Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 Review: Best Uses and Comparisons

Most running shoes force you to choose: fast or comfortable. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 refuses that trade-off, delivering supershoe-like energy return in a package that handles everything from recovery jogs to parkrun sprints. Reviewers have logged serious miles in these, racing a 16:14 parkrun while still wearing the same pair for easy miles days later. This review breaks down exactly what the Speed 5 handles well, where it falls short of its predecessor, and who should buy it.

Cushioning: PWRRUN PB foam · Support: Neutral · Best for: Up-tempo training · Energy return: Supershoe-like · Upper: Top-notch ventilation

The comparison below pulls data from multiple testing sources to show how the two models stack up across key performance metrics.

What is Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 good for?

The Endorphin Speed 5 occupies a rare middle ground: a shoe built for speedwork that doesn’t punish you for wearing it on easy days. The PWRRUN PB foam delivers that supershoe-like energy return runners crave, but Saucony tuned it slightly softer than the Speed 4, making the ride more forgiving when you back off the pace (Find My Footwear). Reviewers tested both models across 200+ miles, logging everything from parkrun sprints to three-hour training runs in the Speed 5.

Up-tempo paces

The winged nylon plate still propels you forward, but the reduced outer wing gives better torsional flexibility. For shorter intervals and tempo efforts, the Speed 5 responds well. Testers raced a parkrun at 16:14 and handled track workouts without issue (The Run Testers). The trade-off: it doesn’t feel quite as fast as the Speed 4 at top speeds.

Daily training

This is where the Speed 5 shines. The roomier forefoot and wider platform make it comfortable for moderate sessions and recovery runs alike. Run and Become notes the vegan-friendly design stays lightweight throughout long efforts while the nylon plate maintains stability (Run and Become). Reviewers used the Speed 5 for runs up to three hours without hot spots or foot fatigue.

Long runs

The updated heel package with more XT900 rubber adds durability where it matters most. The more accommodating edge prevents the harsh bottoming-out that plague some speed shoes on longer efforts. That said, reviewers noted the Speed 5 feels more traditional than the Speed 4—slightly lower stack, higher effective drop—which some runners prefer for hours-on-end comfort.

Is the Endorphin Speed 5 a daily trainer?

Yes—with caveats. The Endorphin Speed 5 works as a daily trainer, but it’s a specific kind of daily trainer: one that rewards you when you push the pace rather than one built purely for comfort. The engineered mesh upper keeps weight down while the PWRRUN PB midsole doesn’t flatten out on easy miles like some race-oriented foams can.

Versatility in workouts

RTINGS.com’s direct comparison found the Speed 5 has a wider platform and looser fit than the Speed 4 (RTINGS.com). That extra room lets your foot splay naturally during harder efforts, reducing the cramped feeling that plagues some speed shoes mid-workout. The neutral support suits most foot types, though overpronators may want additional stability elsewhere.

Moderate sessions

Running Shoes Guru’s analysis confirms the Speed 5 prefers moderate tempos over all-out sprints. The less prominent rocker means you work harder to maintain race pace, but that same geometry makes sustained moderate efforts more pleasant (Running Shoes Guru). For threshold runs, progression runs up to 13 miles, and sustained tempo efforts, the Speed 5 feels natural.

What is the difference between Endorphin Speed 5 and 4?

The Speed 5 isn’t a straight upgrade—it’s a deliberate shift in philosophy. Where the Speed 4 maximized speed assistance through a prominent rocker and firmer ride, the Speed 5 traded some of that snap for versatility. Both share the same 36mm/28mm stack heights and 8mm drop, but the execution differs markedly.

Foam updates

Both models use PWRRUN PB foam, but Find My Footwear’s detailed testing found Saucony tuned the Speed 5’s midsole marginally softer with a slightly more accommodating edge (Find My Footwear). The Speed 5 retains spring and snap, but forgives more when you land slightly wrong or run on tired legs. Speed 4 fans may notice the difference on race day.

