Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

Summary

Weight: Men's 233g / Women's 206g
Offset: 8mm
Stack height: 36/28mm

A re-engineered nylon plate, designed with vertical reinforcement that enhances torsional rigidity. A great option if you prefer to have a little more flexibility than the Endorphin Pro 4.

Men's Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Men's Road Racing Shoes
£180

Women's Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Women's Road Racing Shoes
£180

Features

Upper:

Lightweight and breathable
Enhances locked-in properties for secure fit
Made from recycled materials
Slightly more padded tongue for extra comfort

Midsole:

Improved PWRRUPB cushioning to boost comfort and increase shock absorption
Improved S-shape nylon plate with wings on the sides to keep feet stable and aligned
Nylon plate propels, activating with forward motion
Speedroll technology allows a smooth heel-to-toe transition
Super Responsive Sockliner for premium step-in comfort

Outer:

New and improved lattice sole design for better traction and durability

Pros

Vegan friendly
Lightweight and comfortable enough for speedwork
Stability within nylon plate provides excellent propulsion that feels effortless
Speedroll technology allows for the seamless transition from running to racing
Propulsive nylon plate for racing – ideal for long distance

Cons

Nylon plated shoes may not work for everyone, you may find this too rigid in comparison with regular road running shoes.

In Testing

Having not worn racing shoes previously, I was unsure of what to expect from the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4. However, I was pleasantly surprised upon my first run which was noticeably faster, but no less stable than my usual runs. The cushioning felt plush and was comfortable even for longer runs, without the feeling of fatigue setting in. I was also hesitant about potential hard impact by running in a racing shoe, but couldn’t feel a thing once I was in motion!

Verdict

As this version of the Endorphin Speed series has incorporated newer, progressive technologies, the nylon plate has a great balance of flexibilty as well as propulsion. A combination of soft, responsive cushioning and a reasonably aggressive nylon plate has rejuvenated the already popular Endorphin Speed series, opening the racing world to all runners.

Men's Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Men's Road Racing Shoes
£180