The fourth edition of Endorphin Pro is another improvement of this carbon starter. It is also a real change in what we get inside. The midsole now features not one but a combination of two foams: PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN HG. Changes have also been made to the upper, which has been slightly redesigned. This translates into a distinctly different feel when running. It’s still fast, but now with a little more comfort. Is it still a record-breaking shoe? Yes. Especially when it comes to distances from 5K to half marathons.
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is a performance racing shoe designed for distances from 5 km to marathon, but it will be especially appreciated by runners competing in half marathons. It is very well cushioned, which makes a difference especially on longer runs – it allows you to maintain comfort even when your legs are begging for a break. However, this is a running shoe for fast runners – to get the most out of it, you need to run at a pace of around 4:20/km or faster. Slower than that and you’re wasting what this model has to offer.
Pros
- smooth and fast ride thanks to the Speedroll system,
- extremely dynamic,
- ideal for fast starts,
- great cushioning,
- very lightweight (among the 3% lightest running shoes),
- precise fit of the upper.
Cons
- narrow fit, which may not suit runners with wider feet,
- can be slightly unstable.
Saucony running shoes – lineup breakdown
In the world of carbon running shoes from Saucony, there is a logical hierarchy. At the top, we have two “rockets” – the Endorphin Elite and the Endorphin Pro. Both are designed to break personal records, but each has its own preferences. The Endorphin Pro is a more versatile competitor – lighter, precise, ideal for 5K, 10K and half marathons. The Endorphin Elite, on the other hand, is a typical marathon shoe – with powerful rebound and energy that is best suited to long distances.
For those who don’t need such dynamics, there are also calmer options. The Endorphin Speed is perfect for intermediate runners – for fast sessions and sprint starts. The Endorphin Shift is pure relaxation – maximum cushioning and comfort for those who just want to go for a run. And if you want to see all the models in this series, check out the Saucony shoe guide.
| RACING | TRAINING AND COMPETITION | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum dynamics |  Endorphin Elite 2  Endorphin Pro 4 | |
| very high dynamics |  Endorphin Speed 3 |  Kinvara Pro |
| high dynamics |  Endorphin Shift 3 |  Kinvara 15 |
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 alternatives
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is a carbon fiber runner from the top league, boldly competing with such giants as Vaporfly and Adios Pro. Although all top running shoes offer powerful dynamics, they differ in character and cushioning. The Saucony lineup is similar to Nike’s – the Endorphin Pro 4 is the equivalent of the Vaporfly, which is ideal for shorter distances, from 5 to 21 km. The Endorphin Elite, on the other hand, is the rival of the Alphafly – designed with marathon records in mind.
Want more carbon gems? Check out our racing shoe guide.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 | 39/33 | 6 | 138 | 138 | 500 |
| adidas Adios Pro 4 | 39/33 | 6 | 200 | 175 | 250 |
| Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris | 39/34 | 5 | 205 | 205 | 250 |
| Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 | 35/27 | 8 | 230 | 230 | 250 |
| Diadora Gara Carbon 2 | 40/35 | 5 | 220 | 220 | 290 |
| Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 | 39/32 | 7 | 228 | 228 | 275 |
| Hoka Rocket X 2 | 36/31 | 5 | 236 | 236 | 250 |
| Kiprun KD900X LD+ | 39/35 | 4 | 238 | 196 | 230 |
| New Balance Fuelcell Supercomp Elite v4 | 40/36 | 4 | 237 | 188 | 280 |
| Nike Alphafly 3 | 40/32 | 8 | 218 | 218 | 310 |
| Nike Vaporfly 3 | 40/32 | 8 | 190 | 150 | 270 |
| On Cloudboom Echo 3 | 37/28 | 9 | 215 | 188 | 300 |
| Puma Faas-R Nitro Elite 2 | 40/32 | 8 | 250 | 250 | 270 |
| Salomon S/Lab Phantasm | 37.5/28.5 | 9 | 219 | 219 | 250 |
| Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 | 39.5/31.5 | 8 | 212 | 185 | 250 |
Cushioning and dynamics – two foams, new quality
In the latest Endorphin Pro 4, Saucony has opted for a mixture of foams – and a very successful one at that. Instead of a single layer, as in its predecessor, we now have a duo: closer to the ground is the springy and lightweight PWRRUN PB, known from previous editions, and just under the foot is the more advanced PWRRUN HG – the same one you’ll find in the top-of-the-line Endorphin Elite. The result? Greater softness, better comfort and still brilliant dynamics.
