Saucony Endorphin Pro vs Endorphin Speed: Which Endorphin shoe should you get?

It’s been a great year for Saucony fans, because the brand has been firing on all cylinders releasing a slew of excellent shoes. The new Endorphin line in particular has been a huge hit, containing both Saucony’s carbon plate racer - the Endorphin Pro - and the training partner to the Pro - the Endorphin Speed.
After using both shoes regularly throughout the year Run Tester Nick reckons the Pro is one of the better carbon racers available, while the Speed has a solid case for being the best all-round shoe released in 2020. In this video Nick looks at both shoes and recommends which you should get, if you're not planning on bagging both.
JUMP STRAIGHT IN:
@00:50 - Key Stats
@01:22 - Design & Fit
@03:32 - Running Performance
@07:07 - Verdict
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[@nathaliec7330]

These are the 2 shoes I have most miles in and they all looking great. Ordered another 2 pairs again for this year Most long lasting shoes out there

[@josephgonzalez_]

Totally agree. Speed is my go to tempo shoe, and Vaporfly Next% my racing shoe.

[@TheRunTesters]

A great combo :)

[@lebarlw5564]

I’ve got to say the speed is the best shoe I’ve ran in so far. Bouncy, light and comfortable. I used to be ASICS for a long time, but so glad I discovered these via your reviews. i find the speed is great for short & long runs. A good all rounder at a competitive price.

[@moldoe78]

I own 2 pairs of Speed. On one pair I have 600km and on the second pair about 350km. These were the only shoes that I used to train and run my first ever marathon in a time of 3:39. I'm size 12, have flat feet and tend to pronate, especially on my left foot. Best running shoes for me. And I tried quite a few in the past 3 years since I started running consistently.

[@TheRunTesters]

Nice! Congrats on the marathon! I’m about 250km into my Speed and loving them

[@MisterBarlow]

Same feet and size! My feet haven’t felt better. I do find though my my pinky toe get pinched a little for some reason. Do you have the same issues?

[@gabornyers7091]

Smashing Rewiew as always!! Speed is I'll go for ! Keep up the good work Buddy! Thanks for sharing!👏

[@TrailrunnerTroy]

Just ran the Speed - out of the box - 50 K on asphalt and graded gravel/dirt roads in colder, dry weather. Comfortable and nice rocker morion. Works best at faster/tempo training pace; the rocker is too pronounced for slower training runs to be comfortable. Some lace bite after 28 miles but no blisters. Definitely recommend - especially at the price point it’s a very good value.

[@TheRunTesters]

That's quite the first run haha! Well done

[@midsfella]

Thanks for a great honest review,I'm using and loving the speed but I'm looking for a race shoe for my ironman marathons..... I was looking at buying the Pro for 2021 but I think I'll wait and see what else gets released..

[@TheAnikdam]

The Speeds have become my go to trainers this year as well. And I tried the pro, but I had to size down by 1/2 a size to get a better heel lock down. I can see myself racing in the pros which is an excellent alternative to the Next%'s.

[@TimGrose]

Yeah I did my own video comparing these two and very similar conclusion. Pro I tested marginally faster than the Speed but talking less than 10 secs a mile if that. I don't really feel the plate in the Speed so have used it for a variety of paces from short sprints to longish steady runs to even warming up for track races. The Turbo 2 has been my goto shoe for the last year or so but, with that seemimgly on the way out, just picked up a 2nd pair of the Speed as certainly think it is the closest to it and perhaps in some ways better. Cushioned under the toes is one area but maybe not quite as nimble on different surfaces. I have narrow feet and also have to pull in the laces more in the Speed but not as much as I do in some shoes like the TC and NOVABLAST so I think the width will accommodate the majority of feet. That said I like the Pro too - it is better going faster and a decent option for longer faster runs but still feels good enough in say warm ups or recovery easier bits. It hasn't tested (or just "felt") faster than the NEXT% for me at race speeds but the Pro is a slightly more natural feeling on foot and, as you said, certainly a lot more so than the Alphafly or Tempo NEXT%.

[@TheRunTesters]

I very much agree on the Speed being a solid replacement for the Turbo, another shoe I've loved (hopefully they'll keep it around!). I've had some moments on runs in the Pro where it's felt the business and as good as Nike, but overall still prefer the latter. Be good to get a few races in a row to test them properly, but doesn't seem likely now!

[@royaditiosamosir4793]

Can't wait for huawei watch fit review video from you guys..

[@nizam_mr]

Protip: If you want Strava sync support/gpx export, dont bother with Huawei products

[@runhanrunnl]

The speed is a damn fine shoe. Best shoe I've ever had.

