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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Ed Bud finds the Endorphin Speed 5 stable and consistent with improved outsole grip, but says it lacks the exhilarating feel of earlier versions and is about an ounce heavier and less lively than the SC Rebel.
Ride:The denser PWR RUN PB midsole gives a more consistent, more stable ride than the SC Rebel, but with less heel stack and less of the exhilarating feel of the first couple of versions.
In their words: "the same exhilarating feel" · "more consistent feel across the footbed" · "improved outsole grip on the Speed 5"
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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.
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 prioritizing heel stability and value over maximal tempo pop — Kofuzi
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.