If you’ve run in the Endorphin Speed series before, you already know the appeal. It’s fast, light, and versatile enough to handle almost anything on your training plan. For 2025, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 keeps that reputation intact but adds some thoughtful updates that make it more stable, more secure, and just a little more refined.
At Pace Athletic, the Speed series has always been a go-to recommendation. Whether you're doing speedwork, tempo runs, or even long-distance training, this shoe walks the line between performance and comfort better than most. And now, the fifth version just gives you a bit more confidence with every step.
First Impressions: What’s New?
The first thing you notice in the Speed 5 is how stable it feels underfoot. While earlier versions leaned toward softness and flexibility, this update brings a wider base and more structure in key areas. The PWRRUN PB foam remains light and bouncy, but the platform feels more composed on turns and during faster efforts.
The upper has also had a complete redesign. Saucony’s new mesh feels softer and better ventilated, but more importantly, it wraps the foot securely through the midfoot and heel. The updated sidewalls and refined heel cup hold everything in place without overdoing it.
You still get that familiar Speed ride: light, energetic, and effortless, but now with more balance when fatigue sets in. It’s a shoe that still handles uptempo work beautifully, but can now double more comfortably as a daily trainer.
Speed 5 vs Speed 4: What’s Changed?
The updates to the Speed 5 don’t reinvent the model, but they do fine-tune it.
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The platform is wider, especially in the heel and forefoot, which helps with stability and toe-off
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Lockdown through the arch and heel has been improved for a more consistent fit
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The upper materials are lighter and more breathable while offering better structure
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The ride is a bit firmer and more stable, but still responsive and fun
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Weight remains light, with a men’s US 9 sitting around 229 grams
The Speed 5 has the same speed feel and essence as the 4 but feels even more locked in and stable, especially during those high-speed sessions or taking corners at pace.
Where It Sits in the Saucony Lineup
The Endorphin Speed 5 continues to hold the middle ground between daily trainer and race shoe in Saucony’s range. It’s more versatile and forgiving than the Endorphin Pro 4, which is a pure carbon-plated racer, but lighter and snappier than something like the Triumph or Ride.
You can use the Speed 5 for:
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Tempo runs and threshold sessions
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Intervals and speedwork
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Daily training if you like a lighter, more responsive feel
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Race day if you prefer a softer ride than carbon racers
The Speed 5 shows just how capable a nylon plated shoe can be and proves you don’t always need a carbon plate to go fast.
Tech Breakdown
The under-the-hood features haven’t been overhauled, but they’ve been subtly improved.
PWRRUN PB foam
This lightweight midsole compound is soft and springy without being unstable. It delivers fast transitions and keeps your legs feeling fresher on longer efforts.
Nylon plate
Sitting between the foam layers, the full-length plate adds structure and propulsion without the harshness of carbon. It gives a noticeable boost without compromising comfort or flexibility.
Wider platform
The redesigned base helps make the shoe more stable without adding bulk. You’ll feel the benefit on sharp turns and during the final push of a long session.
Engineered mesh upper
Soft and breathable with improved fit through the midfoot. The redesigned lacing system and internal structure keep the foot secure without pressure points.
XT-900 outsole
Durable and grippy rubber underfoot helps extend the life of the shoe and gives good traction on wet roads or dusty paths.
Who Is It For?
The Endorphin Speed 5 is perfect if you want one shoe that can cover a bunch of different sessions.
It’s ideal if you:
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Like lightweight trainers that still offer comfort for longer distances
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Want a plated shoe that doesn’t feel too stiff or aggressive
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Do a mix of easy runs and faster workouts
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Need something you can race in without investing in a pure super shoe
If you’re a neutral runner, this will fit nicely into your weekly rotation. But if you overpronate, need more support, or want max cushioning, it might not be the best pick.
Final Thoughts
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 keeps the spirit of the series alive, but the improvements in fit and underfoot structure give it a much more dialled-in feel. It’s fast, light, and more confident in how it handles whatever you throw at it.
The Speed 5 builds on everything that made the Speed 4 great, adding a bit more stability for even smoother runs. If you’re new to the series, it’s the easiest model yet to fit into your training.
The all-new Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 will have its global launch on July 17th. But click the link below to shop the early release in the mutant colourway.
→ Shop the Saucony Endorphin Speed Collection
Need help finding the right shoe for your goals? Visit any Pace Athletic store for a free fitting session or chat with our team online. We’ll match you with the right model for your training, pace, and foot shape.