Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 vs Hoka Mach X 3
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.
Mach X2 has higher stack, softer springier ride and better forefoot protection for long hard runs
Mach X3 is a better pick for bigger runners who find the Speed 5 too soft
Not as snappy as the Endorphin Speed 5
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
-
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"
-
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"
-
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"
-
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 X 3 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , balanced feel , high energy return , neutral stability .
-
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"
-
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"
-
A solid and durable uptempo daily trainer that improves the upper comfort over the Mach X 2 but loses some of the fun, bouncy ride that made the previous version special. Falls behind newer competitors in excitement and innovation despite being a competent shoe overall.
Ride:Dual density midsole with PEBA foam on top and EVA below with a Pax plate between them. Feels less bouncy and less flexible than the Mach X 2, with a flatter, more one-note ride. Solid but lacks the fun factor of the previous version and newer competitors.
Fit:True to size with a narrower build. Wider-footed runners should opt for the wide version. Tongue is no longer gusseted which may cause some buckling but reviewers had no issues. Heel collar sits a bit low near the ankle bone.
In their words: "maybe an uptempo daily trainer feel" · "not the poppy fun sensation I was hoping" · "perfect shoe for maybe a bigger runner"
-
A solid, mildly stable super trainer that fixes the Mach X2's heel problems and rides well across paces, but is undermined by its ~£170 price and increased weight in an oversaturated super trainer category.
Ride:Dual-foam setup (PEBA over EVA chassis) with a winged PEBA plate delivers a stable, versatile ride with a nice pop off the toe. Handles multiple paces well. Heavier than competitors at ~292g in UK 10 (~10.3 oz).
Fit:New heel design resembles the Clifton 10; resolves the heel rubbing/cutting issue from the Mach X2. Upper is thicker and coarser than ideal.
In their words: "creates a nice stable ride" · "too heavy for a Super Trainer" · "do multiple paces in this shoe"
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 X 3 if
- Mild-pronation runners wanting a stable super trainer that can handle both fast and easy paces. — FORDY RUNS
- Heel strikers wanting a slightly stabilized tempo shoe — Kofuzi
- Versatile daily training from easy runs through tempo and long runs. Better suited for sustained efforts and long runs than short sharp intervals. — The Run Testers
- Versatile plated training shoe for speed sessions, tempo runs, and long runs at a range of paces — The Run Testers
- Runners who want a stable super trainer from Hoka and missed v2 due to the upper issues — Believe in the Run
- 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
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. FORDY RUNS on the Hoka Mach X 3: Mild-pronation runners wanting a stable super trainer that can handle both fast and easy paces.
Per The Run Testers, FORDY RUNS.
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.