Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 review
Saucony’s more approachable carbon racer, now with a slotted plate and a grippier outsole on the same 39.5 mm stack and 8 mm drop as before.
- Drop
- 8 mm
- Heel stack
- 39.5 mm
- Forefoot
- 31.5 mm
- Weight
- 206 g
- Support
- Neutral
- Plate
- Carbon
Our verdict
The stable super shoe, not the fastest.
The Endorphin Pro 5 pairs a slotted carbon plate with firm PWRRUN foams and a wide base, which makes it one of the calmest carbon racers reviewers have run in. It suits heel and midfoot strikers racing 5K to the half marathon, or anyone wanting a durable plated shoe for workouts, while testers split on whether it has enough pop and cushion for a fast marathon.
Strong points
- Stable for a carbon racer, especially at the heel and midfoot
- Energy return of 72.8 to 75.8 percent in RunRepeat’s lab, up on the Pro 4
- Much better grip: traction rose from 0.52 to 0.68 in RunRepeat’s wet test
- Durable enough to train in as well as race
- Friendly to heel strikers, with a large, centred heel bevel
Weak points
- Heavier than most super shoes: 212 to 215 g measured in a men’s US 9
- Less pop than the newest race foams
- Doctors of Running found the forefoot less stable on the inner side
- Thin forefoot cushioning may feel harsh late in a marathon
- High heel tab and stiff upper rubbed some testers
Who it fits
- You land on your heel or midfoot
- Your first carbon shoe
- One shoe for workouts and race day
- You race 5K to the half marathon
Who should skip it
- You want the lightest, bounciest racer
- You need a steady forefoot
- Your easy runs are truly easy
Shoe profile
Where the Endorphin Pro 5 sits among the 395 shoes in our catalogue.
| Axis | Endorphin Pro 5 |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | 61 |
| Lightness | 89 |
| Stability | 30 |
| Drop | 45 |
| Response | 80 |
Fig. 1 · How to read it. Each axis runs from 0 at the centre to 100 at the edge. Cushioning, lightness and drop are the shoe’s rank in the catalogue from listed figures; stability and response are scored from the support type, the plate, the rocker and the intended use. The dotted grey line is the catalogue median. Source: Strideprint catalogue (cat).
Where it sits in the catalogue
Weight206 g, lighter than 89% of shoes
Drop8 mm, higher than 45% of shoes
Heel stack39.5 mm, higher than 61% of shoes
Forefoot stack31.5 mm, higher than 51% of shoes
How it feels
Written from 7 published tests. We quote measurements, not impressions we did not have.
Firm and protective, not plush. Two PWRRUN foams around carbon: measured softer than average by RunRepeat, but firm on the run for Doctors of Running and RTINGS.
Planted at the back, looser up front. One of the steadier carbon racers at the heel and midfoot; Doctors of Running found the slotted plate makes the forefoot less stable.
Efficient rather than explosive. Energy return of 72.8 to 75.8 percent in RunRepeat’s lab and a long rocker; testers find it efficient but less lively than lighter racers.
Firm and protective, not plush. The midsole keeps Saucony’s two foams: PWRRUN HG on top, PWRRUN PB below, around a carbon plate. The brand figures are 39.5 mm at the heel and 31.5 mm at the forefoot; RunRepeat measured 36.5 and 27.8 mm.
RunRepeat measured the foam at 33.3 on the AC scale, softer than average, yet Doctors of Running and RTINGS describe a firm ride. RTINGS warns that the forefoot can feel harsh late in a marathon, while Running Lab finds the cushioning enough for the distance.
Planted at the back, looser up front. Wide midsole flares, measured by RunRepeat at 120.1 mm at the forefoot and 91.2 mm at the heel, and sidewalls keep the rear of the shoe steady. RunRepeat and RTINGS both rate it more stable than most carbon racers.
The new slotted plate changes the front. Doctors of Running felt a pull toward the inner forefoot on early runs that eased after about 20 miles but never fully went away.
Efficient rather than explosive. RunRepeat measured energy return of 72.8 percent at the heel and 75.8 percent at the forefoot, both up on the Pro 4. The SpeedRoll rocker is long, and Doctors of Running found the shoe most at home at 5K to half marathon pace.
