The Saucony Endorphin Speed series has earned its place as a go-to speed trainer for runners chasing personal bests. With each new version, Saucony fine-tunes the formula, balancing race-day energy with daily training comfort.
Now in its fifth iteration, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 brings a sharper, more aggressive look and feel. The updated engineered mesh upper is lighter, more breathable, and wraps the foot with flexible comfort. It’s built to go fast and look fast while doing it.
Beneath the bold upper, Saucony added subtle stabilizing features, especially around the heel, for a more secure ride. The outsole also gets a grip upgrade, offering better traction on wet roads without compromising speed.
This version stays true to the Speed series DNA: lightweight, propulsive, and ready to move. But it adds polish and structure where it counts, making the Endorphin Speed 5 one of the most versatile tempo trainers of 2025.So, for tempo runners, race-day seekers, fans of SPEEDROLL, this is the one for you.
Specs and First Impressions
- Weight: 7.2oz (204g) women/8.3oz (237g) men
- Stack height: 36/28 mm
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
- Price: $175
Right out of the box, the Endorphin Speed 5 looks fast. The new colorways feel bold and race-ready, more aggressive than previous versions, and a definite visual upgrade. It still carries the same sleek silhouette that fans of the series will recognize, but with sharper detailing and a more refined finish.
On foot, the shoe delivers a familiar Endorphin Speed vibe: light, ultra responsive, and built for performance. The engineered mesh upper feels noticeably improved, more breathable, softer to the touch, and flexible enough to move with your foot at faster paces. The fit is snug from the heel through the midfoot, offering that locked-in feel, while the toe box opens up just enough to avoid feeling cramped.
Underfoot, there’s a slightly softer feel compared to the Speed 4, especially through the midsole. But the forefoot feels firmer and more rigid, adding a touch of snappiness that hints at a stiffer, more propulsive toe-off. It’s a subtle evolution, not a radical change, keeping the Endorphin Speed 5 in familiar territory while dialing up performance where it matters.
Upper and Fit: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
The biggest update in the Endorphin Speed 5 is right where you can see it—the upper. While the Speed 4 leaned more toward daily trainer aesthetics, the Speed 5 finally looks like the fast shoe it’s always been. With its sleeker, more aggressive design, this version visually aligns with its performance-first identity.
The engineered mesh upper is light, breathable, and flexible, exactly what you want when picking up the pace. The fit feels snug and secure from the heel through the midfoot, locking you in without feeling restrictive. There’s a bit of added structure under the heel, providing subtle medial guidance that could benefit mild overpronators.
That said, this is still a neutral shoe. Saucony didn’t turn it into a stability trainer, but they did improve the overall base. The heel feels more stable than before, with extra support baked into the design to help with balance and control at higher speeds. It’s a thoughtful refinement that enhances performance without compromising the Speed’s identity.
Midsole and Ride Quality: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
At the heart of the Endorphin Speed 5 is Saucony’s premium PWRRUN PB midsole, a race-level foam known for its lightweight cushioning and super energetic rebound. It’s soft enough to keep your legs fresh but ultra-responsive when you pick up the pace. This is the kind of midsole that makes speedwork feel less like work.
The full-length nylon plate adds a touch of structure without going full carbon. It’s semi-rigid, giving you just the right amount of snap without making the ride too harsh. Combined with the SPEEDROLL rocker geometry, the shoe delivers a smooth and efficient heel-to-toe transition that helps you maintain momentum with less effort.
On easy runs, the Speed 5 feels comfortable and cushioned. But it truly shines during short, fast-paced sessions like intervals, tempo runs, and race-pace efforts. While it’s versatile enough for everyday training, it’s not the top pick for marathon distances.
Outsole and Traction: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
The outsole on the Endorphin Speed 5 gets a subtle update, with slightly improved rubber placement for better grip across varied surfaces. Whether you’re on dry roads or slightly slick pavement, traction feels a touch more confident compared to the previous version.
Saucony keeps the outsole rubber thin, just enough to do the job without adding unnecessary weight. It’s a smart trade-off for a speed trainer, but it does mean durability might be average, especially for high-mileage runners. The midfoot area still shows exposed PWRRUN PB foam, just like in the Speed 4, which could see wear over time if you’re regularly logging long miles.
Flexibility and ground feel stay consistent with what fans of the series have come to expect. It’s not overly stiff, but still structured enough to support fast transitions. If you liked the ride of the Speed 4, you’ll feel right at home here.
Performance: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
The Endorphin Speed 5 continues to be a top-tier choice for daily speed work, tempo runs, and even race day, especially for those who prefer a bit more comfort and stability than a full-on race shoe provides. It delivers a lively, responsive ride that makes it a joy to push the pace, whether you’re clocking intervals or cruising through a long progression run.
Compared to the Speed 4, the updates are subtle but effective. The Speed 5 feels just a touch more stable and versatile, thanks to added structure in the heel and a refined upper. That makes it a more reliable option for longer training days without sacrificing its up-tempo DNA.
Still, it’s important to note that this shoe isn’t trying to outshine its sibling, the Endorphin Pro 4. The Pro 4 is lighter, stiffer, and built with a full carbon plate and higher stack height, perfect for maximizing efficiency over marathon distances. The Speed 5, by contrast, offers a more forgiving ride and a wider range of use, making it ideal for runners who want a do-it-all speed shoe without going full race-day aggressive.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and Responsive: PWRRUN PB foam offers excellent energy return for speed-focused runs.
- Breathable, Race-Inspired Upper: Engineered mesh feels light, flexible, and secure, with a sleeker, faster look.
- Smooth Transitions: SPEEDROLL rocker geometry helps maintain momentum and reduces effort at toe-off.
- Versatile Performance: Great for tempo runs, intervals, long runs, and even race day.
- Improved Stability: Slightly more stable under the heel than the Speed 4, with subtle medial guidance.
Cons:
- Not Built for Marathons: Lacks the cushioning and propulsion of the Pro 4 for full-distance racing.
- Exposed Midsole Foam: Midfoot area may wear down over time, especially for high-mileage runners.
- Limited Durability: Thin outsole rubber helps reduce weight but may shorten the shoe’s lifespan.
- Snug Fit: Tapered heel and midfoot might feel tight for wide-footed runners.
Who Should Buy the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
- Runners who want a lightweight speed trainer for tempo runs, intervals, and fast workouts.
- Those looking for a versatile shoe that can handle both daily training and race day (especially 5K to half marathon distances).
- Neutral runners or mild overpronators who want light stability without a full stability shoe.
- Fans of the Endorphin Speed line who want familiar performance with slight improvements in fit and stability.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
- Marathon-focused runners who need maximum cushioning, a carbon plate, and race-day efficiency—consider the Endorphin Pro 4 instead.
- Runners who prefer plush or heavily cushioned shoes for daily recovery runs or easy mileage.
- Wide-footed runners who may find the snug midfoot and heel too tight.
- High-mileage runners concerned with outsole wear, as the exposed midsole and thin rubber may limit long-term durability.
Final Verdict: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 stays true to what made the Speed line a favorite: lightweight performance, responsive cushioning, and day-to-race versatility. With a sleeker upper, slightly better stability, and the same energetic ride, it’s a refined upgrade, not a reinvention.
If you’re looking for a fast, fun shoe that can handle speedwork, long runs, and everything in between, the Speed 5 delivers. It’s not a pure racing shoe like the Pro 4, but that’s the point; it’s built to train hard and race when needed. For most runners, it hits the sweet spot between comfort and performance.
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