Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 - Shoe of the Year?

[@dhgpan]

Endo Speed 4 being great and we are waiting for the Deviate Nitro 3 and the Superblast 2. Competition will be rough this year 🎉

[@JDeezle21]

Those are my most anticipated Puma my number 1 because of price and versatility but I'm definitely intrigued by the Superblast 2

[@Crose46]

Deviate nitro 3 might be this years trainer oty

[@ardkf]

Is there any news on Superblast 2? I asked the Asics salesman and he said there is no news until June

[@youpigirl5731]

@@JDeezle21 j'ai découvert les Puma cette année : puma deviate nitro FM (mes préférées malgré le peu de tenue au talon, je les préfère de loin à me nitro elite 2), puis le Fast nitro elite 1 (les plus rapides, mais exigeantes et pas sur le mouillé). Point de vue chrono, mes meilleures : saucony endorphin pro 3. J'ai fait l'erreur de racheter les Novablast 3, trop lourdes pour moi je trouve. Si les Hoka avaient des semelles plus robustes j'aurais essayé les rocket, mais chères par rapport à la concurrence et mes pieds larges rendent difficile le choix

[@MikaV.-cp5qg]

I can tell based on the color of the shoe when Kofuzi bought the shoe with his own money :-)

[@jaysingh05]

🤣👍👍

[@shannonsides6017]

No disclosure needed, the colorway speaks for itself 😂

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

….except did you listen to the full review? He doesn’t like gray uppers. He likes black.

[@georgios.a]

Surprised the Mach X wasn’t part of the alternatives selection - it would seem the most similar mainstream shoe

[@eliasmunoz5284]

😎

[@ianlowe4126]

I do miss your videos along the waterfront in Chicago 🏙️

[@Jambr380]

Dude, I know. It’s what brought me to the channel

[@jameswestmoreland9717]

The country road videos are cool, too.

[@grgr6720]

After trying nike, adidas, hoka, asics, brooks I finally found my ideal shoe in these. Super comfortable, nylon is more forgiving than carbon but still responsive, very stable unlike most of the faster foams and can serve a ridiculous range of paces from easy runs to intervals. AMAZING SHOE.

[@antoniatrevino1329]

I agree with you I try all those + plus mizuno but I found this brand I try Saucony endorphins 3 and I love them I just got this today so am excited to try!!!

[@justoutlaw6423]

Many say it's narrow in the toebox. Do you find them narrow?

[@jaysingh05]

Great review Mike! I’m still on the speed 2’s. I F’d around and watched too many Kofuzi videos and bought too many shoes in 2023, without having the mileage to support it. 🤣🤣 So now will run through all these various and wonderful 10 pairs before even thinking about the NEXT rotation 😂🙏

[@jaysingh05]

If I could afford em I WOULD. But I’m not even working 😅😂

[@ganjunkeat7756]

I’m an amateur runner looking for fast running shoes (10K/HM/FM) but do not wanna break the bank for a super racing shoe. Should I get the endo speed 4 or ASICS magic speed 4?

[@minawillis20]

I enjoy the Speed 4 more than the 3 as the 3 caused lateral foot pain for me. No issues yet with the 4. Did a 10K race on Saturday and will be doing a half marathon this weekend in them.

[@just_joshinnn]

Same forefoot pain for me on the speed3's. Really wanted to like the s3s, perhaps i'll give the 4s a shot...

[@gavinhaynes5632]

Same here but more around the the outside of the 5th metatarsal

[@jamstar876]

I've had all versions of the SES and I am a fan for life. This model of shoe just works - Saucony really hit it out of the park with the versatility of this shoe from easy pace to race day (and I have worn it for all of the above). This shoe is magic, and has been my preferred go-to for the past few years. It is ALWAYS in my rotation.

[@io-rj6sk]

this could b the 1 shoe rotation?

[@jamstar876]

@@io-rj6skWell, I had 5 pairs of the Speed 2 (lol) and absolutely used it as my one shoe rotation. I’ve now incorporated plate-free shoes into my rotation, but I absolutely loved the Speed 2 for everything. If one had to choose a one shoe rotation, my bet is on this.

