Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 Just Got Even Better

Every time a new version of a shoe I love drops, I get a little nervous. Will it mess with the magic? Should I start hoarding the current model just in case? That’s exactly how I felt when the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 showed up. Could it really live up to the smooth ride and snappy finish I’ve gotten used to?

I’ve been a fan of the Endorphin line for a while now, and yes, I might have more pairs than I care to admit… partly because they’re super comfortable and partly because Saucony keeps releasing fun colorways.

But looks only get you so far. As I always say in my reviews, it’s what’s underfoot that really matters, and the cool design is a bonus.

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 comes with some updates, though not all of them are visible. You’re going to notice them more in how the shoe feels on the run, and spoiler alert: it feels really good.

Remember that there isn’t a perfect shoe that’s going to fit everyone. If you think this sounds like a shoe you’d enjoy, head to your local running store and try them on to see what you think!

Let’s break down what’s new, what’s familiar, and who would be a good match for this shoe.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 Overview

It’s rare to find a shoe that feels just right from the first run; usually, there’s a little break-in period. But that wasn’t the case with the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, it felt dialed in straight out of the box.

If you’ve ever had to pack a second pair of shoes just in case you want to toss in a little speedwork, you’ll appreciate the versatility here. The Endorphin Speed 5 is that rare mix of lightweight and responsive without being overly aggressive.

Whether you’re heading out for intervals, tempo work, or tossing some pickups into a longer run, it can handle it all without missing a beat.

Now in its fifth version, it’s clear this shoe has earned its place in a lot of runners’ rotations. But every now and then, even a favorite needs a little glow-up, and Saucony delivered just that.

It’s familiar, but better in all the right ways.

The PWRRUN PB foam still has that familiar styrofoam-like texture, which might make you wonder how long the shoe will hold up.

But Saucony made a smart move with the Speed 5 by extending the rubber outsole all the way to the end of the heel.

That small change really helps with durability; you’re less likely to see the sole breaking down after just a handful of runs.

I’m constantly rotating between treadmill miles, road runs, and gravel trails, so I need shoes that can take a bit of a beating. So far, the Speed 5 is holding up well across the board.What really makes this shoe feel smooth is the combo of Saucony’s Speedroll technology and the new vertical flex groove.

The Speedroll helps you roll forward effortlessly, like the shoe is nudging you into your next stride. Add in that flex groove under the forefoot, and the whole ride feels more natural and less stiff than earlier versions.

It’s the kind of setup that works with your stride, not against it. So whether you’re picking up the pace or settling into cruise control, the transition from landing to toe-off feels more natural and not forced.Unlike the other Endorphin models that use a carbon plate, the Speed 5 comes with a winged nylon plate, and honestly, that’s part of what makes it such a versatile shoe.

Nylon is more flexible than carbon, so you get that springy, responsive feel without it being overly rigid. It’s also more durable, which means you don’t have to save these just for race day!

Another bonus is you’re going to save almost $50 compared to the Endorphin Pro 4 (which, for the record, I also love). So if you’re looking for that snappy, plated feel without the full race-day price tag, this hits the mark.

It’s a solid pick for interval workouts, tempo runs, and anything fast-paced. But Saucony also built it with enough cushioning and durability to carry you through longer training runs, too, making it a pretty versatile option to have in your rotation.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 Fit

Saucony shoes are often said to run a bit narrow, though personally, I’ve never had an issue. Still, it’s something to keep in mind if you’ve got a wider foot.

The Endorphin Speed 5 fits true to size and actually gives you a little more wiggle room in the toebox compared to the previous version, which was a welcome upgrade.

That roomier feel comes from the new engineered mesh upper. It’s lighter, more breathable, and a whole lot less restrictive than what we saw in the Speed 4. The goal was to drop some weight, and it feels like Saucony delivered without sacrificing comfort.The tongue hits a sweet spot, too, thin and lightly padded, plus it’s gusseted so it stays put as you move.

There’s even a new tongue loop to help with lockdown, though the laces run a bit short, which could be annoying if you’re someone who likes to tweak your lacing setup.

One piece that we’re seeing on a lot of shoes currently is the flared heel counter. It’s not just there to make the shoe look cool, it actually has a purpose!

The heel counter helps provide support and stability for your heel and ankle. Every heel counter is going to be different; some will be super flexible, while others, like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, will be firmer.

As someone who has dealt with plantar fasciitis in the past, a firmer heel counter is always better because it restricts the movement of the fascia.

This updated flared design fits more naturally around the heel versus cupping it. It’s also going to help prevent blisters or unwanted rubbing around the Achilles, which is always a win.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 Feel

The feel underfoot is definitely firmer, but in a good way. While those plush, marshmallowy shoes can be great for recovery days, they don’t always offer the stability or snap you want when it’s time to pick up the pace.

Saucony kept the PWRRUN PB foam in the Speed 5, tweaking it just enough to give the ride a more responsive, energetic feel.

There’s still cushion, but now it comes with a little extra pop at toe-off; not a bouncy, trampoline-like pop similar to the Endorphin Elite. It feels efficient, not exaggerated.

We mentioned it earlier, but it’s worth repeating that Saucony added a full-length flex groove to the forefoot.

That small change helps your stride feel more natural, which might explain why so many of my runs in this shoe felt like those rare, unicorn-level runs.Overall, the updates make the Speed 5 feel even more comfortable and versatile. Whether I was on the treadmill or out on the road, the transitions felt seamless, and picking up the pace was effortless.

That said, if I’m heading out for a truly easy effort, this probably isn’t the shoe I’d grab. It just makes running feel too good…..it’s hard not to let the pace sneak up.

Endorphin Running Shoes

Saucony really shook things up introducing a whole new line of shoes, it feels like there needs to be at least some discussion here! While it’s been out for a few years now, they still have a lot of buzz around this line.

One of the big things they talk about is the Speed Roll to help roll your foot forward, which is actually pretty similar to the rocker that Skechers put in their running shoes from the start.

Remember that carbon fiber shoes are going to break down faster. So, just because it’s exciting to gain a few seconds on your easy run, doesn’t mean you need carbon fiber all the time.

Endorphin Pro – Designed for speed with the carbon fiber plate, this is your race shoe
Endorphin Speed – Also designed to be a neutral, cushioned shoe you can take to the race, but without the carbon fiber plate. Instead it uses a Nylon plate for some of those benefits.
Endorphin Shift – A cushioned slightly stabilizing shoe, good for everyday training.

There you have it, our review of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5. We hope this gets you excited to try this versatile and fun shoe!

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