Best Value Marathon Racing Shoe? Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 Review & Test (Pro 3 Comparisons)

🔹 SAUCONY ENDORPHIN PRO 4 (COMING SOON)
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Saucony Endorphin Pro 4: A Deep Dive into the Shoe Built for Marathon Racing: The Saucony Endorphin Pro series has carved a niche in the marathon racing world, lauded for its propulsive feel and lightweight design. The latest iteration, the Endorphin Pro 4, boasts significant upgrades to the upper, aiming to refine the experience for racers seeking podium finishes or personal bests. Let's dissect the shoe's key components: upper, midsole, and outsole, to see if it lives up to the 2024 hype train.
Upper: Breathability Meets New Tongue
The Pro 4 sheds the traditional tongue for an integrated engineered mesh. This creates a seamless, comfortable fit that eliminates tongue slide completely, a common complaint in previous versions. The upper itself is crafted from a thin, breathable mesh, keeping your feet cool during long hauls out on the roads. While comfortable, some runners may find it less robust than the Pro 3's upper, raising concerns about durability for high-mileage runners. Lockdown is excellent, thanks to the secure lacing system and a snug heel cup and counter. The fit leans slightly narrow, so wide-footed runners might need to consider going up a half size.
Midsole: A Dance Between Cushioning and Responsiveness
The midsole is the heart of the Pro 4's magic. It features a double layer of PWRRUN foam: a PWRRUN PB base for soft cushioning and a PWRRUN HG layer on top for responsiveness. This combination delivers a lively feel without sacrificing comfort, even on longer runs. Embedded within is a full-length carbon fiber plate that propels you forward with each stride. The signature SPEEDROLL rocker geometry encourages a smooth rolling motion, reducing fatigue and maximizing efficiency. Compared to the Pro 3, the midsole feels slightly softer and less aggressive, which some might find less speedy or bouncy but translates to better comfort for longer distances.
Outsole: Grippy and Durable (Mostly)
The outsole utilizes a durable rubber, and more under the forefoot, balancing traction with weight savings. The forefoot features a lattice design for flexibility and responsiveness, while the heel has a more robust rubber for wear resistance. This combination delivers good grip on dry surfaces, but some reviewers reported concerns about traction on wet roads. The outsole's minimal design sheds grams but might raise concerns about durability for heel strikers, especially high-mileage runners.
Verdict: A Solid Contender, But Not Without Flaws
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is a compelling option for marathon racers seeking a comfortable yet propulsive shoe. The revamped upper offers a secure, comfortable fit, while the midsole delivers a lively and efficient ride. However, the slightly less aggressive feel compared to the Pro 3 and potential durability concerns for high-mileage runners might steer some competitive racers toward other options; Hoka Cielo X1 definitely felt bouncier under step. Ultimately, the Pro 4 shines for those seeking a versatile marathon racer that prioritizes comfort alongside performance. If bounce and a razor-sharp under-step feel are your top priorities, you might want to explore other options.
I hope this comprehensive review helps you decide if the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is the right marathon racing shoe for you. Remember, the best way to find your perfect shoe is to try it on and run in it yourself!
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[@Project_-qc9oo]

I like it when he keeps his videos under 10 minutes and very informative on comfort and availability

[@finsaether]

Seth You Legend! Good to have you back 🤩🥳🙌 Geetings from Norway 🇳🇴

[@robertburpee9473]

Thanks Seth, Great review!

[@zachmcpherson2901]

Nothing beats the White Mutant CW from the original Pro/Speed. So good.

[@SavageDiarrhea2447]

Probably the greatest CW of all time. I don't understand why they won't do it anymore.

[@darightcoast1912]

Agreed by far the best CW

[@runstreetwise]

That CW was incredible. I still have my first pair of those because I love them so much.

[@irritablearchitect]

To be fair, there have been some stinkers in this line as well over the various versions, though I'd agree that the Mutant is absolute FIRE.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

AGREED!

