The Shoe Nerds
The Shoe Nerds

Speed Trainer • Road • June 2025

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
Aggregated rating: 8.2/10
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Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 Review

An aggregated overview based on reviewer and runner feedback.

Disclaimer: AI was used to help provide an unbiased perspective on this topic, and all content was carefully fact-checked and edited by human running-shoe analysts. This reflects collected opinions and does not represent firsthand testing.

Overview & Quick Verdict

The Saucony Endorphin Speed has held a unique position in the running shoe market since its 2020 debut — often credited as the original super trainer, bridging the gap between daily mileage shoes and race-day performers.

With version 5, Saucony made no dramatic structural changes. The PWRRUN PB midsole carries over, stack height remains 36/28 mm, and the core identity stays intact. Updates focus on refinement: a new single-layer mesh upper, a redesigned single medial-wing nylon plate for increased torsional flexibility, a revised heel construction, and expanded outsole rubber coverage.

Consensus across expert reviewers and everyday runners is largely positive. Versatility remains the Speed 5’s defining strength. Upper improvements — particularly breathability — earn consistent praise. The primary debate centers on the updated plate: some find it more accessible and forgiving, while others feel it sacrifices the sharper snap of the Speed 4.

Key Stats

  • Brand: Saucony
  • Model: Endorphin Speed 5
  • Category: Nylon-plated performance trainer / super trainer
  • Terrain: Road
  • MSRP: $175
  • Weight: 8.4 oz (men’s US 9) / 7.2 oz (women’s US 7.5)
  • Stack Height: 36 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot
  • Drop: 8 mm

Best For / Not Ideal For

Best for

  • Neutral runners wanting one shoe for easy runs, workouts, and occasional racing
  • Runners who found the Speed 4 too stiff
  • Athletes seeking a plated speed trainer with daily usability
  • Runners who struggled with the narrow toe box of earlier versions

Not ideal for

  • Runners who loved the aggressive snap of the Speed 4
  • Those seeking maximum plush cushioning for very long efforts
  • Value-focused buyers (incremental update over prior versions)

Pros

  • True do-it-all versatility across paces
  • Lighter, more breathable single-layer upper
  • Wider, more accommodating toe box
  • Smooth heel-to-toe transitions via updated plate and SPEEDROLL geometry
  • Improved XT-900 outsole durability
  • Stable feel for a plated trainer

Cons

  • Less propulsive pop than Speed 4
  • Third consecutive price increase

Ride & Feel

Reviewers consistently describe the Speed 5 as smooth, efficient, and accessible. It performs well at easy, moderate, and tempo paces without demanding a specific stride pattern.

The SPEEDROLL geometry continues to provide an easy forward roll. The added outsole flex groove improves transition smoothness and reduces the rigid feel some runners noticed in prior versions. The ride shifts slightly away from the aggressive, speed-first identity of the Speed 4 and toward a refined daily trainer that can still move fast.

Foam feel divides opinion. Some describe it as structured and resilient rather than plush or bouncy. Runners coming from softer shoes may find it flat, while others appreciate the controlled, composed ride over longer distances.

Fit & Comfort

Fit is widely reported as true to size. The updated hex mesh upper is lighter and more breathable, improving airflow in warm conditions.

The wider toe box addresses one of the most common complaints about previous versions, allowing more natural toe splay. Narrow-footed runners occasionally report slight excess heel volume when lacing tightly.

A minor recurring note involves the shorter tongue length, which can shift slightly under aggressive lacing. Overall lockdown, however, is considered secure and comfortable for most runners.

Support & Stability

The Speed 5 remains a neutral shoe, but it is considered more stable than many plated trainers. The wide platform, firmer PWRRUN PB foam, and medial nylon wing contribute to a grounded, confident feel.

Some reviewers highlight improved medial guidance and smoother heel transitions compared to version 4. A small number note mild rearfoot wobble at slower paces, but this is not a widespread issue.

Neutral runners generally find stability adequate. Those requiring structured support features should look elsewhere.

Traction & Durability

Outsole performance earns near-universal praise. Extended XT-900 rubber coverage, especially along the lateral heel, improves durability over the Speed 4.

Road grip is described as confident in both dry and wet conditions. Long-term testing reports (200+ miles) indicate strong durability, with minimal midsole degradation.

Because the foam is structured rather than overly soft, some reviewers suggest it may maintain performance more predictably over time.

Energy Return & Performance

PWRRUN PB remains a proven high-energy-return foam. Lab testing continues to rank it highly, and reviewers describe the ride as efficient and responsive rather than explosively bouncy.

The Speed 5 functions across a wide pace spectrum — natural at easy effort and capable of picking up tempo or interval speed when needed. It does not replicate the aggressive snap of a carbon-plated race shoe.

For runners seeking maximum propulsion for track sessions or peak race efforts, models like the Endorphin Elite or other supershoes remain more appropriate. The Speed 5’s strength lies in versatility rather than outright speed dominance.

Conclusion

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 reinforces the series’ position as a benchmark super trainer. It refines rather than reinvents, improving upper comfort and outsole durability while slightly softening the ride profile.

The trade-offs are clear: a less aggressive snap than prior versions and a steadily rising price. However, for neutral runners seeking a durable, versatile, plated trainer capable of handling the majority of a training week, the Speed 5 continues to justify its reputation.

Key Sources

Believe in the Run — https://believeintherun.com/shoe-reviews/saucony-endorphin-speed-5-review/
Doctors of Running — https://www.doctorsofrunning.com/2025/05/saucony-endorphin-speed-5-review-2025.html
RunRepeat — https://runrepeat.com/saucony-endorphin-speed-5
Running Shoes Guru — https://www.runningshoesguru.com/reviews/road/saucony-endorphin-speed-5-review/
Road Trail Run — https://www.roadtrailrun.com/2025/05/saucony-endorphin-speed-5-multi-tester.html
Sole Review — https://www.solereview.com/saucony-endorphin-speed-5-review/
WearTesters — https://weartesters.com/saucony-endorphin-speed-5-performance-review/
The Run Testers — https://theruntesters.com/saucony-endorphin-speed-5-review/
iRunFar — https://www.irunfar.com/saucony-endorphin-speed-5-review
Outside Online — https://run.outsideonline.com/gear/road-shoes/saucony-endorphin-speed-5-review/
Running Warehouse (expert review) — https://www.runningwarehouse.com/reviews/Saucony-Shoe-Reviews/saucony-endorphin-speed-5.html
Running Warehouse (user reviews) — https://www.runningwarehouse.com/Saucony_Endorphin_Speed_5/descpage-S5ESM01.html
REI Co-op (user reviews) — https://www.rei.com/product/249672/saucony-endorphin-speed-5-road-running-shoes-mens
Runners Lab — https://runnerslab.com/saucony-endorphin-speed-5-review/
Fueled by LOLZ — https://fueledbylolz.com/2025/09/20/saucony-endorphin-speed-5-shoe-review/
Alastair Running — https://www.alastairrunning.com/saucony-endorphin-speed-5-review/