Endorphin Speed 4
Today's tracked prices
- 01Sportsdirect19d ago£90.00£180.00−50%
Prices and sizes can change, so always check the latest availability at the retailer. Some links earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Price history
Our verdict
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is the do-everything plated trainer, and one of the most complete running shoes in its class. At 233g with an 8mm drop it sits in the sweet spot between a cushioned daily trainer and a stripped-back race shoe, so one pair covers your tempo days, your long runs and the odd parkrun. The plate gives you a gentle nudge through toe-off without the aggressive, all-or-nothing feel of a full carbon racer, which is exactly why so many runners keep coming back to it. We rate it as the shoe to reach for when you want speed without committing to a dedicated marathon shoe. It is not the cheapest tempo option at RRP, and the plusher Endorphin Speed 5 has since taken over the line, but the Speed 4 remains a brilliant buy when it drops in price. If you want the plate but not the price, this is the one to watch.
Key features
- Propulsion plateGives you a smooth, gentle nudge through toe-off without the harsh all-or-nothing feel of a full carbon racer
- Soft, responsive midsoleSoaks up impact on long runs yet springs back quick enough to hold tempo pace
- 8mm dropSits in a versatile middle ground that suits both midfoot and heel strikers across easy and fast days
- Lightweight build at 233gKeeps the shoe quick and nimble so it never feels like a daily trainer when you push the pace
- Gusseted tongue and structured heelLock your foot down cleanly so nothing shifts when you change gear
- Breathable engineered mesh upperKeeps your feet cool and comfortable with no break-in period
Who it suits
Who should buy it
- Runners who want one shoe for tempo days, long runs and racing alike
- Neutral runners chasing a lively ride without full carbon aggression
- Improvers who want a taste of a plate before buying a race shoe
- Anyone after a versatile daily trainer that can also run fast
Who should not buy it
- You overpronate and need genuine stability or medial support
- You have a wide forefoot and dislike a snug toe box
- You want the maximum propulsion of a dedicated carbon marathon racer
- You are shopping to a tight budget and cannot catch it on offer
Best uses
Extra information
Fit & sizing
The Endorphin Speed 4 runs true to size for most runners, so order your usual Saucony fit and you will be fine. The midfoot lockdown is secure without feeling clamped, and the heel hold is excellent thanks to a moulded, semi-structured heel counter that keeps you planted at pace. The toe box is a touch on the narrow side of neutral, so if you have a wide forefoot or like to size up for long runs you may want to try before you buy or go up a half size. The gusseted tongue stops any sliding and helps the whole upper wrap your foot cleanly. Runners with high-volume feet occasionally find the last snug over longer distances. If you know you need more room up front, a genuinely roomier daily option like the Saucony Ride 18 will suit better, but for a fast shoe the Speed 4 fit is dialled in and reliable.
Performance breakdown
Ride & feel
This is where the Speed 4 earns its reputation. The ride is bouncy and lively but never harsh, with the plate working quietly under a soft midsole to keep you rolling forward. It comes alive at tempo. Drop into 10k or half-marathon pace and the shoe feels like it wants to go with you, yet it is forgiving enough to plod through easy miles without punishing your legs. That versatility is the whole point. It is not as rigid or as propulsive as a full carbon racer, so you do not get the snappy, locked-in sensation of a plated marathon shoe, but you gain everyday usability in return. For most runners chasing one shoe that does a bit of everything, that trade is well worth making.
Cushioning
There is a generous, well-judged stack of soft foam underfoot that soaks up impact on long runs while staying responsive enough for speedwork. It leans to the softer side, so heavier runners and heel-strikers get real protection over distance, but it never turns mushy or unstable at pace. Fatigue creep is minimal across a two-hour long run, and the foam holds its bounce well as the miles add up. The cushioning is the reason the Speed 4 doubles so happily as a daily trainer. It is protective enough for recovery days yet quick enough that you never feel like you are dragging a marshmallow round the block.
Stability
The Endorphin Speed 4 is a neutral shoe with no dedicated stability features, so it is not the pick if you need posting or medial support to control overpronation. That said, it is more stable than its soft foam and plate might suggest. The plate adds a degree of structure through the midfoot, and the platform is wide enough to feel planted at tempo rather than tippy. Mild pronators and neutral runners will get on with it fine across all their paces. If you know you need genuine support, look to a purpose-built stability trainer instead, but for a neutral runner the Speed 4 strikes a confident, secure balance without ever feeling unstable underfoot.
Upper & comfort
The engineered mesh upper is light, breathable and comfortable straight out of the box, with no real break-in needed. Ventilation is good, so your feet stay cool on warmer runs and through faster efforts. The gusseted tongue and semi-structured heel work together to lock you down without hotspots, and the padding is judged well: enough to feel plush, not so much that it adds bulk or heat. Over long runs the upper stays comfortable and holds its shape rather than sagging. It is a genuinely premium-feeling upper that matches the rest of the shoe, and one of the quiet reasons the Speed 4 is so easy to recommend as an everyday fast trainer.
Reviews
No reviews yet, be the first to review this shoe.
Sign in to write a review.
FAQ
Specifications
| Category | Tempo |
| Surface | Road |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Heel Stack | 36mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 28mm |
| Weight | 233g |
| Carbon Plated | Yes |
| Stability | No |