In 2021, I pulled on the first model of the Saucony Endorphin Pro to run the Chicago Marathon. It was a good shoe, but a rough day. So it’s been a few years now and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 has seen some big changes since that first edition and I’m excited to share this tempo, speed workout shoe with you.
Some shoes just have that fast look to them and I admit, I’m a sucker for anything that mentally makes me feel faster. Picking up the Endorphin Pro 4 it has the same lightweight feel as so many of the top end carbon plated running shoes that I was ready to roll.
As always my goal in reviews is to give you honest feedback on likes, dislikes and often opinions from fellow runners who have also tried current or past models. Hopefully all of this together helps you decide if this is the right shoe for your current training goals.
I’m excited to slide on the newest model and see what’s changed. And fingers crossed what remains the same!
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 Review
It’s fair to say that in general, I’m a fan of Saucony running shoes. Shoot I’ve worn Kinvara’s for a marathon early on and then as noted the first Endorphin pro in another marathon! But they aren’t the right shoe for everyone, particularly as they tend to run a bit narrow.
The Pro 4 is a shift from previous versions as it now utilizes the PWRRUN HG midsole foam, which was previously reserved for their top tier Endorphin Elite race shoe. This is known as their super foam with the most energy return. It also still contains the PWRRUN PB, which is almost as top tier being soft, bouncy and PEBA made for racing shoes.
That new cushion feels fantastic immediately and throughout the run, making it feel like you’ve got more bounce and cushion than it’s predecessor. But they also realized that it was a good shoe and didn’t go overboard with changes!! YES A WIN for anyone who enjoyed running in the Endorphin Pro 3.
Here’s a comparison of my Endorphin Pro and Endorphin Pro 4. You can see the stack height has continually increased (roughly 7mm increase since the original). And most importantly the shoe is no longer so narrow. The original is the only shoe in 20+ years of running that gave me a black toenail while running.
What this means for us is more cushion! Because more cushion is the theme of every nearly running shoe right now.
I do love the look of these shoes an while that shouldn’t be a factor…anything that mentally gets you excited works in the favor of you and the shoe. There’s a reason the placebo effect is so strong.
The Endorphin Pro 4 is an excellent choice for runners who are looking for a lightweight cushioned carbon plate shoe for training and racing. It will easily carry you from the 5K to the marathon.
Specifications
Let’s dive in with some of the top line info that we all need to know about a shoe!
- Neutral carbon plate shoe
- Moderate cushion
- Weight: 7.5 oz men’s, 6.5 oz women’s
- Heel drop: 8 mm
- 4 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available now on Saucony.com for $225
The Pro utilizes the same Speedroll technology to help with that quick transition from heel to forefoot and while it doesn’t feel like a rocker per say, you will notice that flow when picking up the pace.
My first tempo run in these shoes felt light and soft and fantastic. My next longer run in them was equally enjoyable. These feel more like a daily training shoe that I could use on repeat, than one I would only save for race day.
I can only imagine how much more I would have enjoyed Chicago in this version of the shoe! It’s got that fabulous bounce, it’s a wider fit, the Speedroll remains and overall it’s a shoe that feels good for a lot of miles.
The combination of foam should also make this shoe a bit more durable than some of the top tier carbon plated shoes.
One of the few downsides for me is this shoe actually went up in weight from the previous version, but only a tiny amount. Very few are going to notice this change, especially with the new foam.
Fit
Unlike other carbon shoes, these are easy to pull on even with the sock like fit.
This shoe has a booty like fit which is nothing new now when you look at what Nike has been doing for ages. But they do call it the SRS, Super Responsive Sockliner, so it feels very high tech. What it really means is reduced weight from no padded tongue, no issues with the tongue moving around and the shoe remains really breathable.
The heel also has just a slight amount of padding, which is enough to prevent rubbing or blisters. It’s not the big cushioning like you find in your daily trainer because the are focused on cutting weight.
If you like to do the heel lock lacing, there is a back hole for it, but oh boy is it a stretch to make it happen with these laces. In fact, these laces do feel a bit stretchy, but still not quite enough length there to get a comfortable bow on the lace and ensure it doesn’t come flying free during the run.
The tongue folds over top of the laces…I think. I think that’s what you’re supposed to do with it, but I wasn’t really sure. As we know from other reviews like the Asics Nimbus, I have an issue with anything that will rub on the ankle.
Who Is Going to Love the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4?
It also made me think if you are willing to shell out over $200 for a pair of running shoes for race day, then the question becomes should you pick on of my top carbon plated running shoes or this shoe which is more mid-range??
Those shoes all have a bit more bounce, technology and roll to help with speed. Brands are catering to the front of the pack with these shoes, stating that you’ll get more bang for your buck the faster you run in them.
If you want a stellar speed workout shoe or carbon plated shoe that feels a bit more stable and like your daily running shoes, this is the winner. Some of the really bouncy plated shoes seem to be causing achilles and foot issues, so this shoe is unlikely to have that result.
AND these should last longer than shoes with just the HG foam which is going to breakdown faster.
I think they’re going to have a much broader appeal and feel more accessible to more runners.
Saucony PWRRUN Foams
PWRRUN (pronouced power run) is a midsole foam designed to provide a balance of cushioning and responsiveness, with a focus on energy return.
According to Saucony, the foam is 25% lighter than the brand’s previous cushioning material, yet delivers 5% more energy return. This means that runners can experience a more comfortable and efficient stride, with less fatigue.
Another look at how the foam height has changed over the years. Also you’ll notice a bit more rocker with the heel and the split, where they are taking weight the shoe doesn’t need.
What sets PWRRUN apart from other midsole foams is its construction. The foam is made up of a proprietary blend of materials that allows it to adapt to a runner’s unique stride, providing customized cushioning and support.
Additionally, PWRRUN is highly durable and can withstand the wear and tear of regular training and racing.
PWRRUN-HG is their top tier dense, bouncy foam. Gas is injected in to the foam to give it that super light and cushioned feel. As noted, this was previously ONLY in their Endorphin elite, so it’s a big boost to add this to the Pro 4.
This is considered their fastest foam.
Other PWRRUN Foam Shoes
If you like the feel of this midsole, it’s being used in a number of shoes:
- Saucony Endrophin Shift (bigger stack height, 4mm drop, max cushion) – my least favorite Saucony
- Saucony Triumph – max cushion, 10mm using the PWRRUN+ foam
- Saucony Ride – daily trainer, 8mm
- Saucony Peregrine – trail shoe
- Saucony Endorphin Elite – carbon plate, using the PWRRUN-HG foam
Cons of the Endorphin Pro 4
Let’s talk about who isn’t going to love this shoe:
- Saucony in general can be a bit more narrow than some brands
- It’s not their top of the line carbon shoe, so it has a little less bounce and little more weight
- Wanting to run trails, it has very little added traction
All right, I really hope this Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 review helped you in making a decision! I may not love every single shoe that I test, but I’ve found that just sharing the details helps you find a shoe that YOU LOVE.
And that’s all that actually matters.
Checkout my complete breakdown of the best Saucony running shoes >>
Looking for other running shoe reviews??
- Saucony vs HOKA
- Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 Review
- How to Tell if Running Shoes Fit Properly
- How Long do Running Shoes Last
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