The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a shoe that challenges the very notion of the classic distinction between training shoes and racing shoes – and it does so with surprising confidence. Instead of carbon-fiber excess, we get a more civilized dynamic that doesn’t require running exclusively at the limit. This is a model that doesn’t scream “I’m fast,” but simply accelerates when you want it to – and doesn’t punish you on slower days. The question is: in a world of increasingly extreme constructions, isn’t this very balance becoming the greatest advantage?
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a lightweight speed training shoe designed for fast-paced workouts and races ranging from 5K to a full marathon. It still serves as a bridge between daily training and racing, but does so with greater maturity – more stable and predictable than previous versions. It’s a sensible training alternative for runners who typically use carbon-fiber shoes, and for slower runners, it’s one of the easiest ways to enter the world of faster running without excessive aggression. There’s no carbon here; instead, there’s a nylon plate and very springy foam, which provides plenty of dynamic performance without an “all-or-nothing” feel – which is why, for many people, this may still be their first truly successful race shoe.
Pros
- exceptional responsiveness, ideal for fast workouts and tempo runs
- nylon plate, more flexible than carbon fiber,
- comfort and versatility
- excellent ventilation in the upper
- durable midsole with more rubber
Cons
- a less aggressive design compared to shoes with a full carbon plate
Key Features – What’s New in the Latest Edition
| ENDORPHIN SPEED 5 | ENDORPHIN SPEED 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Wysokość podeszwy | 36/28mm | 36/28mm |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Weight men’s | 237g | 245g |
| Weight women’s | 204g | 218g |
| Upper | Engineered Mesh, thinner and more breathable | Engineered Mesh, softer, less breathable |
| Midsole | PWRRUN PB + nylon plate with 1 wing | PWRRUN PB + nylon plate with 2 wing |
| Outsole | XT‑900, more rubber | XT‑900, less ruber |
Saucony Running Shoes – lineup
First, let’s sort through the Endorphin lineup, because Saucony’s range is more extensive than ever. To put it simply, the models can be categorized by their level of responsiveness and speed: from the high-performance Endorphin Elite, through the racing Endorphin Pro and the super-trainer Endorphin Trainer, to the more versatile Endorphin Speed and Azura. The Speed 5 lands right in the middle – closer to racing than to daily mileage, but without the uncompromising nature of the carbon models. It is this model that ties the entire line together, being the most versatile and accessible choice.
For more information, check out the Saucony running shoe shoe guide.
| RACING | SPEED TRAINING | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum performance |  Endorphin Elite 2 | |
| very high performance |  Endorphin Pro 4 |  Endorphin Trainer |
| high performance |  Endorphin Speed 5 | |
| mid performance |  Endorphin Azura |
Role in the Running Shoe Rotation
What might a sample rotation plan incorporating the Endorphin Speed 5 look like? Let me show you! In this case, we have three models designed for different purposes. Each of them also makes your feet and body work differently and distributes fatigue differently across muscle groups and tendons. Such a rotation not only provides a variety of stimuli for the body but also covers the full training spectrum and complements each other. Elite 2 is a race shoe that delivers extreme dynamic performance and maximum performance. Speed 5 is a shoe for intervals and tempo runs, making it possible to be responsive during fast sessions without excessive fatigue. Guide 19 is a training shoe for easy runs and recovery. It offers cushioning, stability, and safety for runners with mild overpronation.
| GUIDE 19 | ENDORPHIN SPEED 5 | ENDORPHIN ELITE 2 |
|---|---|---|
 | | |
| easy runs, recovery | intervals, tempo runs | racing |
Similar to Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
The speed training shoes segment is very diverse today. It includes models with carbon fiber plates, models with non-carbon but more flexible plates (such as the Elite 5), and models without plates. The presence of a plate usually gives a model more speed and a dynamic character. Models without plates are the most flexible. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 falls right in the middle of this spectrum.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Adizero Boston 13 | 36/30 | 6 | 260 | 219 | 160 |
| adidas Adizero Evo SL | 39/33 | 6 | 224 | 188 | 150 |
| Asics Magic Speed 5 | 37.5/30.5 | 7 | 196 | 196 | 180 |
| Asics Noosa Tri 16 | 34.5/29.5 | 5 | 215 | 185 | 150 |
| Brooks Hyperion 3 | 36/28 | 8 | 241 | 210 | 150 |
| Brooks Hyperion Max 3 | 36/30 | 6 | 255 | 193 | 150 |
| Hoka Mach X 3 | 46/41 | 5 | 289 | 243 | 195 |
| New Balance Rebel v4 | 30/22 | 8 | 211 | 177 | 175 |
| Nike Zoom Fly 6 | 42/34 | 8 | 265 | 214 | 180 |
| Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 | 36/28 | 8 | 237 | 204 | 170 |
| Puma Deviate Nitro 4 | 39/29 | 10 | 280 | 236 | 170 |
Nylon Instead of Carbon – A Deliberate Choice
The midsole construction of the Endorphin Speed 5 follows a proven design. It still features a thick layer of PWRRUN PB foam – which is very lightweight and springy. The midsole stack remains unchanged at 36 mm under the heel and 28 mm under the forefoot, providing good cushioning that’s far from excessive. This is enough foam to maintain functionality. This moderate amount makes the Endorphin Speed 5 a sufficiently stable shoe that sits slightly closer to the ground.
