Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 Review

Saucony's first foray into super shoes was the Endorphin Pro line. The model has always been one of the most natural-feeling and approachable super shoes on the market. The Endorphin Pro 4 continues that tradition but gets more aggressive and firmer than previous iterations. The upper is completely reworked from the last version, and a new layer of PWRRUN HG foam improves dampening while also altering the feel of the shoe.

Performance Comparison

Landing Comfort

The stack height and drop of the Endorphin Pro 4 have changed marginally in our standardized lab testing. We measured 39 mm at the heel and 30 mm at the forefoot, compared to 39 mm and 27 mm, respectively, in the previous version. The difference is small but noticeable — but perhaps not in the way you'd expect.

Saucony fused PWRRUN PB with PWRRUN HG as a top layer. The addition of the HG results in a firmer underfoot feel. The Endorphin Pro 4 doesn't feel as bouncy and energetic as previous models, but it does insulate the feet and legs better. We no longer feel the carbon plate in the forefoot at the end of longer efforts and attribute that welcome change to the higher forefoot stack and the addition of the PWRRUN HG.

Even though the shoe has improved dampening, the firmer feel and extremely stiff ride make this shoe a little less comfortable at a range of paces. It can run easy, but landings get awkward. The firm foam and increased longitudinal stiffness feel best when forces are high. For runners who appreciate a more bouncy and forgiving foam in their race day option, we think the Endorphin Pro 4 will likely work better as a 5K to half marathon shoe rather than a marathon racer. Overall, we think the changes to the cushioning are an improvement.

Responsiveness

The same increased foam firmness and stiffness that detract from the comfort improve the aggressiveness of this shoe. The PWRRUN HG doesn't feel bouncy, but it is a highly resilient foam that works very well for propulsion. The Endorphin Pro 4 also has a very aggressive forefoot rocker that is noticeable, particularly at faster paces.

This shoe worked well for us at a range of paces, but we felt its sweet spot was somewhere between 10K pace and threshold. At marathon pace, the shoe did well, but our preference is for a little more give underfoot during long efforts. The shoe is great at paces faster than 10K, but it doesn't quite have the same pop as its competitors.

While that could be a negative for some runners, we also think it makes the Endorphin Pro 4 one of the most approachable super shoes. It's much easier to control than some other options while still providing excellent responsiveness.

Stability

The Endorphin Pro 4 is one of the most stable super shoes we've tested. If you value support and stability and want a super shoe, this is the option you should go for. It isn't a stability shoe by any means, but when compared to its direct competitors, it's much better.

The wider heel and midfoot platform play a large role in providing a stable contact patch. There are minor sidewalls through the midfoot, and the stiff mesh provides some support when laced up. There is a slight heel bevel, and the firmer foam helps limit lateral movement some.

Upper Comfort

Saucony completely reworked the upper to add more volume and support. The mesh is stiffer, and the tongue is integrated. It's still very breathable, although a little less so than the previous version.

Saucony also increased the overall volume of the upper, so the fit should work for more runners. We succeeded in achieving excellent lockdown in this shoe.

Our only minor concern is related to the stiff graphic overlay on the outer side of the forefoot. We experienced some minor rubbing and blistering on our pinkie toe during our first 10+ mile run in the shoes. While we were able to resolve the issue with a different pair of socks — but other users have reported similar problems.

Weight

The Endorphin Pro 4 weighs in at 8.30 ounces in a US men's size 10.5. That's light but still heavier than some other options, especially when compared to other race-focused shoes.

The weight is likely due to the increased stability and improved outsole. It's a good tradeoff to make a more approachable race-day shoe. And at the end of the day, it is still significantly lighter than the group average.

Traction

Saucony completely reworked the outsole, and this version of the shoe now provides some of the best traction we've experienced in a super shoe.

We did notice that the lugs wore down quickly, which is a concern if you want excellent traction out of this shoe after 200 miles.

Should You Buy the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4?

If you're looking for a true race day shoe, the Endorphin Pro 4 should be a strong contender. Runners looking for a bouncy and exciting ride will likely be disappointed. This shoe is propulsive but understated. We think it's best for runners who are considering their first pair of super shoes thanks to its relative stability and how easily it can be controlled.

What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?