[@christiandm1041]

Saucony has been putting out some amazing shoes... especially the Endorphin line! Looking forward to watching this and then trying a pair soon. Let's do this....

[@Johnnydodgin]

Another awesome review! Love the addition of the running footage with audio of the ‘slap slap slap’ as you talk about how it feels to run in. 👌

[@bugeyed13]

I was the same way with the speed 3’s. After about 2 mile my right foot would get a pain in the ball. Now with the speed 4’s I’ve had no problems.

[@Borjaa24]

The speed 3 is better… its crazy cause this shoe let me down.

[@bbb229]

Was hoping Saucony would drop the bomb and give the Tempus 2 a plate to be the first ever stability Racer. But it seems like its coming at the end of the year with hardly any upgrades aside from an updated upper.

[@copperdan7667]

Im having the opposite problem between the 3's and 4's. I am getting hot spots in my 4's on the pads of my feet. I am wondering of the forefoot has more stretch and I need to tighten up my toe box..??..

[@largesodawithfries02]

Endorphin pro 4 review when!? Looking forward to that one

[@kevinpatterson23]

Wild how I've enjoyed every version of the speeds and looking forward to a new pair of speed 4s for the summer

[@laalaa99stl]

There's an entire psychology of running you could put to the test here. Maybe a more exciting colorway might have produced a livelier result? ES4 comes in some really nice ones. But then again, you picked this colorway yourself so 🤷‍♀. I'm not sure this fits in my rotation because I've always seen ES as a speed day shoe, and my speed day shoe of choice is TS9. Still. Glad this one didn't leave you in crippling pain!

[@thekizzaa]

Can I just say how incredible the B-roll shot of the shoe at 0:27 is?! Non-elite runner maybe but top tier videography!

[@kofuzi]

Thank you 🙏

[@CATinBOOTS81]

6:21 Kofuzi: Grey shoes always feel a bit sloppy to me also Kofuzi: buy a grey pair of Endorphin Speed 4🤔🤔🤔

[@icejam-xq5hj]

I think it's one of the nicest colour's for the Speed 4

[@CATinBOOTS81]

@@icejam-xq5hj i prefer the white one with purple accent, but the gray one is okay 👍🏻

[@jutsni1030]

Thanks, great review! I got the S4, though I'm really eager to check the upcoming Deviate Nitro 3 & Superblast 2🤘

[@RebsGuarina]

For one, I’m glad that the speed 4 is not safe like the speed 3. I like it that it’s gone back to its original intent

[@AuDHDRunner]

As a Endorphin speed 1/2/3 user I'm really enjoying the Boston 12. Not sure why it took me so long to try Adidas but Pro 3 and Boston 12 have replaced the Endorphin Pro/Speed combo for me. 6mm drop and foam just works a bit better for me. Also really like shoes on sale. :D

[@axlrosea675]

Regular adios is great also if you want more ground feel and want your feet to actually work themselves

[@drewman747]

I am almost the opposite with the speed 3. I really didn’t like it that much when I first started running in it, but over time I have grown to enjoy running in this shoe. It does seem to work for me. I will probably be picking up another pair at some point.

[@antonioromulodelcarmen283]

Great video! I’ll put in the Adidas Boston 12 as a good alternative to these Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 as well… from a usage-case but more for the price since you can get these on discounts already.

[@andrewlee1275]

quite heavy endorsement from you sir but colorway is pretty uninspired

[@SirThomas1212]

Looks like Saucony and Ascis will reign this year!

[@andrewoneill5879]

first time i wore the es3 it feld identical to first time i ran in vaporfly 2

[@timtrenholm3698]

Heels issues are a tricky thing...too much heel lockdown and the achilles people get blisters/rubbing. Not enough, and the flat heel profile people get heel lift which results in heel blisters. Which is made worse by really hard heel cups. The Endo Speed 3 upper and laces were way too stretchy which only made heel lockdowns worse. It got to the point that I couldn't trust the shoe for any run longer than 12-15km, anything with big pace changes or elevation changes. It basically became a over priced daily trainer which can handle strides. I moved on to the Novablast V3, which has way more versatility and a heel that is fabulous, for me. And the NB V4 just seems like they tamed it a bit too much.

