Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 vs Endorphin Speed 4: Racer and Super Trainer Compared

Introduction

The Endorphin Pro and Endorphin Speed have been the two constants in Saucony’s fast shoe lineup since the beginning. Even with the Endorphin Elite now sitting above them as the brand’s flagship carbon racing shoe, these two remain the pairing most runners actually rotate between: the Pro as a carbon plate racing shoe, the Speed as a fast daily trainer that can do almost everything.

This comparison looks at how the fourth generation of each shoe differs, where each one shines, and which one makes more sense for your running.

How the Two Shoes Are Built

On paper the two shoes share a lot. Both use an 8mm drop, both feature Saucony’s Speedroll rocker geometry for a flowing ride, both carry the newer SRS sock liner introduced with this generation, and both use a lightweight mesh upper with a similar lattice-style rubber outsole that has shown solid grip on wet roads.

The differences are in the details. The Pro is the lighter shoe at 233g (8.2oz) in a UK 9, versus 255g (9oz) for the Speed, and it carries the taller stack at 39.5mm heel / 31.5mm forefoot against the Speed’s 36mm / 28mm. The Pro’s midsole is dual density: a firmer PWRRUN HG top layer over PWRRUN PB, with a full-length carbon plate. The Speed uses PWRRUN PB throughout with a more flexible winged nylon plate designed for a touch more stability and a less stiff, less harsh ride.

Fit is close but not identical. The Speed 4 feels a little more secure with slightly less room across the top of the toes, while the Pro 4 has a more flexible upper with a bit more wiggle room up front, though it takes some lacing tweaks to lock down properly. Both run true to size.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4: The Carbon Racer

The Pro 4 is a comfortable, accessible carbon racing shoe that leans on its rocker geometry rather than an overly bouncy or aggressive platform. The added layer of firmer HG foam makes it slightly more responsive than the Pro 3, and it really comes alive when you pick up the pace, with noticeable pop off the forefoot deep into long workouts. There is no bottoming out, even in tough marathon training sessions.

The trade-off is a slightly softer, less immediate ride than some rivals, and an upper that needs patience with the lacing to get a secure fit. As a racer, though, it is reliable from the first mile to the last.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: The All-Round Super Trainer

The Speed 4 is the do-it-all shoe of the pair. It handles fast intervals and long steady runs with genuine pace, then cruises through easy and recovery miles comfortably. The ride is firmer and snappier than the Pro, more immediate off the ground, and the stiffer platform makes it a very stable choice.

The main compromise shows up under the forefoot on long hard efforts: with less stack, there is slightly less protection and bounce than the Pro when you push beyond around 20K. It is not a dealbreaker, but it marks the line between trainer and racer.

Ride and Feel on the Road

Run side by side, the contrast is real but subtle. The Speed lands softer at the heel and feels wider and more relaxed, while the Pro delivers extra punch off the toes, feels lighter and nimbler, and carries the more racy character. Interestingly, in one interval session the Speed 4 actually delivered the snappier, more responsive ride, while the Pro felt a little soft by comparison but offered more cushioning and midsole bounce.

For comfort on the foot and fatigue protection deep into long races, the Pro looks after you better than most carbon shoes. For pure versatility at a lower price, the Speed is hard to beat. The Pro 4 is a clearer upgrade over its previous generation than the Speed 4 is over the Speed 3.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want one shoe for fast training and racing and prefer more cushion, the Pro 4 is the pick, especially for marathon runners who want a shoe they can trust for the full distance. If you prefer a faster, more direct response, or you mostly want a training shoe, the Speed 4 delivers much of the same performance for significantly less money.

The Speed 4 arguably stands out more in its category, with few super trainers matching its versatility. The Pro 4 faces tougher competition in the carbon racing bracket, but it remains one of the most accessible and natural-feeling super shoes available, a great entry point for runners new to carbon racers.

Conclusion

These are two different shoes that both do their jobs very well. The Pro 4 is a cushioned, stable, comfortable carbon racer; the Speed 4 is an energetic, firmer, brilliantly versatile super trainer. Build an all-Endorphin two-shoe rotation and you would be well set for races of any distance and training runs of any type.