Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 Preview: What Changes From the Pro 3

Introduction

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 has been one of the most beloved super shoes on the market, especially for recreational runners in the three to four hour marathon range. The Endorphin Pro 4 builds on that formula with a restyled midsole, a possible foam upgrade, and a new lacing approach. This preview breaks down everything currently known about the Pro 4 and where it fits next to the Pro 3 in your rotation.

Midsole Updates

The biggest visual change is new contouring on the heel area of the midsole. Instead of the smoothed, flowing line of the Pro 3, the Pro 4 features deep sculpted indents and a more aggressive, almost spike-like effect at the back of the shoe. It looks better on foot than in close-up photos, but it is clearly a departure from the classic look.

The more interesting question is the foam. Some sources indicate PWRRUN HG somewhere in the Pro 4 midsole, possibly in the forefoot, though the exact placement is not yet confirmed. The Pro 3 uses 100 percent PWRRUN PB, Saucony’s standard beaded PEBA compound. PWRRUN HG is a non-beaded supercritical PEBA, similar in character to Adidas Lightstrike Pro: a bit denser and bouncier, and it is the foam used in the top-tier Endorphin Elite. If it trickles down into the Pro 4, the ride could become slightly firmer and more responsive.

Stack-wise, the Pro 4 keeps roughly 40 millimeters of heel stack with an eight millimeter drop. The forefoot may sit slightly higher than the Pro 3, which would bring the drop closer to six millimeters, but that has not been confirmed. The signature Endorphin rocker stays, appearing very similar to the Pro 3, perhaps a touch more aggressive but still toned down compared with the sharply curved Endorphin Elite.

Upper and Fit

The Pro 3’s upper is a major reason the shoe works so well for everyday training and long runs. It is lightweight, feels good on foot, and offers solid lockdown without cinching the laces tight. Its lockdown fits the foot better than the racing shoes from Nike or Adidas, which is a big part of why the Pro 3 is so agreeable for tempo work and weekly miles.

The Pro 4 keeps the same lightweight, breathable mesh with solid heel padding and a flexible heel counter. The notable new element is the lacing system: instead of the laces running directly through the upper, the Pro 4 uses external loops, a trend also seen in the latest Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 iteration. Runners with finicky feet may get a bit more flexibility in lockdown.

Durability and Outsole

Based on how the Pro 3 has held up, durability looks strong. After around 200 miles in every type of weather, including many rainy long runs, the upper shows virtually no wear. The outsole uses Saucony’s XT-900 rubber, found on all of its premium shoes. At 200 miles the forefoot and toe-off zones retain their full texture, with degradation only at the heel for a heel striker. The Pro 4 is not expected to change this formula much.

Which One Fits Your Running

The Endorphin Pro 3 remains a fantastic choice for a first-time marathoner wanting a carbon-plated shoe, or for runners coming from other Saucony models who want a race day option. Its ride is softer, smoother, and more stable than the Nike Vaporfly or Alphafly, thanks to a wider midsole platform. The trade-off is that it is not as aggressive: very fast, efficient runners chasing maximum get-up-and-go may prefer the firmer Endorphin Elite.

The Pro 4 aims to keep that friendly, bouncy character while the possible PWRRUN HG addition could make the ride slightly less soft and more responsive. It is unlikely to become overly harsh, since Saucony reserves the most aggressive feel for the Endorphin Elite.

Conclusion

The Endorphin Pro 4 looks like an evolution rather than a revolution: sculpted midsole styling, potentially denser and bouncier foam in the mix, the same friendly rocker, and a more flexible lacing setup. If the Pro 3’s comfort and durability carry over, it should remain one of the most approachable super shoes for marathoners, while the Pro 3 stays a proven, well-loved option in its own right.