[@ABucc]

Still have my 2 pairs of the Pro 1, and still using them. I remember liking all the hype when Saucony was launching their first ever marathon shoe. I believe moving forward, that Saucony is going to have their Endorphin Elite as the face of their marathon shoes.

[@ianmerrick556]

Puma Fast-R 2 looks like a banger for the marathon this time around sounds like a great upgrade from the first one!

[@BassTonix]

Very good review! Seth is always on the money for his reviews.

[@timothybrammer3681]

Looks good, my Pro 3’s are close to retirement. Pro and Speed 4 both available in the UK in limited colours

[@Rv-zs1nw]

That's looks like one of the coolest places visually I have seen you do

[@ghoch393]

Love this line of shoes!

[@chrisdick726]

I still have my Saucony Pro 1 and they still have some life in them. The only version I have but I’ll be looking to upgrade for Chicago in October. Yup, I got in !

[@terranceandcopper]

I probably will upgrade to the Endorphin Pro 3 when they go on sale. I rarely buy the new models. The 3s will be new to me and I've done a couple marathon's and several shorter races in the Pro 2s.

[@moreybrown870]

QOD: good question. I've been a big fan of the Endorphin line. All my PR's are in the E-Pro1's. My favorite uptempo trainer- the Endorphin Speed 3. but, I've had good luck in my last couple of marathons in the VaporFly2. So- maybe a new pair of VF's for this year? It's great to finish a marathon and realize that you didn't think about your shoes for the last 26 miles.

[@GallardoNY]

Whoa! The price didn’t increase?! That’s awesome!

[@PavolMagic]

I'll still opt for my Endorphin Pro 3. But the new NB look absolutely sick! Waiting for the Metaspeed update as well.

[@DTOWNRW16]

got the endorphin pro 3. curious how this compares. will probably be in the market for a new race shoe after this year

[@jollyroger1009]

Ok, first (?) Endorphin Pro 4 review out: Seth is definitely back! QD: I was hoping for something Asics as I love the brand but I need something stable. So far the SC Elite v4 is lookng good.

[@thomasmueller77911]

i´m looking too for a light, stable asics marathon shoe like the mach 5 or the endorphin speed...

[@blueaxe27]

Woohoo! The Endorphin 4 Series soon to be out. Excited to hear about the Speed 4s!

[@Andy.mikhail137]

I heard the speed 4s were still not as good as the 2s

[@davecharles6286]

Speed 4s are pretty bad. Nothing to be excited about. Next

[@longshlongsilver293]

Absolutely amazing shoe.

[@davecharles6286]

@@longshlongsilver293 honestly not really, I've already ran in it.. super soft. Nothing more than a daily trainer at this point. They will really watering these down to clearly separate these from the Saucony racing shoes. People still think that they have some characteristics of the one and the two, that's just not true anymore.. These are much spongiet and softer and almost feel like there's zapping energy

[@longshlongsilver293]

@@davecharles6286 well I love the 3, if it's similar to the it's what I want.

[@AustinRuns]

Trying to decide what shoes to use for my marathon in August! It’s between the endorphin pro 3 or 4 and the Meta speed sky plus!

[@deNudge]

Love the Pro one (still have it), and I love the Pro 3. It's my current marathon shoe, which I would probably use this year... if there was no Pro 4 around the corner. Should I go for it? The new tongue looks promising! 🤔

[@joelargueta9191]

I’m hoping to snatch up some Endorphin Pro 3’s on discount for my marathon shoe this year.

[@jeanlee28]

Hi, Seth! I've been enjoying Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, and just can't wait for running in pro 4! I heard the pro 4 has a bit longer front-to-back length than true fit. I am a little worried if my feet travels back and forth while running. Should I go half size down with the shoe??

[@donovanmifsud8664]

I think I'll break in the pro 4 for my Barcelona marathon in 3 weeks time ❤

[@brianolson5185]

How does the Pro 4 compare to the Elite? Which would you choose for race day?

