I ran 60 miles in the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and it’s an exceptionally versatile shoe for training and racing

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is one of the best running shoes available, standing out from the crowd because of its exceptional versatility. It’s a plated shoe that you can use and enjoy for easy runs, fast training sessions, races, and everything in between.

I’ve used the Endorphin Speed in my own rotation since the original and the latest version did not disappoint, though there is now more competition than ever in the super-trainer category and the Hoka Mach X2 is a particularly strong alternative for those who want a springier all-rounder.

In my Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 review I’ll go through the many pros and few cons with the shoe and compare it with other plated training options, as well as covering the differences with past versions of the Endorphin Speed.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 review: price and availability

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 launched in February 2024 and costs $170 in the US and £180 in the UK, which is the same price in the US as the Endorphin Speed 3. While expensive, the price is in line with other plated trainers like the Mach X2 and Puma Deviate Nitro 3, and cheaper than some like the Asics Superblast 2.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 review: design and fit

The Endorphin Speed 4 is currently available in nine colors in the men’s and women’s shoe. Only one width is available for the shoe, but unlike the early models in the range, the Endorphin Speed 4 is not a particularly narrow shoe. I found it fit well in my normal running shoe size. 

I also tested a half size down on my normal size and that also worked for me, so if, like me, you’re often on the fence between two sizes you can pick between based on whether you’d rather have a more dialed-in fit around the toes or a roomier one. I have a narrow foot so going for the smaller option worked best.

The Speed 4 has a stack height of 36mm at the heel and 28mm at the forefoot for an 8mm drop. It weighs 9oz / 255g in a U.S. size 10, which is a little heavier than the Endorphin Speed 3, partly because Saucony has made the base of the shoe a little wider to increase stability.

Upper

The Endorphin Speed 4 has a lightweight mesh upper with some padding around the tongue and collar to increase the comfort of the shoe. I found the Endorphin Speed 3 would sometimes rub my heel during runs, but I didn’t have this problem with the Speed 4, and the upper was comfortable and breathable throughout my testing. 

Midsole

The midsole of the Endorphin Speed 4 has changed very little since the original version of the shoe, and the Speed 4 still uses two layers of Saucony’s PWRRUN PB foam, which is a PEBA material. 

Those layers sandwich a nylon plate, which is more flexible and comfortable than the carbon plate used on the Endorphin Pro 4 racing shoe, making the Speed 4 more suitable for regular use in training while still delivering the propulsive benefits of a plate. 

The plate also has wings to add extra stability to the shoe, and the Speed 4 has Saucony’s Speedroll geometry, which is a rocker design that moves you swiftly and smoothly onto your forefoot during runs.

Outsole

One of the bigger updates on the Speed 4 is the new lattice pattern outsole rubber, which is designed to deliver better traction than the minimal outsoles the shoe has used in the past. The Speed 4 did grip better for me than its predecessor, especially on a wet running track, and while the outsole rubber is still minimal the durability on the shoe has been good for me with past models and I have no concerns about the Speed 4 after 60 miles.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 review: running performance

The original Endorphin Speed launched as a training partner to the Endorphin Pro and it was designed to be used for speed workouts in particular. However, it quickly became apparent how versatile the shoe was, with runners using it for everything from races to recovery runs (I once did both on the same day when I tested the original Endorphin Speed).

That versatility remains with the Endorphin Speed 4, and the shoe has become more comfortable and focused on daily training over the generations, while still retaining most of its speed. I’ve enjoyed using it for long runs, hard sessions on the road and track, and plodding about at easy paces as well.

The midsole has enough cushioning underfoot for comfort, with the heel feeling soft if you land there in particular, while the rocker, plate and bouncy foam combine to provide speed when you do want to push the pace. 

It has quite a natural ride and is less noticeably springy than shoes with higher stacks and softer foams, like the Hoka Mach X2 or Mizuno Neo Vista, which makes the Endorphin Speed 4 feel more stable, but some might prefer a bouncier ride.

There is noticeably less foam under the forefoot than most rival super-trainers though, and sometimes on longer hard runs I’d prefer to have been in a more cushioned shoe myself. Some runners will value the more grounded and direct ride of the Speed 4, but if you like a lot of foam underfoot the Mach X2 might be a better pick.

I’d also say that when it comes to using the Speed 4 for easy runs you will get a softer and more cushioned experience from shoes designed specifically for that purpose, like the Brooks Glycerin 21 or Saucony Hurricane 24. If you have a shoe rotation then the Speed 4 works best as a faster training shoe alongside a more cushioned option just for easy runs.

Should you buy the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4?

If you want a versatile training shoe that can do a bit of everything, or a shoe to use for faster training runs, the Endorphin Speed 4 is the first one I’d recommend checking out. It’s expensive, but for a plated shoe with its versatility, the only cheaper option that might work as well is the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, which is similar and likely to appear in sales.

The Hoka Mach X2 is the other shoe I’ve tested that I rate similarly highly. It’s bouncier, and maybe a little quicker than the Speed 4 for racing, but the upper is not as comfortable and while I like the Mach X2 for easier runs some might not find it as suitable for those as the Speed 4.

If you want a versatile shoe without a plate in it then the Asics Superblast 2 is the standout pick, but very expensive — the Hoka Mach 6 and New Balance Rebel v4 are good alternatives that are more affordable.

Comparing the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 to the Endorphin Pro 4 carbon plate running shoe, there Pro has a higher stack and a faster ride thanks to the dual-density midsole which has a top layer of Saucony’s more responsive PWRRUN HG foam. The Speed 4 is more comfortable for daily use though, and not far off as fast as the Pro 4.