Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 vs Adidas Adizero Evo SL
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.
A bouncier, less firm rival super trainer in this segment.
Speed 5 is snappier and firmer with a sharper plate-driven feel, while the Evo SL is softer and bouncier with more forefoot foam; Evo SL is cheaper and better for cruising, Speed 5 is more racing-focused and more stable
Evo SL is cheaper, softer and more versatile across daily runs but Speed 5 has more punch and pop at faster paces
Mentioned as a softer, bouncier alternative in the same fast-trainer space; one tester prefers the Evo SL's midsole feel to both shoes in this head-to-head.
Evo SL is softer and bouncier with more cushion for easy runs, while the Speed 5 is snappier and more stable with a plate for harder sessions and racing
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"
Adidas Adizero Evo SL — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , soft_plush feel , high energy return , neutral stability , aggressive rocker.
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The Run Testers call the Adizero Evo SL an outstanding value pick even a year and a half after launch — a springy Lightstrike Pro ride that's soft enough for easy days and lively enough to finish fast, though it's not the most stable option for long runs.
In their words: "gets better the more you run in it" · "hard to find better value for money" · "kicks off the current trend"
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A light, nimble, versatile daily trainer with speed-work capability for half-marathon training, though the narrow heel may not suit heel strikers.
In their words: "really great versatility" · "it feels like a faster shoe"
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The reviewer strongly prefers the Evo SL over the Clifton Pro for most running, citing its much lighter weight and more energetic, responsive ride, only conceding the Hoka's edge in stability and long runs over 2 hours.
Ride:Much lighter and more responsive than the Clifton Pro with an energetic, bouncy, poppy ride; less stable and probably not as good for runs over about 2 hours.
In their words: "so much more responsive to running" · "energetic, bouncy, poppy ride"
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Ben calls this one of the best shoes on the market right now — Light Strike Pro midsole with no plate makes it an outstanding speed and tempo option, though the soft, bouncy midsole may not suit runners needing stability.
In their words: "by far one of the best shoes on the market" · "midsole in this one is a little bit soft and bouncy"
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 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
Consider the Adidas Adizero Evo SL if
- Versatile do-it-all miles — easy cruising, long runs, workouts and tempo — Believe in the Run
- Runners wanting a versatile, bouncy trainer for tempo runs, speed work, and shorter-distance racing (5K-10K). — The Run Testers
- Speed work, intervals, track sessions, and tempo runs for runners who want a high-performance non-plated trainer at an affordable price. — The Run Testers
- Runners wanting a much lighter, more responsive daily/tempo shoe than the Clifton Pro, though the Hoka may be preferable for very long runs over 2 hours. — Ben Parkes
- Snappy, simple daily trainer at a lower price than the plated racer sibling — The Running Channel
- Top value marathon pick — well below RRP now, performance close to a race shoe. — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and the Adidas Adizero Evo SL?
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a speed trainer and the Adidas Adizero Evo SL is a speed trainer. By the numbers, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 weighs 238g, has a 37mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the Adidas Adizero Evo SL weighs 235g, has a 37mm heel stack and a 7mm drop. MSRP is $175 for the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and $150 for the Adidas Adizero Evo SL.
Should I buy the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 or the Adidas Adizero Evo SL?
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. Believe in the Run on the Adidas Adizero Evo SL: Versatile do-it-all miles — easy cruising, long runs, workouts and tempo.
Per The Run Testers, Believe in the Run.
Has anyone reviewed both the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and the Adidas Adizero Evo SL?
Yes — The Run Testers directly compared the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and the Adidas Adizero Evo SL in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers.
Which is cheaper, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 or the Adidas Adizero Evo SL?
The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is cheaper at $150 versus $175 MSRP — about $25 less.