[@faceless89]

Should you do durometer test also for the sockliner, since it can have a pretty big effect on the comfort?

[@runningscents2532]

Seth is back back!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

love and respect

[@MojoShock]

I'm waiting for the day Saucony Endorphin Pro will be available in a wide version. Until then I enjoy the N.B. SC Elite V3, and eventually the Pacer 2.

[@geoffb2900]

I'm using the Atreyu Race Model in 2024. My hope is to qualify for Boston and use the Endorphin Pro 4 in 2025.

[@grgr6720]

How is the stability of these? Better or worse than the adios pro 3s?

[@TheScottyLincoln]

PR'D two marathon early last year in the Pro 3 then switched over to the Adios Pro 3 for another PR. im going to pass on Pro 4.. QD: I think im going to try the Endorphin Elite or maybe stick with the Adios Pro 3 for one more and see what drops for fall

[@christianschobinger1131]

Available in Europe, so I already ordered a pair 🎉

[@user-wn6xm6hy2m]

So There is any diffrent 3 vs 4 ? any changes? or same shoes? only design ..

[@skshain]

Want the Endorphin Pro 4 to be my marathon shoe. Please let it work!

[@runhanrunnl]

QOD: Cielo x1 !! If price does come down. Second option: Bn SC Elite 4 or.... Endorphin Pro 4

[@tono1665]

Endo pro 4 that I’ve just picked up

[@cesarzoghbi4695]

Im waiting for adios pro 4

[@thomasmueller77911]

i hope the cumulus 26 is light enough for my marathon 2024... :)

[@griffitts7]

Favorite color is anything, other than that pink pro3

[@blooee1989]

I hope my 2024 shoe will be the endorphin pro 3 because I just bought a second pair of them.

[@bh4560]

Hopefully the alphafly 3 for this year. If not I will stick with my pro 3s

[@hahaheslop]

I've got the Saucony Pro 3 and Adidas Pro 3, can't afford an upgrade at the moment.

[@botrytis_cinerea]

Just received my first ever Endorphin Pro 3 in white. It looks fantastic. It's been heavily discounted here in the UK and after running in the Speed 3 I thought I would give it a go. I'm preparing for my first ever half marathon coming up in March and hoping to wear the Endorphin Pro 3. I haven't had much luck with plated shoes as they bring out my plantar fasciitis thus I'll have to sell my Adidas Pro 3 for the same reason. I'll take the endorphin pro 3 for a first run tomorrow (15km for my long run). Update: Endorphin Pro 3 is one of the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn. I did 16K with comfort and efficiency. This shoe does the magic for sure. I literally couldn't feel the plates in terms of stiffness.

[@danielmcdonald9917]

You will find wen u wear an run in the pro 3 they will hurt your legs firm setup

[@botrytis_cinerea]

@@danielmcdonald9917 Endorphin Pro 3 is so comfortable and soft.

[@botrytis_cinerea]

Couldn't feel the plates in terms of stiffness and the foam is soft enough. It's the definition of a perfect and versatile race/long run shoe.@@danielmcdonald9917

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

Disagree with the comment saying it will hurt your legs. I used them in Boston last April after having used the Speed2 the previous year. It was my best racing experience to date including how fresh my legs and feet felt in the end and easy recovery afterwards.

[@MattRunsColorado]

Pro 3's for a discount may not be a bad pick up! I still got some vaporfly's that need some miles though haha

[@nilsma1417]

I am hoping for the Puma Fast-R2 AS my Marathon Racing Shoe

[@tri4autism]

I like the tongue for a triathlon shoe, this shoe slips on nice which is worth a little in short course racing.

[@jacobdetamore5922]

Could you use it for a road 100?

[@josefsaviro7867]

I hope the next shoe review will be the Endorphin speed 4 🤞🏻

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

done

[@toddboucher3302]

It’s a good looking shoes though. I just seen a video with the pumas fast star new one and nothing looks like it’s from Outer space that’s a good looking shoe though.

