The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a lightweight, plated super trainer built for tempo efforts, workouts, and everything in between. It tones down the aggressive design of the Endorphin Speed 4 by removing the extended heel flare and relaxing the geometry. This results in a softer toe-off but makes it harder to pick up the pace effortlessly and more suitable for easier runs. The updated upper is more breathable, with improved volume through the forefoot, making the shoe more accommodating overall. While it still uses the same PWRRUN PB foam and nylon plate, the Speed 5 recaptures some of the nimbleness and bounciness that made earlier versions so popular.
Our Verdict
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 performs decently well for marathon racing, especially for runners seeking a lightweight option with a more natural feel. Its energetic midsole and stable platform are a plus, but it doesn't offer as much cushioning or bounce as top-tier marathon super shoes. The midsole lacks protection for longer efforts, and while the ride feels efficient, the weight is still above true super shoes, which slightly limits its suitability for runners looking to run a marathon efficiently. Still, it's a good choice for those who prefer a snappier, lower-stack feel rather than a soft, max-cushioned ride.
PWRRUN PB midsole is very energetic.
Nylon plate adds stiffness and stability.
Stable design overall.
Snappy forefoot foam due to Speedroll technology.
Lacking a bit of protection for longer or harder efforts, especially upfront.
Not as light as a true super shoe.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 shines in short-distance races. Its firm forefoot, energetic midsole, and nylon plate make it a good choice for 5K and 10K efforts. The toe-off strikes a nice balance between firmness and flexibility, but isn't truly snappy either. Runners who want a plated feel without going full carbon will find this shoe fast and fun on race day.
PWRRUN PB midsole is very energetic.
Nylon plate adds stiffness and stability.
Snappy forefoot foam due to Speedroll technology.
Not as light as a true super shoe.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 delivers a lively ride with impressive energy return from its PWRRUN PB foam. However, the geometry and design don't fully capitalize on the compound's potential, so it doesn't feel as propulsive as top-tier super shoes. It still provides a satisfying bounce that helps you pick up the pace, but holding faster speeds during workouts or uptempo runs demands a bit more effort.
PWRRUN PB midsole is very energetic.
Snappy forefoot foam due to Speedroll technology.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 offers adequate cushioning overall. It may not suit runners who prefer plush landings or need extra protection for longer runs. There's enough underfoot to avoid bottoming out during short efforts, but the midsole compound doesn't compress as much as newer premium foams on the market. The result is a ride that works for short efforts but may feel harsh on longer runs.
Reasonably well cushioned.
Snappy forefoot foam due to Speedroll technology.
Lacking a bit of protection for longer or harder efforts, especially upfront.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 offers surprisingly great lateral stability for a lightweight, performance-oriented shoe. The wide base and nylon plate contribute to a secure platform. It's not a stability shoe by design, but it feels well-balanced and reliable when your form starts to fade or when fatigue sets in late in a run. Runners who prefer a more connected feel to the ground will appreciate this stability.
Nylon plate adds stiffness and stability.
Wide outsole base.
Foam is on the firm side overall.
Snappy forefoot foam due to Speedroll technology.
Performance Usages
Changelog
- Updated Oct 28, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.9, which adds a Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test to our performance section. Read more in our changelog.
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Updated Oct 21, 2025:
We've adjusted this review's writing to align with the new test bench, including updates to all usage scores and test boxes for Cushioning, Firmness, and Energy Return.
- Updated Oct 20, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.2, which updates our methodology for the impact force range used in our compression tests to improve their accuracy. This also affects all usage and performance usage boxes using those compression tests as score components.
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Updated Aug 04, 2025:
We updated the Marathon Racing box to ensure the text remains in line with the latest test bench scores, especially regarding the amount of protection of the shoe.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 in men's US size 9, as viewable on the label for our pair. The color shown here is White | Mutant. This model is also available in other colorways, such as Black | VO2, Black | White, Citron | Lapis, White | Gum, and Coral | Salmon. No wide versions are currently offered for this shoe. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a nylon-plated speed trainer designed for tempo runs and faster efforts. It delivers a snappy yet forgiving ride that's easier to handle than most carbon-plated alternatives. The geometry is smooth and efficient, and the moderate stack height offers decent protection for shorter sessions. However, in a market increasingly dominated by bouncier, more cushioned options, the Speed 5 feels like a throwback to an earlier era. The ride can be quite harsh for long distances, and the foam simply doesn't have the pop of newer top formulations. That said, it's lightweight, well-built, and delivers consistent performance that will feel immediately familiar to fans of the Speed 3.
Other popular super trainers include the Hoka Mach X 2 and adidas Adizero Boston 13. This is a good choice for runners looking for a traditional plated trainer: light and versatile without feeling overbuilt. It can still serve as a one-shoe solution for workouts and racing, especially for those who prefer something more approachable than a carbon-plated super shoe, but it's no longer a disruptive force. Today, many runners now have the luxury of doing workouts in super shoes like the Nike Vaporfly 4, which are more energetic and help leave the legs fresher the next day. This considerably narrows the Speed's appeal unless you want a dedicated, grounded, traditional shoe for faster training sessions.