Believe in the Run and Running Lab both find it less lively than lighter rivals, and Running Warehouse calls it approachable rather than aggressive. Doctors of Running also needed 25 to 30 miles before the foam and plate loosened up.
Read more
Firm and protective, not plush. The midsole keeps Saucony’s two foams: PWRRUN HG on top, PWRRUN PB below, around a carbon plate. The brand figures are 39.5 mm at the heel and 31.5 mm at the forefoot; RunRepeat measured 36.5 and 27.8 mm.
RunRepeat measured the foam at 33.3 on the AC scale, softer than average, yet Doctors of Running and RTINGS describe a firm ride. RTINGS warns that the forefoot can feel harsh late in a marathon, while Running Lab finds the cushioning enough for the distance.
Planted at the back, looser up front. Wide midsole flares, measured by RunRepeat at 120.1 mm at the forefoot and 91.2 mm at the heel, and sidewalls keep the rear of the shoe steady. RunRepeat and RTINGS both rate it more stable than most carbon racers.
The new slotted plate changes the front. Doctors of Running felt a pull toward the inner forefoot on early runs that eased after about 20 miles but never fully went away.
Efficient rather than explosive. RunRepeat measured energy return of 72.8 percent at the heel and 75.8 percent at the forefoot, both up on the Pro 4. The SpeedRoll rocker is long, and Doctors of Running found the shoe most at home at 5K to half marathon pace.
Believe in the Run and Running Lab both find it less lively than lighter rivals, and Running Warehouse calls it approachable rather than aggressive. Doctors of Running also needed 25 to 30 miles before the foam and plate loosened up.
Which runs it’s for
| Run | Fit | Why | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half marathon race | Made for it | Its best range. Reviewers keep it for 5K to half marathon efforts. | Doctors of Running, RTINGS |
| Tempo | Made for it | Firm and snappy at threshold, durable enough for regular sessions. | Doctors of Running, RunRepeat |
| Intervals | Made for it | Women’s Running used it for fast intervals; Doctors of Running found very fast sprinting less natural with the long rocker. | Doctors of Running, Women’s Running UK |
| Marathon race | Can do | RunRepeat and Running Lab back it for the marathon; RTINGS finds the forefoot cushioning thin for the full distance. | RunRepeat, RTINGS, Running Lab |
| Long runs | Can do | Good for long runs with pace in them, not for slow mileage. | RunRepeat, RTINGS |
| Easy runs | Not for it | Doctors of Running found it clunky at easy paces. | Doctors of Running, RTINGS |
| Walking | Not for it | Doctors of Running rate it unsuitable for walking or standing. | Doctors of Running |
Source: Doctors of Running, RTINGS, RunRepeat, Women’s Running UK, Running Lab
What the tests say
Published tests agree the Endorphin Pro 5 is a stable, grippy carbon shoe that weighs more than its rivals. They disagree on whether it is a true race-day shoe, on how roomy it is, and on whether it rides firmer or softer than the Pro 4.
| Test | Type | Our reading | In one sentence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctors of Running | Review | Mixed | Doctors of Running grade it B overall: fast and durable for 5K to half marathon, held back by the upper and a less stable forefoot. | Read |
| RunRepeat | Lab | Positive | RunRepeat scores it 91 out of 100: a stable, beginner-friendly super shoe, heavier than most. | Read |
| RTINGS | Lab | Positive | RTINGS rates it 8.0 for 5K and 10K racing and 7.8 for the marathon: very stable, short on forefoot cushion for the full distance. | Read |
| Believe in the Run | Review | Mixed | Believe in the Run finds it comfortable but dated, closer to a premium trainer than a top racer. | Read |
| Running Warehouse | Review | Mixed | Both Running Warehouse testers give it 7 out of 10: a good trainer and a fair race-day option. | Read |
| Running Lab | Review | Positive | Running Lab scores it 9.4 out of 10 for half marathon and marathon racing, despite the weight. | Read |
They agree
- Heavy for a super shoeRunRepeat weighed 215 g and RTINGS 212.4 g in a men’s US 9, above the 206 g Saucony lists. Believe in the Run and Running Lab both flag the weight against lighter rivals. In our catalogue, the 206 g brand figure still ranks 25th lightest of the 170 neutral road shoes weighed in a men’s US 9: it is heavy only next to other carbon racers.
