Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 Review: Two Years of Waiting for… (2026)
Carbon plate shoes have been around for 10 years, and a lot has changed since the first Saucony Endorphin Pro. Like many brands, Saucony waited two years to release this new version of the Endorphin Pro. The lineup has since expanded with the Elite 2 version, released in the meantime, which caused quite a stir and set the bar very high.
One of the main questions, therefore, concerns the place of this new Endorphin Pro 5 in the lineup and its primary use. It’s aimed at competition, but in a more accessible version than the Elite 2, though still demanding.
What changes has Saucony made, and is the upgrade justified? Does it suit your running profile and goals?
This comprehensive review answers these questions.
Why trust me?
With a personal best of 2:38 in the marathon and a substantial weekly training volume, I test numerous running shoe models to enhance my performance.
I conducted my field test of the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 during various types of training sessions to evaluate their comfort and running feel. I also consulted other runners of varying levels to validate my impressions and ensure that my recommendations will be useful to as many runners as possible.
Our verdict
An excellent shoe with a carbon plate that’s more versatile and affordable than the elite version.
- Weight: 214 g (size 42)
- Foam: PWRRUN PB, PWRRUN HG
- Height: 39.5 mm (heel), 31.5 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 8 mm
- Competitions at all distances
The midsole features a combination of PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN HG foam, which encase the redesigned, more aggressive carbon plate. The geometry remains curved with SPEEDROLL technology for better roll.
The feel upon impact is quite similar to that of the V4, a bit softer for a more enjoyable run. Responsiveness is excellent, though not quite as high as on the Elite 2 version, with a less pronounced bounce.
Shock absorption is very good with an unchanged stack. The cushioning will allow runners to extend their distance up to a marathon. The limitations will come more from the shoe’s demanding nature.
The new single-layer stretch mesh upper is very well-designed and offers great comfort and breathability. Saucony has also updated the outsole with PWRTRAC rubber, which provides better traction.
In summary, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 is a high-end carbon plate model, more accessible than the elite version and therefore better suited for the general public. It remains a high-performance and demanding shoe.
Pros
- More high-performance outsole
- Well-balanced and substantial cushioning for the marathon
- Comfortable and well-ventilated competition upper
- Smooth transitions and high energy return with a pronounced roll
- More affordable than the elite version
Cons
- The fit didn’t suit all testers
- Some runners see the shoe more as a high-end training shoe than a competition shoe
Cushioning
The midsole of the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 is largely the same as that of the previous version. It retains the two layers of PWRRUN PB foam (expanded Peba beads) and PWRRUN HG supercritical foam (Peba).
Between the upper and lower layers is the carbon fiber plate. It is now split along its entire length for a different geometry and feel. The ride is slightly more aggressive than on the Pro 4.
The SPEEDROLL geometry, characteristic of the Endorphin series, helps provide a smooth forward roll. Despite these few changes, it’s hard to detect a real difference in feel compared to the V4.
I have a hard time understanding why Saucony didn’t incorporate the new IncrediRUN TPEE foam, at least in one of the two layers. The brand likely felt that this would have made the shoe less accessible.
The feel upon impact remains well-balanced and leans slightly toward softness for a pleasant running experience. But significantly less so than on the Elite 2 version, which is extremely soft.
The stack height remains unchanged at 39.5 mm under the heel and 31.5 mm under the forefoot. I appreciate the substantial cushioning, which offers impressive shock absorption. As with some competitors, some runners note that the shoe may lack protection for heavier runners.
I strongly qualify this point because I struggle to see how more protection could be offered. The limitation comes more from the demanding side, which I’ll detail below. The shoe has the assets for all distances up to the marathon, regardless of the runner’s profile.
The 8mm heel-to-toe drop is standard. This is a plus, making it more accessible, especially with such strong propulsion.
Energy return
The weight remains consistent at 214 g in size 42. It’s very light, and the ride feels airy. But it’s heavier than many competing models, which are well under 200 g.
If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d consider a shoe “heavy” at 214 g with a 40 mm stack height, I would have laughed and said that was crazy. But the market has evolved so much that it’s become a reality. The brand has certainly made fewer compromises to make the shoe more durable.
Energy return is very good, and the pronounced forward roll of the SpeedRoll geometry ensures smooth, rapid transitions to maximize propulsion. Overall responsiveness is very good, but still lags slightly behind several competing models.
On the other hand, the shoe is a bit more affordable.
Support and Stability
The shoe is designed for a neutral stride and does not feature any technology to stabilize the stride. But with a fairly wide base, a well-balanced ride, and improved traction, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 is stable enough for a competitive model.
