Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Review: Corrected Stack, Weight, and Fit

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Review: Corrected Stack, Weight, and Fit

Disclosure: TrainingPlan has not hands-on tested this exact model. This research-based review uses manufacturer and independent exact-model evidence. No Amazon listing is currently verified for publication.

Quick Verdict

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a versatile plated trainer built for workouts, progression runs, and selected races. Its PWRRUN PB foam, winged nylon plate, and SPEEDROLL geometry create a quicker transition than a conventional daily trainer without the full rigidity of a carbon racing shoe. The verified package is 36/28mm, 8mm drop, 8.2 ounces for the men's reference, and 7.2 ounces for women.

It remains appealing when runners want one faster shoe for several roles, but the snug standard-width fit and relatively aggressive ride keep it from being universally comfortable. Speed 5 has superseded it, so Speed 4 now needs a discount rather than nostalgic full-price treatment.

Key Specifications

Saucony's exact men's product page verifies the foam, plate, geometry, weight, drop, and outsole. The company's launch announcement dates availability to February 29, 2024 and confirms the MSRP: $170 positioning.

What Changed

Version 4 revised the plate into a winged nylon shape, updated the upper, and reshaped the platform while keeping the Speed line's train-and-race intent. It remained distinct from the carbon-plated Endorphin Pro.

The previous catalog incorrectly listed 7.5/6.5-ounce weights and 40/32mm stack. It also claimed wide sizing without exact-generation evidence and used generic durability concerns as a con. This audit changes those fields to documented values, records Speed 5 as the successor, verifies the official image, and removes an unverified Amazon URL.

Ride and Intended Use

PWRRUN PB supplies resilient cushioning while the nylon plate and SPEEDROLL geometry encourage forward turnover. Doctors of Running's exact-model review describes an aggressive, performance-oriented ride and a secure fit. This supports workouts and racing, but it does not make the shoe equally suitable for every easy run.

The platform can handle intervals, tempo sessions, progression runs, and longer efforts with pace changes. Runners who prefer flexible, relaxed daily trainers may find the geometry too assertive. Our daily-trainer guide separates everyday comfort from workout specialization.

Fit and Sizing

Independent exact-model coverage consistently describes a performance fit, particularly through the midfoot. The audited generation is standard width. A Speed 3 or Speed 5 listing marked wide does not establish that the Speed 4 was made in the same width.

RTINGS' laboratory review provides measured dimensions that differ somewhat from brand specifications, as expected for a sample and method. Try regular length first and assess toe width, arch pressure, and heel hold before changing size. Our shoe-selection guide offers a fit-first checklist.

What Works Well

• PWRRUN PB delivers a lively ride at a manageable weight.
• Winged nylon plate is more training-friendly than a rigid carbon setup.
• SPEEDROLL supports efficient transitions during faster running.
• One shoe can cover several workout and race distances.

Tradeoffs

• Snug standard-width fit reduces accessibility.
• Aggressive geometry can feel unnecessary on relaxed runs.
• MSRP: $170 is premium for a training shoe.
• Superseded stock requires attention to age and return terms.

Who Should Consider This Shoe

Consider Speed 4 if you want a responsive workout shoe, prefer an 8mm drop, fit Saucony's standard performance shape, and value a more flexible nylon plate. It is especially useful when one plated shoe must span tempo work, intervals, and occasional racing.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Look elsewhere if you need wide sizing, a soft recovery ride, an unplated flexible trainer, or a dedicated carbon race shoe. The Saucony Ride 17 is the conventional daily option, and the best cushioned shoes page covers more relaxed platforms.

Cross-Brand Comparison

Compared with the Adidas Boston 12, Speed 4 is lighter and uses a winged nylon plate rather than ENERGYRODS with a two-foam setup. Both bridge training and faster work, but the Saucony feels more race-adjacent and the Adidas more substantial.

Same-Brand Comparison

The Endorphin Pro 4 uses a carbon plate and more race-specific construction. Ride 17 removes the plate and prioritizes everyday miles. Speed 4 occupies the middle, which explains its versatility but also why it cannot fully replace both extremes for every runner.

Value

At MSRP: $170, Speed 4 needed to serve multiple roles to justify its cost. After Speed 5, an old pair is attractive when clearly discounted and returnable. Paying launch price for a standard-width superseded shoe is difficult to defend unless its exact fit and ride are known preferences.

Also compare the real replacement cost of a rotation. Speed 4 may be good value when it genuinely covers both workouts and races, but not when its assertive geometry forces a separate easy-day shoe that was not otherwise needed.

Final Verdict

Endorphin Speed 4 remains a capable PWRRUN PB workout shoe with a winged nylon plate and broad fast-running utility. The corrected 36/28mm stack, 8.2-ounce weight, and standard-only width sharpen the buying decision. Choose it for versatile speed when the fit works—not because an old listing exaggerates its dimensions or availability.