- Grip is fixedThe new PWRTRAC outsole scored 0.68 in RunRepeat’s wet traction test against 0.52 for the Pro 4, and Doctors of Running and Running Lab both found grip clearly better.
- Stable for a carbon racerRunRepeat and RTINGS both rate the platform as more stable than most super shoes, and Doctors of Running found the heel and midfoot steady.
- True to lengthDoctors of Running, RTINGS, Running Warehouse and Running Lab all found the usual size right.
They split
- Race shoe or premium trainer?RunRepeat scores it 91 and picks it for the marathon, and Running Lab rates it highly for the half and full distance. Believe in the Run sees it closer to a premium trainer lacking pop, and Running Warehouse rates it a strong trainer but only a fair racer.
- Roomy or narrow?Doctors of Running and RunRepeat find it wider than most racers, and Running Warehouse even found the heel loose. Women’s Running found the toe box tight, and Running Lab calls forefoot room limited.
- Firmer or softer than the Pro 4?Doctors of Running found the ride much firmer than the Pro 4. RunRepeat measured slightly softer foam, and Running Lab felt it a touch softer.
How it’s built
A race build: PWRRUN HG over PWRRUN PB around a slotted carbon plate, SpeedRoll rocker geometry, a thin recycled mesh upper and a new PWRTRAC outsole.
PWRRUN HG over PWRRUN PB around a slotted carbon plate, a thin mesh upper with a knit tongue, and a thin but grippy PWRTRAC outsole that wears slowly.
| # | Part | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UpperRecycled engineered mesh | Breathability 3 / 5 |
| 2 | Tongue | 1.0 mm |
| 3 | Heel | Stiffness 2 / 5 |
| 4 | MidsolePWRRUN HG and PWRRUN PB | Hardness 33.3 AC |
| 5 | PlateSlotted carbon plate, SpeedRoll | Flex 26.1 N |
| 6 | Insole | 4.3 mm |
| 7 | OutsolePWRTRAC | 1.6 mm |
Fig. 3 · Side profile. Stack heights to scale (listed: 39.5 mm heel, 31.5 mm forefoot; measured: 1.6 mm outsole); the split between the two foams is not measured and is drawn at mid-height. Dashed: insole, hidden. Sources: Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, Believe in the Run, Saucony, Women’s Running UK.
Upper. Thinner and stiffer than on the Pro 4, per Doctors of Running, who found it creases over the forefoot. RunRepeat scored breathability 3 out of 5.
Tongue. A thin, stretchy knit tongue stitched in sock-style, 1.0 mm thick in RunRepeat’s measurement. Doctors of Running found it can cause lace bite if you pull the laces hard.
Heel. A small, flexible counter, 2 out of 5 for stiffness in RunRepeat’s test, with little padding. Doctors of Running found the tall heel tab needs higher socks, and one Believe in the Run tester got a heel blister on a long treadmill run.
Midsole. A PWRRUN HG top layer over a PWRRUN PB base, unchanged in stack from the Pro 4. RunRepeat measured 33.3 AC, slightly softer than before.
Plate. The full-length carbon plate now splits into four prongs at the forefoot, which RunRepeat links to more forefoot flex. It measured 26.1 N in the bend test and 15.8 Nm in torsion.
Insole. Removable, 4.3 mm thick in RunRepeat’s measurement. Women’s Running liked its extra comfort.
Outsole. New PWRTRAC rubber with more coverage than the Pro 4. It is thin at 1.6 mm but scored 0.68 in RunRepeat’s wet traction test.
Read more
A race build: PWRRUN HG over PWRRUN PB around a slotted carbon plate, SpeedRoll rocker geometry, a thin recycled mesh upper and a new PWRTRAC outsole.
