Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 vs Saucony Endorphin Pro 5
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
The consensus read
Each paragraph is a synthesis across every reviewer in our database for that shoe — what they collectively concluded after wear-testing. Not a quote. Not one person's take. The shape of the room.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
A versatile carbon racer that excels at 5K and marathon distances but feels less natural at half-marathon pace, best suited for higher-volume feet seeking a stable, durable platform over outright speed.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 5
A stable carbon-plated marathon shoe that divides testers: most praise its forgiving ride and reliable platform for heavier runners and longer distances, though some flag the firmer foam as dated and prefer its more aggressive competitors for shorter racing.
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.
Pro 4 is softer, more stable full-length, more comfortable for easy and long efforts, and wider fitting; Pro 5 is firmer, faster, and more aggressive.
Essentially the same shoe; Pro 5 drops the fish-gill heel, feels slightly more neutral/nimble, maybe a touch more responsive, but mostly an upper update at $15 more.
Pro 5 is firmer, snappier, faster at short-to-mid race paces, with better wet traction, but narrower upper and less stable in the forefoot.
Lighter and slightly softer with a better outsole
Carries forward the previous model's strengths with a new slotted carbon plate, refined speed roll, and built-up sidewalls for more stability; appeals to an even broader audience.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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A marathon-oriented carbon racer that the reviewer prefers to save for longer distances rather than 10k racing.
Ride:Better used for longer runs and marathon-pace work rather than 10k distance
In their words: "best utilized for longer runs" · "marathon pace runs"
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A more consistent, stabilized marathon racer than the Adios Pro 4 — not better or worse, just more appropriate for runners who need stability or find the Adios too soft.
Ride:Denser foam with less air than the Adios Pro 4; more consistent, stabilized ride over the footbed; feels a bit bulkier due to suede overlays
In their words: "a denser foam" · "a more stabilized ride" · "simply too soft for them"
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A super shoe that shines at the 5K end and the marathon end of the spectrum, but struggles at half-marathon pace — both reviewers ultimately agreed it suits fast 5K running and steady marathon efforts.
Ride:After a track workout at 4:40/4:30 pace Matt concedes Andrea was right that the stiffer forefoot and aggressive plate work best at truly fast paces (5K or faster); at easy-to-marathon paces the softer heel rolls well; the shoe struggles in the middle (half marathon/tempo) for Matt
In their words: "I really only like running fast in it" · "this is a little better for easier paces" · "doesn't feel as assistive"
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A smooth and approachable carbon racer that Kofuzi will still recommend widely, though he personally prefers the Pro 3's extra pop — the HG top layer mutes the beaded PEBA bounce he was hoping would shine through.
Ride:Smoother and more efficient than Pro 3, but the Power Run HG top layer mutes the pop and bounce from the Power Run PB — energy dissipates rather than springs back
Fit:Shoe extends/feels a bit longer than Pro 3 at the same size; knit tongue has an extended flap
In their words: "less would have been more" · "want just a little bit more pop" · "rolling just a little bit more smoothly"
Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , firm_responsive feel , high energy return , neutral stability , aggressive rocker.
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Both reviewers found the Endorphin Pro 5 disappointing, calling it an outdated race day shoe that feels like it is from two years ago. With minimal innovation over the Pro 4, heavier weight than competitors, and firm foam that causes late-run fatigue, they rated it a pass and gave it a red light recommendation.
Ride:Foam feels firm and a bit dated compared to newer race day options. Dual foam midsole with Power Run HG on top for softer step-in feel and Power Run PB below for structure. Slotted carbon plate provides some pop but overall the shoe lacks the soft, propulsive feel of modern super shoes. Thomas experienced forefoot fatigue after 10 miles due to firmness.
Fit:Fits true to size. Accommodates wider feet despite being a race day shoe. Heel lockdown is good with no gaping around the collar. Requires untying to remove.
In their words: "the foam is a lot firmer" · "one of the heavier race day options" · "people who maybe prefer a firmer ride"
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A wider, more stable and durable super-shoe with a smooth, consistent ride that suits heavier runners and those wanting a realistic marathon option, even if it's a touch heavier than some rivals.
Ride:Smooth, consistent ride with a smoother rocker-like transition from heel through mid to forefoot. Foams are more resilient and less squashy than competitors. PWRRUN PB foam holds onto its properties longer than many foams that dull at 100 miles. Wide landing platform in the heel that protrudes from the back of the shoe like a ski.
Fit:Widest in the heel of the shoes compared, with more structured upper and specifically placed overlays around the toe box providing more foot containment. Protective on top of the foot.
In their words: "the widest in the heel" · "very durable, very resilient" · "a very consistent smooth feel"
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A subtle upper-focused update that is essentially the same shoe as the Pro 4 with a $15 tariff-driven price bump; capable but less aggressive than peers, and Kofuzi suggests grabbing discounted Pro 4s instead.
Ride:Nice compression and responsiveness from Power Run PB, but softer than ideal; slotted plate and HG top layer reduce pop. Stable heel suits midfoot/heel strikers.
Fit:Upper feels less precise, slightly baggy; feels like a cost-saving downgrade versus prior versions.
In their words: "a little bit on the soft side" · "ideal for midfoot and heel strikers" · "less aggressive than I'd like"
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Fordy's pick as most stable carbon-plated marathon shoe thanks to new fluted plate design feeling steadier than v4.
In their words: "new fluted plate design in it" · "a stable ride in the marathon"
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 Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 if
- Runners wanting a more stabilized marathon racer without aggressive medial cutouts — EDDBUD
- Half and full marathon racing for traditionalists who prefer a standard carbon-plate feel over the Alphafly's air pods — EDDBUD
- 5K racing at fast paces or marathon racing at steady effort; not ideal for half-marathon / tempo paces in between — Doctors of Running
- Runners wanting a stable-neutral super racer for marathon and half-marathon distances with a softer, more comfortable ride. — Doctors of Running
- Marathon racing and marathon-pace training for a wide range of runners including beginners; runners who want a versatile racer they can also train in — The Run Testers
- Runners wanting an approachable carbon plated racer that is smoother and more cushioned than the Pro 3 — Kofuzi
Consider the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 if
- Heavier runners or those whose form breaks down during longer races; marathon distance where stability and a consistent ride matter — EDDBUD
- Midfoot and heel strikers wanting a less aggressive, more stable race shoe. — Kofuzi
- Marathoners wanting a stable, plated race day shoe — FORDY RUNS
- Faster workouts and shorter racing (5K to half marathon) for neutral runners without medial forefoot stability needs who want an aggressive, firm, snappy ride. — Doctors of Running
- Marathon and any race distance for runners wanting soft but guided cushioning. — EDDBUD
- Everyday marathon and half-marathon racers, heavier runners, and those with mild overpronation seeking a stable carbon-plated racer. — FORDY RUNS
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5?
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is a race shoe and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 is a race shoe. By the numbers, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 weighs 218g, has a 40mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 weighs 215g, has a 39mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $225 for the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and $240 for the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5.
Should I buy the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 or the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5?
EDDBUD on the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4: Runners wanting a more stabilized marathon racer without aggressive medial cutouts. EDDBUD on the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5: Heavier runners or those whose form breaks down during longer races; marathon distance where stability and a consistent ride matter.
Per EDDBUD.
Has anyone reviewed both the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5?
Yes — Doctors of Running, Kofuzi, EDDBUD, and FORDY RUNS directly compared the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 in their reviews.
Per Doctors of Running, Kofuzi, EDDBUD, FORDY RUNS.
Which is cheaper, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 or the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5?
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is cheaper at $225 versus $240 MSRP — about $15 less.