[@ilias2841]

Great review as always! I have the speed and the pro, which I just bought today (super discount). I use the speed for fast workouts, intervals, strides and progression runs, and intend to mix the two ( Speed and Pro ) Will be using the Pro for up-tempo and threshold efforts and my upcoming 10k virtual race in two weeks.

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks! They’re a great pair of shoes to have in rotation, hope the 10k goes well!

[@Rami579]

Saucony endorphin speed , complete package 2020, shoes of 2020, congratulations saucony !!

[@gregwalker5573]

Great review! I have both the pro and speed and concur that the pro is ideal for racing - it does feel faster and easier to maintain a high pace. However, the speed is a little bit more comfortable in the upper and an all-around brilliant training shoe!

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks! Both cracking shoes for sure

[@allencarney2918]

Great comparison review and I agree with all of it! In my own comparison I found the Speed only ~5sec/mi off from the Pro in 10k's and the Pro ~4sec/mi off from the VF next%. The Speed is a fantastic shoe for everything and just feels awesome.

[@TheRunTesters]

That's some good data, thanks for sharing! The Speed's versatility is such a plus, and was a bit of a surprise for me, thought it would only be good going fast

[@scotts6067]

The Speed is my everyday trainer and it’s great. The Next% was my racer but I’m going to switch to the Pro. The Next% is a little wobbly we’re the Pro has some built in stability and the speed roll thing is the real deal. Is better if you don’t have that pretty foot strike that you need to get the most out of the Nike. The Pro is more forgiving.

[@williamgillies6184]

I really enjoy your show reviews. I generally get all the specific information I need to know out of these. You mentioned that you would use the Pro to race a half and full marathon. What would use to race a 10k or 5k right now?? Thanks and stay safe.

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks, you enjoy the reviews:) So I'd use the Pro over the Speed for those longer races, but in general I'd probably use the Nike Alphafly for 10k, half and full marathon. At 5K more of a toss-up between Alphafly, New Balance RC Elite, Vaporfly and Asics Metaracer

[@sakthik]

Very good review, helpful in making my decision. Just bought the speed.

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks and hope you enjoy using them!

[@paulcain1285]

I’ve got 188 Miles in the SPEED been a great training shoe. I use it for faster or interval days, can do easy but I think better options exist. I live quite rural and the lanes are muddy and wet, doesn’t feel very grippy. Been preferring the RC Elite for similar sessions, which is holding up well. I think the Vapourfly Next% and Alphafly are still better race day options right now.

[@TheRunTesters]

Yeah if you have a three shoe rotation an easy shoe with better grip def worth having!

[@mechadriver5088]

100% agree on the Speed. I just purchased a 2nd pair as I will start using it for type of workout except racing. This was a surprise given I had written off Saucony after Freedom/everrun and the lower drops. Conflicted about the Pro. I have the Nike carbon plated shoes, so not sure if I need to invest in the Pro.

[@TheRunTesters]

If you have the Nikes I’d say you’re all set, no need to splash out, but the Pro is very good :)

[@ptlewis2000]

After being late to the game and trying both of the shoes (Bought 2 each on sale), the Speeds are WAY too unstable for someone with stability needs like bigger flat footed over pronators. However, the Pro's are surprisingly comfortable and smooth! Not sure it will replace my Nike racers yet but in 2022 it is now my favorite speed/tempo/fast-long-run trainer. And the great thing about the Pro's is unlike both of the Nike racers, they are great for doing the warm ups/cool downs as well. So I look forward to running in them for SOS workouts.

[@danielgurmin2672]

The shifts are amazing. But laces are a bit short for a runners knot !!

[@Carlomagnus333]

I used Carbon Plates only for intervals (I try to avoid it for all other training). But I had never heard of a Nylon Plate. Should I buy the Endorphin Speed for long days, tempo runs, and farleks, or do you recommend something else?

[@rossfripp4503]

Is the Speed good for, well, speedwork....even down to sub 5min/mile interval paces? Cheers!

[@andys121.]

the speed shoe is epic , best shoe I've had in years

[@TheRunningRRT]

Just ran a PR in the speed for the marathon. I love it. I would like to try one of the carbon plate shoes but they are expensive! The Speed can do it all if need be!

[@TheRunTesters]

Congratulations! And yep the Speed can do it all for sure

[@alanorcharton8855]

I totally agree with the comments on the speed. It’s a very fun shoe.They sell out quick but seen a couple new batches come out in different colors- including a vey smart NY version. Available now in US hope they replenish in other markets soon.

[@TheRunTesters]

Yep hoping for another restock soon here in the UK!

[@sakthik]

They have restocked the white

[@Pie_monster]

I've to run 1 mile under 6 min 30 sec, should I buy endorphin pro 2 or speed 2?

