Adidas Adizero Boston 13 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 5 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Boston 13 is firmer, blockier and less versatile; Speed 5 is lighter, smoother and better across a wider pace range
Boston 13 is GBP 40 cheaper, fits better, and is more durable; loses only on weight and on out-and-out speed work.
Speed 5 feels faster, nimbler and more versatile; Boston 13 is firmer, blockier and flatter with less energy return
Similar weight and stack but £40 cheaper than the Speed 5
Boston 13 is firmer, snappier, a bit cheaper but less smooth over long paces
Boston is GBP 40 cheaper, fits the reviewer's narrow foot better and grips superbly; the Speed 5 only edges it for serious speed training. Reviewer keeps the Boston.
Excellent shoe but more focused on long runs and marathon-goal-pace higher-effort sessions; Speed 5 covers more of the versatility spectrum
Adidas Adizero Boston 13 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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#5 long-run shoe. Hard to categorize — Kofuzi puts it here for long runs with some pace.
In their words: "i do like it for longer runs" · "pick up the pace a little bit"
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A solid, good-value super trainer with a firmer, denser ride; works well for faster efforts but feels less natural and versatile than the Speed 5.
Ride:Firmer, flatter, blockier ride than the Speed 5 with a snappy feel from the energy rods between Lightstrike Pro and Lightstrike 2.0 layers; less energy return and less versatile at easy paces
Fit:UK sizing comes up small — go half a size up for Adidas; upper is much more comfortable than Boston 12 with good toe-box clearance and a snug-but-secure midfoot hold
In their words: "a snappier, more engaging ride" · "a bit more blocky by comparison" · "comfortable at easy paces"
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Outstanding value at GBP 140 with excellent fit, grip, and durability — the desert-island pick over the Speed 5 for the reviewer.
Ride:Firmer and denser than the Speed 5 with a cruiser feel from the wide forefoot; superb Continental + Lightstrike outsole grip and durability.
Fit:Widest forefoot of the comparison set but narrowest heel — heel width is the one thing putting some runners off; otherwise dialled-in fit, especially for slightly narrow feet. About 15g heavier than the Speed 5.
In their words: "the Boston's a cruiser" · "superb durability" · "a little bit firmer and denser"
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A genuine improvement over the Boston 12 with a softer ride, better upper and tongue, and good value at £140, but it's a hard sell against Adidas's own Evo SL.
Ride:Softer than the v12 due to 14% more Light Strike Pro; slightly less stable but improved ride. Stack height reduction from 37mm to 36mm is not really noticeable. Energy rods 2.0 work very well.
Fit:Fits narrow; reviewer went up half a size. Upper, tongue, and heel comfort much improved over v12.
In their words: "this version definitely feels softer" · "it fits narrow" · "definitely a little bit more unstable"
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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The Run Testers still rate the Endorphin Speed 5 a top faster-daily pick — light, snug, and peppy thanks to PWRRUN PB foam and a nylon plate, comfortable enough for long runs too, and a smart buy now it's dropped in price.
In their words: "pleasingly light and has a fit that's snug" · "smooth and peppy fashion" · "remains a smart buy"
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Kofuzi sees the Endorphin Speed 5 as more heel-stable than the SC Rebel but less lively at tempo paces due to its stability-oriented plastic plate, and a strong value pick now discounted to $150.
Ride:More stable in the heel than the SC Rebel, but the plastic plate gives less forefoot pop at tempo efforts than the SC Rebel or the carbon-plated Endorphin Pro
In their words: "much more stable in the heel" · "I feel like it's almost disappearing"
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A well-named speed shoe with a flexible nylon plate — a good dual-use option for training and budget-friendly racing without the cost of a full carbon super shoe.
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A nimble, soft, well-balanced speed-day shoe whose biggest weakness is price — at GBP 180 it's hard to justify against the cheaper Zoom Fly 6 and Boston 13.
Ride:Softest midsole of the four (around Shore A 23) with a nice compressive heel and a rolling action; full PEBA midsole feels compressive and easy to shift up through the gears. Outsole durability has improved over previous versions.
Fit:Configurable upper but less generous than the previous Speed 4; works for slightly narrow feet; traditional running-shoe feel over the top of the foot.
In their words: "more consistent and soft ride" · "easy to go up through the gears" · "a nice rolling action"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 if
- Value-focused runners looking for a firm, snappy fast training shoe that also serves as a companion to the Adios Pro 4 for racing — The Run Testers
- Value-minded daily training and tempo work for runners who want a cruise-y, durable ride. — EDDBUD
- Runners who prefer a firmer, more responsive and stable shoe for faster daily sessions, intervals and tempo runs up to around 10-15K. — The Run Testers
- Versatile daily trainer for easy paces through marathon pace, including long runs with faster intervals. — EDDBUD
- Versatile daily training for runners who want a wider forefoot and a consistent performer — EDDBUD
- Everyday runners wanting a super trainer that can handle daily miles, tempo work, and race day. — FORDY RUNS
Consider the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 if
- All-round daily training and faster efforts for runners who don't mind a firmer, snappier ride — The Run Testers
- Streamlined allrounder for marathon training and racing. — The Run Testers
- A versatile training partner to a carbon race shoe for runners wanting a fast daily trainer that can also handle easy runs and even racing — The Run Testers
- Road ultra runners who prefer ground feel and a more connected, faster-rolling ride rather than maximum cushioning. — The Run Testers
- Speed sessions and budget racing for runners who want a plated speed shoe — Ben Is Running
- Runners wanting a versatile speed-focused trainer that can double as a race shoe over shorter distances, with a nimble, responsive feel — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5?
The Adidas Adizero Boston 13 is a speed trainer and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a speed trainer. By the numbers, the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 weighs 255g, has a 37mm heel stack and a 7mm drop, while the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 weighs 238g, has a 37mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $160 for the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 and $175 for the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5.
Should I buy the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5?
The Run Testers on the Adidas Adizero Boston 13: Value-focused runners looking for a firm, snappy fast training shoe that also serves as a companion to the Adios Pro 4 for racing. The Run Testers on the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: All-round daily training and faster efforts for runners who don't mind a firmer, snappier ride.
Per The Run Testers.
Has anyone reviewed both the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5?
Yes — The Run Testers, EDDBUD, and FORDY RUNS directly compared the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers, EDDBUD, FORDY RUNS.
Which is lighter, the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5?
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is lighter, at 238g versus 255g (men's 9) — about 17g less.
Which is cheaper, the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5?
The Adidas Adizero Boston 13 is cheaper at $160 versus $175 MSRP — about $15 less.