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
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.
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 .
-
One of the most user-friendly race day shoes for everyday marathon, half marathon and 10K runners.
In their words: "phenomenal race day shoe for everyday runners" · "one of the most user-friendly race day shoes"
-
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"
-
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"
-
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.
-
A smooth, consistent racer with a much-improved upper, but works best for marathon-distance runners with a higher cadence rather than a longer stride. Tier C.
In their words: "a smooth operator" · "feels like a race shoe upgrade of the Azura"
-
Still one of the best everyday-runner race shoes for FORDY — the fluted plate and SpeedRoll geometry give a strong sense of speed, with a bit more stability than most other options here bar the Hyperwarp Pro, and it's often discounted.
In their words: "the feeling of speed again is really good"
-
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"
-
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
- All-around carbon super-shoe racer from 5K to marathon, especially for higher-volume feet — EDDBUD
- Runners wanting an approachable carbon plated racer that is smoother and more cushioned than the Pro 3 — Kofuzi
- 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 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
Consider the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 if
- Marathon and any race distance for runners wanting soft but guided cushioning. — EDDBUD
- 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
- 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
- Everyday marathon and half-marathon racers, heavier runners, and those with mild overpronation seeking a stable carbon-plated racer. — FORDY RUNS
- 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. EDDBUD on the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5: Marathon and any race distance for runners wanting soft but guided cushioning.
Per EDDBUD.
Has anyone reviewed both the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5?
Yes — Doctors of Running, EDDBUD, Kofuzi, and FORDY RUNS directly compared the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 in their reviews.
Per Doctors of Running, EDDBUD, Kofuzi, 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.