already has a lightning-fast marathon shoe. It's called . We tested Elite in the lab, and it was 5% faster than an average running shoe. So, what could Saucony possibly do with to make it a viable alternative?
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Perfect Midsole Mix - Endorphin Pro 4
I ran a marathon in Endorphin Elite last year. It's fast, has an excellent roll, an incredibly light upper, and is on the firmer, responsive side. Despite how well it served me through all 42 km, I believe it's not a shoe for everyone. Why? Although it's fast, its firmness might not suit everyone's taste.
That's why Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 makes its entry. A softer marathon racer, more responsive than its predecessor. The reason for this is an entirely new midsole. Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 was known for its softness and bounce with a full PWRRUN PB midsole, but with the addition of the new PWRRUN HG foam (first introduced in Endorphin Elite) as a top layer on the new model, you get a combination of the softness from Pro 3 and responsiveness from Elite.
This blend of bounce and high energy return ensures a comfortable and fast running shoe, making it more pleasant to accelerate to faster speeds. Between these two impressive foam layers, there's still a carbon plate, guiding the transition from heel to toe, making the shoe stiff enough to provide the right 'pop' at takeoff. Saucony has managed to embrace new technology while still differentiating, to create two distinct marathon experiences.
Speed Equals Responsiveness! - Endorphin Pro 4
With these two foams in place, the shoe feels very soft when you first put it on. It has a very soft heel, and the forward roll is noticeable but not excessive. At a slower pace, it doesn't quite feel like a super shoe because it's so comfortable. But as you pick up the pace, the PWRRUN HG foam starts to work wonders.
At higher speeds, Endorphin Pro 4 feels comfortable and bouncy, and maintaining a higher cadence seems effortless. It's as if speed and power on the midsole make it react even more forcefully, thanks to the extremely high energy return from PWRRUN HG.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 achieves a perfect balance between comfort and performance at the right speed. It's comfortable, it's bouncy, and it's fast.
Stretchy and Narrow Upper - Endorphin Pro 4
To stand out from the very minimalist and light Endorphin Elite upper, Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 has gotten a sock-like upper with a flexible tongue. The flexibility in the tongue can sometimes be controversial, as these types of uppers don't always guarantee a secure fit. But in this case, I believe Saucony has achieved a comfortable upper that still securely wraps the foot.
It's very comfortable to wear, but due to the elastic tongue, the shoe also ends up being a bit narrower on the foot, resulting in less room around the toes. I still have enough room for a long run, and there's more space for a higher midfoot, but it's on the borderline of being called a narrow shoe, and I need to be sure it's suitable for longer runs before I choose to use it for a marathon.
Entirely Its Own - Endorphin Pro 4
Saucony has once again succeeded in creating a running shoe that is not only fun and fast but also stands alone as a formidable alternative to Endorphin Elite. It has leveraged the unique properties of the ultra-responsive PWRRUN HG and transformed it into an element that promotes speed, contributing to a more enjoyable running experience.
If you find Endorphin Elite a bit too much of a good thing, Endorphin Pro 4 will be a great alternative. This diversity from Saucony makes it easier to guide our customers to the right shoe.
You should choose Saucony Endorphin Elite if you prefer a more stable shoe and want a firmer upper with more space and a larger toe box. Instead, you should choose Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 if you want a softer shoe with a more comfortable upper and a narrower fit.
Regardless of the option you choose, you'll have world-class on your feet, and then it's entirely up to you whether you set a new PR or not.
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