When investing in high-performance running shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, it’s essential to ensure you’re buying a genuine pair. With their soaring popularity among marathoners and serious runners, these shoes have become targets for counterfeiters. Spotting fake Saucony Endorphin Pro 3s requires attention to detail—from logos and packaging to material quality and performance features. This guide will help you confidently identify authentic pairs and avoid wasting your money on imitations.
1. Examine the Shoe Box and Packaging
Original Saucony boxes are sturdy, well-printed, and feature a sleek black-and-red design. On the label, check for:
- Model name: Endorphin Pro 3
- Style code (e.g., S20755- followed by a specific colorway number)
- Accurate sizing information and barcode
- Country of origin (typically Vietnam or China for authentic Saucony)
Warning sign: Blurry fonts, misspellings, or generic boxes often indicate a fake.
2. Inspect the Saucony Branding and Logo
The Saucony “river” logo should appear:
- Cleanly printed and symmetrical
- On the lateral side of the shoe
- On the tongue tag and sometimes the heel
Also, check that “SPEEDROLL” and “Endorphin Pro 3” are correctly spelled and printed on the midsole or heel area. Counterfeit versions often use poor-quality printing or incorrect logos.
3. Feel the Materials and Construction
The Endorphin Pro 3 is made with premium engineered mesh, a carbon-fiber plate, and PWRRUNPB foam. Look for:
- Lightweight but supportive mesh with visible breathability
- Thick, energetic midsole foam that feels springy yet stable
- Clean stitching and secure bonding
Red flags: Stiff or plasticky upper, visible glue stains, uneven midsoles, or odd smells from cheap materials.
4. Check the Outsole Design
The authentic outsole features:
- Strategic rubber placements at the heel and forefoot
- A slightly translucent, grippy compound with unique traction patterns
- “SPEEDROLL” technology in the rocker shape
Fake outsoles may be too soft, flat, or lack traction detail.
5. Verify the Carbon Plate Feel
One of the defining features of the Endorphin Pro 3 is its carbon-fiber plate, which offers a propulsive toe-off. To test:
- Lightly press or bend the forefoot area—there should be noticeable resistance and stiffness
- Compare the feel with known authentic models if available
Tip: Fakes usually skip the carbon plate to cut costs, resulting in a flimsier feel.
6. Scan the QR Code or Use Saucony’s Website
Some genuine Saucony products come with QR codes on the box or tag. You can:
- Scan the code with your phone to verify it leads to Saucony’s official product page
- Cross-check the style code and colorway on www.saucony.com
7. Buy From Authorized Sellers Only
To ensure authenticity:
- Purchase from official Saucony retailers, such as Running Warehouse, Zappos, or Saucony’s website
- Avoid deals that seem too good to be true on social media marketplaces or unauthorized third-party sites
8. Compare With a Verified Authentic Pair
If you have access to a known genuine pair:
- Place both side-by-side to compare weight, build, and proportions
- Listen for different sounds when tapping the sole—authentic PWRRUNPB foam sounds more cushioned and less hollow
Final Thoughts
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 is a precision-engineered racing shoe—fakes not only underperform but may even cause injury due to poor design. Always check the small details, buy from reputable sources, and when in doubt, compare with trusted versions. Knowing how to spot the real deal helps protect your investment—and your run.