The midsole is now 39.5 mm at the rear and 31.5 mm at the front, which is perfectly within the World Athletics limits. That’s enough foam to protect you even over marathon distances, but due to its character, the Endorphin Pro 4 feels best on distances from 5 km to half marathon. Especially since Saucony has an even stronger contender for marathon running in its arsenal.
Inside the foam midsole of the Endorphin Pro 4 sits a carbon plate—a key element that makes the shoe dynamic. It’s responsible for the shoe’s stiffness and the springy, almost catapult-like kick. It works a bit like a lever: it flexes slightly upon landing and then releases energy upon takeoff, making your stride smooth, dynamic, and fast. It’s what makes you want to push harder after the first kilometer.
The Speedroll system, a distinctive boat-shaped midsole, also contributes to the dynamics of the Endorphin Pro 4 by supporting the smooth rolling of the foot. Regardless of whether you land on your heel or more on the midfoot, the shoe helps your feet roll forward. The carbon plate, thanks to its stiffness, keeps this profile in check and ensures that it works consistently throughout the run. This profile is noticeable but not intrusive – compared to other carbon start shoes, the Endorphin Pro ranks somewhere in the middle. It adds a kick but doesn’t impose a strenuous pace.
Racing outsole, yet durable
The Endorphin Pro 4 outsole is a really solid construction for a racing shoe. A lot of XT-900 rubber has been used here, which is not standard in this class of shoes – usually, producers cut weight on this layer. Here, it’s the opposite: more rubber means not only better traction, but also greater durability. Saucony didn’t cut corners, and you can feel it under your feet.
The rubber layout in the midsole is typical for street racing shoes – maximum functionality with minimum weight. The front has a significantly larger amount of rubber, which is responsible for grip during dynamic take-off. The rear? Two wide patches on the edges of the heel stabilize landing and protect the most vulnerable areas. For a running shoe, that’s a pretty generous amount of rubber.
The outsole texture is pretty deep for a carbon race shoe – 1.2mm is more than many competitors offer. Thanks to this and the rubber compound itself, the Pro 4 grips hard surfaces with confidence, even when wet or slightly dirty. It works especially well when landing on the midfoot, when the grip is simply perfect.
Upper like air – lightweight and breathable
The upper of the Pro 4 is a classic running shoe with a modern twist – ultra-thin, almost transparent material makes the shoe look as if it is barely holding together. But that’s the point – it’s all about lightness and breathability at the highest level. And that’s exactly what you get. The material quickly wicks away heat and moisture, which you will appreciate after just a few kilometers of intense running (just not in the rain). Compared to other racing shoes, the ventilation is really impressive.
The interior of the shoe is a soft classic. The width of the upper at its widest point is 103.6 mm, which is right in the middle of the norm. There is no tight grip like in aggressive spikes, but there is also not too much slack. The soft structure of the upper adapts well to the foot without causing pressure or discomfort. This combination of lightness and gentle support gives a pleasant feeling of support without excessively restricting the natural movement of the foot. It’s good!
The heel counter has also been slimmed down, but not excessively. It is only slightly stiffened and stabilizes the heel to a delicate but sufficient degree for faster running shoes. Stability is also provided by a fairly wide base under the foot. However, as I mentioned earlier, this works well for light runners and at faster paces. For heavy runners who land heavily on their heels and need stability in this area, it will not be enough.
Lightness that doesn’t surprise, but pleases
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is a lightweight competitor. It’s exactly what we expected. The men’s version weighs only 212 grams, and the women’s 185 grams, according to the producer. In my size, 12 US, the shoe weighs 262 grams, which places it among the 12% lightest running shoes on the market. This result is slightly above average for carbon racing shoes (248 g), but it can still be considered a lightweight shoe.
Summary
The Endorphin Pro 4 is a very successful evolution of the series – softer, more comfortable and still fast. The shoe performs well on short and medium distances, offering very good dynamics without excessive aggression. However, heavier runners or those running a full marathon may find it lacking in stability and maximum cushioning.
