High expectations were met when introduced their Endorphin series in 2020, featuring three shoes: one for daily training, one for intervals, and . Especially the interval shoe was praised for combining comfort and speed uniquely.
Now in its fifth generation, the shoe shows minimal changes between iterations. Saucony has retained the DNA of what made the original Endorphin Speed popular but has notably improved the fifth generation.
Read on to learn what's updated.
Upper with visible and transparent updates
The most striking feature of the shoe tested is the upper. The color is unapologetic, and here you'll find one of the most significant updates from previous models.
The new Engineered Mesh upper provides more space around the forefoot. Saucony addressed concerns from runners feeling the little toe was cramped in the Endorphin Speed 4 – an issue I also noticed. In the fifth iteration, I experienced no such width problems.
The new upper locks the foot over the instep with the comfort I associate with Saucony's designs. Combined with the new forefoot width and a sharper heel counter that grips better than its predecessor's rounder design, it creates an upper that fits well from the first kilometer.
The update is visible as the upper becomes thinner and more breathable. The thin transparent mesh stretches over a coarsely woven thread system, allowing you to see socks through the shoe.
The breathability hints at the shoe's name and the intensity it is built for: speed. Previous models' uppers fell slightly short of the overall focus on speed, feeling warm in summer and heavy in rain due to comfort elements.
For the first time, the upper matches the fast midsole without compromising comfort.
How does the (relatively) new midsole feel?
The midsole, arguably the series' genius, has changed minimally since the first generation. Saucony reduced upper stability but added slight midsole stability, maintaining an 8 mm drop.
The fifth version has a slightly wider contact area than the fourth.
The midsole's outer side is softer, allowing easier compression than the inner side. This creates a naturally stabilizing effect beneficial for most runners, especially when increasing speed.
The nylon plate remains between the PWRRUN PB foam, fine-tuned to guide stabilizing toward the outsole. The Endorphin Speed 4's plate had two "wings" visible under the arch and outer foot. The fifth only features the wing under the arch.
This year, the plate is more flexible than before, offering a dynamic feel during runs. It slightly reduces the speedy sensation but enhances natural transitions.
The plate update, mimicking carbon plate response when bent, aims to offer stability and extend shoe life – ensuring efficient foot transitions and minimal wear.
Alongside the plate, Saucony employs their Speedroll™ technology. This technology gives a strong urge to move forward – the shoe rolls through each step.
Finally balanced
Saucony adds some midsole and durability to their interval workhorse. This is notably visible on the heel's outer side, where a full plate marks the underside.
Otherwise, outsole panels are zoned with a strategic ribbed design for flexibility, complementing the nylon plate's new flexible character.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is an update that resolves minor issues found in its popular predecessor.
A less aggressive profile has made the midsole more comfortable, while the upper has received a worthy update, making it lighter and more breathable.
The shoe's overall fast feel remains true to the series, but the balance between components is more harmonious than ever in the fifth iteration.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 maintains comfort and speed, continuing its tradition at the top of all-round shoes.
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