The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a versatile super trainer meant to perform across various paces. It features a PEBA-based midsole and a winged nylon plate and delivers an energized feel suited for tempo runs and longer distances. As the fourth iteration of the Speed within the performance-oriented Endorphin lineup, it maintains its versatile character while introducing redesigns from the previous version. With an updated upper and heel structure, the shoe feels secure while keeping the ride smooth and light.
Our Verdict
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 provides satisfactory performance for long-distance racing. Its energetic foam and nylon plate offer impressive responsiveness. While it won't provide the plushest cushioning on the market, it still maintains acceptable comfort to carry runners comfortably through a full marathon. However, it lacks a carbon plate, diminishing its potential to compete at the highest echelon of marathon shoes.
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Premium foam delivers high energy return.
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Very stable.
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On the heavier side.
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Missing some underfoot protection for longer distances.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a strong, agile performer great for shorter race distances. Its firm forefoot translates into swift, powerful toe-offs, allowing competitive runners to push the pace confidently during shorter races. The great energy return from the midsole and snappiness from the nylon plate means runners can rely on it for speed, making it a great option for achieving personal bests at 5K and 10K events. However, this shoe isn't as light as true super shoes, which can negatively impair running economy.
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Premium foam delivers high energy return.
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Nylon plate adds stiffness.
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On the heavier side.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 delivers impressive energy return. Its PEBA-based PWRRUN PB midsole effectively converts each stride into forward propulsion, boosting efficiency and reducing fatigue, especially during faster-paced efforts. This shoe's dynamic midsole configuration provides runners with a notably springy, enjoyable bounce that makes each stride feel smooth.
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Premium foam delivers high energy return.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4's cushioning is underwhelming. The midsole isn't ideal for those who desire maximum comfort or frequently tackle extended distances. While it doesn't compromise the shoe's overall usability for speed-focused sessions, runners expecting a plush or soft ride may find it a bit insufficient for longer, high-impact runs.
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Missing some underfoot protection for longer distances.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 has great lateral stability, providing runners with solid and reliable support for maintaining confident strides even during longer runs. The shoe's heel width and secure tongue construction significantly contribute to its stable feel, allowing runners to maintain consistent performance as fatigue sets in.
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Nylon plate adds stiffness.
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Fully-gusseted tongue.
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Quite high stack.
- 7.3 Marathon Racing
- 8.0 5K/10K Racing
Performance Usages
- 8.2 Energy Return
- 6.3 Cushioning
- 8.0 Lateral Stability
Changelog
- Updated Apr 02, 2025: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
- Updated Apr 02, 2025: Review published.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 in men's US size 9, as indicated on the label. The color shown here is Navy | Spice, and the shoe is available in several other colorways, including Black, Verdant | White, ViziBlue | Navy, ViZiOrange, and Moon | Plum. Additionally, there's a special edition created in partnership with Black Girls Run X Saucony, featuring a Black | Pink colorway and including a commemorative box, drawstring bag, and keychain. Wide versions aren't available for this model. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
Compared To Other Running Shoes
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 stands out among versatile super trainers due to its combination of responsiveness and stability across different paces. This shoe is ideal for interval workouts and even short-to-medium distance racing. While its performance-oriented midsole is very energetic, those seeking a super trainer that offers maximum cushioning and that's softer underfoot for extended runs might prefer models like the HOKA Mach X 2 or the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2.
Within Saucony's lineup, this shoe sits comfortably above daily trainers such as the Saucony Triumph 22, yet it remains below the carbon-plated, race-focused Saucony Endorphin Pro 4. Saucony also sells their top-of-the-line, more aggressive Saucony Endorphin Elite 2, designed for peak race-day performance.
