Saucony Endorphin Pro 4: full review and verdict

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is a carbon-plated road super shoe that pursues something unusual in modern racing: speed without turning every mile into a muscular battle. Its midsole combines PWRRUN HG and PWRRUN PB, includes a full-length carbon-fiber plate and uses Speedroll geometry to ease the transition from heel to toe. The result is a fast, comfortable and relatively stable model, particularly interesting for half marathons and marathons.

Its reference list price was 250 euros, although discounts can bring it well below that figure. It is not the lightest or most explosive shoe in its category, but it offsets those shortcomings with a forgiving fit, a durable outsole, strong ventilation and a response that remains usable when pace drops. For many recreational runners, that combination matters more than a theoretical advantage of a few seconds in the laboratory.

A super shoe built to last

The fourth generation changes the recipe of the Endorphin family. Instead of relying solely on PWRRUN PB, it introduces a dual-foam structure: the upper layer uses PWRRUN HG, a supercritical Pebax compound designed to add bounce, while the lower layer retains PWRRUN PB, better known for balancing response, protection and durability. A carbon plate sits between them, adding stiffness and organizing the stride transition.

The underfoot sensation is not that of a soft, uncontrolled shoe. There is cushioning travel, particularly on heel landings, but the platform retains a firm and elastic response. The ride is more approachable than radical, a decision that benefits runners who need to spend many hours running and do not want the shoe to demand perfect technique from the first mile.

This character explains why it can be used both in races and quality workouts. It does not replace a conventional daily trainer for easy runs, but it handles pace changes, long runs and controlled efforts better than many super shoes. The foam does not feel dead when the runner stops racing, although the plate still makes the model excessive for regularly walking or jogging very slowly.

Midsole, plate and running dynamics

The Endorphin Pro 4 uses a moderate rocker. The curve is present and noticeable during transitions, but it does not push the foot forward abruptly. That is important compared with shoes featuring an aggressive toe spring, which can feel spectacular during the opening miles yet become more demanding on the calves and soleus over longer distances.

The carbon plate has an S shape and runs through almost the entire midsole. Its purpose is not to create a magical spring effect, but to limit flex, improve longitudinal stability and support a quick toe-off. The plate supports the stride instead of dominating it. That is why the shoe often feels more approachable to runners who have never used a carbon racing model.

Laboratory testing recorded 25.7 N in the flex test, clearly above the average for road running shoes. This is noticeable when bending the shoe by hand and when running slowly. However, the foam and platform soften part of that stiffness, so it does not automatically translate into a harsh or uncomfortable ride.

Measured energy return reached 71.7%, a high result typical of a super shoe, although below the most extreme figures in the market. In practice, the Pro 4 does not create an exaggerated bounce. Its strength is maintaining momentum consistently, like a well-balanced wheel that keeps turning after the initial lightness has disappeared.

Cushioning for long distances

Measured stack height was 38.1 millimeters at the heel and 28.6 millimeters at the forefoot, with a real offset close to 9.5 millimeters. Saucony lists an 8-millimeter drop, but measurements can vary according to the method used. In any case, the profile suits heel strikers and offers a progressive transition toward the forefoot.

Heel shock absorption reached 139 units, above the measured average, while the forefoot recorded 103. This does not make the model exclusively for heel strikers, but it does reveal its orientation. Heel strikers will find particularly convincing protection when fatigue arrives during the final miles of a marathon.

The forefoot provides enough cushioning for a half marathon and most marathons, although it may feel less generous to runners who land up front and want a very deep platform beneath the metatarsals. In that case, models with more forefoot foam may feel more protective. The Pro 4 prefers to keep the platform relatively contained to preserve agility.

Stability also improves over previous generations thanks to a slightly wider base and less extreme geometry. It is not a motion-control shoe and should not replace a stability model, but it feels more supportive than several rivals using very soft foam. That stability is clearest for heel and midfoot landings rather than rapid changes of direction.

Fit, shape and sizing

The shoe fits largely true to size. Measured internal length was 267.1 millimeters and maximum forefoot width reached 96.5 millimeters. These figures help explain why the silhouette feels less restrictive than many racing shoes, although it should not be mistaken for a genuinely wide last.

The toe box offers 72.5 millimeters of width and 27.7 millimeters of vertical height. There is enough room for the foot to expand during a long race, but the fit is not completely loose. The last balances comfort and lockdown, making it suitable for marathons and less focused on the extreme precision some runners prefer in a 5K.

Narrow feet may struggle to achieve a consistent midfoot lockdown, particularly when running at very high speeds. The laces and side reinforcements allow adjustment, but they cannot always compensate for a low-volume foot. Medium-width feet and slightly broader feet generally adapt better to the shoe.

The removable insole measures approximately 6.1 millimeters and uses a high-return foam. It matters because it adds softness and changes the midsole feel. It can be removed to fit another insole, but that change affects internal volume, heel lockdown and the perception of the plate. Any modification should be tested well ahead of race day.

A light and breathable upper

The upper uses a thin, highly open single-layer mesh. The structure allows considerable airflow and reduces heat buildup during long efforts. In warm climates, that ventilation can make a noticeable difference when the pavement reflects heat back toward the runner.

The integrated tongue has a sock-like design and stays largely in place. Its approximate 1.7-millimeter thickness provides more protection than many ultrathin tongues without making the instep feel bulky. Ventilation is one of the strongest features of the package, especially for long races and warm-weather workouts.

The collar uses restrained padding and a relatively flexible heel counter. This favors comfort and avoids an excessively rigid rearfoot, but it may provide less containment for runners who want a very firm hold. The experience depends heavily on heel shape, ankle volume and lace tension.