[@Mumrik597]

I really enjoy these. Got a bit of a lockdown issue with Saucony, but these seems to work well. They handle all paces well, but they make me want to push it a bit. Really good looking top, I have the black colorway.

[@lucasesteves6324]

Great review! I've started running two months ago and I'm about to buy my first pair of running shoes but I can't decide myself between the Boston 12s and the Endorphin speed 4s because my wallet can only afford one pair at the moment so I'm looking for a versatile one to lower my 56 minutes in 10k. So what would you suggest me?

[@murrydog100]

@Kofuzi Just a little heads up for your viewers, the Devi8 Nitro 2s are starting to show up at your local Ross for $39.99! I scored a pair for that price last week and I absolutely love that shoe! They’re also selling the Magnify Nitro 2 and Fast R for the same price if you can find them in your size…👍

[@ajmartinez1906]

Great Review Mr Kofuzi, surely one to compliment my Puma Deviate Nitro 2.

[@Crose46]

Deviate nitro 3 will blow this out the water I feel like. And nothing will touch the simple and responsible nature of the speed 2.

[@chadaustin6438]

Looks like a shoe you could mow the yard in while drinking a Bud Light.

[@MedicineRunner]

Ko, do you know where the HG is located in the midsole of the pro 4? No one seems to know and some people are saying it’s only the back of the heel.

[@elliotendures]

I tried these. While I may pick up the Runshield version when that comes out, I sent 'em back and picked up a discounted pair of ES3s as a backup to my current ones. I love that shoe.

[@are_sh3509]

I really love these shoes, coming from Hoka and Nike.. I will probably add a pro 3 or 4 soon.

[@jmartinez19944]

There's a budget friendly running shoes from saucony called tide 2 kinda looks like the speed 4

[@cb4atl]

Best super trainer out right now, period. Fixed everything that was “wrong” with the 3 but the tongue is still a little disappointing. I wish their trail shoes were as good. This laughs at shoes like the Mach X and the Boston 12. I’m kinda surprised you said that about the upper,lower because I felt like I was swimming in the Speed 3 upper and this feels like it’s dialed in much more.

[@JoshL84]

The Speed 4 is a step backwards from the Speed 3. The Speed 3 upper has a far superior fit. Something in the 4 feels off with how the foot sits on top of the sockliner. Saucony could've saved some weight if they didn't add a big chunk of foam in the heel.

[@dazdarren9926]

I loved it on a tempo run but when I ran a slower recovery run yesterday I found the shoe to be too stiff and not as enjoyable as previous versions. I wonder if it will become less stiff overtime.

[@edelwayscheryl2562]

Is this gonna be great to use for marathon race?

[@kofuzi]

I think a lot of people will enjoy them for marathons

[@Manuel-901]

Good morning. !!! Saucony for ever!!!!. Like to Kofuzi. Have a great day.

[@sundayrunday7586]

I’m still using a pair of Speed 2s and love them.

[@skobodabaws8946]

too much fun

[@curtiswood8010]

Speed 2s were an all time great!

[@Andy.mikhail137]

Can't go wrong with those.

[@chanjasonsk]

Wish could get another pair..

[@sundayrunday7586]

@@chanjasonsk Me too!

[@Andy.mikhail137]

Tale a look at the REI edition of it...probably the better looking one so far

[@GatleySkateKrew12]

At the moment since starting my running journey I only have a one shoe rotation which is the new balance fresh foam more v4 I was thinking of getting speed 4 for everything else now that I’m faster and better at running think this two shoe combo is good?

[@snowwalker9999]

I have Fresh Foam more V4 and Speed 3. Together they make a great two shoe rotation.

[@Pearlandtriathlete]

I like the comfort improvements for everyday running but for race day I would prefer the 3 to this one.

[@sanderabernathy6276]

Love the speed 4 but it’s just a little too narrow for me. The outer portion of my foot will sometimes go numb. Great shoe but not the shoe for me. I have to go with the Superblast 2 and Deviate Nitro 3 solely because of fit. All are great shoes.