Upper improvements

The Speed 5’s new engineered mesh differs from Speed 4’s previous-generation upper. Running Shoes Guru’s side-by-side test found Speed 4’s upper felt softer, more stretchy, and warmer with a snugger hold (Running Shoes Guru). Speed 5’s fit accommodates wider feet better but loses that second-skin feel some runners prefer.

Performance gains

The modified plate design reduces the outer wing, which Running Shoes Guru attributes to a more flexible midsole and less prominent rocker. The result: a slower ride compared to Speed 4. For uptempo runs, workouts, and races, the Speed 4’s stability and speed assistance still win (Running Shoes Guru). YouTube reviewers confirm the Speed 5 struggles at top speeds where Speed 4 pulls ahead.

Is the Endorphin Speed 5 a marathon shoe?

The Endorphin Speed 5 can work for marathon racing, but it’s not optimized for the distance. Reviewers noted the shoe feels best for shorter, faster intervals and moderate tempo runs rather than 26.2 miles at threshold pace. The less aggressive rocker means you work harder to maintain race pace, which could cost energy late in a marathon.

Race-day potential

The Run Testers found the Speed 5 not as quick as full-carbon supershoes but close (The Run Testers). For runners who find carbon-plated shoes too harsh for training, the Speed 5 offers a middle path: you can race in your trainers. But if you’re targeting a fast marathon time, a dedicated race shoe with a full carbon plate will likely serve better.

Versus dedicated marathon options

The Endorphin Speed line competes with Hoka Mach X2 and Asics Superblast 2, both designed as versatile speed trainers with marathon potential. The Speed 5’s 8mm drop and moderate stack fall within range for these comparisons, but the Speed 4’s racier feel edges it ahead for pure marathon performance.

Is Saucony better than Hoka?

Comparing Saucony to Hoka depends on what you’re after. Both brands excel in specific areas: Saucony’s Endorphin line targets responsive energy return, while Hoka traditionally prioritizes maximal cushioning and comfort. For the Speed 5 specifically, The Run Testers positioned it as rivaling the Hoka Mach X2 and Asics Superblast 2 (The Run Testers).

Brand strengths

Saucony’s PWRRUN PB foam delivers snappy energy return without the extreme stack heights some Hoka models use. Hoka’s strength lies in plush cushioning that absorbs impact over long distances—think Clifton or Bondi families. If you prioritize feel underfoot and propulsion, Saucony leads. If you want pillow-soft landing, Hoka wins.

Shoe matchup

For neutral speed trainers, the Speed 5 vs Mach X2 comparison favors different runners. Speed 5 offers more responsive ride; Mach X2 provides more cushioning underfoot. The Saucony IE site lists the Speed 4 for everyday and speed training (Saucony IE), suggesting Saucony itself positions these as versatile rather than maximally cushioned.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: Key features

Beyond the foam and plate, several details separate the Speed 5 from competitors. The engineered mesh upper provides ventilation without sacrificing structure, while the updated XT900 rubber outsole in the heel adds durability for high-mileage weeks.

This spec breakdown shows where the Speed 5 matches or departs from its predecessor.

The implication: runners who prioritize durability and all-day comfort will find the Speed 5’s updates worthwhile, while those chasing every second on race day may prefer the older model’s aggressive geometry.

Upsides and downsides

What reviewers say

The Speed 5’s PWRRUN PB midsole is tuned to be marginally softer under foot than the Speed 4 with a slightly more accommodating edge.

— Find My Footwear (running shoe specialist)

If you prefer an uptempo trainer for fast runs like workouts and races, the Speed 4 is the better option.

— Running Shoes Guru (independent review platform)

The Endorphin Speed 4 was one of my top shoes of 2024.

— YouTube running reviewer

Related reading: Nike Air Max 90 NZ · Womens Track Pants NZ

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 evolves the versatile supertrainer formula seen in the Endorphin Speed 4 review, boosting PWRRUN PB foam for even better daily and race-day performance.

Frequently asked questions