The latest marathon racer from was the responsive and wild . A shoe that evolved from a firm shoe to an extremely lively racer with some of the most fun foam on the market. With the launch of , Saucony aims to differentiate these two shoes and make their range more suitable for various runners.
In the video below, you can hear Lars and Jakob talk about the new Saucony Endorphin Pro 5, how it's constructed, and what to expect from the updated version.
| Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 | |
|---|---|
| Heel drop | 8 mm |
| Weight | 208g |
| Midsole | PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN HG |
| Upper | Engineered mesh |
| Outsole | PWRTRAC |
| Plate | Full-length carbon fiber plate |
What's new in Saucony Endorphin Pro 5?
I've used Endorphin Pro 4 since its launch in 2024. It was my go-to shoe for varied paces on longer runs. It had that x-factor; felt light and springy when speeding up, yet soft enough for moderate "cruising speed."
Endorphin Pro 5 has changed slightly. It's now more aggressive, a bit firmer, and designed for fast runs where you want efficiency and max speed – which I think is great. Having more than one marathon racer in the lineup is common today, and it's crucial that the shoes are relevant and distinct.
Let's dive into the details to explain why there's such a big difference between the new and old model.
How is the fit of Saucony Endorphin Pro 5?
First and foremost, the fit of Endorphin Pro 5 is comfortable. But it's changed a lot from the previous version, mainly due to the shoe's structure. The upper is designed with an elastic tongue (under the laces), much like in Endorphin Pro 4, but the general mesh around the tongue has been altered to ensure the shoe remains comfortable while providing a better hold on the foot. The lace holes have undergone a significant update. They are much more structured, noticeably improving the shoe's ability to lock the foot in place.
This results in a fit that feels slightly narrower and perhaps a bit longer. It feels incredibly secure, and the shoe just stays on the foot in a way the previous version didn't. I find that Endorphin Pro 5 is "true to size" – my usual US11 fits me perfectly and feels great. So if I were you, I'd probably go for the size you normally use if you want to try this shoe.
I've run about 60+ km in the shoe so far, and the narrower fit has expanded a bit, so it now feels like a comfortable "hug" without giving too much freedom to the elastic tongue. I think, even though I say it's a bit narrow at first, the shoe really has a good fit that feels normal. Overall, the fit makes the shoe more agile and better in turns, but in my opinion, it hasn't become less comfortable than its predecessor.
Same Endorphin Pro midsole – yet so different!
From the outside, Endorphin Pro 5 has a midsole that looks very similar to its predecessor. It has a dual foam construction with a top layer of soft PWRRUN HG resting in a more structured PWRRUN PB at the bottom. Both version 4 and 5 are built on the same concept, but the overall geometries are different, making a big difference in how you experience the shoe.
The new Endorphin Pro 5 has less "heel bevel" (rounding at the heel), making it feel firmer if you land on the heel. Endorphin Pro 4, with its softer heel, had a very smooth transition from heel to toe.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 5, on the other hand, is a bit firmer and, in my opinion, a little less fun to run in at lower speeds. But the picture changes when you pick up the pace. The good, smooth roll from heel to toe-off in Endorphin Pro 4 is now more dramatic and aggressive, as the roll in the last 20% of the shoe really accelerates and pushes you forward. At higher speeds, where a "Pro" model should shine, I clearly prefer the aggressiveness of Saucony Endorphin Pro 5.
As a downside of this faster midsole, the comfort level at lower speeds might not be as high as in the previous version. However, remember that these are small changes, and you can still run a half marathon in Saucony Endorphin Pro 5. I just don't want to run a full marathon in it, as I prefer something a bit softer for that.
Run safely and aggressively with Endorphin Pro 5!
Another area where Endorphin Pro 5 excels is the new outsole. The previous version had a similar amount of rubber, but a new pattern means the rubber has more contact with the ground, providing a more secure grip.
And "secure" might be the key word here. Every update in Endorphin Pro 5 has made it more secure and stable, more agile, and better for fast routes that demand a bit more from your shoe.
If you're looking for a fast shoe that just propels you forward – a shoe that feels stable and agile, and can handle everything from track training to intervals and 5, 10, and 21 km runs – then Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 is the right shoe for you.
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