The Speed 5 checks the super trainer box within Saucony's Endorphin lineup. There's also the Endorphin Trainer, a premium plated trainer. For super shoes, Saucony has the Endorphin Pro 4 and the more aggressive Endorphin Elite 2. For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, as well as the best running shoes for men and the best running shoes for women.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and the adidas Adizero Boston 13 are both plated speed trainers designed for uptempo efforts, but they differ notably in execution. The Saucony uses a softer PWRRUN PB foam paired with a nylon plate, resulting in a slightly more protective ride that allows you to do faster work. The Saucony is lightweight, flexible, and more accessible for runners who want plated performance without the rigidity of carbon. The adidas shoe, on the other hand, features adidas' carbon ENERGYRODS embedded in a firmer dual-density midsole, delivering a snappier, more aggressive feel. It's a shoe that rewards precise mechanics at faster paces, especially for runners who prefer a grounded, firm platform and don't mind a little stiffness underfoot.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 may share a family, but they serve different purposes within the Endorphin lineup. The Pro 4 is a race-day super shoe built for peak performance with a carbon plate, a higher stack height, and a more propulsive, energetic ride. It's noticeably lighter, more aggressive, and features a snug, performance-oriented fit that's optimized for race conditions. The Speed 5, by contrast, is a plated super trainer. It's slightly lower to the ground and uses a nylon plate instead of carbon, offering more flexibility. The fit is also roomier, making it more comfortable and accommodating for runners who don't want an ultra-tight upper. If you're chasing a personal best and want maximum efficiency on race day, the Endorphin Pro 4 is the clear choice. But for runners who prefer something more approachable that can double for uptempo workouts and racing, the Speed 5 remains a solid alternative with a gentler feel and broader fit.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 may look similar on paper, but they differ meaningfully. The Speed 5 is slightly softer than its predecessor, but not dramatically so, especially in the forefoot, which remains relatively stiff when toeing off. That's partly due to the new geometry: the Speed 5 has a slightly lower stack and higher drop, so it feels a bit more traditional than in the Speed 4. One notable update is the removal of the pronounced heel flare, which now allows for smoother heel landings and transitions. The Speed 5 also fits differently. It has more room through the forefoot and a wider platform, making it more comfortable for wider-footed runners or those prioritizing step-in comfort. However, the looser fit may feel less locked-in for those seeking a snug performance feel during fast sessions.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and the HOKA Mach X 2 both target the speed training space but take very different approaches. The Saucony leans into a more traditional feel: moderate stack height, nylon plate, and a firmer, snappier ride that offers a strong sense of ground contact. It's ideal for efficient runners with a higher cadence who prefer a bouncy midsole that rewards quick turnover and precision. The HOKA, on the other hand, is much higher stacked and more cushioned, with a softer, more forgiving midsole and a nylon plate embedded in a thicker geometry. The midsole isn't as energetic as the Saucony but delivers a smooth, propulsive, and cushioned experience, especially over longer efforts. Both shoes weigh about the same, but the ride character couldn't be more different.
We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 feels quite light on foot, enough for fast efforts, but it's not among the lightest shoes on the market either. While its weight is appropriate for a plated speed trainer, it doesn't match the featherweight feel of stripped-down super shoes like the PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 or unplated uptempo trainers like the adidas Adizero Evo SL. It strikes a good balance between features and lightness, but runners prioritizing the lowest possible weight for top-end speed might find it a touch bulky.
This shoe features a moderately high stack in the heel, but its lower forefoot stack shifts the geometry toward a steeper drop than the previous version. This reduces the shoe's rocker effectiveness during toe-off compared to earlier models. As a result, it feels less aggressive when picking up the pace, especially for forefoot strikers. This lower stacked forefoot also means the shoe has a greater chance of flattening out after long distances because there's less foam to protect your foot from the road.
Please note that the green areas visible in the image aren't part of the shoe but are artifacts from the 3D scan.
This model offers a roomier fit than the Endorphin Speed 4, with added volume through the forefoot and a longer, wider platform overall. This makes it more accommodating for wide-footed runners or those prioritizing comfort over lockdown. However, the looser fit may not be ideal for those who prefer a snug, performance-oriented feel, as it can make the shoe feel less dialed in at faster paces.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 delivers great energy return in the heel, helping heel strikers maintain momentum. It doesn't feel quite as explosive as modern super foams, but there's a satisfying rebound when transitioning from the rear foot, especially during faster strides.
This shoe offers impressive energy return at the forefoot, with a springy, responsive feel that makes it well-suited for strides and tempo runs. The PWRRUN PB midsole gives it a lively toe-off when driven from the front.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 provides decent heel cushioning, especially under harder impacts. The platform absorbs shock well at higher forces and feels stable underfoot for heel strikers. Still, the overall cushioning feels a bit thin or harsh compared to more cushioned speed trainers such as the HOKA Mach X 2.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 performs reasonably well when absorbing lower-impact forefoot landings, but it's less forgiving when pushed hard. At higher forces, the forefoot compresses quickly and can start to feel harsh, especially for runners who land heavily up front or use it for longer sessions. It's suitable for tempo work but may feel too thin for long runs, where you can get that flattening-out feel.
The heel is moderately soft, making it feel less stable and softer than some other speed trainers like the adidas Adizero Boston 13, especially under higher loads.
This model has a firm and snappy forefoot, which is customary for shoes using Saucony's Speedroll technology. This helps maintain forward momentum and creates a responsive toe-off when loading the front of the shoe. It delivers excellent ground feel and control, making it a strong choice for runners who want a more connected, stable ride at faster paces. That said, the firmness might feel harsh for those who prefer a softer landing or a more forgiving experience in the forefoot.