If you’ve ever stared at Saucony’s Endorphin lineup online, and thought, “Cool… but which one do I actually need?”, you’re probably not alone.
Here’s the simplest way to think about the current road lineup: one Endorphin for daily miles, one for training with a plate, one for workouts, and two for race day.
Saucony keeps the feel “in the family” with SPEEDROLL geometry across the range (that forward-rolling shape that helps keep you moving through toe-off).
Below, I’ll break down what each shoe is for, the trade-offs, and exactly which runner/run type each one suits best.
Quick picks (if you want the answer fast)
If you're in a hurry (I'm looking at you, 'Hasty Harry'), here's my over-simplified take on each one:
- Best daily trainer for most run types (and most runners): Endorphin Azura (Available Feb 2026)
- Best plated trainer for steady endurance: Endorphin Trainer
- Best “do a bit of everything fast”: Endorphin Speed 5
- Best race shoe for most marathoners: Endorphin Pro 5 (Available Feb 2026)
- Best “max rebound” race-day feel (more picky): Endorphin Elite 2
Compare the key stats
Weights below are for men’s US 9 (my pairs). Prices are MSRP and can vary.
| Endorphin | Weight | Stack | Drop | Midsole | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azura | 8.5oz (240g) | 40 / 32mm | 8mm | PWRRUN PB (no plate) | $150 |
| Trainer | 10.1oz (286g) | 42 / 34mm | 8mm | IncrediRUN + PWRRUN + 3/4 carbon plate | $180 |
| Speed 5 | 8.6oz (244g) | 36 / 28mm | 8mm | PWRRUN PB + winged nylon plate | $170 |
| Pro 5 | 7.5oz (213g) | 39.5 / 31.5mm | 8mm | PWRRUN HG + slotted carbon plate | $225 |
| Elite 2 | 7.2oz (204g) | 39.5 / 31.5mm | 8mm | PWRRUN HG + advanced carbon plate | $275 |
The “why” behind the range (plates + foam, without the jargon)
Most of the difference comes down to two things: (1) the plate (or no plate), and (2) the foam recipe.
- No plate (Azura): means more natural flex, and speed comes from foam + geometry.
- Nylon plate (Speed 5): a springy, less rigid assist that still feels normal at easier paces.
- Carbon plate (Trainer / Pro 5 / Elite 2): more stiffness and leverage, but the feel depends on foam softness and where the rocker “tips” you forward.
Foam-wise, the lineup splits pretty neatly:
- 'PWRRUN PB' in Endorphin Azura and Endorphin Speed 5
- 'IncrediRUN' + 'PWRRUN' layering in Endorphin Trainer
- 'PWRRUN HG' highly responsive racing foam in Endorphin Pro 5 and Endorphin Elite 2
Shoe-by-shoe: what each Endorphin is for (plus the honest trade-offs)
Endorphin Azura
Alastair Dixon
What it’s for: a super trainer for daily miles, easy/recovery runs, tempo runs, cruising marathon race day, and steady runs where you want a lively feel without a plate.
What I notice on the run: It’s the Endorphin feel without the plate stiffness. You get that smooth roll and energetic foam, but the shoe still flexes naturally, allowing your toes to do more of the work, without the struggle of having to flex the plate.
That makes it easy to pick for most runs rather than saving it for “sessions only”. It feels surprisingly stable for a 40mm stack, which matters when you’re tired or running on less-than-perfect pavement.
Watch-outs:
- That high stack can feel noticeable at first if you’re coming from lower shoes
- No plate means it’s not as aggressive for pure speedwork as Speed/Pro/Elite
Best for which runner: newer runners building consistency, or anyone who wants one daily shoe to do most of your runs, that still feels fun and bouncy.
Endorphin Trainer
Alastair
What it’s for: a plated super trainer long aerobic work, big mileage weeks, and steady endurance where protection matters more than quickness.
What I notice on the run: This shoe is built like a training tool: high stack, stable platform, and a more structured feel underfoot.
The top layer feels soft and protective, but the overall package doesn’t disappear on-foot. If you’re trying to float through faster work, the weight and “bulk” are hard to ignore. For steady long runs, though, it can make a lot of sense.
Watch-outs:
- Heavier feel can make it feel clunky when you try to lift the pace
- Not the shoe I’d pick for wet-grip confidence or snappy sessions
- The ride can feel a bit awkward for some heel strikers, especially if you’re sensitive to rearfoot transitions
Best for which runner: marathon builds where you want a plated trainer to absorb a lot of boring miles.
