Saucony Endorphin Trainer vs HOKA Mach X 3

Endorphin Trainer or Mach X 3? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want a bouncy, plated trainer for slow long runs and steady efforts? Get the Endorphin Trainer.

Want a plated trainer with deep cushion? Get the Mach X 3.

Get the Endorphin Trainer if

You want more bounce and energy back
You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 5mm)
You’d rather spend $55 less

Get the Mach X 3 if

You like a less rigid forefoot
You prefer a lower drop (5mm vs 8mm)

On the run

Endorphin Trainer: The ultra-bouncy, plated trainer. Ultra-bouncy incrediRUN foam on a wide, stable base, with a stiff plate that feels snappy for midfoot and forefoot strikers. Ideal for long runs.

Mach X 3: The plated Mach for long, fast miles. Deeply cushioned, with a smooth, quick-rolling rocker and a Pebax plate. The forefoot is lively, but the EVA heel dulls the bounce at landing.

Specs side by side

	Endorphin Trainer	Mach X 3
Price	$134.95	$190
Stack height (heel / forefoot)	42 / 34mm*	Not listed by HOKA
Drop	8mm*	5mm
Weight, men’s	10.1 oz*	10.2 oz
Weight, women’s	Saucony no longer lists it	8.6 oz
Support	Neutral	Neutral
Plate	Carbon plate	Pebax plate
Widths	Standard	Standard
Built for	Long runs, Tempo & workouts, Easy days	Tempo & workouts, Long runs, Easy days
Expected life	400–500 miles	350–450 miles

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Endorphin Trainer. True to size with a comfortable, breathable upper, but the toebox is narrow.

Mach X 3. Runs slightly short and very snug, so go up a half if you’re between sizes. Little room for toes to spread.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.