For heavier runners, this may not be enough. The ideal runner for this shoe is a lighter runner – weighing up to 80–85 kilograms. In this case, the shoe will perform best.
In addition to the foam, the Endorphin Speed 5 features a nylon plate, but its shape has been modified compared to the previous model – instead of the earlier two-winged plate, a simpler, single-winged form has been used. It is still slightly contoured and works with the shoe’s geometry, but it “spreads out” less to the sides of the midsole, which translates to a more natural feel underfoot. In practice, this means less interference with biomechanics and a smoother transition from landing to push-off.
The plate’s function remains similar to that of carbon: it stiffens the shoe’s geometry, supports a quick roll, and keeps the springy foam in check. The difference compared to a carbon plate is flexibility. Nylon is significantly more flexible. It bends more easily, performs better at lower speeds, and doesn’t require aggressive running to showcase its benefits. The result is less stiffness and slightly less rebound than in top-tier racing shoes, but in return, much greater accessibility – the shoe doesn’t force anything but can help as soon as the pace picks up.
Minimalism with Reliable Grip
The outsole of the Endorphin Speed 5 is quite minimalist. Saucony uses XT-900 rubber segments in key areas – the heel and forefoot – leaving the midfoot more exposed to reduce weight. A definite plus here is the increased amount of rubber compared to the previous edition. This provides both more traction and greater wear resistance. We can therefore assume that the Speed 5 will last longer in this regard than the Speed 4.
The outsole features shallow, 0.9-millimeter grooves, particularly in the forefoot, which improves flexibility and provides some grip. It’s not a very aggressive pattern; rather, it’s geared toward roads and hard surfaces. In terms of traction, the Speed 5 performs very solidly, especially on dry surfaces, where contact with the ground is very predictable. It’s also key that traction doesn’t limit dynamic performance, but allows for a smooth transition through the push-off phase.
Light, Breathable, Secure
The upper on the Endorphin Speed 5 has been simplified and streamlined. Technical mesh is thin, highly breathable, and airflow is excellent, especially in the forefoot. However, it’s not a paper-thin construction like in some top-tier racing shoes, but rather something more practical that better withstands daily running. As a result, the shoe remains lightweight but doesn’t feel flimsy or disposable.
The shape of the forefoot is slightly different than before – the toebox is a bit higher and provides more room for the toes. This isn’t a shoe for people with very wide feet, but the increased space in the front, combined with the thin, flexible material, means the Speed 5 handles longer runs well and doesn’t squeeze the forefoot like some older versions. For the same reason, the midfoot fit is also good – the shoe keeps the foot close to the sole, which improves control, which is especially important during faster runs. The balance between space and support is, in my opinion, well-judged here.
The heel counter remains relatively classic: internally stiffened, stable. Compared to the previous edition, it makes slightly more stiffness and support available at the expense of flexibility. It holds the heel well and shouldn’t cause annoying movement during dynamic running. Overall, the fit is one of the Endorphin Speed 5’s strongest points – the shoe securely holds the foot on one hand, and makes some freedom available on the other, which fits well with its versatile nature.
Middle of the Pack That Makes Sense
According to the producer’s data, the Endorphin Speed 5 weighs approximately 237 grams in men’s sizes and 204 grams in women’s sizes, which looks very good on paper for a shoe with a midsole plate. In practice, the weight naturally increases in larger sizes. In my size 12 US, the shoe weighs 270 grams. However, that’s still not much, and we remain in the safe zone of lightweight shoes for fast workouts. It’s not among the lightest models on the market, but the Speed 5 doesn’t try to be.
Compared to the entire category of shoes for fast training, the Endorphin Speed 5 consistently ranks around the middle of the pack. It weighs exactly what you’d expect from a shoe in this class. It’s a middle-of-the-road shoe, without an obsession over every single gram saved – effectiveness matters more than the lowest possible weight on the spec sheet.
Final Thoughts
The Endorphin Speed 5 is a shoe that combines lightness and dynamic qualities with everyday practicality – it accelerates when needed, but doesn’t force the pace. The nylon plate and PWRRUN PB foam strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, while the refined upper securely holds the foot in place. It’s a versatile choice for those looking for a fast yet comfortable shoe for training and races.
