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
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.
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.
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.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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A brilliant race day shoe for most average runners, with a relatively firm ride compared to competing supershoes.
Ride:Relatively firm ride compared to MetaSpeed/Adidas shoes
In their words: "brilliant race day shoe"
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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"
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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A slightly lighter, higher-foam race-day pairing for the Endorphin Azura, with a durable PWRRUN PB foam that keeps the same underfoot feel from training to racing.
In their words: "not going to be miles away" · "that little bit more durable"
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Fordy highlights the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5's new fluted, more rigid carbon plate as delivering a very stable racing ride.
In their words: "very good stable racing shoe"
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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 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"
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
- Marathon racing and high-mileage training for runners with slightly wider feet — EDDBUD
- Stable-neutral runners wanting a durable super shoe for 5K fast efforts or steady marathon pacing; forefoot strikers especially benefit from the stiff forefoot — Doctors of Running
- Marathon to half marathon racing, particularly for runners needing a touch of guidance from sidewalls — Doctors of Running
- All-around carbon super-shoe racer from 5K to marathon, especially for higher-volume feet — EDDBUD
Consider the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 if
- Marathoners wanting a stable, plated race day shoe — FORDY RUNS
- 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
- 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
- Runners who prefer a firmer, more stable race day shoe and liked the Endorphin Pro 4 — Believe in the Run
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. FORDY RUNS on the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5: Marathoners wanting a stable, plated race day shoe.
Per EDDBUD, FORDY RUNS.
Has anyone reviewed both the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5?
Yes — Doctors of Running, EDDBUD, FORDY RUNS, and Kofuzi directly compared the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 in their reviews.
Per Doctors of Running, EDDBUD, FORDY RUNS, Kofuzi.
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.