The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is one of the best running shoes we’ve tested in 2025, living up to high standards set by the shoe line ever since the OG Endorphin Speed launched in 2020.

It’s an incredibly versatile shoe that’s primarily designed to handle fast training sessions but can also be used for everything from easy recovery runs to races. It’s almost as fast as the best carbon plate running shoes, but much more comfortable, and a rival to the top all-rounders on the market like the Hoka Mach X2 and Asics Superblast 2.

Design & Key Stats

  • Price: £180/$175
  • Weight: 256g/9oz (men’s UK 9 / US 10)
  • Drop: 8mm
  • Stack: 36mm heel, 28mm forefoot
  • Upper: Lightweight engineered mesh
  • Midsole: PWRRUN PB foam with winged nylon plate & Speedroll rocker
  • Outsole: Rubber covering forefoot and heel

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 review

How’s The Fit

Nick, Tom, Kieran and Mike all tested the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 for our review and they all found the shoe fit well in their normal running shoe size – the same size they’ve used on past models and other Saucony shoes.

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The Run Test: Likes

Versatility has been the star feature of the Endorphin Speed line since the first version of the shoe and that remains the case with the Endorphin Speed 5. You can do any kind of run in this shoe and it performs well.

We put the shoe to the test by racing in it and doing a flat-out parkrun in 16:14, along with workouts on the track and road, as well as a lot of easy miles. The Speed 5 impressed every time. It’s not quite as quick as a full carbon plate super-shoe, but it’s close, and it’s also comfortable for recovery efforts.

The rockered midsole is key to that, because it creates a smooth and fun ride whatever the pace. The nylon plate is flexible and comfortable for easy runs, but gives some extra pop for speedwork, and while the PWRRUN PB foam is not as springy and responsive as the best materials around these days, it still delivers a great ride.

The Run Test: Dislikes

The Endorphin Speed 5 doesn’t have as high a midsole stack as most super-trainers, or even daily trainers these days, and some runners might find it isn’t cushioned enough for them, especially under the forefoot. Tom prefers a bit more foam underfoot, which you get from the likes of the Superblast 2 or Nike Zoom Fly 6.

It’s also very similar in design and performance to the Endorphin Speed 4, and the older shoe is now available in sales. Given the high price of the Speed 5, opting for the discount is going to be better value.

Verdict And Alternatives

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a great running shoe and one that will serve fans of the line well. If you need one shoe to do everything, it should be near the top of your list, though we’d probably opt for the Endorphin Speed 4 ahead of it while it’s still available and in sales.

You can get cushier, springier plated trainers like the Hoka Mach X2 or Nike Zoom Fly 6 if you want a bit more comfort for long runs in particular. The Asics Superblast 2 is another strong all-rounder alternatives without a plate.

Cheaper all-rounders to look at include the excellent Adidas Adizero Evo SL, which is lighter than the Speed 5 and very quick despite not having a full plate, and the New Balance Rebel v5, which is not as quick as the Speed 5 but also very light as well as being comfortable and stable.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 vs Adidas Adizero Evo SL

The Adidas Evo SL is a cheaper all-rounder option that doesn’t have a full plate in its midsole, though it is still a stiff shoe with a springy foam that works well for fast runs. It’s not a stable as the Endorphin Speed 5, and the lack of a plate might tell during longer fast runs or races, but the Adidas Evo SL is a terrific fast trainer that offers better value than the Speed 5.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 vs Asics Superblast 2

They’re two of the most popular all-rounders on the market, but the Speed 5 and Superblast 2 take different approaches with their design. The Superblast 2 is a max-cushioned shoe without a plate, but actually lighter than the Speed 5 and bouncier too. The Speed 5 is more grounded and we prefer it for fast runs thanks to the plate and rocker, and it’s also a little cheaper.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 vs Adidas Boston 13

The Adidas Boston 13 offers good value for a super-trainer and is a great shoe that’s considerably cheaper than the Speed 5, but the Saucony is a better all-rounder that offers a faster and more comfortable ride.