Saucony was one of the first real running shoe brands I ever purchased from. Years ago, they were one of the shoes that felt different to someone who wore heavy clodhopping trainers. As I’ve evolved in my running journey, trying out various shoe options and now owning a running blog, Saucony remains a constant. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4, designed for race day performance, sparked our excitement as we prepared to give it a try.
Our review of the V3 revealed a significant departure from the traditional Endorphin Pro line, with its softer, more cushioned feel.
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Now, with the Version 4, updates have been made that truly elevate the experience. The enhancements implemented in this latest iteration truly make it shine, delivering an even better performance.
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Looks & Fit
If I were a teenager, I would probably say that the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is “hitting them angles”. Yikes. I suppose I sound older, like a dad trying too hard by even bringing that descriptor up. But truth be told, the visuals of the Endorphin Pro 4 are very sleek and streamlined. They just look technical and fast – which is probably what they’re going for as a racing shoe.
There are now 9 colorways available but this version, in my opinion, is top-notch. The first time I raced in these – within 15 minutes of stepping off the shuttle bus, I was met with a “those are cool shoes!”
The version 3 caught my eye with its bold pink hue, a choice I personally appreciated, though I understand it may not have been everyone’s preference. However, the version 4 offers a more diverse selection of styles, ranging from vibrant and flamboyant to more understated and muted options, ensuring there’s something to suit more tastes.
Construction:
Upper
The Endorphin Pro 4 introduces notable enhancements, notably with its integrated tongue boasting both breathability and stretch, providing a snug fit without the need for a gusset. Although not a major issue, opting not to fold it overextends its coverage over a little bit, so I recommend folding it over if you can.
While requiring slightly more tightening than expected, the stretchy upper and laces offer an exceptional fit once dialed in. Performance-wise, the shoes excel in stability and comfort, serving as a versatile choice for various running activities, from recovery jogs to intense intervals. However, for peak race-day performance, other options might provide a slight edge.
This is sort of unique as I have tried some elite shoes and the minute I am not pushing pace, I feel out of sorts in them. Not really the case here – they feel like a race shoe, but an also handle some slower paces as necessary.
Midsole
The shoe boasts a novel dual-density construction, featuring a carbon fiber plate nestled between the PWRRUN HG, found in their elite models, atop and PWRRUNPB below. It is lightweight (7.5oz for mens 9) and, as previously mentioned, offers a versatile performance across various speeds. Even for runners less inclined toward speed (like myself) it excels, providing comfort and support during both intense race-day efforts and more leisurely paces.
Notably, its ride and turnover are exceptionally smooth and responsive, delivering a snappy feel that enhances overall comfort during the run. I noticed this during some long and straight strides at its inaugural race – the Vernonia Half. My feet were happy and trucking along to the tune of a race PR! I was expecting my feet to be tired around mile 11 – per usual – but man these had my dogs feeling great. It is really a fun shoe to run fast in.
Outsole
Race day shoes definitely try to cut weight and the outsole is where this usually happens. The Endorphin Pro 4 has a newly designed lattice rubber outsole concentrated primarily on the forefoot, with minimal coverage on the heel and an exposed midsole to maintain its lightweight profile.
What’s particularly impressive is the substantial amount of lattice rubber on the forefoot, which contributes to its lightness without compromising performance.
Overall
While I’ve dabbled with various race day shoes over the years, my collection isn’t overflowing. This is partly because, despite my fair share of races, my training and racing schedule isn’t as extensive as it once was. Consequently, shoes engineered for speed often feel out of place during my typical runs, where I’m not constantly pushing the pace.
However, these shoes seem to break that pattern. I’ve found myself reaching for them even on more leisurely outings, and they’ve consistently impressed me with their versatility and comfort across a range of paces. This newfound ability to excel both during faster runs and at more moderate speeds marks them as a standout choice for race day and beyond.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 $225
Details:
- Weight: 7.5 oz.- Men’s 9
- Offset: 8mm (39.5mm / 31.5mm)
Saucony
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Thank you to Saucony for providing us with a sample pair. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
