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FAQ + live marketUpdated 2026-03-11
Saucony Endorphin Speed
One of the best tempo and race-day running shoes available, combining a responsive carbon-fiber plate with PWRRUN PB foam for a fast, energetic ride that only falls short of being a true all-rounder for easy days.
Guide Score
87/100
ExcellentLensRunning
Comfort8/10
Durability5/10
SizingTrue to size
WidthRoomier fit
Dress codeAthletic
CushioningEVA
This is our 0-100 guide score for the shoe overall. Higher is better. It is not a stock number or a price score.
How to trust it
The Sources section links to 8 pages we used or checked.
This is a SoleFeed guide page with live store data.
Strong evidence — extensive community discussion
Key facts
- Popularity: One of the most praised tempo shoes in running
- Comfort: Responsive and bouncy, not a soft daily trainer
- Fit: Generally true to size with a roomy toebox
- Value: Strong value for a plated shoe at $160-170
- Use case: Tempo runs, race day, speed workouts
- Risk: Too firm and aggressive for easy recovery runs
Shoe intelligence
Comfort 8/10Durability 5/10True to sizeRoomy fitRunning
Guide
Full breakdown
The Saucony Endorphin Speed is a performance running shoe built for tempo runs and race day. It features a nylon plate (not full carbon in all versions), PWRRUN PB cushioning foam, and a lightweight mesh upper. First released around 2020, it quickly became one of the most acclaimed running shoes in its class, competing directly with the Nike Vaporfly and Adidas Adizero lines. Multiple versions have been released, each iterating on the formula.
Questions answered
FAQ
Is the Saucony Endorphin Speed good for daily training?
It excels at tempo runs and speed workouts but is too firm and responsive for easy or recovery runs. Most runners use it as a rotation shoe alongside a softer daily trainer rather than a do-everything option.
How does the Endorphin Speed compare to the Nike Vaporfly?
The Vaporfly is a dedicated race shoe with a full carbon plate and is faster for race day. The Endorphin Speed is more versatile, working for both tempo training and racing, and costs significantly less. Many runners use the Speed for training and the Vaporfly for race day.
Does the Endorphin Speed run true to size?
Yes, most runners find it true to size with a comfortable toebox. The fit is one of the least complained-about aspects of the shoe, with the upper providing good lockdown without being restrictive.
Which version of the Endorphin Speed is best?
Each version has been well-received, but versions 3 and 4 are generally considered the most refined. The original was groundbreaking for its price-to-performance ratio, and subsequent versions improved upper fit and durability without losing the core ride feel.
Is the Endorphin Speed worth it over the Endorphin Pro?
For most runners, yes. The Pro has a full carbon plate and is slightly faster, but the Speed's nylon plate delivers 90% of the benefit at a lower price and with more training versatility. The Pro is better reserved for race day only.
Sources & methodology
This page mixes guide writing with current store data.