Whether you’re crushing a road race or hitting the track for a speed workout, a good speedy shoe can make all the difference. Shoes that help you feel fast and light on your feet can help you break a PR, reach a time goal, or just keep your strides feeling smooth and effortless on any type of run.
Fortunately, Saucony has a shoe that can help you get there. In fact, it even has “speed” right in its name. As the model name suggests, the Endorphin Speed 5 is the perfect shoe to help propel you forward towards all your goals.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is what’s known as a super trainer – a category of shoe that features a lot of the same propulsive technology as a carbon plated racing shoe but is more geared towards training runs and speed workouts. While super trainers are designed for uptempo runs and workouts, they’re often more versatile, durable, and sturdy than their race day counterparts.
While nearly every brand has its version of a super trainer today, the trend actually started back in 2020 with the release of the very first Endorphin Speed. Now, five iterations later, the model continues to be a fan-favorite for those looking for a fun and snappy speed training shoe.
The release of a new version of a popular shoe inevitably brings up lots of questions. What’s different between the Endorphin 5 and previous iterations? How does it compare to other super shoes? And is the newest addition to the Saucony line-up the right shoe for your training?
In this review, we’re here to answer all these questions and more. We’ll take a look at all the specs and highlights the Endorphin Speed 5 has to offer, take an in-depth look at all the key features, and dive into our road test results to help you decide if this new super trainer is the perfect shoe for you.
Our Review Process
Every runner has their own distinct needs and preferences when it comes to running shoes, which is why it’s so crucial to consider all different perspectives when trying out a new pair of shoes.
Our dedicated team of reviewers does exactly that, offering diverse insight on the shoe from a wide range of different runs. We lace up the shoes and put them to the test on nearly every type of run on a variety of different terrains. Between speed workouts, tempo runs, long road runs, and more, we gain a better understanding of exactly how the Endorphin Speed 5 performs in different circumstances to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your next running shoe.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: Key Specs and Features
Before we take a closer look at how the Endorphin Speed 5 feels and performs, let’s go over a few main highlights and features.
- Designed as a versatile speed training shoe
- Stack height: 36 mm of foam in the heel, 28 mm in the forefoot
- Offset: 8 mm
- Men’s shoes weigh 8.3 oz, women’s weigh 7.2
- Midsole made of lightweight and responsive PWRRUN PB foam
- Flexible winged nylon plate improves energy return and responsiveness
- Speedroll technology incorporates a rocker shape for smooth, efficient turnover
- Engineered mesh upper is lightweight and breathable for a natural and comfortable fit
- Optimized rubber outsole adds coverage, durability, and traction
- Price: $175
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: A Closer Look
Now let’s dive a little deeper into what these features look like in the Endorphin Speed 5 and how they play a role in comfort, fit, and performance.
Energetic PEBA PWRRUN PB Midsole
Saucony is known for its collection of renowned and versatile midsole foams, and the Endorphin Speed series continues to excel when it comes to midsole feel and cushioning. The Endorphin Speed 5 uses a full-length PWRRUN PB midsole cushioning, one of the brand’s most responsive, energetic, and lightest foam to date.
PWRRUN PB is formulated with PEBA foam, which gives the shoe its iconic bouncy, lightweight design. While the same foam was used in the previous iteration of the Endorphin Speed, Saucony fine-tuned the formula for the Endorphin Speed 5, giving the shoe an even more responsive and plush underfoot feel.
Fans of the Endorphin Speed 4 will be happy to know that in terms of cushioning and underfoot feel, the Endorphin 5 offers a familiar ride. The Endorphin Speed 5’s stack height – 36/28 mm – hasn’t changed at all from the previous version. This moderate amount of cushioning offers plenty of comfort and impact absorption with each step, while the PWRRUN PB foam offers a balanced yet energetic feel.