Endorphin Speed 5
Alastair Dixon
What it’s for: speed training shoe for tempo runs, intervals, progression runs, long runs with pickups, and “one shoe that can train and race” for a lot of runners.
What I notice on the run: This is still the Endorphin that makes the most sense for most people - myself included.
The PWRRUN PB feel is light and energetic, and the winged nylon plate gives you structure and pop without feeling harsh. It wakes up when you push, but it doesn’t punish you when you back off. That’s the magic of the Speed line.
Watch-outs:
- Exposed midfoot foam means you’ll want to keep an eye on wear over time
- It' not as cushioned underfoot due to a lower stack, so you'll benefit more if you run with a higher cadence and light footed form
Best for which runner: the runner who wants one performance shoe that still behaves like a trainer.
If you’re choosing between Speed 5 and Pro 5: Speed is the better weekly tool; Pro is the better race tool.
Endorphin Pro 5
Alastair Dixon
What it’s for: a carbon plated racer for race day (10K to marathon), plus the “key workout shoe” slot if you want one plated option that can handle real training too.
What I notice on the run: Pro 5 sits in a really useful middle ground. It feels efficient and fast, but it isn’t so soft that it gets unpredictable.
The big win is how stable it feels for a carbon racer, especially when your form starts to drift late in a half or marathon. If you’re a real-world marathoner chasing a PB, that matters more than tiny lab differences.
Watch-outs:
- Some runners may notice heel/Achilles rubbing (socks and lacing can make or break it)
- Grip can still feel limited on shiny surfaces or badly cambered roads
Best for which runner: experienced runners who want a race shoe that still feels controllable when fatigue hits.
Endorphin Elite 2
Alastair
What it’s for: a bouncy, high stack carbon plated racer for race day when you want maximum rebound and you already know you do well with very soft super shoes.
What I notice on the run: Elite 2 is the most “unique” ride in the lineup. The foam is ultra-soft and high-rebound, and at faster paces it can feel effortless and fast.
The trade-off is stability. If you’re a lighter, efficient midfoot/forefoot striker, it can feel epic. If you’re heavier, a strong heel striker, or you rely on guidance, it can feel edgy, especially on turns or uneven camber.
Watch-outs:
- Noisy (often more noticeable in wet conditions)
- Stability is the tax you pay for that softness
- Durability and wet traction aren’t the reason you buy this shoe
Best for which runner: efficient runners who want the softest, most propulsive feel and don’t need extra stability.
Which Endorphin should you use for… (runs + runners)
Choose by the run:
- Easy / recovery / everyday mileage capable of a wide pace range: Endorphin Azura
- Long steady endurance (especially high mileage): Endorphin Trainer
- Daily miles, tempo, intervals, fartlek, progression: Endorphin Speed 5
- Race day for most runners (10K–marathon): Endorphin Pro 5
- Max rebound marathon race day (stride-dependent): Endorphin Elite 2
Choose by the runner:
- Newer runner / building consistency: start with Endorphin Azura, then add Endorphin Speed 5 if you want a workout shoe.
- Intermediate runner doing one workout a week: Endorphin Speed 5 is the simplest “one shoe does most things” pick.
- Marathon-focused, higher mileage: Endorphin Azura for volume + Endorphin Pro 5 for key sessions and race day.
- You already know you like super-soft supershoes: Endorphin Elite 2, with eyes open about stability.
Simple rotation suggestions (so you don’t overthink it)
Two-shoe rotation (most runners):
- Endorphin Azura for daily miles
- Endorphin Speed 5 for workouts + faster long runs
Three-shoe marathon rotation:
- Endorphin Azura for long steady mileage
- Endorphin Speed 5 for tempo runs, interval training
- Endorphin Pro 5 for race day (and the occasional tune-up)
Bottom line
If you want the Endorphin “experience” in the least complicated way, pick Endorphin Speed 5 - It’s the best balance of fast and usable, and my favorite Saucony road shoe right now.
If you want a daily trainer that still feels lively, Endorphin Azura - is the easy recommendation for anyone wanting a fun zippy ride, while maintaining protection underfoot.
And if you’re racing: Endorphin Pro 5 is the sensible race shoe for most runners, while the Endorphin Elite 2 is the high-reward option when stability and conditions line up.
If you want, share your current weekly structure (easy days, long run, workouts) and what you race (5K, half, marathon), and I’ll tell you which two or three Endorphins make the most sense for your rotation.
Oh and if you need a training plan to follow, check mine out here.
Happy running! -Alastair
