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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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.
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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Ed Bud rates the Evo SL as a strong, fast shoe that many treat as a tempo option rather than a daily trainer; he personally finds the SC Rebel a little more enjoyable and versatile overall, but says the Evo SL still has a lot going for it, especially at a discount.
Ride:Lightstrike Pro foam has historically softened with wear across versions; some runners find it less stable on camber or debris because of the plate's position, though the reviewer rates it as stable relative to the SC Rebel and better at faster paces.
Fit:Minimal upper similar to the SC Rebel with comparable heel padding, though with a lower heel profile; no lockdown issues.
In their words: "feels like a tempo shoe" · "better shoe at pace" · "not the most stable"
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The Run Testers consider the Adizero Evo SL the shoe that reset the price-to-performance bar for fast, versatile trainers, crediting it with reducing reliance on traditional dailies like the Pegasus, Ghost and Ride; after comparing it against nearly a dozen would-be rivals, none dethrone it as their default fast-training shoe.
Ride:Non-plated (nylon shank rather than a carbon plate), simple design with a genuine race-day-grade foam; very bouncy and energetic, naturally pushes pace faster, and is described as almost impossible to run slow in. Considered not the most stable shoe but very fun and fast, with an aggressive, high-rocker transition.
Fit:Upper tapers sharply around the little toe, which one reviewer found caused rubbing/a hot spot on a longer effort.
In their words: "a really good foam basically" · "really fun and it's fast" · "a lot of energy in it"
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Ben Parkes enjoys this shoe for speed work and calls it great fun with a strong turn of speed, but flags a lack of stability as its main downside.
Ride:Very lightweight and fun to run fast in, using Lightstrike Pro super foam and a shank (rather than a plate) for stability.
In their words: "really good fun to run in" · "lack of stability"
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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 prioritizing heel stability and value over maximal tempo pop — Kofuzi
Consider the Adidas Adizero Evo SL if
- Runners wanting a light, nimble, kick-car style ride at an attractive price — EDDBUD
- A fast, bouncy speed shoe that also works as an all-rounder for runners who don't need stability — The Run Testers
- Speed sessions — fartleks, tempos, and thresholds — sitting between a daily trainer and dedicated speed shoe. — Ben Parkes
- Runners wanting a versatile, bouncy trainer for tempo runs, speed work, and shorter-distance racing (5K-10K). — The Run Testers
- Runners with slightly wider feet and midfoot/forefoot strikers who want a responsive plateless super-foam up-tempo trainer — FORDY RUNS
- Runners looking for a fast, lightweight, versatile trainer that excels at track reps, intervals, tempo and cruisey workouts while still being comfortable for easy runs. — 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. EDDBUD on the Adidas Adizero Evo SL: Runners wanting a light, nimble, kick-car style ride at an attractive price.
Per The Run Testers, EDDBUD.
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.