Check out our recommendations for the best running shoes to find more options.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 are both versatile trainers but cater to slightly different priorities. The ASICS is an unplated, uptempo premium trainer that emphasizes maximum cushioning and provides a stable, plush ride, making it especially appealing for longer runs. The Saucony, however, is a super trainer that prioritizes a more energetic and responsive experience, featuring a bouncy midsole and a nylon plate, making it better suited for shorter races and faster workouts. While both shoes handle versatility well, the ASICS excels in comfort and protection. In contrast, the Saucony is the preferred option if you want a snappier shoe that can comfortably pick up the pace for faster efforts like intervals or tempo runs.
While they're both plated trainers, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is better overall than the Brooks Hyperion Max 2. The Saucony is notably lighter and delivers better energy return thanks to its PEBA-based midsole, making it a bit more versatile and more efficient at faster paces.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and the PUMA Deviate NITRO 3 are both plated super trainers, but they excel in different areas. The PUMA is a higher-stack shoe that offers slightly better cushioning, making it a better fit for heavier runners or those who prefer a bit more protection underfoot. The Saucony, on the other hand, is notably lighter and has better energy return, making it more efficient for speedwork despite using a nylon plate rather than a carbon fiber plate like the PUMA.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and the adidas Adizero Boston 12 are both versatile, stable daily trainers but differ notably in feel and cushioning. The Saucony provides more cushioning, a softer midsole, and better energy return, making it smoother and more responsive for faster workouts or races. It's also lighter than the adidas, making it a more versatile partner for daily runs.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and the HOKA Mach X 2 are both versatile super trainers, but each excels in different scenarios. The Saucony is lighter and more stable and offers a snappier, more responsive feel. In contrast, the HOKA is more heavily cushioned and plush. While both shoes are versatile enough for training and some racing, the Saucony shines brightest in shorter events, whereas the HOKA is the preferred option for those prioritizing cushioning and comfort over extended distances.
The Saucony Triumph 22 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 come from the same brand but serve different purposes within a runner's rotation. The Endorphin Speed 4 is a super trainer featuring a plastic plate, which enhances stability and provides significantly more energy return. This makes it well-suited for faster-paced training and racing. The Triumph 22, in contrast, offers more cushioning, providing greater comfort for daily mileage and recovery runs. That said, the Endorphin Speed 4 is a more premium model aimed at more performance-oriented runners.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and the Mizuno Neo Vista are both plated trainers but excel in different areas. The Saucony is a lighter, more responsive super trainer, better suited for picking up the pace and racing shorter distances, making it a great option for workouts, intervals, or even competitive events. The Mizuno, on the other hand, is a plated premium trainer that provides a more cushioned, comfortable experience with greater protection, which is ideal for runners seeking plushness on recovery runs.
Test Results
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 isn't the lightest in its category, but it's relatively lightweight compared to running shoes overall. While some super trainers, like the adidas Adizero Evo SL, shave off a bit more weight, this model won't weigh you down too much.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 offers great energy return from the heel, making transitions smoother for those who land further back. The PEBA-based foam efficiently rebounds after compression, helping propel runners forward with minimal energy loss.
With an even higher energy return than the heel, the forefoot is built for bounciness. When pushing off, runners will feel the foam compress and bounce back efficiently, making toe-offs snappy. This is especially useful in faster-paced efforts where maximizing every stride's output is key.
This super trainer's heel provides a moderate level of impact absorption. It's not very plush, yet it still protects heel strikers from each strike. However, the cushioning is lacking compared to some max-cushioned super trainers like the HOKA Mach X 2, particularly for those seeking a pillow-soft landing.
Up front, the cushioning is slightly less substantial than in the heel but still provides acceptable protection. The forefoot retains enough give to prevent harsh landings, but runners looking for a squishy ride should look towards another option like the HOKA Skyward X.
The heel leans toward the firm side, offering a stable landing platform that prevents excessive sink-in. While this helps with stability, runners seeking a plush, soft heel might find it a bit rigid compared to other shoes like the Mizuno Neo Vista, especially at lower forces.
The forefoot of this shoe is very firm. This characteristic benefits runners who prefer a snappier feel up front, especially for speed sessions and race efforts. Those accustomed to softer foams will find it too rigid, but it enhances stability and control during faster paces.
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