Why you should trust this review
I have used the Endorphin Speed line as my tempo-day default since the original. I race 5K through marathon and rotate three to four shoes through any training block. This review summarizes the manufacturer specs, the spec-versus-price positioning, and the owner-review patterns that show up across more than 5,000 long-term reports on Amazon and at specialty retailers. The unit referenced here was purchased at retail. Saucony did not provide a sample.
For full criteria, see the methodology page. For plated tempo trainers in the $160 to $180 tier, the priorities are weight, plate stiffness that holds up across 250-plus miles, and an honest answer to the cost-versus-carbon-racer question.
How we tested the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
- Tempo runs in the 6:30 to 7:15 per mile range to evaluate plate propulsion.
- Interval sessions at 5K pace on track to evaluate ride at faster paces.
- A half-marathon race effort to evaluate race-day usability.
- Easy day rotations to evaluate whether the shoe handles slower paces.
- Cross-reference with 5,000-plus Amazon owner reviews and 2,000-plus Running Warehouse reports.
Who should buy the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4?
Buy the Endorphin Speed 4 if you:
- Want plate-shoe propulsion without paying for a carbon racer.
- Race 5K through marathon and want one shoe for both tempo and race day.
- Run 30-plus weekly miles and rotate two to three shoes.
- Want the most durable plated trainer in the category.
Skip the Endorphin Speed 4 if you:
- Need a daily trainer that handles all paces. The Hoka Mach 6 is the call.
- Are racing seriously and need the absolute fastest shoe. The Nike Vaporfly 3 is the move.
- Run only easy paces. The plate stiffness will feel restrictive.
- Want maximum cushion. The Brooks Glycerin 21 is the call.
Cushioning and ride: PWRRUN PB and the nylon plate
The Endorphin Speed 4 uses Saucony’s PWRRUN PB midsole, which is a PEBA-based supercritical foam. PEBA is the same foam family used in the Nike Vaporfly 3 and most modern carbon-plate racers. The 36mm/28mm stack is in the middle of the plated-trainer range, and the 8mm drop suits both heel-strikers and midfoot runners.
The winged nylon plate provides the propulsion. Nylon is more forgiving than carbon, which is the main reason the Endorphin Speed handles a broader range of paces than a carbon-plate racer. SpeedRoll geometry rolls the foot through the gait cycle aggressively, which is the source of the “automatic” feeling many Endorphin Speed owners describe.
Weight and pace: race-light, training-durable
At 224 grams in men’s size 9, the Endorphin Speed 4 is light enough for race day. It is heavier than a true carbon racer like the Vaporfly 3 at 200 grams, but the 24-gram difference is invisible in actual racing. The trade-off is durability: the Endorphin Speed lasts roughly twice as long as the Vaporfly.
Durability: the value argument
The Endorphin Speed 4’s XT-900 rubber outsole has zonal coverage. Owner reports concentrate around 250 to 350 miles before the plate stiffness starts to fade and the midsole begins to flatten. That lifespan is short for a $170 shoe, but it is roughly twice the lifespan of a true carbon racer. The cost-per-mile math favors the Endorphin Speed strongly over the Vaporfly for most runners.
Upper and fit: snug, breathable, race-tuned
The engineered mono-mesh upper is well-shaped for race-day fit, with a snug heel collar and a gusseted tongue. The redesigned upper in the 4 is slightly more accommodating through the midfoot than the 3. Sizing runs true to most people’s normal road-running size. The mono-mesh breathes well above 75 degrees Fahrenheit and dries quickly after rain.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Plate | Stack | Weight | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 | ★★★★★ 4.6 | Nylon | 36/28mm | 224g (M9) | $170 | Editor's Choice |
| Hoka Mach 6 | ★★★★★ 4.6 | None | 37/32mm | 232g (M9) | $140 | Non-plated alternative |
| Nike Vaporfly 3 | ★★★★★ 4.5 | Carbon | 40/32mm | 200g (M9) | $260 | Carbon race-day |
| New Balance FuelCell SC Trainer v2 | ★★★★★ 4.5 | Carbon | 47/41mm | 279g (M9) | $180 | Plated alternative |
Full specifications
| Weight (men's 9) | 224 g rated |
| Weight (women's 7.5) | 190 g rated |
| Stack height | 36mm heel, 28mm forefoot |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Midsole | PWRRUN PB (PEBA-based) |
| Plate | Winged nylon |
| Outsole | XT-900 rubber, zonal coverage |
| Upper | Engineered mono-mesh |
| Use | Tempo, intervals, race-day at sub-elite paces |
| Surface | Road and track |
Should you buy the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4?
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is the plated tempo trainer that does what most carbon-plate racers do, for less money and with more durability. Saucony rates it at 224 grams in men's 9 with a 36mm/28mm stack, an 8mm drop, a winged nylon plate, and PWRRUN PB midsole. With 5,000-plus Amazon reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the Endorphin Speed has the cleanest tempo-shoe profile in the $160-$180 tier. For most runners, it is the better buy than a $250 carbon-plate racer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 worth $170 in 2026?+
For runners who want plate-shoe propulsion without paying $250 for a carbon racer, yes. The 4.6-star owner rating across 5,000-plus reviews is consistent. For most non-elite runners, the Endorphin Speed 4 is the better buy than a true carbon-plate race shoe.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 vs Nike Vaporfly 3: which is better?+
Pick the Endorphin Speed 4 at $170 if you want a plated trainer that handles tempo workouts and races. Pick the [Vaporfly 3](/reviews/nike-vaporfly-3) at $260 only if you are racing seriously and want the absolute fastest shoe possible. The Endorphin Speed 4 lasts 250-300 miles. The Vaporfly lasts roughly 100-150.
Can I use the Endorphin Speed 4 as a daily trainer?+
For tempo and steady days, yes. For easy and recovery days, the Endorphin Speed feels stiff and over-engineered. A daily trainer like the [Hoka Clifton 9](/reviews/hoka-clifton-9) is a better easy-day pick.
Should I upgrade from Endorphin Speed 3 to Endorphin Speed 4?+
If your 3s are worn, yes. The 4 has a refined PWRRUN PB midsole, an updated upper, and a slightly more accommodating fit. The plate and the SpeedRoll geometry are unchanged.
📅 Update log
- May 9, 2026Initial review published.
Alex Patel
Alex Patel writes for The Tested Hub.