evoSPEED Long Distance Nitro Elite 2 vs Endorphin Pro 4

The Puma evoSPEED Long Distance Nitro Elite 2 is a purpose-built track racing spike for the longer end of the programme, the 5000m and 10000m, where you want propulsion that lasts and a plate that stays snappy lap after lap. This is not a road shoe you can jog to the start line in. It is a lightweight, aggressive distance spike with Nitro foam underfoot and a full-length Pebax plate driving you onto your toes. In our view Puma has aimed this squarely at the club and elite track runner who has moved past pure middle-distance and needs a spike that rewards a smooth, sustained turnover rather than a raw 800m kick. If you race the track regularly and want a genuine alternative to the usual Nike Dragonfly and adidas options, it belongs on your shortlist. For road racing or any training mileage, look elsewhere: this is a race-day spike and nothing else.

The Endorphin Pro 4 is Saucony's carbon marathon racer, a road racing shoe built to help you chase a personal best over the half and full. It sits just below the top-tier Endorphin Elite in the range: less aggressive, a touch more forgiving, and easier to run at real-world marathon pace. At 212g it is light for a carbon racing shoe, and the full-length plate gives you that firm, rolling snap through toe-off that defines this category. The 8mm drop keeps you rolling forward rather than sitting back on your heels. In our view it is one of the more approachable super shoes: quick when you push, but not so unstable that it punishes you late in a race. For runners who want a genuine carbon marathon shoe without the harshest edge of an out-and-out elite racer, the Pro 4 is an easy shoe to recommend. Just know you are paying a premium race-day price at £230 RRP.