict on which might be the better pick for different types of running, and different types of runner.

JUMP STRAIGHT IN:
00:00​​​​ - Intro
00:31 - Design & Key Stats
02:58 - How’s The Fit?
03:33 - The Run Test
07:07 - Verdict

Subscribe to The Run Testers for more running gear reviews:

Some other videos you might find useful:

[jerevermore]

I have the endorphin speed (1) and the rebel v2 as my 2 shoe rotation, I have to say I agree completely with your sentiments Nick! The rebel, I find a bit too soft for tempo or threshold / interval runs and the endorphin speed fills that role really well for me. I find I always pick up the rebel when I need to baby my feet a bit more :P

[Dave-kqcv]

I have Speed 1 and rebel v2 . I like them both. The fit I find better with the rebel . I like the rebel for shorter runs as you mentioned I find it bottoms out when the run gets longer.

[zdruk]

Took me almost 20 miles before I really started to like the Rebel and now I really enjoy it. The Speed 2 is still to me the best shoe Ive ever run in, but these 2 shoes and the last Hoka Bondi are my current rotation.

[Bodhished]

I have had the Speed 2 for a fair while and a really great shoe. Did purchase the Rebel v2 a couple of months ago... Ended up returning because foam too soft and bottom out at 6-8km mark. Is definitely a fun shoe, but can't take it on longer sessions did it in for me. Replaced it with Rocket X.

[i.p]

Great review, I have two pairs of the Rebel V2.. Use them for long runs and recovery run. FUN shoe. Does bottom out a bit after an hour but it makes it more stable as you get more tired so it is a good thing. Excellent ground feel because they are so soft. Endorphin Speed much firmer than the Rebel V2. Much faster for a long run. No bottom out ever. No ground feeling. If you need a shoe just for fun then Rebel V2. If you want a more reliable feeling shoe then Endorphin Speed..

[NickSmith-qvep]

Haven't seen the whole review yet but worth pointing out that you can pick up the Rebel 2 for literally half the price of the Speed 2 in the UK. The Endorphin line never seems to be discounted

[TheChessPlayer]

The S/E Speed V1 is my exclusive racing shoe. I don't get on well with stiff carbon plates at the speeds I run. I love the Speed V1 so much, I have acquired 3 pairs all bought on clearance with the last one only costing $89. Only available in women and I sized up and got my 3rd pair. I am a shrew cat! :-) I recently tried on a pair of the Rebel V2 and immediately ordered it on Amazon with a gift card I got. I did in fact order a half size up since several reviewers suggested it. I am a slower type runner, recent half marathon at 2:11:06. I just had my 65th birthday. I think this shoe will make my daily training fun and peppy! :-)

[taurusx]

i got the speed 1at $120 USD, because of the speed 2, and looking at your reviews the only difference is the upper, the ride remains the same, great videos by the way

[neilmcgovern]

Just picked up the Speed 2 and struggling with lockdown, slips a little after 3 or so miles, only clocked 25 miles so might need a little breaking a little but might need to tighten the laces like your original Got the Pro V1 also but not run much in that, races only! Great video as usual Nick!

[nicholasrattray]

Find the Endorphin Speed 2 quite firm. Definitely believe you need to put 20-30 miles on it before it softens up a bit. Not tried the NB shoe. Prices are coming down for both.

[jimoconnor]

Endorphin Speed 2 doesn't work well for me as a true daily trainer. Found it to tight in the toe box, on wet pavement (just like V1) I still am slipping and I find it a bit clunky if training at paces you should be for your daily miles (easy miles). Plus it is $160. Daily miles for me are easy, slower paces. Rebel V2 fits perfectly. IMO the Kinvara 12 is a better daily shoe than the Speed 2 as well. Especially for the money and versatility.

[mkmstillstackin]

Great review! I have the speed (1) and the rebel v2 and my sentiments are quite similar. My first assessment was that I didnt believe I could take the speed for longer miles (say over 10miles) but now after running in it for some time, my position has changed. I think the speed can possibly work at full marathon distance for me. I will be putting it to the test in fhe next few days, with a marathon coming up in 2 1/2 weeks.

[fabsterun]

Interesting vs. Both shoes lovely. I really like the RebelV2 had to size up, very comfortable shoe not very super fast for long runs i can do sprints in the RebelV2 i totally agree with most of you said ! Amazing video as usual!

[toddy]

Great video, thank you! I have a pair of Speed 2s and love them. I received some good advice regarding the fit for New Balance shoes Vs other brands at my local running store. It's best to trust the US sizing rather than UK. For example, I wear UK size 9, which is US size 10 in my Speed 2s. Looking at the New Balance size chart, US size 10 is actually a UK 9.5, so I bought my 1080v11s in that size instead and the fit is much better

[HI-pier]

The endorphin speed only feels good to me when running like 4.45min a km

[mariolemos]

Great comparison, but I think NB TC is the direct rival to the Saucony Speed, both with plate.

[yaesmucho]

InvinciblesZoomX, Clifton 7, Pegasus 38, react Invincibles, I just cant find MY perfect shoe and I bought these two to find out, awaiting shipment arrival.
UPDATE: These are perfect for me. Both, although if I had to choose only 1, I'd go with the Speed 2.
but the Rebel v2 are so good too, I'd say nearly perfect too. Just loved the firmness & softness at the same time of the Speed 2

[desmorris]

I would like to see how the reble v2 compares to the scetchers Road max 5. 👍

[Pipppetto]

I'm very intrigued by the beautiful NB, but I have extremely narrow feet (size US11) and wonder if the lateral flare somewhat affects the metatarsal fit.
Suggestions welcome...

[mattgavin]

Thanks for the comparison! How do you feel the Endorphin Speed stacks up to the RC Elite v2? I've raced up to the half marathon distance in the Endorphin Pro but think I may want something cushier for my full marathon in the spring. I love the Speeds and log a lot of miles in them, so those could fit the bill, but I'm also eyeing the RC Elite v2 after some rave reviews.