[@gpersonaltrainer]

You forgot to mention the Pro +! 😂 Jokes apart, nice review. I have a question for you regarding durability. I've run 600km in the Pro 2 and 700km in the Pro 3. What do you mean with +250 miles (aka 400km)?

[@Mosizzle600]

Thanks for the honest review. How does it compare to the endorphin elite?

[@trbeyond]

Was wondering the same since I found the Elite more bouncy than the Pro 3.

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

The geometry of the Elite is much more aggressive. The midsole foam reminded me a bit of the AF3 which I was given to test as well. I found the Elite to be too aggressive for the speed vs comfort equation of a marathon. It puts your toes in a bent-up position if you know what I mean. The Pro 4 has a layer of the same midsole foam formula as the Elite so it might be a nice compromise between the Pro 3 (which I loved) and the Elite, with more of a comfort priority.

[@ianwarner1429]

Endorphin Speed 4!

[@ChaoticRodent]

Between the Adios Pro 3 and Endorphin Pro 4 I think. OG endorphin Pro is best colorway by a clear mile. No other CFP shoe comes even close.

[@snakey973]

Shoe is hot looking 🔥

[@charstringetje]

No rubbing, or hardly any rubbing? I have a pair of the Pro 3 and iirc you mentioned "a bit" of rubbing, and that model ate my right achilles tendon for breakfast. QOD: I ran my 60k on a pair of Adidas Adios Pro 3

[@ericwhite80five]

QOD: If I can even make it to the start line of a marathon…..I’m hoping to sport the Saucony Endorphin Elite!

[@michaeldominic2070]

Adios Pro 3 is my racer of choice currently, but wanting to pick up the Alphafly 3. Seth, does the toebox have more room in the 4 compared to the 3? The toebox was too narrow for me in the Endo Pro 3 and I have normal width feet!

[@maswepe2409]

Usually i'm use width 2E on Brooks. my foot on Pro-4 still feeling comfort. Pro-4 i think also best on stability

[@davecharles6286]

Got to ask, why are you replacing the adidas pro 3 that's such an amazing racing shoe

[@michaeldominic2070]

@@davecharles6286 you are correct, the Adios Pro's are amazing. I just retired my last pair so I need to pick something up for my 2 spring marathons. More than likely I'll get another pair of Adios Pro's, however I'm always up for trying something new. I have a brand new pair of Vaporfly 3's and may just give them a go.

[@davecharles6286]

@@michaeldominic2070 the biggest thing that I noticed is on the vaporflys versus the pro 3, the adidas just seem so much more cushioned and springy in the forefoot landing area versus the Nike vaporfly 2/3. I put on a pair of my vapor flies the other day to do a speed session and, they're definitely punchy but they feel much more brittle in the mid to forefoot. 195 lb and I feel like I bottom out the Nike easier. Different strokes for different folks.

[@michaeldominic2070]

@@davecharles6286 I agree. I've worn the Vaporfly 3's twice on 2 short runs and they lack that punch! I love how light they are but they feel slower and I feel like I need to work harder to run faster. I loved version 1, the 2s are ok. I still have a pair of 2s with only 20 miles on them.

[@Wings_nut]

This is the year for the fast version 4's: Endo Pro 4, Endo Speed 4, SC Elite v4, Hyperion Elite 4, Adios Pro 4.

[@davecharles6286]

Your first tour incorrect. The last two probably correct. The speed 4 is just a regular daily trainer at this point

[@Wings_nut]

@@davecharles6286 that's one opinion

[@davecharles6286]

@@Wings_nut ok..just 1.

[@erikspiegeler6810]

QOD: New Balance SC Trainer V3

[@rodlambert1425]

I need a bit more bounce which the Pro 2 had.

