Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 Review
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Coming Soon |
| Stack Height | Coming Soon | 8 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is for you if...
You are looking for a speed boost to elevate your daily training
You want something light and snappy for intervals or long runs
You are a runner seeking a fast and versatile shoe
What is the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 made for?
Since its inception in 2020, the Endorphin Speed has been considered the first true super trainer to have entered the market. Saucony bridged the gap between racing super shoes and daily trainers by creating a new shoe category that offers the best of both worlds. The Endorphin Speed struck a balance between performance and training, with supercritical foam responsive enough for speed and propulsion, yet comfortable enough to endure longer training runs. This new category of “super trainer” has since offered runners the versatility to take them from daily training to fast runs and speed work. The concept was revolutionary for its time. With each new version, it has remained a well-loved fixture in the uptempo training category to this day.
While the Endorphin Speed has always remained a light, fast, do-it-all shoe, some versions played with the balance between speed and daily training. While the second and third versions were more trainer-oriented, we saw the focus return to speed with the fourth version. The Endorphin Speed 5 continues that focus with some small improvements throughout the shoe, while maintaining the fit, feel, and transition of version 4. With a redesigned nylon plate and a secure lockdown, the Endorphin Speed 5 has a snappy and responsive feel while holding your foot solidly in place, so your focus remains on your stride.
Unlike some other fast shoes, the Endorphin Speed 5 has non-aggressive geometries and a wider base, so it feels very accessible for everyone from newer runners to experienced runners. They're great for an energetic boost on easy runs, or polishing your speed work for more intense workouts. Overall, this fan favourite delivers once again in its versatile nature and stays true to the super trainer legacy, maintaining a fast feel while offering the comfort to endure longer distances. The options are endless!
Comfort
While super trainers are not known to be marshmallow soft, we found that the Endorphin Speed 5 is on the softer side for a fast shoe. There is enough cushioning for underfoot comfort on longer runs without feeling too squishy. The nylon plate has been reshaped to reduce weight and increase torsional rigidity. This adds a balanced structure that feels propulsive but not too stiff. To top it off, the upper is extremely light and breathable with a barely-there feel.
Performance
The Endorphin Speed 5 is designed to be a fast, versatile shoe and it hits the mark. It is lightweight, responsive, and feels snappy at faster paces, without feeling overly unstable. The outsole provides plenty of traction for tackling the road, the rubber strategically reconfigured for durability. Those who enjoyed the performance-focused fourth version will love the enhanced feel of version 5, thanks to the refined sculpting in the midsole for an even more aerodynamic experience.
Fit
We found that the Endorphin Speed 5 has a secure fit to achieve a solid, locked-in feel. This is essential for a fast performance shoe in order to avoid slippage or irritation. Most foot shapes will find that this shoe runs true to size. Runners with wider feet may feel that the midfoot area is a little snug, which may create slight hotspots that lead to discomfort on longer runs.
Individual Thoughts
The Endorphin Speed has been one of my favourite shoes for years and that isn’t changing with version 5. I was happy to see the shoe head back in the direction of speed (as opposed to daily training) with version 4, and that version 5 is continuing that focus with some small improvements throughout the shoe. That said, people do wear this shoe for both their daily training and speed work – it’s just a matter of personal preference. While I can run in the Endorphin Speed 5 at my slower paces, it’s just not as enjoyable for me as going fast in it. I love that I always feel light on my feet when I slip into them, and I appreciate that I never feel unstable or that cushioning is lacking. This is one I will continue wearing after testing for intervals and long runs with speed work mixed in.
This shoe excels as a performance trainer, effectively facilitating speed work with its snappy and responsive feel. Surprisingly comfortable for its performance pedigree, it boasts a wonderfully breathable upper. The midsole provides a plusher experience than typical, even with the nylon plate. Traction is reliable across various terrains and runs true to size in length, it has a narrower width, causing a minor hotspot for wider feet, though lockdown remains secure. Overall, it performs its intended function very well and provides a comfortable feel along the way.