[@elliottmondry1753]

Love the speed 2’s, couldn’t get along with the speed 3 (tried them in the store and just felt flat and unlively to me), tried the 4’s and right away I was like “yeah this is the shoe.” Looking forward to getting a pair and hopefully try out the Deviate Nitro 2 at some point!

[@topoisomerace]

Agreed. I thought I was shipped a dud/fake version of the ES3 when I got them because they were so much worse than the ES2.

[@elliottmondry1753]

Right? When I put them on in the store my first thought was "There's no way this is an endorphin, it feels so flat and zero bounce." I was so dissapointed and couldn't understand why people were raving about it. But when I tried the 4 I was like "yep this is MUCH better."

[@ianlowe4126]

Had all 3 prior versions but not pulling the trigger on this one just yet. Going to wait for the puma deviate nitro 3 first.

[@Leeroy49]

I loved the endorphin speed 2 and the pro 3 and I do all my long runs in the puma deviate nitro 2. I should have a look at this ;)

[@Daveyboyroy]

Hey man, looking at the specs online, I'm reading that this shoe has a nylon plate, not a carbon one...?

[@willwu1688]

I don't have the Speed 4 but just went out for a run in the Pro 4 yesterday. Although the upper of the Pro 4 are quite comfortable, I do feel that it could use a little bit more structure to make it feel more racing shoe-ish. Not sure if that is the experiences you are having here or with the Pro 4. Looking forward to your take on those.

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

It has much more structure than the Metaspeed Paris Sky and Edge, which I was considering. I decided to play it safe and go with the Pro4 since v3 played a partial role at least in my 18:00 PR last April. I also couldn’t find the Edge in time to test sufficiently. I was able to try on the Sky in a running store and was impressed, just FYI.

[@jenniferring6410]

I'm trying to figure out what my takeaway is from this. I loved the first Speed, not so much the second, currently on the Speed 3 and love it - using it for shorter races, speed workouts and tempo runs only. Is this a case of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it?' I think I might take advantage of the reduced price on the Speed 3 for another pair when these wear out. I know in the 3 they added some stability features (the winged plate for example) - If you were looking at both from an added stability standpoint (even though it's a neutral shoe) - Which would you recommend?

[@snowwalker9999]

My takeaway from this and other reviews is that Speed 4 is a more dedicated shoe for speed workouts and tempo runs. Speed 3 is a bit more versatile but not as fast as Speed 4.

[@wordsovsean8905]

I've done 55km so far. Four 10km runs and a 15km. I agree with pretty much everything regarding the ride of the shoe, especially the shoe feeling better at faster paces. Where I differ is on the upper. I think it's one of the best in recent memory. The tongue especially is a fantastic design with it being relatively long and having the padding at the top. It just feels great sitting on my foot/ankle and unlike most shoes, allows for comfortable lace locking of the shoe. The upper is just so pleasant to be in and is a breath of fresh air compared to other super trainers or whatever you want to call them. I much prefer the upper to the Deviate Nitro 2 which feels a little scratchy and the seams can be felt. The only thing about the upper I can really fault is the stretchy laces which can be switched out.

[@irohsprodigy]

guys i think he might like this shoe

[@ianwarner1429]

I feel this shoe lacks speed and is clunky.

[@suedfrucht44]

Jacket is definitely jacket of the year 🤩

[@gabeduran8321]

great review, just purchased Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Pro and planning on dominating cherry blossom 5km on 06Apr2024!! tested shoe on treadmill and i was booking at 5:56 min/mile pace. They felt really nice and springy!! Woohoo!!

[@kofuzi]

Have a great race!

[@philortman8139]

Brands always want me to see the plate through the bottom of the shoe, but all I ever see is a giant rock trap.

[@kofuzi]

I have a feeling that the window, in this instance, may be why it doesn't give me foot pain

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

That window is also a cutout to save weight. So they’re killing two birds with one stone-pun intended about the stone 😂

[@dustinjohnson267]

Just joined the Saucony family! Coming from hoka. Ended up with the guide 17s and they feel fantastic! Best I have tried on in a long time where both actually fit great. Usually deal with tight shoe fitting tighter. Looking forward to get more Saucony in the future!

