Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: Complete Review & Comparison Guide

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Overview

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is Saucony's versatile speed trainer—the shoe that bridges the gap between daily training and race day. With PWRRUN PB foam, a nylon plate, and a race-inspired geometry, the Speed 4 delivers tempo-day performance with training-day durability.

This is the Endorphin line's secret weapon: race-shoe technology you can train in. The Speed 4 provides enough propulsion for workouts and races while being durable enough to handle regular training mileage.

Key Specifications

Spec	Value
Category	Speed, Tempo
Cushion Level	Moderate
Heel-to-Toe Drop	8mm
Weight (Men's/Women's)	7.5oz / 6.5oz
Stack Height	37mm heel / 29mm forefoot
Pronation Support	Neutral
Width Options	Standard
MSRP	MSRP: $170
Surface	Road

What It's Known For

The Speed 4's nylon plate provides propulsion and pop without the stiffness of carbon fiber—making it more forgiving for training while still delivering noticeable speed benefits. The PWRRUN PB foam offers excellent energy return, and the rocker geometry promotes efficient forward motion.

Many runners use the Speed 4 as a "do-it-all" shoe that handles tempo runs, intervals, and even races. It's become one of the most popular plated trainers in the running world.

Why Runners Love It

Pros

• Fast but Durable: Nylon plate offers propulsion with training durability.

• Versatile: Works for tempo runs, intervals, and racing.

• Light: At 7.5oz, it's impressively light for a training shoe.

What Some Runners Don't Like

Cons

• Not as Fast as Carbon: The nylon plate doesn't match carbon fiber propulsion.

• Expensive for Training: At MSRP: $170, it's pricey for regular workouts.

Who Should Consider This Shoe

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is ideal for:

• Tempo and interval trainers (20-50 miles per week) seeking speed
• 5K to marathon distances requiring versatile performance
• Runners who want one fast shoe for training and racing
• Those not ready for carbon but wanting plated benefits

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere

Consider other options if you:

• Want maximum propulsion (try Pro 4)
• Need pure race-day performance
• Prefer non-plated shoes
• Have a tight budget

How It Compares: Cross-Brand Comparison

Shoe	Cushion	Drop	Weight (M)	Price	Best For
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4	Moderate	8mm	7.5oz	MSRP: $170	Versatile speed training
Nike Pegasus Plus	Moderate	10mm	9.0oz	MSRP: $180	ZoomX training
ASICS Superblast 2	High	8mm	8.8oz	MSRP: $200	Premium speed training
HOKA Mach 6	Moderate	5mm	8.0oz	MSRP: $140	Lightweight tempo
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4	Moderate	6mm	7.6oz	MSRP: $140	Budget speed

Saucony Lineup: Same-Brand Comparison

Shoe	Cushion	Drop	Weight (M)	Price	Best For
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4	Moderate	8mm	7.5oz	MSRP: $170	Speed training
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4	Moderate	8mm	7.0oz	MSRP: $225	Carbon racing
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2	High	8mm	6.7oz	MSRP: $275	Elite racing
Saucony Kinvara 15	Low	4mm	7.8oz	MSRP: $120	Lightweight training
Saucony Freedom 6	Moderate	4mm	8.2oz	MSRP: $150	Natural speed

Final Verdict

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is the ultimate versatile speed shoe—fast enough for racing, durable enough for training. It's the plated trainer that can do everything, making it a favorite among runners who want race-shoe benefits without race-shoe limitations.

For runners seeking versatile speed training, the Endorphin Speed 4 is an excellent choice.

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