Originally designed to be the training companion of the Saucony Endorphin Pro, the Endorphin Speed is a lightweight trainer for long runs, moderate training sessions, and sprints. It's so light that it can also be used for racing.
The Speed 5 has a new upper, midsole and outsole, and has received some updates that change its ride character slightly. The Speed 5 has also become $5 more expensive and is now priced at $175. This comparison will tell you which is the better version for you.
The Speed 5 and Speed 4 both have PWRRUN PB midsoles made of beaded PEBA foam. This is a lightweight, medium-firm foam with a moderate amount of energy return. They have the same stack heights, 36 mm in the heel, 28 mm in the forefoot which is an 8 mm drop.
They both have a flexible nylon plate that provides structure, stability and some speed assistance. This plate is a lot more bendy than the carbon plate in the Pro version and this results in more natural transitions.
The biggest difference in the sole units is the nylon plate design. The Speed 5 has only 1 wing, on the medial side of the sole. The Speed 4 has wings on both sides. This plate design gives the Speed 5 a more flexible forefoot than the 4.
The Speed 4 has a more prominent forefoot rocker than the 5 and this makes it feel faster. It speeds up transitions more and provides a higher level of speed assistance. The Speed 5 has more relaxed transitions in comparison and this makes it better for slower paced runs.
In the stability department, the Speed 4 is better because its plate has wings on both sides, giving it a more structured midfoot that provides more support. Speed 5 has less torsional rigidity and twists much easier.
On the outsoles, the Speed 5 has more rubber on the outer lateral heel area than the 4. This provides more protection for heel strikers who typically strike on the lateral heel. This gives the 5 more outsole durability than the 4.
When it comes to traction, the Speed 4 has forefoot outsole rubber which is more aggressive and bites into the ground better than the 5. The Speed 4 feels gripper than the 5.
The Speed 5’s upper is thinner and more breathable than the 4. It also has a rougher texture which makes it feel less premium than the 4. It has a very spacious, accommodating fit which is good for runners who have wide or high volume feet. It fits true to size.
The Speed 4’s upper feels softer and more stretchy than the 5. It feels warmer than the 5 so it’s better for running in cool climates. It has a snugger fit than the 5 so it’s good for runners who have narrow or low-volume feet. It also fits true to size.
If you prefer a slower trainer with a less prominent forefoot rocker for easy/recovery runs, the Speed 5 is the better option. The Speed 5 has more natural transitions and it has a more durable outsole. It has the more breathable upper and it has a more spacious fit.
If you prefer an uptempo trainer for fast runs like workouts and races, the Speed 4 is the better option. It has a more prominent forefoot rocker and it is slightly lighter. It has more stability and it has a snugger upper fit. It costs $5 less and it provides more speed assistance.