[@youpigirl5731]

Hoka pas durables, mais confortables

[@Wil-Runs]

I love this shoe! I’ve taken out for a couple workouts and it has felt great! It’s a perfect blend between the 2 and the 3 for me.

[@MAOAWORLD]

Haha! Totaly agree here... I got mine (Black) 1 week ago.. first thought out of the box.. "This dosent look like a fast shoe".. Just because of the upper on the fronfoot... Also this one does not feel good at all FOR ME.. On my E days. JUst comment on your Kinvara Pro but had to comment here also.. Just happy find someone think alike. Thanks

[@djdealday]

Wow! That intro said it all how good this shoe! 😳😮😲

[@adamroberts6156]

I'm looking for a good carbon plated long distance show (HM & full mara) to replace Nike Zoomfly 4 which I really loved. How would Endo Speed 4 compare and are the insoles removable rather than sewn in like so many high end Nikes now seem to be (I replace with custom, hence the Q).

[@harmony-one741]

shoes looks so ugly. perhaps it's because the color. but even at other color, shoes looks very mediocre as he mentioned, looks like daily walking shoes

[@kofuzi]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I suppose, but at the end of the day, it’s great for running

[@FoxBox72]

They should've kept the tongue from the speed 3. I don't like the floppy teabag design on the 4.

[@ALRPNW]

I know that you ran the downhill course in Washington State a few years ago and I'm running that same course in September (marathon) I'm considering the Endorphin Speed 4 or the Puma Deviate Nitro 3. With the mild downhill on gravel surface, which one would you consider lacing up for that race choosing between the two? I appreciate any thoughts our input.

[@runstreetwise]

I agree with all your points here, Kofuzi. I found the shoe very clunky at easy paces, but the moment you start to run with more effort/power, it comes alive and wants to stay there. It made me think of a firmer Pro 3 if you tried to make it more durable/a daily trainer. For me, it's a bit too firm for the full, but I can see myself using it for a half. I love using it for any higher effort workouts.

[@joemacdougall1127]

This shoe is getting a lot of hype and praise from community review channels, but i dont get it? I would put the Cyclone 2, rebel v4 ahead. Shoe seems unstable and weird upper.

[@talesdemileto9399]

Great review as always! I was waiting for your thoughts on this shoe! I will finish on a pair of threes and i will wait for new color ways but definitely grabbing a pair of this.

[@jnslzr]

8mm drop? isnt that on the high side to be the shoe of the year? what happened to 4 to 6mm trainers? =)

[@joetraina6844]

I need a super cushioned sneaker. Can anyone compare this cushion-wise to the Asics Cumulus or the Brooks Ghost Max? Thank you very much.

[@Rcorp31]

Great review. I still don’t know how to feel about endorphin speed 4. The speed 2 was godly. The 3 had the most slippery outsole I’ve ever experienced. It was also boring to run in.

[@CharlesMayer-wu5rb]

My take is, design is absolutely elite, looks fantastic regardless of colorway. Same for Pro 4, and NB Rebel 4 and new Elite. First shoes ever you can say that about?

[@hannaniakurkos8468]

I’ve run on the endorphin speed 3 ( and something in the right shoe at the heel under didn’t feel comfortable 🤷🏻‍♂️ .. the speed v2 and v1 was my favorite on the line .. is the speed v4 also feel weird under ? Or did they fix it ? Considering to buy them ..

[@RunnerWil]

I love the nylon way more than the carbon, The speed is my fave, I always feel light in them and for a bigger runner that says a lot.

[@io-rj6sk]

why nylon > carbon for u?

[@RunnerWil]

@@io-rj6sk Carbon fatigues me, maybe I am not fast enough for it, the Nylon gives me a great pop when i run in them.

[@pepessz32]

I feel like shoe companies nowadays are gearing out towards "Do It All" shoes instead of going too specific. As running now is getting its hype again, more newer runners (like me) we prefer that kind of shoes; race ready-ish mid-range daily trainers. I think that's what happening in endorphin speed 4 and other mid-range shoes like novablast 4 and the likes.

[@Linear_Measurement]

I’ve been wanting to get this and finally tried the ES4 yesterday, I noticed in the heels support in the sole is not fully flat. I hope is just me, but something off with the back heels sole support, kinda feels clunky. Then tried the Endorphin Pro 4 the heels totally different flat and more comfort.

