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Endorphin Pro 4
Today's tracked prices
- 01SportsShoesDEAL1d ago£99.99£230.00−57%
- 02DerbyRunner1d ago£130.00£230.00−43%
- 03Saucony1d ago£161.00£230.00−30%
- 04Direct RunningLIVE£214.14£230.00−7%
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Price history
Our verdict
Saucony softened the Endorphin Pro for version 4, and most reviewers think it was the right call. The Pro 3 was quick but harsh by the second half of a marathon; this one gives up a little of that snap for a ride that stays comfortable over the full distance. Women's Running UK rated it highly and recommends it for marathon and half marathon runners who care more about finishing strong than about the last few seconds. The trade-off is weight, since two reviews found it heavier than the Pro 3. It's a carbon racing shoe with an 8mm drop and a stable, wide base, which makes it one of the easier super shoes to run a whole marathon in if you land on your heels. The Endorphin Pro 5 has since replaced it at a lower RRP, so the Pro 4 makes most sense when a retailer is clearing it well below £230.
Key features
- Full-length carbon plateStiffens the forefoot so you roll forward quickly at race pace, though it feels awkward at easy jogging speeds
- Rocker geometry with an 8mm dropMoves you from heel to toe without much effort, which suits heel strikers better than most racers
- Wide, sidewalled baseKeeps you steadier than a typical super shoe when your legs tire late in a marathon
- Roomier race upperGives wider feet more space than earlier Endorphin Pros, at the cost of a less locked-in feel for narrow feet
- Hard-wearing outsoleGrips well in the wet and holds up to training miles, so it isn't only a race-day shoe
Who it suits
Who should buy it
- Marathoners who want a carbon shoe that stays comfortable in the final 10K
- Heel strikers, since the rocker and heel cushioning suit that landing
- Runners with wider feet who found earlier Endorphins too narrow
- Bargain hunters who can find it discounted now the Pro 5 is out
Who should not buy it
- You want the fastest, most aggressive race feel, which the Endorphin Elite gives you
- You have narrow, low-volume feet and hate a loose upper
- You race sockless, because reviewers found the inside scratchy
- You need stability support, as it's a neutral shoe
Best uses
Extra information
Fit & sizing
True to size for nearly everyone who reviewed it, with one tester going up half a size as they do in most shoes. Volume matters more here than length. The upper is roomier than the Pro 3's, and lab testing rated the toe box generous for a racing shoe, so runners with wider feet who found older Endorphins pinchy may get on with this one. But with no gusset holding the tongue, low-volume feet can feel loose inside, and more than one reviewer had to lace tightly or add a thicker sock to get a proper lockdown. The stretchy tongue is long and thinly padded where the laces cinch, and Believe in the Run's testers reported rubbing on long runs because of it. It can also be a fiddle to get on unless you loosen the laces fully. Heel hold is good, and the collar is soft around the Achilles.
Performance breakdown
Ride & feel
Reviewers describe a smooth, rolling ride that settles nicely at marathon pace. It isn't the bounciest or most aggressive racer in the pack. One tester found it hard work at their very fastest speeds while being comfortable at steadier efforts, and another preferred it for 5K and 10K, so expect some disagreement over where it shines. Almost everyone agrees it's less punishing late in a race than the Pro 3.
Cushioning
There's plenty of foam here, and it feels soft when you step in, then firmer and more responsive once you're moving. One reviewer called it one of the firmer super shoes around; others found it slightly softer than the Pro 3. Heel strikers do particularly well, since lab testing rated its shock absorption at the heel highly. Anyone after a very soft, squishy race shoe will probably find it too firm.
Stability
Stable for a carbon racer. Reviewers point to the wide base and raised sidewalls around the midfoot, and lab testing found it steadier side to side than earlier versions. That helps when your form fades in the last few miles. It's still a neutral shoe, so if you need real support it won't give it to you.
Upper & comfort
The mesh is thin and very breathable, which counts in a hot race. Durability is a strength too, with lab testing finding the upper, heel padding and outsole all wore well. The tongue is the weak point. It's long and thin and tends to fold. One reviewer also found the inside scratchy, so it's not a shoe for sockless racing.
Reviews
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FAQ
Specifications
| Category | Race |
| Surface | Road |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Heel Stack | 39.5mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 31.5mm |
| Weight | 212g |
| Carbon Plated | Yes |
| Stability | No |
