Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 review
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 scores an impressive five stars in our run review. But is it worth buying? Keen distance runner Jude Palmer finds out...
Saucony continues to innovate with these carbon plated road running shoes. Distance runner Jude Palmer puts the Endorphin Speed 4 to the test to see if they’re worth the hype.
At first glance the Endorphin Speed 4 looks like other max cushioned running shoes. But embedded within that 36mm heel stack and 28mm midfoot stack (and 8mm drop) is something that sets it miles apart in terms of versatility.
A winged nylon plate that not only provides reinforcement but also the all-important speed enhancing snap back on landing, a feature more commonly associated with high-performance road shoes with carbon plates. Check our round-up of the best carbon plate running shoes.
First impressions of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
This cunning bit of design pushes the Speed 4 into another league. It means that you have the comfort for training miles but also the response you crave in a race shoe and at a price that is much less than having to have two different pairs.
How we tested
Each running shoe we review gets put through the same level of testing, including numerous runs of varying distances over the period of several weeks at a minimum. This includes long, slow runs, plus faster tempo efforts or interval sessions. We test against a range of criteria including comfort, breathability, support, stability, ride, propulsion and value.
A firm favourite with many road runners for this reason, it’s good to see the latest iteration hasn’t had fundamental changes to an already great design.
The Speed 4 is light, too, and at 207g (UK5.5) it’s 22g lighter than the next lightest women’s shoe on test. The lighter a run shoe is the less fatigued legs will become and means you can turn them over quicker.
Fit and comfort
The rocker shaping of the sole encourages great roll through from landing to toe push off and this helps running feel more efficient and easier. The bounce provided by the PWRRUN PB foam practically puts a spring in your step. Add to this a cushioned sock liner that cradles the shape of your foot and adds extra boing and you’re getting a lot in a shoe.
Even though this latest iteration of the Endorphin Speed is wider than previous, I still found it too narrow in my normal size for me to comfortably wear with my usual socks beyond that of the test period.
As always, this highlights the importance of checking fit when purchasing trainers and opting for a size bigger if needed.
The heel cup is stiff and holds the foot well, while padding around the ankle and tongue add to the comfort. A gusseted tongue helps keep it in place and also adds to the snug feeling.
Compared to other shoes on test, I found the upper mesh kept my feet cool while at the same time giving the foot sufficient support to avoid slippage.
Final thoughts – is the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 worth buying?
In testing, the outer sole provided good grip, though it’s mainly focused towards the toe end, with less on the heel and not very much in the middle of the shoe. This may be something to consider if you’re a heel striker or run in slippier conditions.
This is a shoe that can be put on and ran in immediately. Not only is it comfortable, but it performs. It looks fast and is as happy on long steady runs as it is hard intervals.
220 Triathlon verdict
A versatile comfy shoe as home on easy runs as pushing the pace in races. Score: 95%
Pros
- Propulsive ride
- Excellent grip and support
- Comfortable and breathable
Cons
- Might not suit those with wider feet
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 spec
| Price: | $170 / £180 |
| Sizes: | 3-10, (women’s, UK), 7-15 (men’s, UK) |
| Stack height: | 36mm heel |
| Drop: | 8mm |
| Midsole: | 28mm midsole, PWRRUN PB foam |
| Weight: | Men: 233g, Women: 204g |
220 Triathlon Team
Journalists, reviewers, coaches and athletes 
