Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 Review (2025): Still at the Top?
The Endorphin series (and more specifically the Endorphin Speed) has changed a lot since its inception, but it remains one of the most popular today. The Speed is by far the most popular and has largely overshadowed the Pro and the Shift (discontinued).
This Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is therefore a major release, eagerly awaited by many runners.
Do the changes alter the running experience? Is this model suitable for your runner profile and goals?
This is what we will explore in this in-depth review.
Why Trust Me?
With a personal best of 2 h 38 in the marathon and a significant weekly training volume, I have the opportunity to test many running shoe models to aid my practice.
I conducted my field test of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 on various types of sessions to assess their comfort and running sensations. Additionally, I also consulted other runners of different levels to validate my feelings and ensure that my recommendations will be useful to as many runners as possible.
Our Verdict
Excellent nylon plate shoes with a versatile ride.
- Weight: 235 g (size 42)
- Foam: PWRRUN PB
- Height: 36 mm (heel), 28 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 8 mm
- Fast training, competitions of all distances
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 offers few changes: it is very close to the v4, which is logical as it was so successful.
The midsole retains the PWRRUN PB foam from the previous version. The two-layer construction encompasses a new version of the nylon plate, still paired with SPEEDROLL technology for better propulsion.
The impact sensation is very similar to the V4, namely very well-balanced between softness and firmness. Shock absorption is very good with unchanged dimensions; the cushioning will allow extending the distance except for heavier runners who will aim for intermediate distances.
The new technical mesh upper concentrates the majority of the changes. The comfort is very good, and breathability is excellent. Additionally, the fit will suit a very wide variety of runners in their usual size.
The outsole is also slightly modified. We find the XT-900 carbon rubber for very good traction with a longer and deeper longitudinal groove and a new heel construction.
In summary, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 continues to assert itself as a model that is reactive, versatile, and accessible, which should continue to appeal to many runners.
Pros
- Better heel construction (a point criticized on the V4)
- Well-balanced cushioning for good running sensations
- Very comfortable and well-ventilated upper
- Fluid transitions and very good dynamism
- Very good versatility
Cons
- Does not have the same rebound as carbon-plated rockets
- More limited cushioning on long distances for some runners
Cushioning
The midsole of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is overall carried over from the previous version. We find the two layers of PWRRUN PB foam in Peba.
Between these two layers, there is a nylon plate that has been optimized for greater flexibility according to the brand. We also find the SPEEDROLL geometry, characteristic of the Endorphin series.
The sole geometry is generally the same, although I notice a (slightly) more pronounced rocker, and we can also add a more structured construction of the heel, a point that I will cover in the outsole section.
Despite these few changes, it is difficult to find a real difference in sensation compared to the V4. Comparing foot to foot, there is certainly a difference (luckily, as I have over 800 km on the V4), but I fully find the well-balanced feeling.
The sensation tends more towards firmness while maintaining a certain softness. I was rather skeptical over the first 100 kilometers of the V4 before fully appreciating the light and airy stride.
The dimensions remain unchanged with 36 mm under the heel and 28 mm under the forefoot, providing good shock absorption, which I found for myself sufficient to push up to the marathon.
But as with the V4, this is not the experience of all runners, particularly heavier runners who find they need more cushioning and/or flexibility. Nevertheless, I think it can be stated that the shoe will allow everyone to push (at least) up to a half-marathon.
The last point is the 8 mm drop, which is quite standard for a regular shoe and will not require any particular adaptation.
Energy Return
The weight is also stable at 235 g in size 42, placing the shoe in the “light” category. I have read some feedback judging the shoe too heavy for a speed shoe, and I think carbon rockets under 200 g skew the judgments a bit.
These make concessions to achieve these feats, and the Speed 5 is intended for training and competitions alike. The dynamism is excellent, but it is true that it does not match the powerful rebound of carbon-plated shoes.
This is why the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is more accessible and allows for a very good reaction capability, covering all desired speeds. Transitions are also very fluid and fast with the SpeedRoll geometry.
Support and Stability
The shoe is for a neutral stride and does not have any technology to stabilize the stride. But with a very good fit and quite a firm ride, complemented by strong traction, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is naturally stable, and this point can be validated without concern.
Foot Lockdown
Changes were necessary for this new iteration; Saucony couldn’t just re-release the version 4. They are primarily concentrated in the upper, with already the disappearance of the double layer, reverting to a single-layer upper (like on the V3).
This significantly improves breathability, with an additional technical mesh with perforated hexagonal patterns for very good air circulation. In return, coverage in cold weather is less effective.
