Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Review

I was excited to try the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4. I was a huge fan of the first version, but the second and third have not been my favorite. New to the Endorphin Speed series? The Endorphin Speed line has made a name for itself as a versatile shoe, loved by both casual runners and serious racers. Whether you’re using it for daily training or race day, the Speed models have earned a reputation as the “do-it-all” shoe.

While Version 3 leaned more toward a traditional trainer feel, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 has shifted back to a more aggressive, workout-ready shoe. Thank goodness…I wasn’t feeling the trainer feel of the third version. It was fine, but it didn’t feel like you could really run fast in it. It’s called the *speed* after all.

If you’re a fan of previous versions, you’ll notice it combines the best of both Version 2’s speed and Version 3’s comfort.

Before trying the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, I had a few questions:

• Does the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 fit true to size? It fits true to size but some may say the upper is more snug.
• Has the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 been seriously updated? Yes, it’s not going to feel the same as Version 3, and I mean that in a good way.

With that, let’s get to an honest review of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4. 

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Quick Facts

• Price: $169.95
• Weight: 8.2 oz (men’s) / 7.2 oz (women’s)
• Stack Height: 36mm / 28mm
• Drop: 8mm

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Upper and Fit

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 fits true to size for most runners, offering a slightly snugger fit compared to previous versions. You’ll notice the toebox isn’t as roomy as it used to be. Saucony seems to have struggled with narrower toeboxes for the past couple of years.

The engineered mesh upper is lightweight, breathable, and secures the foot well during faster efforts. For those with normal-width feet, the fit should feel comfortable. The gusseted tongue adds a nice balance of plushness and lockdown, while the internal heel counter and padded collar offer a snug but comfortable hold. The best running shoe uppers disappear on your feet, and for the most part, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 does just that.

As mentioned, some may find the shoe slightly narrow, and if you’ve never worn Saucony before, the heel counter does sit a little lower. I didn’t have any issues with either. I typically wear a women’s size 10-11 wide, and recently, I’ve been in a size 11 for Saucony. I found the size 11 to fit best in the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Ride

The midsole is where the magic happens. Saucony keeps the PWRRUN PB midsole and nylon plate in the Speed 4, but this version features updated geometry for better stability and smoother transitions. The midsole feels light and responsive, making it great for both long-distance runs and faster tempo efforts. The 8mm drop is noticeable, giving the shoe a slightly higher feel at the heel. That said, the forefoot feels snappy and responsive, especially when you pick up the pace.

I’ve appreciated that the Endorphin series feels much lower to the ground than many other plated models. You don’t feel like you’re miles off the ground, and it feels much more responsive. During my first run in the Endorphin Speed 4, I knew Saucony had taken the shoe back to its roots. Unlike the third version, the fourth is more of a workout or fast-paced shoe. It can handle longer races or workouts. In fact, it’s back to being a good substitution if you want a plated shoe without paying carbon-plated shoe prices.

Where Does the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Fit into My Rotation? It’s a great fast-run shoe or even a racing shoe. It can handle long runs and workouts without leaving your feet feeling overly fatigued. I personally prefer a lighter and faster shoe for track work, but for long races and workouts, it’s a great option. I’m glad Saucony made this change (and I’m sure others are too).

Outsole

The outsole features durable rubber with excellent traction, making the Speed 4 reliable on wet roads and during sharp turns. While it performs best on road surfaces, be cautious on trails or uneven terrain as the exposed plate may pick up small rocks. I’ve used it a couple of times on sandy trails, and the traction is fine, but I’ve heard the occasional unwanted “clink, clink, clink” from rocks getting stuck.

Overall, the outsole improves grip and durability compared to previous versions. I’ve already put about 100 miles on the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 with no issues, and I suspect it will last somewhere between 300-400 miles.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Conclusion

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 has returned to its roots as a fast, versatile shoe. Thank goodness…I really appreciate when a brand listens to feedback. It shines during workouts, races, and long runs, making it a great choice for those who want a shoe that can handle it all, or for those wanting a plated shoe without paying carbon-plated prices.

Who Should Buy the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

• If you’re looking for a shoe that excels at speed work, long runs, and racing, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a great option.
• Runners who prefer a slightly more flexible feel compared to carbon-plated super shoes will find the nylon plate in the Speed 4 more comfortable.

Who Should Not Buy the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

• Runners looking for a shoe primarily for easy or recovery runs may want to look elsewhere.
• If you have very wide feet or need extra heel cushioning, this model might not be the best fit

My Current Shoe Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, New Balance 1080v13 Shoe Review , Newton Gravity 12, , ASICS Superblast

Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future 1.5 Shoe Review Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Nike Alphafly 3

Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review

Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,

Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future 1.5 Shoe Review Hoka Cielo X1, New Balance Fuelcell 5280,  Reebok Run fast Pro ,Nike Vaporfly 3 , ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.

Questions for you:

What is your favorite plated shoe?

Have you tried any of the Endorphin line?