Endura

Endura is a term applied to several unrelated subjects, most commonly a medieval religious practice and a contemporary sportswear brand, and is also used as a trade name for various commercial products.

In historical contexts, endura refers to a practice associated with the Cathars, a Christian dualist movement in medieval southern France. Described in contemporary chronicles and later sources, the endura was a prolonged regimen of fasting and abstention undertaken by some adherents. Accounts differ on its aims and frequency; modern scholars treat descriptions cautiously, noting that hostile sources may have exaggerated its occurrence or characterized it as ritual suicide. Research places the practice within broader debates about Cathar beliefs, asceticism and how medieval observers interpreted minority religious behaviors.

In commerce, Endura is best known as a maker of technical cycling clothing and accessories. Originating as a specialist brand based in Scotland, it produces garments and equipment for road, mountain and commuter cyclists, emphasizing durability, weather protection and performance. The name Endura is also registered or used for a range of unrelated products and services worldwide, including industrial coatings, films, and consumer goods.

Because the term appears in multiple fields, context is required to determine which meaning is intended. Sources on each usage include historical studies of medieval heresies, company histories, product catalogs and trademark registries.