Foot Support
The new upper is made of single-layer stretch mesh, with an inner lining that acts as a sock. As is often the case with this type of construction, it isn’t easy to slip on, but the stretchy material makes it very comfortable, with a second-skin feel.
Comfort is once again a strong point, and wearing the shoe for long periods poses no problem. While it doesn’t quite match the comfort of a Triumph, the shoe is very pleasant to wear for a competition model.
Breathability is satisfactory, just like on the V4, with good airflow. With the fine mesh, coverage in cold weather might be a bit lacking, but that’s not an issue for race day use.
The gusseted tongue fits the foot very well and remains stretchy, much like on the latest Nimbus models, with a pull tab to make putting them on easier. The laces are also stretchy, and the shoe adds two additional locking buckles.
The heel counter is, as is often the case, fairly flexible and sits higher up. Some testers have noted this and complained either of insufficient support or of friction at the heel that can cause irritation.
I personally didn’t notice this, and I found the heel counter to be fairly standard for this type of model, quite similar to that of the V4. The pronounced flare at the heel is also back, further proof that the shoe is accessible even for heel-strikers.
Also worth noting are the reflective elements and the SRS (Super Responsive Sockliner) insole, which offers a bit more bounce.
Despite some criticism, I’d say the upper is very well-made.
Size and Fit
Regarding the shoe’s fit, as is often the case, I’ve come across quite a bit of conflicting information. So I’ll focus on my own experience, since I’m lucky enough to have worn many pairs.
The shoe fits very snugly against the foot, a direct result of the sock-like effect. But the highly elastic material prevents any issues. The platform is wide at both the front and back, which is a plus for stability and a reliable ride.
Despite this, the space in the toe box is quite limited, and that’s where most of the complaints lie. Personally, even though I have fairly wide feet, I wasn’t bothered by it and actually appreciated this feature for accelerating.
But that wasn’t the case for everyone, so if you have a strong kick, it’s best to try them on before buying if possible. Otherwise, the shoe fits true to size.
Traction
I personally didn’t have any issues with this on the V4, but that wasn’t the case for everyone, so the brand decided to upgrade the outsole. Gone is the XT-900 carbon rubber; in its place is higher-quality PWRTRAC rubber.
This rubber covers the key contact areas extensively for effective traction.
Grip on wet surfaces is also improved. Flexibility is also satisfactory thanks to the micro-grooves and the deep longitudinal groove.
Finally, this road shoe can take you on most non-technical trails and paths. Be careful not to get small pebbles stuck in the central groove!
Usage
Determining the shoe’s intended use goes hand in hand with finding its place in the Endorphin lineup. That’s actually my main question: is this model really necessary?
We already have:
- The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, designed for training and offering high performance.
- The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2, the ultimate competition model, among the best available today.
I found my answer while running: the Pro is a hybrid model that falls somewhere between the two.
It can serve as a high-end training shoe or a more accessible competition model thanks to good stride control and better stability than more radical competing models.
Note: the roll-off remains strong and isn’t suitable for all runners. It’s a demanding shoe, so it’s best reserved for experienced runners.
Shock absorption is excellent for all distances, regardless of your build. You can push yourself to a half-marathon or marathon without any issues.
In terms of speed, this shoe is designed for fast paces; it’s less suitable for moderate speeds. It’s also a good option for breaking a personal record in competition, even if it’s less high-performance than other models like the Adidas Adios Pro 4 or the Nike Alphafly 3.
Quality and Durability
No unpleasant surprises here: the outsole is sturdy, and the mesh is more durable than it looks despite its thinness (watch out for potential obstacles).
Durability is therefore standard—clearly higher than on other carbon plate models.
The price is very high, though still within market norms. The value for money is therefore quite decent.
Finally, this model uses a small percentage of recycled materials and is vegan.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 vs 4
This new version features several changes:
- A redesigned upper for better support
- Better heel lock
- Split carbon plate (more aggressive)
- PWRTRAC outsole
The Pro 5 has been improved, but the Pro 4 is still quite similar, so don’t hesitate to buy it if you find it on sale.
Conclusion
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 brings a few changes compared to the previous version, but not enough for some given the two-year wait. Some runners also find it better suited for training than for competition.
It’s a very well-designed model, worthy of a top-tier carbon plate shoe and built to break records. It has the advantage of being a bit more affordable and durable than the Elite version, which justifies its place in the Endorphin lineup!
Facts
Reference: official website
