This offering is for a new pair of men's Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 running shoes in a size 10.5 D (US). Saucony has always marketed their Endorphin running shoes as premium offerings. I don't know how "premium" they are, but there is a fair amount of material and technology that goes into these shoes (as discussed below). Note: the "D" sizing indicator represents a men's medium or standard shoe width. As viewed in the pictures, these shoes are mostly blue with some white, black, green and red accents (or as the color labeling on the box states...blue raz/acid rouge). Some detailed specifications include the following...

• Pronation type: Neutral with some stability features (as discussed below)

• Drop: 4 mm

• Heel stack height: 38 mm

• Forefoot stack height: 34 mm

• Weight (each shoe): 10.8 oz (per digital scale)

• Other notes: Most would probably consider this a trainer that is best suited for road/paved surfaces. Although, well maintained and relatively flat dirt roads would also be fine (like the many farm roads we run on in Kansas).

I land somewhere between a neutral and a stability running shoe when it comes to a trainer. For me, this shoe falls in this "in-between" category. There are not the traditional stability features like a "post" or even higher density foam on the medial side of the shoe. Instead, there is an external (and reinforced) heel counter that helps lock-in the back of the foot and limits movement to either the medial or lateral side. I also like that this reinforced area is on the outside, which makes the inside more comfortable, while still retaining the structural integrity of the heal area. There is also a bit more substance to the upper material along the sides. It is stitched and appears to be thicker than the upper material elsewhere. Again, it's subtle, but I get the feeling this thicker material helps keep the foot in place and more stable through the gait cycle.

I also want to mention the considerable foam under foot and pedestrian drop measurement. The stack height is significant, even by trainer standards, at 38 mm in the heel and 34 mm in the forefoot. Although, the feel is on the firm side, which is a little surprising given the amount of foam that is present. I don't mind it, and coupled with Saucony "SPEEDROLL" rocker technology, probably allows for a faster turnover (which should offer some relief to the foot and ankle) compared to some other trainers with a similar drop measurement. The potential benefits aside, I want to emphasize the denser/firmer foam under foot. It's noticeable compared to other trainers, even within Saucony brand, like the Triumph model (which has a softer/plusher feel to it). Both types of trainers have their place, and I am not saying one is better than the other, but they are different. Then there is the drop measurement of only 4 mm. I've been told a modest drop is usually better for midfoot and forefoot strikers and generally lessens the stress on the knee and hip. The tradeoff is a minimal drop will usually require a little more from the foot and ankle. I understand some of the design features appear to offset one another in terms of their benefits, but I still thought some might find this fit and design information helpful.

I bought several pairs of these shoes in different colors, but won't use them all. So these are new shoes that have never been tried on or taken out of their box, except for the pictures uploaded above. Listing Update...This is my last pair in this size/color.