I’ll never forget the first time I laced up the original Saucony Endorphin Speed, way back in 2020. I had never run in such a fun shoe—a pair that made it seem almost effortless to pick up the pace and encouraged me to commit to speed workouts for the first time in 15+ years of running. It was also the shoe I laced up for my first marathon. Fast forward four years and three editions later, and the Endorphin Speed 4 hasn’t changed a whole lot—in a good way. I’ve run in versions 1-4, and this might just be my favorite yet. Find out why, in this Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 review.
Introduction
If it feels like it’s been a while since the Endorphin Speed was updated it’s because it has. Saucony recently made the decision to adopt a two-year update strategy for their Endorphin line of shoes, instead of the typical annual update most companies employ. (Topo Athletic has made the same decision for their shoe lineup.) So, there wasn’t an update to the Endorphin Speed line in 2023—the Endorphin Speed 3 was released in summer 2022.
Personally, I can’t say I’m mad about it. As a big fan of the third edition and as someone who already spends way too much of their salary on shoes, it was one fewer pair to purchase. Because, lord knows, you can count on me to buy every update to one of my favorite shoe lines ever. Like, even if Saucony released an Endorphin Speed, boldly lying by saying it was updated, but, in reality, was the exact same shoe as the current edition, I’d still buy it. I’m that delusional. Actually, they kind of did that with versions 1 and 2—there wasn’t much of a difference between them.
Versions 2 and 3=4
Let me make the most obvious point that’s ever been made throughout the vast history of humankind: you can’t please everyone. Duh. Everyone knows that. It’s why that’s a common saying that already exists.
Case in point: although a beloved shoe by many, the Endorphin Speed has divided opinions over the past couple editions. The Endorphin Speed 3 was criticized by some for being too soft, too stable, and less propulsive than the first and second editions of the super trainer. And, on the flipside, fans of the 3 praised the shoe for being, well, softer, more stable, and less propulsive. See what I mean? So, if you can’t please everyone (duh), then what kind of shoe does Saucony design for the fourth edition? How about combining the Endorphin Speed 2 and 3? Not a bad idea, and the result is not a bad shoe—it’s yet another great one.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Review
Stack height: 36/28 mm (8 mm drop)
Weight: 8.2oz/233g (US M9) |7.2 oz/206g (US W8)
Price: $170
What’s New?
The Endorphin Speed 4 is practically the same weight as the 3, the midsole still consists of a winged nylon plate and excellent PWRRUN PB (PEBA) foam, it has an identical stack height, and once again includes SPEEDROLL technology (a rocker). So, what’s changed, then? The main update is a modification to the shoe’s geometry.
How is the geometry different? Hmm, not sure—geometry was my worst subject in school. Or was that trigonometry? No idea what the difference is. Is there a difference? Or, perhaps it was calculus? Just kidding, I wasn’t smart enough for calculus. No, really, I failed to reach even pre-calculus in high school, never mind “regular” calculus. Furthermore, there was no way in hell I would take it in college. Unless I wanted to fail. Hell, forget pre-calc, even pre-algebra was too challenging for me to comprehend. Look, some people are dyslexic with words and others, like me, are dyslexic with numbers. Although, I’m sure some would argue I’m dyslexic with words, too. But I digress.
However, what I do know, is the updated geometry creates even quicker, smoother foot transitions with added heel stability and increased heel width. The result is a soft, bouncy, and propulsive ride that should delight an even greater number of runners than both the second (or first) and third versions. See what I mean about combining versions 2 and 3 for the 4th edition? Oh, and the new mesh upper may just be the best upper in the series yet.
Midsole
Again, I already mentioned the unchanged stack height still consists of PWRRUN PB foam and a winged nylon plate, as well as the updated geometry. Therefore, what more do I need to say about the midsole? Nothing, there’s nothing more I need to say about the midsole. It’s a near flawless midsole. I lied—I said something more about the midsole.
Upper
As mentioned, the new mesh upper is much comfier and provides an even more secure foot lockdown than the Speed 3. I wasn’t a huge fan of the tongue on the third edition—it was too minimal and stitched too low on the shoe. Luckily, the tongue is greatly improved here. It’s a gusseted tongue that sits higher up on the foot and provides a more comfortable and secure lockdown. But, perhaps most importantly, there is still no pull tab on the heel. A sigh of relief for me, who can’t stand those silly, useless, ridiculous-looking pieces of fabric.
Outsole
The most boring part of any shoe, the outsole in the Endorphin Speed 4 is nothing to write home about—but not in a bad way. The outsole is nothing to write home, away, or at a neutral setting about. Saucony seems to agree: when a company doesn’t include a single mention of the outsole on a shoe’s webpage, you know it doesn’t matter. This outsole does its very simple job: it’s durable.
Weight
Speaking of not mattering, the weight gained an inconsequential tenth of an ounce (.01), from the third edition. Yes, the extremely slight weight gain is as insignificant as me writing these two sentences. Make that three sentences.
Looks
The Endorphin Speed has always been one of Saucony’s better-looking shoes, and, I’m happy to report, the 4 may be the best-looking version yet. I’ve long whined about the lack of dark green running shoe colorways, and I guess Saucony heard me, because, the VERDANT | WHITE colorway is a thing of beauty. It was a no-brainer to choose this one.
Price
Although it’s been a couple years since the third edition’s release, thankfully, the price stays the same. And, at $170 for one of the best super trainers on the market, it’s not a bad price, relatively speaking. I’m delighted Saucony didn’t increase the price $10 to $180, like Brooks did with their Hyperion Max 2. Saucony, if you’re reading this, and I know you are (Why wouldn’t you be?), please don’t raise the price to $180 in the next edition.
Endorphin?
Ever since Saucony released their Endorphin line, I felt they were cheating by naming it after a hormone that every runner releases on the run. Technically, any running shoe can give you endorphins. Well, maybe not every shoe. There are some real stinkers out there. Like that one shoe masquerading as a super trainer, when, in reality, it’s more of a “pooper trainer.”
But recently, I had an epiphany: why didn’t a brand utilize “Endorphin” before Saucony did four years ago?! It’s brilliant! Running releases endorphins, so, Saucony’s Endorphin line are the rare shoes that actually live up to their name! You literally can’t tell me you don’t release endorphins by running in these shoes—even if you hate the pair! That’s the great thing about running: we don’t actually need to spend exorbitant sums of money on pair after pair. We’re such fools!
That’s it; I’m not spending any more money on shoes for the rest of the year. Fine, maybe until the fall. Or the dog days of summer. Or next month. My 24+ pairs will just have to suffice. It’ll be weird having only a couple dozen to choose from, but I’ll simply have to make do.
Conclusion
Of course, the Endorphin Speed 4 is much more than just another pair of running shoes. It’s on the shortlist of the most versatile running shoes ever made—a shoe that can easily conquer daily miles, speed workouts, long runs, recovery day, and even race day—if you don’t want to fork over $225 for the carbon fiber-plated Endorphin Pro 4, or even more for other brands’ super shoes. And that’s exactly what I’ve used it for through 60 miles—minus racing.
So, whether you couldn’t stand the second edition, or hated the third, you should find something to like in the 4. Yes, the shoe still won’t please everyone (duh). But, even if you aren’t a fan, at least you’ll still release endorphins running in it.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is available to purchase on Saucony’s website or wherever you empty your wallet on shoes.
I purchased the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and Saucony was not given the opportunity to see this review before I published. I was not compensated for this Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 review.
