Iâve always had a soft spot for the Endorphin Pro line because it doesnât try to turn every runner into Eliud Kipchoge. It aims to give everyday racers something genuinely fast, but still comfortable enough to enjoy over long distances.
With the Endorphin Pro 5, Saucony keeps most of what worked so well in the Endorphin Pro 4, including the same weight, same stack and drop, same dual-foam setup, but tweaks the carbon plate design and outsole to make the ride feel a little sharper and more confident underfoot.
On paper, the changes look subtle, and on the run, theyâre small, but definitely meaningful.
This feels very much like a refinement, not a reinvention, and honestly, thatâs exactly what I had hoped for.
Key specifications
- Price: $225 at Saucony.com (available for purchase Feb 2026)
- Weight: 7.5oz (213g), US Menâs 9
- Drop / Stack height: 8mm drop (39.5mm heel / 31.5mm forefoot)
- Upper: Single-layer breathable race mesh with integrated tongue
- Midsole: Dual-layer midsole using supercritical PWRRUN HG top layer + PWRRUN PB base - featuring a full-length carbon fiber plate with updated slotted geometry using SpeedRoll Technology
- Outsole: PWRTRAC rubber compound for improved grip and durability
- Sustainability: Vegan-friendly, contains recycled materials
- Best for: Race day (5K to marathon)
Sizing and fit
Fit-wise, the Endorphin Pro 5 feels very close to the Endorphin Pro 4: true to size, with that nicely breathable, slightly roomier upper that works for a wider range of feet than most super shoes.
The heel counter has been subtly reshaped and feels more locked-in than before. For me, however, that added security is great at pace, but I did notice it caused some rubbing on my left heel.
Itâs not a universal issue, but itâs something to flag if youâre sensitive around the Achilles or heel collar, I just wish Saucony would give it some subtle articulation to relieve any pressure on the achilles; like the did with the Azura.
Toe box space is still one of this lineâs strong points. Itâs not sloppy, but it gives your toes a little extra room once your feet start swelling late in a race.
Performance review
Running in the Endorphin Pro 5 immediately feels familiar if youâve used the Endorphin Pro 4, and thatâs a very good thing.
The ride is still smooth, stable, and efficient, without that overly aggressive, tip-you-forward feeling you get in some super shoes.
The dual midsole setup of PWRRUN HG and PWRRUN PB continues to be a really well balanced combination.
You get a responsive toe-off and that light, energetic bounce that makes race pace feel sustainable, but without losing the underfoot comfort that becomes crucial for us mere mortals (non-elites) over half and full marathon distances.
Alastair Dixon
Where the Endorphin Pro 5 pulls slightly ahead is in how the updated carbon fiber plate makes the shoe feel a touch snappier.
The new slotted design seems to allow a bit more controlled flex through the forefoot, which makes the transition feel quicker and more fluid when youâre pushing the pace.
It doesnât turn it into a totally different beast, but it does make the shoe feel more eager to move.
The SpeedRoll geometry remains one of the most natural-feeling implementations of a rocker in a carbon shoe.
Youâre encouraged forward, but youâre not forced into it.
During long tempo runs and marathon-pace efforts, that translates to less fighting with the shoe and more settling into rhythm.
Stability is still a big part of why I rate this line so highly for non-elite runners.
The wide base and controlled platform make it feel far less sketchy than some of the narrower super shoes when fatigue starts to creep in.
For runners who donât have perfect form or who tend to get a bit sloppy late in races, that matters.
The other noticeable upgrade is the PWRTRAC outsole; traction was something I called out in my Endorphin Pro 4 review, as it needed improvement.
Compared to the Pro 4âs cross-hatch rubber, this feels grippier and more confidence-inspiring, especially when cornering or dealing with slightly damp roads.
It also looks like itâs going to hold up better over time, which is important if youâre using these not just for race day, but also for key marathon workouts.
That said, itâs still a road race shoe. I wouldnât expect miracles on shiny cobbles or badly cambered surfaces, but grip is clearly improved compared to the previous version.
Overall, the Endorphin Pro 5 keeps what made the Pro 4 such a brilliant race day option for everyday runners; comfort, stability, and an efficient ride, and sharpens it slightly with a more responsive plate and a grippier outsole.
Alastair Dixon
My verdict
The Endorphin Pro 5 doesnât try to rewrite what a super shoe is. Instead, it quietly improves a formula that already worked very well, and at $225, it's still very much worth it, and gets my 'buy them now' seal of approval.
If you loved the Endorphin Pro 4, youâll feel instantly at home here, just with a bit more snap and confidence underfoot.
If you find most other carbon race shoes too aggressive, too narrow, or too uncomfortable over long distances, this is still one of the most accessible race-day options out there.
Itâs fast, stable, breathable, and comfortable enough for real-world marathon runners, not just elites with perfect form and short ground contact times. For me, thatâs what makes it such a strong race-day tool, fo so many.
If you have any questions about these running shoes, just ask me in the comments below and I'll be happy to help you out! Oh and if you haven't already, go subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more reviews like this one. -Alastair
