Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 Review: Chasing That Feeling

In the movie world, sequels and remakes rarely live up to the original. It’s not always because they aren’t well-made, but because the first one showed up at the right time and left its mark. Shoes face the same battle. There’s something about that first experience, how it felt and what it meant, that’s hard to recreate. Nostalgia plays a big role. You’re not just remembering the shoe or the run or the moment, you’re remembering who you were then and what you needed. Even when the new version checks all the boxes, it has to work harder to match the feeling the original gave you.

The Endorphin Speed 5 is Saucony’s latest uptempo plated trainer, released in the original Endorphin Speed’s Mutant colorway. It has a lot to live up to since the OG Endorphin Speed is easily my favorite shoe of all time. The real question is whether the Speed 5 can bring back those memories and deliver the same feel that made the first one so special. Does it live up to the hype or fall short? Let’s find out!

SPECS

FIT

True to Size

SURFACE

Road

WHAT'S NEW

COMPS

PROS

CONS

IS THIS SHOE FOR YOU?

The Endorphin Speed 5 makes a solid alternative to a carbon-plated race day shoe, especially if you want something a little more forgiving underfoot. If you liked the original Speed, you’ll feel right at home here. It’s built to take you from speed workouts to race day without overthinking it, and it can still handle easy miles if needed. Best for runners who like a firm, snappy feel and want a shoe that can do a bit of everything.

WRAP UP

The Endorphin Speed 5 carries the weight of big expectations, stepping into the shoes of a favorite that set the bar high. It delivers a breathable upper with solid lockdown, a lively midsole that strikes the right balance of firmness and responsiveness, and an outsole designed for reliable grip in all conditions. While it may not completely erase the nostalgia for the original, it stands on its own as a versatile, snappy trainer that’s ready for workouts and race day alike. If you’re looking for a plated shoe with a bit more forgiveness but still want that familiar Speed feel, this one deserves a close look.

The Endorphin Speed 5 is available now at Run N Tri Mobile. Aaron and staff provide a premier fitting process that includes proper measurement of the length and width of your feet, arch, and leg axis. A gait analysis is performed to identify pronation or lack thereof and pressure points.

In addition, an interview is conducted to determine the best type of shoe for your needs and goals. So stop by Run N Tri Mobile so they can put you in the latest offering from Saucony or one of the nine other brands carried in the shop.