Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 Review (2024): Accessible Carbon Pick?
When the Endorphin series was launched, the role of each model was quite clear. The Endorphin Shift for daily training, the hybrid Endorphin Speed for faster workouts, and the Pro for racing. But Saucony recently launched a new collection, Endorphin Elite, whose intention is undoubtedly to go head-to-head with brands like Nike and its Alphafly and Vaporfly shoes on the competition segment.
Therefore, the question now is where the Endorphin Pro 4 fits in and who it’s for. Let’s find out in this detailed review, based on my field tests with several different types of sessions and the feedback of other runners.
What You Need to Know
An excellent carbon-plate shoe, now more accessible and as high-performance as ever.
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is the eagerly-awaited latest addition to the brand’s competition series.
The midsole features the S-shaped S-Curve carbon plate and PWRRUN PB foam. However, it now combines with the new PWRRUN HG foam, the brand’s most advanced cushioning technology introduced with the Endorphin Elite.
The underfoot feel is softer and more bouncy, giving greater versatility while maintaining excellent performance. SPEEDROLL technology is back for more propulsion, while the new SRS (Super Responsive Sockliner) insole provides extra energy return.
The revamped upper offers surprising comfort while retaining breathability. The new outsole provides a better grip and is more robust than its predecessor.
In short, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 takes a different direction by becoming a more accessible carbon plate model while still delivering high performance.
PROS
- Strong grip even on wet surfaces
- Good shock absorption and propulsion
- Good stability
- Surprising comfort for a racer
- Accessible carbon plate model
- Good durability
CONS
- Less responsive than the previous version, with a less aggressive rocker
- More spacious toe box, but some runners would have preferred a closer fit to the foot
Cushioning
The midsole is packed with technologies. Particularly noteworthy are the following:
- PWRRUN PB foam, described as the brand’s lightest and most flexible foam available
- The same carbon plate on the S-shaped S-Curve 3 version, combined with SPEEDROLL technology for fast, smooth heel-toe transitions
- PWRRUN HG foam, specially designed for the Endorphin Elite to deliver more bounce
- SRS (Super Responsive Sockliner) insole for more snap
Overall, runners find the underfoot feel softer than the previous version, and I agree with them. Shock absorption is also better, on par with the best competition models.
The max cushion stack dimensions of 39.5 mm in the heel and 31.5 mm in the forefoot confirm this. There are no distance restrictions. The Endorphin Pro 4 is suitable for long distances, with its primary target being the marathon.
The heel-to-toe drop of 8 mm is perfectly classic and should suit a large majority of runners.
Energy return
Despite a slight increase in weight (212 g/7.5 oz vs. 200 g/7 oz in size 42), the shoe remains lightweight. The main change comes from the sole geometry: the rocker is much less aggressive than on version 3 and the Elite version.
This change results in a loss of responsiveness, as noted by the fastest runners. However, it also means that the shoe can be used by a wider audience, becoming more accessible to the general public.
Moreover, the bounce remains excellent, making virtually no difference to a large proportion of the peloton. However, the rocker is less pronounced for those looking for sharper forward propulsion.
Support and stability
Even though the foam is softer, the rigidity of the plate ensures good stability upon ground impact, so you can run in complete safety.
However, despite doing a better job than many direct competitors, the Pro remain a high stack shoe, so inherently it’s not the most stable option out there. Support is satisfactory and will suit most runners, but overpronators should be careful (this model is neutral).
Foot Lockdown
The upper has also been changed. There are fewer perforations than in the previous version, but breathability remains good with effective ventilation. What’s more, it provides more protection, making the shoe compatible with summer and winter running.
The mesh is stretchy, and the toe box is more spacious. However, this doesn’t appeal to everyone. Some testers prefer a closer fit to the foot for speed sessions. Others (like me) clearly favor this configuration to be more comfortable on longer distances like marathons.
The fit is surprisingly comfortable, and you really feel good in them. There’s plenty of padding, which is a nice touch. The heel counter is semi-rigid and the tongue is attached to the upper on both sides, preventing slippage.
This works well for locking down the foot, even if some would have preferred more side overlays. For my part, I appreciate the freedom for longer distances.
The shoe fits true to size, so you can take your usual shoe size.
Traction
The longitudinal groove on the outsole reveals the plate and adds flexibility.
The layout of the XT-900 rubber changes. The lattice design has a large piece in the forefoot. On the heel, there’s a piece of rubber on each side.
According to the testers, the rubber is more aggressive and traction is better. I also noted excellent grip on wet ground, making the Endorphin Pro 4’s outsole one of the best among racing models.
Use on trails is more limited; the road remains its preferred terrain.
Use
As a carbon-plate model, its main use is in competition. But there are a few nuances to the Endorphin Pro 4.
For a start, the main target this time is marathons, whereas with v3, some found the cushioning too firm for long distances. With v4, on the contrary, the softer side makes it a prime marathon option.
Also, with its less aggressive rocker, the shoe is more versatile for daily training. However, in all honesty, to see the difference, you need to run pretty fast (6 min/mi and above). Overall, the shoe remains responsive.
The Endorphin Pro 4 isn’t the best-performing carbon-plate shoe, but it’s one of the most accessible and most enjoyable to run in.
Quality and Durability
The outsole is much more durable than on the previous version, which received negative reviews. The upper shows no early wear after a good hundred kilometers. Even for the foam, testers noted a good lifespan. The product remains expensive, but seems more durable than many competitors.
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 uses 91% recycled materials and is vegan (no animal materials).
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 vs 4 Recap
Several changes have been made:
- A reworked upper for greater comfort
- A more grippy and more durable outsole
- A softer feel and less aggressive rocker
These changes modify the ride. The v3 is best for short or intermediate distances as it’s more “explosive.” However, regardless of your profile, the v4 will be more suitable for marathons.
For more comparisons, check out our tool.
Conclusion
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is still relevant in the brand’s series. Although it’s less high-performance than the Elite version (and one may argue that only fast runners will notice the difference), it’s much more accessible.
Comfort and overall running experience are surprisingly good and enjoyable for such a fast model. It’s definitely one of the best options to consider for a distance like the marathon.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel height | 39.5 mm |
| Forefoot height | 31.5 mm |
| Weight (men) | 212 g/7.5 oz |
| Weight (women) | 185 g/6.5 oz |
| Features | Carbon-fiber plate, Vegan, Recycled materials |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2024 |
| Price | Check prices |
Cushioning
| Softness | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | High |
Technologies
| Outsole | XT-900 Rubber |
| Midsole | PWRRUN PB, PWRRUN HG, SRS, SPEEDROLL |
| Upper | Engineered Mesh |
Use
| Speed | Moderate, Fast |
| Distance | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Workout | Daily running, Racing |