Snappy Nylon Plate
Super trainers are often a step down from race day shoes, offering a more versatile shoe with less aggressive plates and rockers. So while the Endorphin Speed’s racing counterpart, the Endorphin Pro, has a full carbon plate, the Endorphin Speed 5 features a more flexible nylon plate.
This winged nylon plate is embedded in the midsole, offering more propulsion and energy return with each stride. While carbon plates often give shoes a more rigid feel, this more flexible design allows the shoe to maintain a soft and springy feel without any unnecessary stiffness.
Lightweight Engineered Mesh Upper and Overall Fit
Speedy, uptempo training shoes often try to shave off as much extra weight as possible. In the Endorphin Speed 5, this shift to lighter, faster materials is evident in the redesigned engineered mesh upper.
This breathable mesh comfortably wraps the foot, while the gusseted tongue and light padding around the ankle keep the foot secure and locked in place.
Our reviewers also found that while the shoe generally fits true-to-size, this lightweight mesh was more accommodating than in previous Endorphin Speed iterations. The toe box offers a slightly wider, roomier fit, allowing extra space and volume for different foot shapes.
Shoe Geometry
Along with the key features, such as the cushioning and plate, the Endorphin Speed 5 also features a few other design elements meant to keep you moving forward.
One example of this is Saucony’s Speedroll geometry. This rocker design uses a curved sole which, especially when paired with a nylon plate, propels you forward for effortless transitions. Built for faster turnover, this rocker design makes this shoe a great option for anything from everyday mileage to speed workouts and even race days.
However, loyal Saucony fans may notice a slightly less pronounced rocker in the Endorphin Speed 5 compared to past iterations. Our reviewers did find the rocker to be less aggressive, giving the shoe a more relaxed feel. While this can be ideal for runners looking for a fast and versatile daily trainer, those looking for a specific uptempo shoe may find that the Endorphin Speed 5 lacks some of the pop and energy found in previous models.
Value and Durability
The Endorphin Speed 5 did go up in price, ringing up at $175 compared to $170 for the previous version. However, Saucony also took some steps to increase durability in the Endorphin Speed 5 so you can enjoy everything this super trainer has to offer for miles and miles.
Saucony increased the rubber outsole coverage of the Endorphin Speed 5, adding more of this durable rubber throughout the heel and forefoot. This outsole also adds some traction and extra cushioning for even more versatility and a smooth, secure ride.
While the price may have increased, many runners will likely feel that the extra $5 is worth the more durable sole, lightweight design, and overall comfort of this high-performance trainer.
Road Test Results
Anytime you take super shoe elements and incorporate them into a training shoe, it’s guaranteed to be a fun and snappy ride. So our review team was excited to lace up a pair of the new Endorphin Speed 5s and take them for a test run.
The new and improved upper was an immediate standout when we slid the shoe on for the first time. The lightweight mesh offered a sock-like fit, and the gusseted tongue provided a secure lockdown that left us feeling comfortable and confident there wouldn’t be any excess movement as we set out for our run.
PWRRUN PB foam is known for its consistency and energy return, and our team found that the Endorphin Speed 5’s ride and underfoot feel stood up to these high expectations. The foam felt slightly softer under the heel than in previous iterations, which felt fantastic on longer runs and daily mileage. However, runners looking for a dedicated speed and race shoe may find this reformulated foam to be a bit too plush.
Another key difference from previous iterations and comparable super trainers is the less pronounced rocker. While the shoe does feature Speedroll geometry, some of our reviewers found it to be less noticeable when picking up the pace.
Despite the less exaggerated super shoe elements, the Endorphin Speed 5 had plenty of features that give it its signature pop and energy return. The moderate cushioning was versatile enough for any type of run, while the nylon plate gave it that extra snappiness and responsiveness we’ve come to expect from the Endorphin Speed.
Where the shoe truly shines, however, is in longer, varied workouts such as progression runs, interval training, or fartleks. The moderate cushion and flexible plate kept the shoe feeling soft and luxurious enough underfoot for comfort throughout easy efforts, while the winged nylon and energetic foam guaranteed smooth strides and speedy turnover for faster, more challenging efforts.
