Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 Review: Polishing the Experience
Endorphin Speed 5: Quick Facts
Weight:
- M: 238g
- W: 229g
Best For:
- Versatile daily trainer, someone wanting one shoe to “do it all”
Price:
- $300 AUD
Stack Height & Drop:
- 36mm heel / 28 forefoot
- 8mm drop
Favourite Features:
- New upper is a big tick, more breathable and better fit.
- Same reliable versatile performance.
Release Date:
- Mutant Pack - June, 2025
- Other colours - July, 2025
What’s the Endorphin Speed 5 All About?
Few shoes have made an impact quite like the Saucony Endorphin Speed. Since the first version dropped, it’s built a loyal following by striking that elusive balance between performance and versatility. It was the shoe that proved you didn’t need to spend top dollar on a carbon plated racer to get a fast, energetic ride. The Endorphin Speed 1 and 2 quickly became a go to options for speedwork, long runs and even race day, offering the snappy feel, but with more comfort and a friendlier price tag.
As the series evolved, versions 3 and 4 leaned further into versatility. They kept the signature speed and bounce but softened the platform slightly and made the ride more stable, making them a viable option even for easier days. The Endorphin Speed 5 continues in that same direction. It’s not a total overhaul, which is a good thing. Instead, Saucony has made some clever updates to refine the experience; it’s lighter, has a more breathable upper, improved rubber coverage for durability and a smoother transition through toe-off.
In short, it’s still the shoe that can do it all, just now with an extra layer of polish.
There are two key updates in the Endorphin Speed 5
1) A sleeker, lighter upper
One of the first things you’ll notice when you slip into the Endorphin Speed 5 is the upper. It’s been reworked with a new lightweight mesh that breathes better and feels even more dialled in than before. The subtle hexagonal pattern adds a premium look, but it’s not just about style, it contributes to a more structured, secure fit through the midfoot and forefoot.
That improved lockdown really shines when you’re turning corners at pace or picking up speed on uneven ground. It offers just enough support to keep your foot in place without adding bulk or stiffness. For a shoe that’s built for versatility, this update keeps things light, comfortable and secure across a range of paces.
2) More rubber, more durability, more flex
Durability has also been stepped up a notch. Saucony has extended the outsole rubber coverage across the lateral heel, something that might seem minor, but for runners clocking lots of kilometres, it means a more durable shoe.
The outsole pattern has also been refined, with a single vertical flex groove running through the forefoot. That tweak helps the shoe flex more naturally at toe-off, making transitions feel smoother and less forced. Pair that with the flexible nylon plate (rather than a stiff carbon plate), and the result is a ride that’s snappy and responsive, but still forgiving enough for runners who find carbon plates too aggressive. It's a great balance of propulsion and comfort that makes the Speed 5 a more accessible option for a wider range of runners.
3) Refined Geometry for a Smoother, More Stable Ride
The midsole geometry of the Endorphin Speed 5 has also seen subtle but meaningful refinements. While the PWRRUN PB foam remains unchanged - light, bouncy and resilient - the shape and sculpting of the midsole have been tweaked to enhance stability and efficiency throughout the gait cycle.
The sidewalls are slightly raised to cradle the foot more securely, especially through the midfoot, which helps reduce any lateral wobble during faster efforts or cornering. The heel bevel has also been updated for a smoother landing, especially for heel strikers, allowing for quicker transitions into toe-off.
Combined with Saucony’s SPEEDROLL technology, this updated geometry encourages a naturally efficient stride without feeling overly prescriptive. Whether you’re tempo running, racing a half marathon or just cruising through a steady long run, the Speed 5 keeps things feeling fluid, stable and consistent from start to finish.
Our first thoughts
The Endorphin Speed 5 feels like a smart evolution of an already outstanding shoe. Rather than reinvent the wheel, Saucony has stuck with what works such as the responsive full-length PWRRUN PB midsole and focused on the details. It’s now a smoother, more refined version of one of the most versatile shoes on the market.
What continues to make the Speed series so popular is its do-it-all capability. Need a shoe for interval training, long runs, tempo sessions, easy days and even race day? It can handle all of it. Now with an improved fitting upper and increased durability, it’s more capable than ever for the demands of a full training cycle.
If you’ve loved previous versions of the Speed, you’ll feel right at home in version 5. And if you’re new to the series and looking for a lightweight, responsive trainer that doesn’t box you into one type of run, the Endorphin Speed 5 might just be your new go-to.