[@amia5559]

I just purchased the Endorphin Pro 2, that are just being released. Heavily used my Kinvaras for the past 3 years (yes, they are falling apart and I should have replaced them earlier). But now I wonder if I can just train and race in the Pro 2, being fully aware that they might not hold up more than a few months.. Is it really necessary to have a different training shoe? Especially, if the speed and the pro are so similar..

[@TheRunTesters]

You can train in the Pro, it's pretty versatile and durable, I would just say that the ride is probably a little too stiff for my tastes to use day in day out if you're logging a lot of training.

[@amia5559]

@@TheRunTesters Would you go for a new pair of Kinvaras then as daily trainers or the Speed?:)

[@TheRunTesters]

I much prefer the Speed myself, just all round a better shoe than the Kinvara - faster, more comfortable, better over long distances. The Kinvara is fine, the Speed is immense :)

[@amia5559]

@@TheRunTesters Thanks a lot for the advice! :)

[@benfowler4336]

Waiting for the Speeds to come in stock. Do they fit true to size?

[@TheRunTesters]

Agree they’re true to size for me too :)

[@TimGrose]

Exact same size in Nike and Saucony for me.

[@benfowler4336]

@@TimGrose lovely! A 9 for me when they're back in stock then. Hoping to get some next% on Black Friday as well in the pursuit of a sub 3 hour marathon.

[@williamgillies6184]

I am a US 9.5 in the Endorphin Pro but had to return my “Speeds” and go 1/2?size down to a US 9. I think the Endorphin Pro 9.5 fitted me because it has a more snug tighter racing fit. I had a similar problem with some Kinvara’s I purchased.

[@jaimeventura1911]

Yes they fit true to size @ben Fowler

[@thiepnguyen1698]

if you could get the endorphin pro for $40 cheaper then the endorphin speed which shoe you buy for training? Thanks

[@ptlewis2000]

Yes! Buy 2 (like I did)! Favorite trainer that replaced my retired ZF3.

[@espacesX]

I prefer selfproduced Endorphines over shoes... As the/my adidas NextCloud have a full-length Nylon Plate I may opt for the Endorphin Speed. Interesting would be somekind of Saucony Endorphin with Tech as used at the legendary Green Voelkl P9 Super-G alpine-ski, which had beyond Kevlar-belts also belts eliminating vibrations which were Made Out of ceramic-fibre (Not glassfiber!!!). Hightech as it's best. All those shoes miss vibration-eliminating Tech...Well adidas Energy Rods also absorbs Vibration Energy. Carbon Fiber is prone for it's characteristic vibrations...ceramic Fiber is a silencer...

[@JB-hq9yj]

TY for the word salad!

[@sylvainhyais8166]

At 5 km pace Reebok floatride run fast pro slightly faster than Nike vaporfly(3"/ km roughly)for me This Reebok perfect for sub 60 kilos runners, short distance,you feel like it's your feet that is working and it's soooo light..I don't like the feeling of the Vaporfly though it's really efficient. Endorphin Speed : fantastic fast all round shoe, best ever I' ce hzd un my 26 years of running !

[@raiden233]

Anyone with high arches and corrective insoles has had any experience with these shoes?

[@stickonatree]

Thanks for the great comparison. But for the love of God, Nike is pronounced as 2 syllables, rhymes with Mikey, not 1 :)

[@TheRunTesters]

Most people in the UK say it as one syllable as in "Lynn, I've put my foot on a spike!" Just like a lot of people in the US say Adeeeeedas not adi-das. It's all a bit tomayto tomahto. And don't get us started on Poooma.

[@stickonatree]

@@TheRunTesters very true stateside many say Adidas, Porsche, etc. incorrectly. In fact even some here pronounce Nike rhyming with spike. Never too late to start spreading the correct pronunciations though...once you start you can’t go back ;)

[@Isabelle_boothman]

4:26. “15 miles in around half an hour “ WTF !

[@TheRunTesters]

"15 miles with a final half an hour finishing at 3:40km pace." Nick is not 15 miles in 30 mins fast 😂. Much as he'd like to be.

[@Karlm01]

Neither shoe are available in UK size 9 i would loved a pair of speed

[@TheRunTesters]

I believe there are some new colours on the way soon 🤞

[@Karlm01]

@@TheRunTesters What colours? 2021 or before?

[@TheRunTesters]

Think its the pinky/red ones the pros have been using (eg at London marathon), and a yellow one, and this year i think!

[@teddyjordan8266]

LIKE 👍

[@wangshuishui2121]

These shoes are so difficult to purchase in asia... lousy authorised seller n over priced by opportunistic resellers... saucony should just say these are for sale in europe and usa only... are we still in the 80's?? 😂😂😂

[@TheRunTesters]

Ah that’s annoying!