The mesh appears delicate because of its low thickness, although durability testing has produced better results than expected. The heat-welded reinforcement helps protect the toe and keeps the fabric from being fully exposed to abrasion. It is not a guarantee against tearing, but it shows that low weight has not been achieved by completely sacrificing robustness.

Outsole, grip and wear

The outsole uses XT-900 rubber in strategic heel and forefoot areas, leaving some foam exposed to control weight. The pattern combines narrow, elongated pieces that adapt well to dry asphalt. Traction is convincing on both smooth and rough pavement, an important quality on urban courses with different surfaces.

In a wet-grip test it achieved 0.52, a solid result for a racing shoe. That does not make it infallible on road markings, wet tiles or pedestrian crossings, where any compound can lose traction, but it offers a reasonable margin in light rain. The outsole is more dependable than its thin appearance suggests.

Durability is also one of its key arguments. Abrasion produced an indentation of only 0.6 millimeters and the rubber measured approximately 2.1 millimeters thick. Lifespan depends on weight, technique, terrain and usage frequency, but the behavior points to resistance above the average for super shoes designed solely for racing.

Durability should not be interpreted as permission to use the shoe every day for months. The foam, plate and geometry are designed for fast running, and the body needs time to adapt to that stimulus. A sensible rotation can reserve it for races, long runs with race-pace blocks and quality sessions, leaving easy runs to a conventional model.

Weight and pace range

Measured weight was 220 grams in a laboratory reference size. Saucony lists a similar figure, although the result changes according to size and men’s or women’s version. In the current market, this is not exceptional: several rivals fall below 210 grams and feel more immediate when accelerating.

The difference is most noticeable over short distances and at very high pace. In a 5K, where every gram can influence the sensation of agility, the Pro 4 does not feel as incisive as a Vaporfly or Adios Pro. In a half marathon or marathon, the picture changes because cushioning, comfort and stability carry more weight in the final balance.

It still works at moderate paces, but it should not be bought as a slow daily trainer. The plate requires an active stride and the midsole is not designed simply to absorb easy running. Its natural territory is quality training and racing, not accumulating easy miles purely for comfort.

Who should consider it

The Pro 4 suits neutral runners who want a fast super shoe without immediately entering the most aggressive designs on the market. It can also be a logical step for runners already using a Saucony Endorphin Speed who want more response and a full carbon plate. The similar feel makes the transition easier, although stiffness and muscular demand increase.

In a marathon, its balanced character can benefit runners who prioritize holding a steady pace and reaching the finish with reasonably fresh legs. You do not need elite times to benefit from a carbon plate, but you do need adequate preparation and long-run testing. Comfort does not remove the need for adaptation.

It can also suit heel strikers who value a smooth transition and do not want an overly aggressive toe spring. The broad platform and strong rearfoot shock absorption build confidence when technique deteriorates through fatigue. However, runners with marked pronation, significant instability or a history of plate-related discomfort should proceed carefully and seek medical guidance if pain is present.

Who should look elsewhere

Runners with very narrow feet may struggle to achieve a consistent midfoot lockdown. The shoe is not excessively wide, but its fit is less compressive than some rivals. If the heel moves, folds feel uncomfortable or the foot slides in corners, the issue cannot necessarily be solved by tightening the laces further.

It is also not the obvious choice for runners seeking maximum advantage in a 5K or 10K. Its weight and moderate rocker deliver a less explosive ride than more radical designs. The Pro 4 trades a small amount of pure speed for greater tolerance, a reasonable decision for marathons but less attractive to those racing short distances at the limit.

Anyone with recurring calf, soleus or Achilles discomfort should be particularly cautious. The relatively high drop may reduce some ankle demand, but the plate and stiffness redistribute forces. No super shoe guarantees a lower injury risk, and sensations during a short test do not always predict what will happen after 30 kilometers.

Comparison with the Pro 3 and rivals

Compared with the Endorphin Pro 3, the fourth generation offers a roomier fit, less demanding geometry and more cushioning travel. The previous version may feel more aggressive and faster for midfoot strikers over short distances, while the Pro 4 generally feels easier when pace settles or fatigue appears.

Against the adidas Adizero Adios Pro, the Saucony delivers a less explosive and generally more predictable ride. The Nike Vaporfly often feels lighter and more direct, but also has a closer fit. The ASICS Metaspeed can offer a more radical ride depending on the version and stride pattern. There is no universal super shoe: the best choice depends on foot shape, distance, pace and individual tolerance for stiffness.

Within the brand, the Endorphin Speed is more versatile and better suited to frequent quality training, while the Pro 4 adds a full carbon plate and greater response when racing is the priority. The Endorphin Elite sits higher in aggression and price, with a clearer focus on maximum performance. The Pro 4 occupies a middle ground that may be more practical for most runners.

Verdict: speed with room to breathe

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is not trying to win the race for extreme lightness. Its proposition is different: a carbon super shoe delivering energy return, generous cushioning, reliable grip and reasonable stability without being as punishing as some racing designs. The dual-foam construction improves the feel and the plate organizes the transition without making the shoe difficult to control.

Its main weaknesses are clear: it weighs more than several rivals, the forefoot may feel insufficient for some runners and the heel fit will not suit everyone. The sensation of speed is also less explosive than that of the most radical models. In return, durability, comfort and ease of use create a very balanced package.

For half marathons and marathons, particularly for recreational runners seeking performance without an extreme platform, it remains a highly complete option. Properly tested and correctly fitted, it can cover everything from long intervals to the final section of a marathon, when the shoe stops being a laboratory promise and becomes a tool for preserving pace.

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