Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

A durable, stable-neutral super shoe that is excellent at 5K pace and marathon effort but feels awkward at the half-marathon/tempo paces in between; the slightly softer, heavier evolution of the Pro 3.

Best for: Stable-neutral runners wanting a durable super shoe for 5K fast efforts or steady marathon pacing; forefoot strikers especially benefit from the stiff forefoot

A more versatile and stable update that handles marathon to easy paces better than the Pro 3, though it loses some of the Pro 3's pop for very fast efforts.

Best for: True marathon racing and longer distances at easier efforts

A comfortable but firmer-feeling super shoe with more versatility into faster paces than the SC Elite v4; works well for a runner who wants to push marathon pace with mild stability support.

Best for: Marathon to half marathon racing, particularly for runners needing a touch of guidance from sidewalls

A polarizing update where the same shoe can feel like a short-course speedster or a marathon cruiser depending on the runner's landing pattern, toe/MTP geometry, and pace needs — both testers like it for different reasons.

Best for: Depends heavily on runner mechanics — Andrea (midfoot lander) loves it for fast short races, Matt (heel striker) prefers it for marathon pace; likely better for higher-volume feet

A comfortable, stable-neutral super racer best for longer race distances, favored for its softer ride and accommodating upper even though it lacks outright top-end snap.

Best for: Runners wanting a stable-neutral super racer for marathon and half-marathon distances with a softer, more comfortable ride.

A plush, durable marathon racer that can also serve as a training shoe — wider fit and durable foam make it the best rotation option of the four.

Best for: Marathon racing and high-mileage training for runners with slightly wider feet

A versatile half/marathon banger with improved responsiveness, strong durability, and a slightly cheaper price than the Alphafly 3 — traditionalists may prefer it, though EDDBUD narrowly picks the Nike overall.

Best for: Half and full marathon racing for traditionalists who prefer a standard carbon-plate feel over the Alphafly's air pods

EDDBUD's pick of the super-shoe pack — edges out the competition with top versatility across 5K to marathon, better upper than Vaporfly 3, and improved outsole durability.

Best for: All-around carbon super-shoe racer from 5K to marathon, especially for higher-volume feet

EDDBUD's pick of the four — lighter, more propulsive, cheaper (£230 vs £285), and newly versatile across all race distances thanks to the extra foam layer and improved outsole.

Best for: Versatile racing from 5K up to the marathon, especially for lighter runners.

A top-tier race and training super shoe — more versatile than the Pro 3 with improved outsole durability, excellent build quality, and a redesign that makes the Pro 4 usable across any race pace.

Best for: Top-tier race and fast-training super shoe for 5K to marathon

The more accessible and versatile of Saucony's carbon racers — a snappy but safe bet with reliable cushioning and stability that will work for most runners, especially those on tired legs or racing twisty courses.

Best for: Marathon racing and marathon-pace training for a wide range of runners including beginners; runners who want a versatile racer they can also train in