[@Ginguredrunner]

Reebok is coming out with a floatzig racing shoe I think lol

[@ZenDao_85]

The hg foam.. and the pwrrun pb in general is like.. suited to american males? Youre a pretty small guy right? I weigh 60 kg. I usually dont bounce in the denser peba midsoles.. you probably need something like zoom x to get that bounce. Im guessing youre around my weight? Im from the eu. Decimal system.. i guess 60 kg is around 130-135 pounds? How much do you weigh? Im guessing most american dudes weigh around 170 pounds.. they will need something more resilient to not bottom out.

[@starz8900]

Most likely i'll buy the Pro 3 when the get cheap and run my fall marathon in them

[@wk633]

Um, the Pro 3 was/is $225... And I know it's still cheaper than most (all?) of the competition, but I'd still never call a $225 shoe 'budget'. I picked up the pair of Pro 3s I used at CIM for $160. What I'm really looking for is the Speed 3 to go on sale. Can't get enough of those. My road races this year will be Pro 2 for under Marathon and Pro 3 for Marathon.

[@mad8298]

That upper looks a lot like the NB SC Elite v.3, which did NOT work for me. Hot spots everywhere. Now the NB SC Elite v.4 is a different story all the way around and that will be my go to shoe for my 2024 marathons.

[@TheHuskyRunner]

Currently looking for a marathon shoe of 2024. Recommendations for a slower, heavier runner?

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

SPEED 4! for real

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Or Triumph 20/21

[@hunt-byfaith]

Are they as narrow in the mid foot and toe box as the 3s?

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

I heard from a number of other reviews that there is space in the toe box of v4.

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

I’ve heard in a number of other reviews that v4 is wider in general.

[@aristodiga82]

the thing we want to know the most is.... is it better than the Pro 3? Price point is ok, but if it's not better than the 3, probably better to find Pro 3 on discount 😅

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

I think it’s just somewhat different than the Pro 3. I plan to try v4 and decide which to go with for my April marathon. One will be preferred by some people, the other by others. You know how it goes; we’re all different so you need to try them for yourself.

[@MidLifeRunner]

🎯 “cruiser, not a bouncer”- 🙌🏼 you’re still the best in the game . got the 3s and feel the same way. I do like it…@ super trainer prices versus a super shoe prices. Half marathon or faster but marathon would feel a bit harsh in the back 9

[@erikRR]

QOD Topo specter

[@fechur]

fuq i just got eh alpha fly 3 =(

[@markoljustina]

QD: EP4

[@jamescorry5890]

If it’s anything like the 3s - It can take 50km to bed the shoes in and get more out of the enjoyment of the ride and bounce.

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

For me it was not the case. My Pro 3’s were terrific out of the box and I had a huge PR last April in them (in rain, too😮) having only put about 12 miles in them before the race. Not a single blister or hot spot either.

[@matthiassventoest6800]

qod ..probably endo speed 3 probably

[@ianwarner1429]

Cielo x1

[@jeremygreenwood2668]

I'd still run in my Saucony Pro 2 over this

[@m0e566]

i’m going to use my last pair of AF1s 😢, 2025 is going to be a sad year

[@davidpage8147]

Find a pair of saucony elites... I think you would like them

[@m0e566]

@@davidpage8147 haven’t given those a try yet, thanks

[@andorkish]

MUTANT all the way!!!!

[@jimmcgourty3780]

QD - Cheaper 😂

[@jesustsa1]

Very disappointing. Sounds like superblast is the way to go in this price range. Save $25 and has more bounce. Not race legal but for normal people that’s a non issue

[@landofenchantmentspartan103]

Asics Meta speed

[@jcambridge46]

All I can see is a Nike Swoosh.

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

Interestingly, if you look for all the YT reviews of this shoe you’ll see a version that’s mostly black and another that’s mostly orange, and that layer doesn’t stand out at all in those other colorways, so “no swoosh” 😂

[@danielmcdonald9917]

Pro 3 definitely better

[@caddchambers950]

Cool