Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
Training apparel
Still one of the most versatile plated trainers you can buy, now softer, bouncier and roomier. It costs more than the discounted Speed 4, and durability has slipped.
How the score breaks down
Crowd Signal
3 reviews · 3 platforms
Sqwod Assessment
Value / Deal
Crowd & price figures from public sources, as of 17 Oct 2026. Live aggregation is rolling out — figures may change.
Pros
- Superb energy return for a nylon-plated trainer (RunRepeat: 73% heel, 78% forefoot)
- Roomier toe box and a very breathable upper
- Handles easy miles, tempo, intervals and race day
Cons
- Durability downgrade: the exposed PWRRUN PB foam shows wear early
- Slightly heavier and less agile than the Speed 4, and €160 against about €119 for the run-out 4
Who it's for
Buy it if…
You coach runners who want one shoe for daily miles, workouts and races, without the stiffness of a carbon plate.
Skip it if…
You want maximum cushioning for recovery days, or you can still find the Speed 4 at run-out prices and don't need the roomier fit.
The Endorphin Speed 5 keeps the PWRRUN PB foam and nylon plate that made the line a favourite, with a reshaped, more flexible plate, more heel rubber and a new upper. RunRepeat scores it 94/100 and measured energy return close to super-shoe level, while Doctors of Running found the forefoot no longer bottoms out on long runs.
The trade-offs are small but real: it is slightly heavier and less agile than the Speed 4, and RunRepeat lists a durability downgrade. Saucony’s German store lists it at €160, down from an RRP of €200.
Compared with the Endorphin Speed 4, the 5 is softer, bouncier and roomier in the toe box, but a little heavier and currently more expensive.
Get sharper in 5 minutes a day
Sqwod Daily: what moved in the fitness industry, and what to do about it. Every weekday, free.
Transparency