Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 vs Hoka Mach X 3
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
Not as snappy as the Endorphin Speed 5
Mach X3 is a better pick for bigger runners who find the Speed 5 too soft
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"
Hoka Mach X 3 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , balanced feel , high energy return , neutral stability .
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A fun, plated tempo trainer with pop and zing, though the reviewer wishes it used more PEBA foam.
Ride:A soft PEBA top layer over a nylon plate and traditional EVA base gives a good toe landing and pop, with stability coming from the firmer bottom foam.
In their words: "pop and zing to it" · "it's a fun ride"
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The only plated shoe in the group and one of the bounciest, the Mach X 3 is a strong performance trainer once the narrow fit and firm heel counter break in, though outsole durability remains a concern.
Ride:PEBA top-layer foam plus significant sidewalls and a lateral cutout with a filled-in medial midfoot make for one of the softest, bounciest rides in the group; a slightly raised lateral outsole helps prevent over-resupination.
Fit:Narrow, low-volume classic Hoka fit with a low heel collar that requires locking down laces to avoid slippage; firm heel counter initially bothered the reviewer's heel but improved with more miles.
In their words: "very, very bouncy" · "one of the softest rides of this group" · "a bouncy ride that works very well"
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Adds comfort, better fit and longer-mileage potential to the Mach X line at the cost of a little weight; speedy and energetic, a step up in pace performance over the Mach 7.
In their words: "speedy, poppy, energetic" · "a bit more democratic"
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A PEBA-top, super-critical-bottom shoe with a winged carbon plate for stability rather than speed; Kofuzi doesn't personally get along with it but notes it is very popular with heel strikers and heavier runners for daily training, tempo, and marathon racing — and its lighter weight makes it the better pick for speed-focused use over the Hyperion Max 4.
In their words: "a shoe that I tend to not really get along with"
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 Hoka Mach X 3 if
- Versatile speed trainer for daily training, long hard marathon sessions, and fast-paced tempo runs; also a viable marathon racer for newer runners — The Run Testers
- Runners with narrow feet who want a bouncy, plated performance trainer for daily training, workouts, and long runs. — Doctors of Running
- Versatile plated performance trainer — marathon racing, long tempo runs, track repeats, or everyday training for runners doing 20 miles across 3-4 days a week. — Run Moore
- Uptempo daily training for runners who value durability and versatility, especially heavier runners who may compress the plate more for better responsiveness — Believe in the Run
- Mild-pronation runners wanting a stable super trainer that can handle both fast and easy paces. — FORDY RUNS
- Versatile plated training shoe for speed sessions, tempo runs, and long runs at a range of paces — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and the Hoka Mach X 3?
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a speed trainer and the Hoka Mach X 3 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 Hoka Mach X 3 weighs 266g, has a 46mm heel stack and a 5mm drop. MSRP is $175 for the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and $190 for the Hoka Mach X 3.
Should I buy the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 or the Hoka Mach X 3?
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 X 3: Versatile speed trainer for daily training, long hard marathon sessions, and fast-paced tempo runs; also a viable marathon racer for newer runners.
Per The Run Testers.
Has anyone reviewed both the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and the Hoka Mach X 3?
Yes — The Run Testers and FORDY RUNS directly compared the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and the Hoka Mach X 3 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers, FORDY RUNS.
Which is lighter, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 or the Hoka Mach X 3?
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is lighter, at 238g versus 266g (men's 9) — about 28g less.
Which is more cushioned, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 or the Hoka Mach X 3?
Measured by stack height, the Hoka Mach X 3 has more underfoot foam — 46mm at the heel versus 37mm.