1. Upper. Thinner and stiffer than on the Pro 4, per Doctors of Running, who found it creases over the forefoot. RunRepeat scored breathability 3 out of 5.
2. Tongue. A thin, stretchy knit tongue stitched in sock-style, 1.0 mm thick in RunRepeat’s measurement. Doctors of Running found it can cause lace bite if you pull the laces hard.
3. Heel. A small, flexible counter, 2 out of 5 for stiffness in RunRepeat’s test, with little padding. Doctors of Running found the tall heel tab needs higher socks, and one Believe in the Run tester got a heel blister on a long treadmill run.
4. Midsole. A PWRRUN HG top layer over a PWRRUN PB base, unchanged in stack from the Pro 4. RunRepeat measured 33.3 AC, slightly softer than before.
5. Plate. The full-length carbon plate now splits into four prongs at the forefoot, which RunRepeat links to more forefoot flex. It measured 26.1 N in the bend test and 15.8 Nm in torsion.
6. Insole. Removable, 4.3 mm thick in RunRepeat’s measurement. Women’s Running liked its extra comfort.
7. Outsole. New PWRTRAC rubber with more coverage than the Pro 4. It is thin at 1.6 mm but scored 0.68 in RunRepeat’s wet traction test.
Durability. Good for a carbon shoe. The outsole lost only 0.6 mm in RunRepeat’s wear test, though the toe box scored 1 out of 5 there. Doctors of Running saw no visible outsole wear after 40 miles and expect above-average durability.
Durability. Good for a carbon shoe. The outsole lost only 0.6 mm in RunRepeat’s wear test, though the toe box scored 1 out of 5 there. Doctors of Running saw no visible outsole wear after 40 miles and expect above-average durability.
Specs, listed and measured
Every figure carries its source.
Drop, mm
Heel stack, mm
Forefoot stack, mm
Weight (men’s), g
| Spec | Listed | Measured |
|---|---|---|
| Drop |
|
|
| Heel stack |
|
|
| Forefoot stack |
|
|
| Weight, US M9 |
|
|
| Support |
| – |
| Plate |
| – |
| Surface |
| – |
| Release year |
| – |
Fig. 4 · Listed vs measured. Bars start at zero. Sources: Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, RTINGS.
Lab measurements
| Spec | Measured |
|---|---|
| Midsole hardness |
|
| Energy return (heel) |
|
| Torsional rigidity |
|
| Flex force |
|
| Heel counter stiffness |
|
| Traction coefficient |
|
| Spec | Measured |
|---|---|
| Toe box width |
|
| Toe box height |
|
| Outsole thickness |
|
| Insole thickness |
|
| Tongue thickness |
|
Sizing and fit
Take your usual size; the real question is how much room your forefoot needs.
Length
True to size
Widths
standard
Toe room
RunRepeat measured a 69.3 mm toe box and 27.8 mm of height, close to many daily trainers, and found the ball of the foot roomier than most super shoes. Doctors of Running note a slight taper at the toes.
Doctors of Running, RunRepeat
Full sizing notes from testers
RTINGS, Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run, Running Warehouse and Running Lab all found the length right. RunRepeat’s reader poll leans slightly small, and a Women’s Running tester would go up half a size.
Volume divides testers. Doctors of Running and Running Warehouse describe a generous fit for a racer, with a loose heel for some. Women’s Running found the toe box tight enough to numb her toes, and Running Lab calls forefoot room limited. Doctors of Running advise lacing looser than usual to avoid pressure on top of the foot.
Saucony lists the men’s shoe in standard width only, and RTINGS confirms there is no wide version. RunRepeat lists a men’s wide, which we could not confirm.
Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, RTINGS, Believe in the Run, Running Warehouse, Running Lab, Women’s Running UK, Saucony
Vs Endorphin Pro 4
A targeted update after two years: same foams, stack and drop, but a new plate, a new outsole and a new upper.
Keep the Pro 4 if you liked its rolling, cushier ride and solid forefoot plate: Doctors of Running found the Pro 5 firmer and less stable at the front. Move to the Pro 5 if grip on wet roads and a snappier ride matter more to you.