After testing out the shoe for several different types of runs, the durable rubber outsole proved to be another standout feature. The expanded coverage prevented any early wear, while the extra traction kept us feeling sturdy and secure in the shoe with each stride.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and lightweight shoe, the Endorphin Speed 5 has proven to be a top contender. At 8.3 oz for men’s shoes and 7.2 oz for women’s, it’s one of the lightest moderate cushioned trainers on the market. And after miles and miles of use, this lightweight, responsive design proved it can keep you feeling fast and light on your feet.
Pros and Cons
As much as we all want to believe the perfect shoe is out there, no running shoe is without its flaws. Here’s an overview of some of the positives and negatives you can expect with the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5.
Pros:
- Lightweight design makes it a fast and versatile option for everything from daily mileage to race day
- Winged nylon plate throughout the midsole adds some propulsion and energy return without sacrificing flexibility and softness
- New mesh upper is more breathable than ever for extra comfort in any climate
- Renowned PWRRUN PB foam is responsive and lightweight, creating a balanced ride that any type of runner can enjoy
- New outsole increases coverage for extra durability and longevity
Cons:
- Some runners find both the nylon plate and rocker geometry to be less aggressive and noticeable than in previous models, making it lack the same dynamic and propulsive ride
- May feel too plush for runners who prefer a firmer, more rigid ride
- Saw a $5 price increase from the previous version, however still an affordable race day alternative to carbon plated shoes
How Does the Endorphin Speed 5 Compare to Other Super Trainers?
The Endorphin Speed may have spearheaded the super trainer trend, but today there are lots of other speedy, uptempo shoes on the market to compete with. So how does this original plated trainer stack up?
If you value a lightweight design, versatility, and a balanced and responsive combination of midsole foam and a plate, the Endorphin Speed 5 remains one of the top options you can find. Saucony set the Super trainer standard with the Endorphin Speed, and even after 5 iterations, it continues to guarantee comfort, cushioning, and springiness throughout nearly any type of run.
However, there are a few key competitors you may want to consider if you’re planning on adding a super trainer to your shoe rotation. Hoka is currently one of the biggest brands around, and they’ve entered the super trainer game with the Mach X 2.
This Hoka trainer is perfect for those looking for a more aggressive super shoe feel in an uptempo trainer, as it features an extended Pebax plate and an aggressive rocker shape. Speedy athletes may appreciate this more propulsive design, but at $190, it’s less budget-friendly and not as versatile as the Endorphin Speed.
When it comes to versatility, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 is a closer match to the Endorphin Speed. Similar to the Endorphin Speed 5, the SuperComp Trainer is light and responsive enough for uptempo days, while offering enough plush foam for unmatched comfort on longer runs. But if you’re looking for as much soft cushioning as possible, you may prefer the New Balance’s 40/36 mm stack height.
Is the Endorphin Speed 5 Right for You? Final Thoughts and Recommendations
When it comes to lightweight and speedy trainers, you have your pick of fantastic high-quality, high-performance shoes. And as the original super trainer, the Endorphin Speed has paved the way for many of these comfortable and cushioned running shoes.
The best part about the Endorphin Speed 5 is that it can truly do it all. Whether you want an everyday trainer that can handle a variety of runs, a dedicated uptempo workout shoe, or even a lightweight nylon plated shoe to carry you through race day, the Endorphin Speed can easily tackle anything you throw at it.
However, with the Endorphin Speed 5 and any other running shoe, the best first step is to stop by Marathon Sports, go through the Right Fit process, and try out the shoe for yourself. Visit your closest store to find the Endorphin Speed 5 and other top running shoes on the market today.
Saucony aims to help everyone live their best lives, and getting the right pair of running shoes is the first step in achieving that goal. With the perfect pair of shoes, you’ll be prepared to blaze through your next workout, reach your next distance goal, or go that extra mile.
