Nike Pegasus Plus vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 5:
Which to Choose

On paper these two are close: both are neutral (stability 3/6), both ride on a PEBA superfoam, and both weigh essentially the same — roughly 238g for the Pegasus Plus in a men's 9 versus 241g for the Endorphin Speed 5 — so weight isn't a deciding factor. The real split is the plate. The Pegasus Plus is full-length Nike ZoomX with no plate, which gives it a soft, lively, unforced rebound that rewards a quick cadence but leaves the ride feeling a touch tippy and less grounded at easy paces, especially on its tall, fairly narrow base. The Endorphin Speed 5 pairs beaded PWRRUN PB with a semi-rigid winged nylon plate (not carbon) that guides rather than snaps, adding propulsion and a rolling toe-off while a wide 37mm-heel platform keeps it more planted underfoot. That plate and geometry are also why it reaches further: the Endorphin sits a little taller (about 37/27mm versus roughly 34/24mm for the Pegasus) and is happiest from 10K through the marathon, with the half as its sweet spot, whereas the Pegasus tops out at the half and truly shines at 5K–10K tempo efforts. Drop is close but not identical — 10mm on the Pegasus for a more traditional heel bias, 8mm stated on the Endorphin (it measures nearer 10mm in practice). In short: the Pegasus is the simpler, more natural short-to-middle-distance flyer, while the Endorphin is the more structured, longer-legged all-rounder that can genuinely double as a racer up to 26.2.