Version history: Endorphin Pro 4 to Endorphin Pro 5
Slotted carbon plate. The solid forefoot plate gives way to a split, four-prong design that flexes more side to side. (Doctors of Running, RunRepeat)
PWRTRAC outsole. More rubber coverage and much better grip: 0.68 against 0.52 in RunRepeat’s wet test. (Doctors of Running, RunRepeat)
More energy return. RunRepeat measured 72.8 and 75.8 percent at heel and forefoot, against 71.7 and 71.5 on the Pro 4. (RunRepeat)
New upper and tongue. A thinner recycled mesh and a stitched knit tongue. RunRepeat measured the forefoot base wider, 120.1 mm against 118.9 mm. (Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, Believe in the Run)
Alternatives compared
Each one fixes one thing the Endorphin Pro 5 does not do.
| Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 |  Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 |  Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 |  Saucony Endorphin Azura |  New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pick it for | This page | Faster | Lighter | More cushion | Roomier fit |
| Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Heel stack | 39.5 mm | 39.5 mm | 39 mm | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Weight | 206 g | 207 g | 170 g | 240 g | 213 g |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Questions runners ask
Does the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 fit true to size?
Yes for length. RTINGS, Doctors of Running, Running Warehouse and Running Lab all found the usual size right. Volume is the debate: some testers found it roomy with a loose heel, while Women’s Running found the toe box tight and suggests trying a half size up. Saucony sells it in standard width only.
Endorphin Pro 4 or Pro 5: which should I choose?
The Endorphin Pro 5 keeps the stack, drop and foams of the Pro 4 but adds a slotted carbon plate, a much grippier outsole and slightly more measured energy return. Doctors of Running found it firmer and less stable at the forefoot. Choose the Pro 5 for grip and snap, the Pro 4 for a softer, steadier front.
Is the Endorphin Pro 5 good for a marathon?
Reviewers disagree. RunRepeat makes the Endorphin Pro 5 a top marathon pick and Running Lab rates it highly for the distance. RTINGS finds the forefoot cushioning thin for the full marathon, and Doctors of Running see its sweet spot at 5K to half marathon pace. It suits marathoners who like a firm, stable ride.
Can you train every day in the Endorphin Pro 5?
Not on easy days. Doctors of Running found the Endorphin Pro 5 clunky at slow paces and RTINGS scores it lowest for daily training. It is durable enough for regular workouts, intervals and fast long runs, so it works as a session shoe next to a softer daily trainer.
Endorphin Pro 5 or Endorphin Elite 3?
The Endorphin Elite 3 is Saucony’s more aggressive racer, according to RTINGS. The Endorphin Pro 5 is the calmer, more stable choice, which RunRepeat recommends for runners new to carbon shoes and for heel strikers. Pick the Elite for all-out speed, the Pro for stability and durability.
Does the Endorphin Pro 5 come in wide?
Saucony lists the Endorphin Pro 5 in standard width only, and RTINGS confirms there is no wide version. RunRepeat lists a men’s wide, which we could not confirm. If you need extra room, RTINGS points to the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5, sold in wide.
Is the Endorphin Pro 5 good for heel strikers?
Yes, more than most carbon racers. RunRepeat names heel strikers among its best matches, Doctors of Running found a large, centred heel bevel, and RTINGS highlights stability for heel and midfoot strikers. Doctors of Running add that the heel can feel abrupt for the first 20 miles.
Sources
- Doctors of Running, Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 Review (Matt Klein, January 2026). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- RunRepeat, Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 lab review. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- RTINGS, Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 review. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Believe in the Run, Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 Review. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Running Warehouse, Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 review. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Running Lab, Test Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 (Julien Guyod, 2026). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Women’s Running UK, Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 review (Holly Taylor, March 2026). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Saucony, Men’s Endorphin Pro 5. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Strideprint, Strideprint running shoe catalogue (ranks computed on 2026-10-13). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- cat: Strideprint catalogue, 395 shoes
How we review. We read published tests, brand and retailer pages and lab measurements, cross-check the figures and flag where they disagree. We did not test this shoe ourselves. Last updated October 13, 2026.