The texture at hand is also very different (rougher), but this does not translate once the shoe is on foot; I find the same very comfortable sensation appreciated for a speed-dedicated model.
For shoe tests, I always have a (rather long) procedure where I gather and compile as many testimonials from different profiles to have a well-represented sample.
With all the foot shapes that exist, it is often difficult to synthesize for sizing. Rarely for a shoe to be marked, I have hardly noted any remarks on the shoe’s fit.
The upper is very well-structured with the 3D construction of the heel counter and the reinforcements on the midfoot. The gusseted tongue accompanies the foot very well, and the lacing system is certainly classic but very effective.
This likely explains why there are no slipping reports. What about wide feet? No problems reported either; the mesh is flexible and ensures good suppleness, and the foot is not compressed.
The heel collar rises a little more than on the previous version (for better support), but once again, no irritation has been reported by runners.
We can conclude that the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 fits true to size, and you can take your usual size. I found my foot to be well-supported, and I think a good lock-in of the foot and a very well-executed upper can be validated.
Traction
It is hard to fault the brand for retaining the XT-900 carbon rubber as it impressed on the V4. It is found covering a large portion of the strategic support zones for very powerful traction.
There was, however, a point of friction on the previous version for the heel area. The heel’s atypical pointed geometry caused too rapid wear for heel strikers.
This point is corrected for this Endorphin Speed 5 with a more classic (and effective) construction and also better durability. Adhesion on wet surfaces is also very good.
The micro-grooves and deeper longitudinal groove ensure good flexibility to the sole.
Finally, you will be able to use this shoe on most paths or trails, as long as they are not technical (be careful not to get debris or pebbles stuck in the central groove).
Use scenarios
I don’t think it will be a surprise to say that the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is primarily dedicated to speed. It is, of course, ideal for any type of session where you need to pick up the pace, such as tempo runs.
But the unique sensation in handling the shoe, which I greatly appreciated on the v4 (and fully find on the v5), is its distinct ride feeling. Not a pronounced bounce like with carbon rockets.
You hardly notice the nylon plate, although it certainly contributes to the shoe’s excellent propulsion. But the Speed 5 is significantly more accessible and less demanding, with a very light and airy ground contact.
It is often said that carbon-plated shoes are limited for training; this is not the case for the Speed 5, which can be used all-round, from short repetitions (10*400 type) to longer segments.
It is certainly this aspect that has been so appealing and contributed to making the shoe so popular. Moreover, it can also be used for more moderate pace sessions, even if it is less suitable for them.
Regarding the distance to consider, it will depend on the runner’s profile. Without particular issues, usage for intermediate distances like a half-marathon can be validated.
Some runners note more limited cushioning on long distances and do not see themselves pushing up to a marathon. As for me, I had no problem exceeding 30 km with it, and the cushioning is substantial and sufficient for me.
In competition, without reaching the performance level of carbon-plated rockets like the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2, the shoe is a very good (less demanding) alternative for runners who do not want to have more than one pair of shoes.
Quality and Durability
No (bad) surprises on this point, with a durable outsole (and more durable at the heel) and a fairly robust mesh, although thin (beware of potential obstacles).
The durability is thus classic, and I have no doubt these Speed 5 will accompany me on the 800-1000 km of the v4.
The price remains high but within market norms, providing a comparable quality-price ratio to the competition.
Finally, this running shoe is partly made with recycled materials (unknown proportion) and is vegan (no animal materials).
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 vs 5
Several changes can be noted for this new version:
- A new thinner and more breathable upper
- New design for the nylon plate, more flexible
- Grooved outsole along its entire length
- New heel construction for better durability
In full transparency, the two products are very close and you can buy either version depending on promotions.
Conclusion
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 offers few changes from the previous version, with a very similar ride and qualities that are always very comprehensive for formidable versatility.
It is difficult to find a limit to its use, except for long distances for heavier runners. Besides that, the shoe is definitely one of the best to date, thanks to its unique combination of comfort, dynamism, and durability.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel height | 36 mm |
| Forefoot height | 28 mm |
| Weight (men) | 235 g/8.3 oz |
| Weight (women) | 215 g/7.6 oz |
| Features | Vegan, Recycled materials, Nylon plate |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2025 |
| Price | Check prices |
Cushioning
| Softness | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Medium |
Technologies
| Outsole | Rubber XT-900 |
| Midsole | PWRRUN PB, Nylon Plate, SPEEDROLL, Super Responsive Sockliner |
| Upper | Engineered Knit |
Use
| Speed | Moderate, Fast |
| Distance | Short, 5K, Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Workout | Daily running, Racing |
Reference: official site
