ON THE RUN
Joe: My first outing in the Endorphin Speed 5 was... a bit underwhelming. After lacing them up in the driveway and sprinting after my kids like a velociraptor from Jurassic Park (we’re in that stage of parenting at the moment), I immediately noticed a flatter, less poppy sensation compared to the Endorphin Speed 4. My initial reaction was one of disappointment—Why, Saucony, did you change a good thing? But after more time on the roads and track, the Endorphin Speed 5 started to earn its place.
It’s firmer, yes – but not in a dull or unforgiving way. There’s a disciplined responsiveness here. Where the Endorphin Speed 4 bounced with youthful exuberance, the Endorphin Speed 5 feels more mature and refined, with a snappier transition and a bit more stability underfoot. It’s still every bit a tempo-ready trainer, engineered to push you through threshold sessions, steady-state efforts, and race-specific workouts. And while my personal preference might lean slightly toward the softer feel of the Endorphin Speed 4, I can’t deny that the Endorphin Speed 5 is built to go fast—and efficiently.
Sidney: Every time a new Endorphin Speed drops, I catch myself admiring how downright beautiful it is. Each version gets sleeker, spicier, and screams speed. I always want to love it—heck, I love the idea of it—but no matter how many times I try, I just can’t get myself to fall for the way it feels underfoot.
I wanted to love this shoe. Honestly, I thought I would love this shoe. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 had everything going for it—fresh colorways that belong in a gallery, a reputation that preceded it, and friends who all swear it's their go-to for speedwork and everything in between. So I was fully expecting that “wow” moment when I took them for a spin. But instead, my first few runs left me feeling... confused.
The ride felt flatter than I hoped—especially coming off the Endorphin Speed 4, which had a little more of a playful spring to it. The Speed 5 leans firmer, snappier, more structured. It's still fast, still lightweight, still loaded with tech (hello, nylon plate + dual-layer PWRRUN PB combo), but the vibe has changed. Less fun run, more focused session. I can respect the shift—it’s tuned for performance—but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss a bit of that bounce.
THE FIT
Joe: Saucony clearly gave the upper a thoughtful overhaul. The new engineered mesh is more breathable—something I especially appreciate heading into a hot and humid Michigan summer. The fit was spot-on for me in my usual size (12.5 D), with a secure lockdown that kept my foot from sliding around.
Gone is the folded gusseted tongue (anybody else encounter this at times, or just me?) from the Endorphin Speed 4, replaced by a cleaner, more comfortable design. The 3D heel counter is a welcome addition, providing a structured, dialed-in fit at the rear that keeps things stable without being overbearing. The toebox felt roomy enough for natural toe splay, while still holding the midfoot snug like a friendly handshake. In short: the Endorphin Speed 5 is breathable, secure, and race-ready without sacrificing comfort.
Sidney: If there’s one thing I can fully get behind, it’s the upper. Saucony nailed this update. The engineered mesh is breathable without feeling flimsy, and the fit is snug in all the right places without choking your foot out.
There’s a solid hold around the heel with a redesigned counter that feels more polished than past versions. No tongue issues, no sliding, and the toebox? Just roomy enough without going sloppy. Honestly, the fit might be my favorite part of the whole shoe.
THE FEEL
Joe: Despite having the same stack height as the Endorphin Speed 4 (36/28mm, 8mm drop), the Endorphin Speed 5 rides noticeably firmer—creating a sensation of being closer to the ground. It’s not a jarring firmness, but rather a responsive, race-tuned feel that translates to more confident foot strikes and smoother transitions.
The PWRRUN PB midsole, made up of PEBA–an ultra-light, highly responsive foam, is paired with a winged nylon plate that strikes a solid balance between propulsion and flexibility. The result? A snappy, stable ride that handles faster paces with ease but doesn’t feel awkward if you dial things back. The SpeedRoll geometry keeps you rolling forward with each step, and added rubber coverage on the outsole boosts grip and durability—an upgrade over the Endorphin Speed 4 that adds confidence in wet or slick conditions.
Sidney: I will agree with Joe here, the ride is definitely firmer and more grounded than its predecessor. It's not harsh—it just feels more intentional. You feel the road more. You feel your transitions more. That winged nylon plate keeps everything feeling direct and efficient, especially when the pace picks up.
The reworked outsole adds grip and durability, and that full-length groove underfoot really does help smooth things out. The SpeedRoll geometry still does its thing, helping you rock forward with ease. Just… with a little more control than excitement.
THE NITTY GRITTY
Joe: The Endorphin Speed 5 continues to shine in its sweet spot: tempo runs, interval workouts, and threshold sessions. But it’s versatile enough to handle moderate long runs, and even race day if a carbon-plated racer is not in your lineup.
The first true working I ran in the Endorphin Speed 5 was a track workout comparing it to the Endorphin Speed 4. This was my first post-injury workout, so it wasn’t heavily intensive, but just enough to give me a solid feel for the shoe. My splits were nearly identical, but the final interval in the Endorphin Speed 5 clocked in slightly faster—telling, perhaps, of its energy efficiency. While the Endorphin Speed 4 offers a bit more “cush,” the firmer ride of the Endorphin Speed 5 delivers improved ground feel and foot strike confidence.
If you’re familiar with other tempo-focused trainers, the Speed 5 slots nicely alongside shoes like the Brooks Hyperion Max 2, Puma Deviate Nitro 3, or Hoka Mach X2. It’s nimble, fast, and more refined than ever—still a workhorse for your hardest sessions.
Sidney: Tempo days, progression runs, even some lighter long runs—this shoe can handle all of it. I tested it during a track session where I alternated between this and the Speed 4. The feel was different, but not necessarily slower. I know there are plenty of die-hard Endorphin Speed fans out there—and don’t worry, your favorite shoe is still in good hands. The fit updates alone might just make up for the ride changes.
THE RUNDOWN
Joe: Refined. Responsive. Ready.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 isn’t just an update, it’s a refinement. Saucony took a fan favorite and gave it more structure, more stability, and a more focused ride. It’s a shoe that feels dialed in: responsive without being harsh, firm without being stiff, and versatile enough to handle everything from intervals to progression long runs.
While I personally still enjoy the slightly softer, more playful ride of the Endorphin Speed 4, the Endorphin Speed 5 brings a sense of control and efficiency that many runners will appreciate, especially as workouts get longer and paces get sharper.
This isn’t just a tempo shoe – it’s a reliable tool for serious training. It bridges the gap between daily trainers and race-day carbon shoes, making it an essential part of the Endorphin lineup.
Sidney: The Endorphin Speed 5 is a solid update—maybe even a smart one. It’s more refined, more composed, and probably more durable in the long run. It’s just not the shoe that gives me butterflies when I reach for it. And that’s okay.
If you want a fast, efficient daily trainer that holds its own during workouts and won’t let you down on race day, this might be your perfect match. I see why so many runners are obsessed. I just haven’t been fully swept away… yet.
