In a world full of flashy brands, some companies still stick to their roots. They focus on delivering quality shoes to loyal fans. Saucony is one of these companies. They’ve built a strong following over the years. Once a runner tries Saucony, they often don’t look back. Shoes like the Endorphin Speed 5 prove why this bond is so strong.
We’ve tested Saucony’s running shoes before. Earlier this year, we fell in love with the Endorphin Elite 2. Then, in the summer, the Hurricane 25 also impressed us. So, how does the Endorphin Speed 5 compare? To put it simply: we really like it.
This shoe fits into the “super-trainer” group. It doesn’t have an extra-tall midsole stack height. What stands out is how it feels during a run. It offers the same lively bounce as top-tier shoes. This is true even with a nylon plate instead of a carbon fiber one. We often say that the plate isn’t everything. This shoe proves that point well. The midsole foam gives most of the energy return. Saucony uses its PWRRUN PB foam here. It works with the plate to add stability. While not as springy as IncrediRun foam, it still gives a very good response.
Running Experience
On the road, this shoe feels incredibly flexible. At slow speeds, it cushions enough, even if it’s not made for easy jogs. That’s thanks to the foam and a softer nylon plate. When you pick up the pace, it gives you that “snappy” feeling runners love. We did notice it could be a bit quicker to react instantly. Compared to the Mach X3, it felt a little behind. But once you hit your stride, it’s very easy to manage. We think it’s perfect for fartlek training. It’s strange to say, but the Endorphin Speed 5 is good at everything. Yet, it’s not truly exceptional at any one thing. This might make it less unique, perhaps causing it to get lost in a runner’s shoe rotation.
Upper Construction
Let’s talk about the upper part of the shoe. Just like the Elite 2, this is a strong point for the Speed 5. The material breathes well and seems durable. It also offers a great fit. Your toes have plenty of room, which many runners appreciate. Finally, and this is a minor detail, but it looks sharp. With its “racing” style, it’s a shoe that catches the eye.
The outsole also has good points. It appears quite durable. It performs well on dry surfaces and decently on wet ones, though less perfectly. Saucony designed this area smartly. They put stronger rubber in spots that get the most contact. The exposed foam areas should rarely touch the ground, so wear won’t be an issue there.
The Drawbacks
We mentioned a few small issues earlier. Now, let’s talk about two bigger ones. First, its ability for very long runs. We believe the cushioning protects you well up to 21 to 25 kilometers. Beyond that, you might find better choices. It’s a solid pick for running a fast half marathon. However, it’s not ideal for a full marathon. Then there’s the price. It faces shoes with similar feels, like the Adidas Evo SL, which costs less. The Speed 5 is 50 euros more, even without a plate. That’s a big difference.