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Buy Endorphin Speed 5 if you liked any earlier ES shoe and want a snappy plated tempo and daily trainer — first-run reviewer called it his favourite ES shoe since the ES2 my favourite ES shoe since the ES2; skip it only if you specifically want a softer ride — this is a firm, snappy take rather than pillowy.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 brings the line back from the Speed 3 and 4 slump — a snug light upper over a fairly firm but adequately cushioned PWRRUN PB midsole with a nylon plate. A 17:31 5K runner called it his favourite ES shoe since the ES2 my favourite ES shoe since the ES2 and emphasized it does not feel like a heavier shoe on the run despite the slight weight increase. Buy it as a plated tempo and daily trainer — the magic is back versus the disappointing Speed 4.
Yes — the lineage critique is consistent. The first-run reviewer ran through ES2 (loved), ES3 (liked, softer), ES4 (didn't like, baggy and bottoming out), and ES5 (back to favorite since ES2) I had no such pain in the ES5 and I'm glad for it. True to size fit perfectly. Buy ES5 with confidence if ES4 disappointed you; the upper is lighter, the rocker is smoother, and the underfoot is firm and snappy rather than dead.
True to size, with a snugger heel and a narrower-feeling upper than ES4. The first-run reviewer said true to size fit perfectly and the heel cup is really snug and really nice the heel cup is really snug and really nice, the shoes just automatically felt like they were secure on my feet. Width-wise it feels narrower mainly because there's less material, not because the last shrank.
ES5 covers daily and tempo well but choose a max-cushion long-run shoe and a true racer alongside it for a full rotation. The first-run reviewer said it will sit nicely as both a daily and a tempo option This shoe will sit nicely for me as both a daily and a tempo option, and the Vomero Plus reviewer ran ES5 for speed and tempo while reaching for Vomero Plus on long days I currently run in the Endorphin Speed 5 (after going through three pairs of the ES3) for speed/tempo runs. Buy ES5 plus a soft daily plus a racer for a full three-shoe rotation; ES5 works best as the tempo slot.
Too early for true long-term data, but reviewers note the ES line typically holds 400-500km. The first-run reviewer hoped these would retain some life well past 400km time will tell as to how the midsole plays out over a few hundred kms but hopefully these will retain some life well past 400km. ES3 owners regularly get to 500km plus; buy with confidence on durability and expect similar from ES5 with rotation — the price is justified for the lifespan.
Yes if you want the line's best version, no if you mostly want value. A 17 year-old HS distance runner reviewing Velocity Nitro 4 listed ES5 alongside other comparable plated shoes comparable shoes (Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 and 5, Hoka Mach 6, Adidas EVO SL, Saucony Axon 2). ES5 is justified at $180 against the redesigned Mach X 3 and EVO SL at $150; wait for sale to $130-150 for best value.
Claims in the guide text link directly to these Reddit threads.
1 products currently for sale across 4 stores.
1 products currently for sale across 4 stores.
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Endorphin Speed 5 guide
Read the guide and compare colorways, store prices, and sale availability.
Browse the Saucony Buyer's Guide
See the full Saucony Buyer's Guide on SoleFeed.
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