Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

Who Are Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 For?

The Endorphin Speed 5 is for intermediate to experienced runners who want one shoe to handle tempo sessions, long marathon-training miles, and even race day without buying separate carbon racers. It suits those who value a springy, propulsive feel but still want flexibility for steady efforts. It is not a plush recovery shoe, and slow-only joggers will not tap what it offers.

Feelings and Experience

Underfoot the PEBA foam feels soft yet lively, with a clear bounce that rewards picking up the pace and rolls you forward through toe-off. The semi-rigid nylon plate guides rather than snaps, so transitions feel smooth and forgiving instead of stiff. At easy paces it can feel a touch busy and slightly tall, but once you press into a rhythm the ride comes alive.

Performance Specs

• Drop: 8mm stated heel-to-toe offset (lab-measured near 10mm) — moderate, balanced between heel and midfoot strikers

• Cushioning: High, PWRRUN PB (PEBA) — protective for long miles without feeling mushy

• Responsiveness: High — driven by the winged nylon plate and PEBA foam (energy-return figure not provided)

• Stability: Moderate, neutral — a wide 37mm platform lends confidence, but there is no added pronation support

• Pace: Optimal for 4:00–4:45 min/km (6:26–7:38 min/mile) — the fast tempo and marathon zone

Best Distances and Maximum Speed

It excels at 10K, half marathon, and marathon, with the half as its sweet spot. The technology works best when you drop to roughly 3:45–4:15 min/km (6:02–6:50 min/mile), where the plate and foam feel most connected.

Technologies and Materials

The midsole is beaded PWRRUN PB (PEBA) foam paired with a full-length semi-rigid winged nylon plate — not carbon — for propulsion. A breathable engineered mesh upper wraps the foot. RunRepeat measured 241 g in men's US 9 with a 37mm heel / 27mm forefoot stack.

Comparisons with Other Shoes

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

Read

Adidas Adizero Evo SL vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

Read

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

Read

Nike Pegasus Plus vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

Read

Asics Megablast vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

Read

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 vs Saucony Endorphin Azura

Read

Saucony Endorphin Trainer vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

Read

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 vs Brooks Hyperion Max 4

Read