The Endorphin Speed 5 cements its reputation as the benchmark do-it-all workout trainer. Combining 238g of featherweight agility with a lively 36mm heel stack of PWRRUN PB foam, it delivers snappy rolling turnover off its winged nylon plate without the harshness of full carbon.
Skip it — or buy it
Verdict: buySkip it if
You want a rigid full-carbon plate designed strictly for race day podium chasing. The nylon plate flexes more than carbon, trading maximum race propulsion for daily comfort.
You need a wide, maximal stability shoe to control heavy overpronation. Despite wider sidewalls, the high-stack PEBA platform remains neutral under heavy inward roll.
You run predominantly on loose gravel, dirt, or technical off-road trails. XT-900 rubber pads are optimized for smooth pavement and lack deep multi-directional lugs.
Buy it if
You want one shoe that effortlessly handles easy miles, tempo runs, and race day. PWRRUN PB supercritical foam and winged nylon plate deliver versatile, snappy mechanics.
You want elite PEBA energy return at a significantly lower price than carbon super shoes. At $175, it delivers 83-rated superfoam performance at a fraction of race-day costs.
You want lightweight speed without the calf fatigue associated with rigid carbon plates. The flexible nylon plate rolls naturally and forgives tired legs on long weekend miles.
What the community says
Synthesized from 19 wear-test videos and 210+ Reddit runner logs.
- n=21
Wet paint cornering slicknessModerate
Exposed midsole foam between XT-900 pods can lose traction on slick painted crosswalks.
- n=18
Snug race-style midfootModerate
Wide-footed runners may experience lateral pressure across the midfoot wrap on longer runs.
What changed from the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Every number is recomputed from both records' hard specs and axis scores — no hand-written deltas.
- Weight
- 233 g → 238 g+5 g
- Heel stack
- 36 mm → 36 mm0 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 28 mm → 28 mm0 mm
- Drop
- 8 mm → 8 mm0 mm
- List price
- 170 USD → 175 USD+5 USD
