Saucony Endorphin Speed v5 vs HOKA Mach v7
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
| Saucony Endorphin Speed v5 | HOKA Mach v7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stack (heel / forefoot) | 37.0 / 29.0 mm | 37.0 / 32.0 mm |
| Drop | 8.0 mm | 5.0 mm |
| Weight (men's 9) | 8.4 oz (238g) | 8.5 oz (241g) |
| Midsole | PWRRUN PB (PEBA) | Supercritical EVA |
| Plate | Nylon plate (asymmetric medial wing) | none |
| Upper | Engineered hexagon mesh | Creel jacquard |
| MSRP | $175.00 | $145.00 |
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 Speed v5
A versatile speed trainer that excels at faster paces and tempo work while remaining competent for easy runs, though its firmer ride and modest forefoot stack may not suit runners seeking maximum cushioning or pure recovery comfort.
HOKA Mach v7
A lightweight daily trainer with a smooth rocker that handles easy runs through tempo work, though its supercritical EVA foam feels less lively than newer competitors and the update from the Mach 6 is marginal.
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.
Mach X2 has higher stack, softer springier ride and better forefoot protection for long hard runs
Saucony Endorphin Speed v5 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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Getting underrated in 2026, but still a great all-round versatile trainer.
Ride:Kieran's versatile daily-trainer pick — feels natural and light with good energy and a defined rocker. Some stiffness + pop suits his running style; easy to turn over quickly and shift through gears. Covers easy runs, marathon-pace intervals, and faster sessions in a single training run. Some will find it too direct or firm.
In their words: "i love the energy of it" · "easy to turn over very quickly" · "a bit too firm and aggressive"
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Kofuzi considers the Endorphin Speed 5 one of his top tempo shoes — softer and more daily-trainer-leaning than the DV84, using beaded PEBA foam and a plastic plate for a lightweight, peppy yet cushioned ride.
In their words: "a daily trainer that can go fast" · "the softest of the bunch"
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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"
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A versatile daily-trainer-focused super trainer that the reviewer prefers over the V4 thanks to improved upper, slightly springier toe-off and added heel stability — the ideal do-everything shoe for the everyday runner, held back only by the £180 price tag.
Ride:PWRRUN PB midsole combined with nylon plate gives a springy, responsive ride that's not mushy. Speed Roll rocker assists heel-to-toe transition. Wider heel adds stability without being a stability shoe — more forgiving than other super trainers. Slightly more springy and rigid off the toe than V4.
Fit:New upper feels slightly wider and more comfortable. Locks down well with no heat spots or rubbing in previous Speed shoes. Fits the reviewer's foot shape well — 'like putting on an old friend'.
In their words: "responsive, but it's not mushy" · "fast yet sort of stabilish" · "a little bit more springy off the toe"
HOKA Mach v7 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , firm_responsive feel , moderate energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.
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A modest but welcome update to a fan-favorite — minor lacing tweak fixed a forefoot pressure issue some had with the Mach 6, while preserving the all-around versatility that has long made the Mach a workhorse. Good $145 value.
Ride:Not the typical aggressive Hoka meta-rocker — feel is more low-to-the-ground and less roly-poly than Bondi/Gaviota/Clifton. Super critical midsole gives some pop but not as much as Adidas Evo SL, New Balance Rebel, or ASICS Novablast in the same speed-trainer category. Cushion is enough for longer runs without slapping the road.
Fit:Looks narrow but fits sneaky-wide — standard width usually works. Reviewer notes the lacing pattern was changed from the Mach 6 in a way that no longer aggravates his bunion at the V-cut near the forefoot. Most people who think they need a wide can stay standard.
In their words: "a great all-around trainer from Hoka" · "feels much lower to the ground" · "sneaky wide for the fit"
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A lighter, speed-oriented daily trainer alternative to the Clifton, but feels underwhelming given it's essentially the same as the Mach 6 after a two-year wait.
Ride:Lighter, bouncier, and more speed-oriented than the Clifton — a different daily trainer profile that can double as a tempo shoe.
In their words: "a lot lighter, a lot bouncier" · "underwhelming to me" · "pretty much the same as the Mach 6"
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Honorable mention in the traditional daily trainer category — a simple lightweight shoe with a nice rocker and poppy supercritical EVA foam, with the Mach 6 still a strong cheap alternative.
In their words: "really simple lightweight shoe" · "doesn't have quite as good a foam" · "good amount of cushioning"
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A negligible update over the Mach 6 that fails to modernize the foam; reviewer says HOKA dropped the ball and points buyers to the Adidas Evo SL instead.
Ride:Firm ride; super critical EVA feels dated and lacks bounce versus newer PEBA-blend foams. Lightweight turnover but runner does more work than the foam.
Fit:Reviewer sizes up half a size in HOKA; gusseted tongue aids lockdown.
In their words: "uptempo lightweight daily trainer" · "Hoka dropped the ball with this update" · "go up half a size in hog shoes"
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 v5 if
- A do-it-all shoe for easy, recovery, tempo miles, and even racing — especially suited to lighter runners — EDDBUD
- Runners who want one versatile fast-edge daily trainer that can handle tempo runs, intervals, and even races up to half or full marathon distance, while still being comfortable enough for easy days. — The Run Testers
- Runners who want a do-it-all trainer that handles any session — intervals, tempo, easy recovery, or even the occasional race. — EDDBUD
- Speed sessions, tempo runs and stand-in racing for runners who want a snappy plated super trainer. — The Run Testers
- Everyday runner who wants a versatile tempo shoe with excellent pace range, or as a non-carbon race option for longer marathon race times — Kofuzi
- A versatile uptempo daily trainer that works for faster training miles, long runs, and even racing — especially for runners who prefer a firmer, snappier ride — The Run Testers
Consider the HOKA Mach v7 if
- Runners who want a natural, connected ride across a range of paces and distances. — The Run Testers
- A versatile, stable, cushioned lightweight daily trainer for easy runs, long runs, and sustained workouts — The Run Testers
- Runners who want a Hoka that doesn't look or feel like a typical Hoka — slighter frames, gym/treadmill use, beginners, high school/college runners getting into speed work, everyday training that can pick up the pace for tempo or a 5K. — Run Moore
- Mid-foot strikers who want a lightweight, no-nonsense daily trainer and prefer a throwback feel over modern supercritical foams. — Kofuzi
- Fans of a simple, lightweight uptempo daily trainer who already like the Mach line. — FORDY RUNS
- All-rounder daily trainer that can also handle faster paces — The Run Testers