The carbon plate arms race in running shoes has pushed prices into the stratosphere. It seems like every brand has a $250-$300 super shoe now. But Saucony has been quietly doing something different with the Endorphin Speed line — giving runners legitimate race-day performance at a price that doesn't make you wince.
What Makes the Endorphin Speed 4 Special
Let me be clear: the Endorphin Speed 4 uses a nylon plate, not carbon fiber. But here's the thing I tell every customer who asks — for 95% of runners, the difference is negligible. Saucony's PWRRUN PB foam is incredibly light and responsive, and the nylon plate provides that same propulsive pop on toe-off. The shoe weighs in under 8 ounces, the geometry is aggressive without being unstable, and the grip is solid on pavement.
Who Should Be Running in This
At The Brick, we recommend the Endorphin Speed 4 for a wide range of runners:
- 5K to half marathon racers who want a speed shoe but aren't ready to drop $250 on a carbon super shoe
- Tempo and speed workout days — this is the perfect shoe for track intervals, tempo runs, and fartleks
- Runners who race frequently and don't want to burn through a $250 shoe every few months
- Triathletes who need a fast, lightweight shoe with a smooth transition feel
I've personally raced several 10Ks in the Endorphin Speed line, and it holds its own against shoes that cost $100 more.
How It Compares
vs. Saucony Endorphin Pro (carbon plate): The Pro is faster on paper, but the Speed is more versatile. You can train AND race in the Speed. The Pro is a pure race day shoe.
vs. Brooks Hyperion Elite: The Hyperion is snappier but narrower. The Speed fits more feet comfortably.
vs. HOKA Mach 6: Similar concept — lightweight, fast, daily-raceable. The Mach is softer; the Speed is more responsive. Both are great training-to-race shoes.
vs. On Cloudboom Echo: The Cloudboom is more structured and road-specific. The Speed is more versatile across surfaces.
The Value Proposition
At $170, the Endorphin Speed 4 costs $50-$80 less than most carbon-plated race shoes. And because it's durable enough for training runs too, you're getting double duty out of it. Saucony has always been the brand that quietly delivers — no hype, just performance. This shoe is the perfect example.
Try It at The Brick
We stock the full Saucony Endorphin lineup — Speed, Shift, and Pro. Come in and we'll figure out which one matches your goals. And if you've never tried Saucony before, you might be surprised. They've been making running shoes since 1898 — they know what they're doing.
