Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 Review: Small Tweaks, Big Fun

Introduction to the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

MEAGHAN: The Saucony Endorphin Speed has long been a reliable choice for tempo runs and daily training. While some versions have stood out more than others, it’s delivered solid performance since the start. Versions two and three leaned more toward daily training, but the Speed 4 marked a return to a more race-day feel. If you enjoyed that model, you’ll be glad to know that the Speed 5 brings only subtle updates.

The Endorphin Speed 5 retains the same 36 mm / 28 mm stack height and features Saucony’s PWRRUN PB foam, a beaded PEBA-based midsole. The nylon plate is still present but has been slightly redesigned: instead of dual wings, it now has a single medial wing, allowing for increased torsional flexibility. The upper has also been updated to a lighter, more breathable single-layer mesh.

While Saucony claims this version is lighter overall, my US W7.5 weighed in at 7.2 oz, essentially the same as before, if not a touch heavier. So how does all this translate to the streets? I took it out for some road (and accidental trail) miles.

What we like about the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

MEAGHAN: I’ve always appreciated the aesthetic of the Endorphin line, and version five stays true to that sleek, fast look. I received the white/crocus colorway (which, as I learned via Google, is a type of purple flower). After a few runs on dirt trails, the upper isn’t quite as pristine, but more on that later.

Fit-wise, the Speed 5 is true to size and feels slightly roomier than the previous version. I didn’t experience any rubbing or hot spots, and the padding around the collar and tongue adds a comfortable, secure feel that makes it viable for daily training. The updated mesh upper feels a bit thinner, in a good way, resulting in improved breathability and a lighter feel, which has been especially welcome during hot summer runs.

As mentioned earlier, there haven’t been major changes underfoot, aside from some slight adjustments to the midsole tooling and a redesign of the nylon plate. The Speed 5 feels a touch more flexible up front, likely due to removing the lateral wing from the plate. It still strikes a great balance between softness, responsiveness, and bounce.

I recently traveled to Seattle and, not knowing what kind of terrain I’d encounter, packed only the Endorphin Speed 5. I ran on dirt roads and light technical trails — definitely not what the shoe was designed for — but it handled surprisingly well. Would I recommend it as a trail shoe? Not really. But the fact that it held up speaks volumes about its versatility. Whether you’re out for an easy run, picking up the pace, or even toeing the line on race day, the Speed 5 can hold its own.

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What we don’t like about the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

MEAGHAN: All in all, there’s not much to complain about with the Endorphin Speed 5 — it’s a solid tempo shoe that does a lot of things well. It’s responsive, versatile, and well-built for a range of paces. That said, it’s one of those shoes that tends to get lost in my rotation.

I usually reach for a carbon-plated shoe for hard workouts and prefer something more cushioned and plush for easy runs. So this might just be a me problem, but it’s worth mentioning. Realistically, I probably won’t reach for the Endorphin Speed 5 much post-review (especially since it’s now pretty caked in trail dust), but only because I have so many other options with slightly more specific roles.

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Final thoughts on the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

MEAGHAN: The Endorphin Speed 5 is a solid choice for uptempo runs and even daily training. Fans of the previous version should be pleased, as Saucony hasn’t made any drastic changes — just a few key updates that make the shoe feel a bit more performance-oriented and dialed in for speed.

You can pick up the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 for $175 from Running Warehouse (featuring free shipping and 90-day returns) by using the buttons below.

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