Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 review (unsponsored) | Endorphin Speed 5 vs 4
I’ve been a massive Saucony Endorphin Speed fan since taking my first stridei in the Endorphin Speed 3 a few years ago. I then upgraded to the Speed 4, and naturally I got my hands on the Speed 5 as soon as they launched, which I was eager to try. After putting them to the test, here’s my honest, unsponsored review of the Saucony Endorphin 5 and how it compares to the 4.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
The Saucony Endorphin Speed range is known and loved for its versatility. Combining a lightweight nylon plate and responsive PWRRUN PB foam, it aims to work equally well across a range of paces and can even be a decent race shoe, making it a true do-it-all trainer for runners who want performance without sacrificing comfort.
Speed 5 specs: what you need to know
The Endorphin Speed 5 is a performance-oriented daily trainer built with a focus on responsiveness and durability. It features a full-length PWRRUN PB midsole paired with a redesigned nylon plate that now uses a single medial wing.
The upper has been overhauled with a new engineered mesh that's more breathable, slightly rougher in texture and more accommodating in the forefoot.
Additional outsole rubber, especially around the lateral heel, enhances durability and grip, making the shoe more resilient especially for heel strikers.
The shoe maintains an 8 mm drop with a 36 mm heel and 28 mm forefoot stack height.
It retails at £180. I bought mine through the Saucony website and was very impressed with the super speedy delivery.
What type of runs is the Endorphin Speed 5 for?
Whilst the Speed 5 is a versatile shoe that can virtually do anything, the subtle changes it presents compared to the previous version make it better suited for faster paces, from the pointy end of your steady pace to tempo runs and proper speed intervals.
Thanks to its firmer midsole and efficient ride, it excels when the pace picks up. While some may still use it for daily training, the underfoot firmness and slightly reduced rocker make it less forgiving for easy or recovery days compared to earlier versions.
It’s a strong choice for runners who want a sharp, responsive feel without training in carbon shoes.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 VS Speed 4: key differences
Compared to the Speed 4, the Speed 5 delivers a firmer underfoot feel. The Speed 4 used a dual-wing nylon plate that provided more structure and a smoother rocker transition, making it well-suited for a variety of paces.
In contrast, the Speed 5 uses a single medial wing plate, which adds a bit of flexibility but this is balanced out by a firmer foam feel, making the shoe feel quicker and more responsive, especially during faster runs.
Another key improvement is the upper. The Speed 5 features a lighter, more breathable mesh with a roomier forefoot, accommodating more foot shapes and improving airflow.
One of the standout changes is in the tongue: the Speed 4’s tongue was overly padded and had excess material that could feel bulky or bunch up. In the Speed 5, the tongue has been streamlined: thinner, more sculpted and better integrated with the lacing system, resulting in a more secure and comfortable lockdown without unnecessary bulk.
The outsole has also been refined with more rubber coverage, especially at the heel and forefoot, boosting durability and grip for daily training.
Another key difference is the revamped heel counter. The shoe now features a firmer, flared heel cup that offers better rearfoot lockdown and support around the Achilles.
PS: you can read my unsponsored review of the Endorphin Speed 4.
Is the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 true to size?
Yes, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 fits true to size for most runners.
In my case, I’ve worn a UK 4 in every single Saucony shoe I’ve owned and it’s matched perfectly with my sizing in both On and Nike shoes.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 honest review
If you prefer video reviews, check out this vlog where I put the shoes to the test and share my honest first impressions:
What I really appreciate about the Endorphin Speed range overall is the nylon plate, which doesn’t offer that full-on “speed boost” that carbon plates give you, but it does add a noticeable spring in your step, making these shoes excellent session trainers.
With the Speed 4, I loved how versatile it felt at nearly any pace. Even though it’s my go-to “session shoe,” I’ve found myself reaching for it on easy long runs too.
It’s especially my favourite for long run workouts that mix steady efforts and half-marathon pace, because it feels equally comfortable whether I’m cruising or pushing hard.
In terms of underfoot feel, the Speed 4 has a softer landing that still allows you to pick up the pace smoothly.
The Speed 5, on the other hand, feels much firmer beneath the foot. That firmness really shines during speed work but makes the shoe less comfortable for easy or steady runs. Because of that, I find the Speed 5 a bit less versatile, it’s not one I want to wear for relaxed or recovery days.
One thing I do prefer in the Speed 5 is the revamped upper. The tongue has much less thick padding, which makes for a neater fit and reduces bulk and the new engineered mesh is more breathable.
I also really appreciate the improved heel fit, with the more structured heel counter giving a much more secure lockdown.
My previous Endorphin Speed shoes proved to be extremely durable, so I don’t expect anything less from the 5, especially with the added outsole rubber.
It’s a little disappointing that the Speed 5 has become more of a dedicated session shoe in my opinion, even though it’s a great one. But if you’re after a non-carbon-plated trainer specifically for your weekly speed workouts, the Speed 5 is definitely a solid choice!
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