[@colino72]

Upper looks a bit reminiscent of the Triumph 17. It does look a bit 5 years ago! I have the 3a (Speed and Pro), and the Triumph 20, so will try it anyway when due to replace.

[@raymart86]

Love that color way! I’m trying to love this shoe. It’s firm for me. I love the light weight and I tend to run fast in it. I’m just dealing with some sore ankles and knees in longer distances. I’m 46, 210lbs and wear a 12.5 so I’ve been chalking it up to being an older-bigger runner. I’ve been wearing a NB SCTv2 which isn’t quite as fast or light but provides more cushion.

[@gpccchun]

I loved the ES3 and have repurchased it exclusively for the past 2 years but the one complaint I had was the upper being too flimsy and often gave out before the foam did. I've been hesitant to pick up the ES4 and I'm disappointed to hear that the upper is still a pain point. I'd be willing to sacrifice weight or breathability if it meant more durable/secure fitting upper for the speed series.

[@Jay-sd9ye]

The color option is horrible..I won't buy them just because of that. And I don't see wide version anymore...

[@johnweisbecker7544]

Hi Kofuzi! I am in the middle of training for a marathon I early June. I have been using puma deviate nitro 2’s for training and they have been working well but I am looking for a race shoe to pair with it. Do you have any recommendations for one to get? Thank you!

[@saml8119]

Agree with everything you said. My favorite out of all of the Endorphin Speeds has been the 3. I don’t mind the bit more stability in the 4 but the upper just doesn’t work for me. I can’t pinpoint what it is but no matter what insoles I try it still feels a bit sloppy on my foot.

[@TarsusIV]

I loved the Endorphin Speed 3 last year, but it's been over a month and still no sign of wide sizes. Is Saucony narrowing (pun intended) the models they're offering wide, or do I just need more patience?

[@Runsawayalot]

I want to recommend the ses 3 as well but I find the upper and outsole does not hold up well like the 2’s. Already poked a hole where big toe is about 300 miles in. Hopefully the 4’s upper is better quality.

[@chinitopogi7511]

Gotta have 2 pairs of Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, Asics Novablast 4, and Superblast 2..

[@eliasfransson6246]

Do you think the ES4 is a good 10k racing shoe as well or what do you recommend as a 10k racing/speed training shoe?

[@hkim9151]

It is not a carbon fiber plate. Just a plastic plate. 😂 is it better than the speed 2? Speed 3 was bad. No longer a speed but a daily trainer I think

[@andrewood]

It's more expensive especially in the UK I'd rather get another pair of the 3s ,American shoe companies are pricing themselves out of the market

[@elliegrimes7712]

I’ll agree that this shoe is better at faster runs, but for a different reason. For me when I run slower I need more support, so I prefer shoes like the pjs if I’m going slower. However i did a recentfartlek in them and my pace was great.

[@wandelpassiert8064]

In Europe you won't get Speed 4 below 200 Euros for the time being, i.e. approx. 220 USD.

[@1RunnerDad]

Just found this video, despite it not being super-new. And I agree with you on the upper. I bought the REI colorway, and while it’s kinda cool, it doesn’t look like a speedy shoe. It looks, well, pedestrian.

[@TakaFujiOfficial]

How about Speed 4 vs Flash Rebelion 2

[@jamiedahl2200]

Should have left the ES2 alone!

[@jazzyjay4595]

Wow, only 8mm of stack in the forefoot. That’s pretty low. (Yes, we know you meant 28mm)

[@sebastianvggemose2238]

Love it! Just bought the version 4 myself. Used them 4 times and they are OUTSTANDING! Question: How many miles/km do you think you can run in them before you need to by a new pair of running shoes? It's because I've bought them with the purpose of using them as the only running shoe since they are so versatile.

[@Taksubelectr0]

So Endorphin Speed 4 feels like hybrid of Endorphin Shift 3 + PB foam from Endorphin Speed 4 ? Correct me if I'm wrong.

[@reillydahlquist8360]

Any recommendations for the On Cloudeclipse vs this? Looking for a marathon training + potential race day shoe.