Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 vs HOKA Mach 7
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.
Mach X2 has higher stack, softer springier ride and better forefoot protection for long hard runs
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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Still a favorite genuine all-rounder; a lively, nicely cushioned, light and propulsive ride more like a carbon racer, now leaner, firmer and snappier, though not the bounciest for the slowest miles.
In their words: "snapback and the rocket energy" · "fast, light, snappy"
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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 7 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , firm_responsive feel , moderate energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.
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A versatile, lightweight Hoka trainer that works well for workouts, long runs, and easy days; notable for mild stability features in a lighter package, though the snug upper may not suit everyone.
Ride:Moderate stack with soft EVA super critical foam, good bounce, early forefoot rocker; not a super foam but lively for a variety of efforts
Fit:Fits a little short and snug in the upper; wide-footed or sensitive runners should go up half a size
In their words: "really great all-arounder" · "lighter shoe" · "stable neutral performance trainer"
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The Mach 7 is a cushioned, responsive and versatile option for road ultras with excellent agility and a reliable platform on hills, though the fit may be snug for some and a half size up is advised for longer distances.
In their words: "a really easy shoe to run in" · "moves with agility and freedom" · "reliable platform"
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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"
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
- Runners who want a versatile workout/daily/long-run shoe with mild medial guidance and a wider, more forgiving fit — and who don't need top-end race-pace snap. — Doctors of 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
- Streamlined allrounder for marathon training and racing. — The Run Testers
- A do-it-all shoe for easy, recovery, tempo miles, and even racing — especially suited to lighter runners — EDDBUD
- Versatile speed training and faster intervals for runners who prefer a more traditional, firmer, responsive feel over big bouncy cushion. — The Run Testers
Consider the HOKA Mach 7 if
- A versatile, stable, cushioned lightweight daily trainer for easy runs, long runs, and sustained workouts — The Run Testers
- Runners who want a natural, connected ride across a range of paces and distances. — The Run Testers
- Lighter performance training shoe for neutral to mild guidance needs runners who want a versatile all-arounder at moderate stack height — Doctors of Running
- Fans of a simple, lightweight uptempo daily trainer who already like the Mach line. — FORDY RUNS
- Runners wanting a lower-volume, close-to-the-ground feel with stable neutral geometry for speed work and daily training — Doctors of Running
- All-rounder daily trainer that can also handle faster paces — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and the HOKA Mach 7?
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a speed trainer and the HOKA Mach 7 is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 weighs 238g, has a 37mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the HOKA Mach 7 weighs 241g, has a 37mm heel stack and a 5mm drop. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 has a Nylon plate (asymmetric medial wing); the HOKA Mach 7 has none. MSRP is $175 for the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and $145 for the HOKA Mach 7.
Should I buy the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 or the HOKA Mach 7?
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. The Run Testers on the HOKA Mach 7: A versatile, stable, cushioned lightweight daily trainer for easy runs, long runs, and sustained workouts.
Per The Run Testers.
Has anyone reviewed both the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and the HOKA Mach 7?
Yes — The Run Testers directly compared the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and the HOKA Mach 7 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers.
Which is cheaper, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 or the HOKA Mach 7?
The HOKA Mach 7 is cheaper at $145 versus $175 MSRP — about $30 less.