The Saucony Endorphin<\/strong> line was created with a clear goal: to make the feeling of running fast accessible to as many runners as possible. Within the range, the Speed<\/strong> plays a strategic role: it sits between the Endorphin Pro<\/strong> (a carbon-plated race shoe built for peak performance) and the Endorphin Edge<\/strong> (trail-oriented). The Speed is the go-to shoe for serious trainers, those who race at medium and long distances, or anyone who simply wants a responsive and reliable shoe for every important run.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWith version 5<\/strong>, Saucony hasn’t overhauled the recipe \u2014 it has refined the details that matter: a more enveloping upper, an updated midsole, and an optimised geometry to encourage the foot’s natural rolling motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Technical Specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\nFeature<\/th> Data<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Weight<\/strong><\/td>~215 g (men’s, size UK 8 \/ EU 42)<\/td><\/tr> Drop<\/strong><\/td>8 mm<\/td><\/tr> Stack Height<\/strong><\/td>36 mm (heel) \/ 28 mm (forefoot)<\/td><\/tr> Type<\/strong><\/td>Road running, medium-fast pace, racing<\/td><\/tr> Pronation<\/strong><\/td>Neutral<\/td><\/tr> Upper<\/strong><\/td>Open-knit engineered mesh<\/td><\/tr> Midsole<\/strong><\/td>PWRRUN PB (PEBA-based foam)<\/td><\/tr> Outsole<\/strong><\/td>PWRTRAC high-traction rubber<\/td><\/tr> Propulsive Element<\/strong><\/td>Nylon Speedroll plate<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Key Technologies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\nPWRRUN PB<\/strong> \u2014 The PEBA-based foam (bio-based thermoplastic polyamide) is the heart of the Speed 5. Extremely lightweight and with exceptional energy return, it’s the same technology used in the Pro but in a stack optimised for daily training. Every stride returns more energy than it absorbs.<\/li>\n\n\n\nSpeedroll Technology<\/strong> \u2014 A sole geometry with a progressive rocker that encourages the foot’s natural forward rolling motion. The result is a smooth heel-to-toe transition and a final push that feels almost automatic, with no extra effort required.<\/li>\n\n\n\nNylon Plate<\/strong> \u2014 Unlike the Pro with its carbon plate, the Speed 5 features a flexible nylon blade. This makes it more adaptable, less “selective” in running technique, and more comfortable on long runs, while still delivering responsiveness and propulsion.<\/li>\n\n\n\nEngineered Mesh Upper<\/strong> \u2014 The upper is built with a variable-structure mesh: denser and more supportive on the lateral areas, more open and breathable across the top of the foot. The result is a snug fit that never feels suffocating.<\/li>\n\n\n\nPWRTRAC Outsole<\/strong> \u2014 The outer sole rubber is strategically placed in the highest-wear zones (heel and forefoot), providing reliable grip on wet and dry asphalt without adding unnecessary weight.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n4. Comfort and Fit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Putting on the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is an immediate experience: your foot slides into an upper that hugs without squeezing. The heel is well-contained thanks to a soft yet precise padded collar; the toes have enough room without the shoe feeling too wide at the tip. The inner sock liner is thin but pleasant, designed not to add unnecessary bulk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Compared to version 4<\/strong>, the 5 has improved the internal structure of the upper, eliminating a few small friction points on the midfoot that some runners had flagged. The result is a tailored fit<\/em> feeling, almost personalised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nSizing tip:<\/strong> The Speed 5 fits true to size for most runners. If you have a wide or particularly voluminous foot, consider going up half a size.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n5. On-Run Feel<\/h2>\n\n\n\nCushioning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The PWRRUN PB impresses with its ability to cushion without sacrificing ground feel. This isn’t the soft, “spongy” cushioning of an easy-day shoe: it’s alive<\/strong>, reactive, almost elastic. You can feel it absorbing impact and instantly returning it on the next stride. Over long runs, this translates into less muscular fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\nResponsiveness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n This is where the Speed 5 truly excels. The combination of PEBA foam and nylon plate creates a platform that pushes back<\/strong> with every gear change. When you accelerate, you feel the shoe respond immediately \u2014 there’s none of the slight “lag” you notice with softer, more passive foams.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n With an 8 mm drop and a fairly wide forefoot base, the Speed 5 is stable without being rigid<\/strong>. Runners with an efficient gait will feel at home from the very first kilometre. Those with pronounced overpronation might prefer additional support, but for neutral-to-mild pronation running this shoe handles foot dynamics well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n6. Who It’s For<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe Endorphin Speed 5 isn’t for everyone \u2014 and that’s a feature, not a flaw. Here’s the ideal target:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Intermediate runners (5\u20136 hours\/week):<\/strong> Great for those who already have a solid base technique and want a shoe that “rewards” an efficient stride. Perfect for tempo runs and medium-long efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAdvanced runners (6+ hours\/week):<\/strong> The go-to fast training shoe. Reactive enough for intervals, comfortable enough for long runs at a sustained pace. Many advanced runners use it as their main shoe, pairing it with a carbon plate shoe on race day.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBeginner runners:<\/strong> Not the ideal choice as a first shoe. The reactive platform and moderate drop require biomechanics that are already somewhat developed. Better to start with something more cushioned and neutral, like the Saucony Ride or Kinvara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n7. Differences vs Previous Models and Competitors<\/h2>\n\n\n\nEndorphin Speed 5 vs Speed 4<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nMore enveloping upper<\/strong> with fewer friction points<\/li>\n\n\n\nRefined heel geometry<\/strong> for a smoother transition<\/li>\n\n\n\nSame stack height, but slightly more reactive foam<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nPractically identical weight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nEndorphin Speed 5 vs Nike Vaporfly 3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The Vaporfly is still the benchmark for race shoes. But for daily training and tempo runs, the Speed 5 offers greater versatility and durability<\/strong> at a lower price point. The nylon plate is more forgiving than carbon fibre over long efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEndorphin Speed 5 vs Adidas Adizero Boston 12<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The Boston 12 is more cushioned and better suited to slow long runs. The Speed 5 is more reactive and propulsive<\/strong> at faster paces. If you love to push, the Saucony wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEndorphin Speed 5 vs ASICS Metaspeed Edge+<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Similar in positioning, but the Metaspeed Edge+ has a taller profile and greater stack height. The Speed 5 is more agile and direct<\/strong>, with more immediate ground feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n