Women's Endorphin Speed 4 Running Shoe in | Women's Performance Running Shoes
Women's Endorphin Speed 4 Running Shoe in | Women's Performance Running Shoes
Last updated at 12/18/2025 15:39:15
originally posted on roadrunnersports.com
Maybe I just really have weird feet (they are an entire size different), but the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 did not work for me. I'm not a runner though have been trying to work my way up to running. I do a ton of walking at a moderate or brisk pace and have been including some jogging intervals. My legs just haven't been able to handle more than a minute or so of jogging/running (admittedly probably due to decades of a mostly sedentary lifestyle). I've tried so many different shoes from different brands, was hoping that these might work, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. I cannot remember the exact issue I had with them. Maybe just that it didn't provide a bouncy step that made me want to go faster, it also could have been they felt a bit too narrow (no wide ... MoreMaybe I just really have weird feet (they are an entire size different), but the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 did not work for me. I'm not a runner though have been trying to work my way up to running. I do a ton of walking at a moderate or brisk pace and have been including some jogging intervals. My legs just haven't been able to handle more than a minute or so of jogging/running (admittedly probably due to decades of a mostly sedentary lifestyle). I've tried so many different shoes from different brands, was hoping that these might work, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. I cannot remember the exact issue I had with them. Maybe just that it didn't provide a bouncy step that made me want to go faster, it also could have been they felt a bit too narrow (no wide option for this shoe - could have tried a men's but since I didn't I think it was more than one thing that didn't excite me enough about this shoe). I feel they were just an okay shoe, but I already have quite a few pairs of shoes I find to be just okay or adequate so I did return these and exchanged them for something else. Maybe the perfect shoe for me just doesn't exist but I'll keep on looking.
originally posted on saucony.com
Once a runner and trying to get back into it. These are not the same shoes as previous models and I’m very disappointed that I paid $170 for them. I noticed a very strong plastic smell out of the box that stuck to the shoe for weeks. They lack cushioning in the forefoot and have been causing me foot pain. They are not springy and feel very stiff. The Endorphin Speed 2’s provided a cushioned springy boost that propelled me forward into an effortless stride. These feel I am pounding the pavement and sucking the life out of my legs rather than returning energy. I have knee pain in both knees since I have started wearing these and taking time off to recover has really set me back. I will look for a new shoe that provides the springy bounce and cushioning that these ... MoreOnce a runner and trying to get back into it. These are not the same shoes as previous models and I’m very disappointed that I paid $170 for them. I noticed a very strong plastic smell out of the box that stuck to the shoe for weeks. They lack cushioning in the forefoot and have been causing me foot pain. They are not springy and feel very stiff. The Endorphin Speed 2’s provided a cushioned springy boost that propelled me forward into an effortless stride. These feel I am pounding the pavement and sucking the life out of my legs rather than returning energy. I have knee pain in both knees since I have started wearing these and taking time off to recover has really set me back. I will look for a new shoe that provides the springy bounce and cushioning that these shoes once had.
originally posted on saucony.com
I am really struggling with the ride of these shoes - no issues with fit, uppers, or outsole grip. Background: I am a 54 year old male. I have been running for ~40 years. With my kids growing up, I am spending more time running - ~30 miles / week with half marathon races this year. My pace varies from 7:15 min/mile for mile repeats to 9:15 for long slow distance training. These are the my first plated shoes with PEBA midsole foam. I have done two 3 mile runs in the shoes. I am a heel striker. The initial landing is fine albeit firm. The transition onto the forefoot is troublesome in that the shoes feel like they are forcing this to happen more quickly than my body would like (and is used to?). When my forefoot lands, the shoes slap audibly, and the feel is very ... MoreI am really struggling with the ride of these shoes - no issues with fit, uppers, or outsole grip. Background: I am a 54 year old male. I have been running for ~40 years. With my kids growing up, I am spending more time running - ~30 miles / week with half marathon races this year. My pace varies from 7:15 min/mile for mile repeats to 9:15 for long slow distance training. These are the my first plated shoes with PEBA midsole foam. I have done two 3 mile runs in the shoes. I am a heel striker. The initial landing is fine albeit firm. The transition onto the forefoot is troublesome in that the shoes feel like they are forcing this to happen more quickly than my body would like (and is used to?). When my forefoot lands, the shoes slap audibly, and the feel is very harsh. The impact transmits through my feet into my legs and hips. This is very uncomfortable and induces IBT syndrome symptoms. I am having trouble determining if: (1) the shoes will break in, (2) I need to adapt my running biomechanics to the dynamics of the shoes, (3) I should give up on them. I had intended that they be my race shoes for an upcoming half, but instead I have shelved them. I plan to spend a little more time with them during my next training cycle. For now, I am really disappointed.
Maybe I just really have weird feet (they are an entire size different), but the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 did not work for me. I'm not a runner though have been trying to work my way up to running. I do a ton of walking at a moderate or brisk pace and have been including some jogging intervals. My legs just haven't been able to handle more than a minute or so of jogging/running (admittedly probably due to decades of a mostly sedentary lifestyle). I've tried so many different shoes from different brands, was hoping that these might work, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. I cannot remember the exact issue I had with them. Maybe just that it didn't provide a bouncy step that made me want to go faster, it also could have been they felt a bit too narrow (no wide ... MoreMaybe I just really have weird feet (they are an entire size different), but the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 did not work for me. I'm not a runner though have been trying to work my way up to running. I do a ton of walking at a moderate or brisk pace and have been including some jogging intervals. My legs just haven't been able to handle more than a minute or so of jogging/running (admittedly probably due to decades of a mostly sedentary lifestyle). I've tried so many different shoes from different brands, was hoping that these might work, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. I cannot remember the exact issue I had with them. Maybe just that it didn't provide a bouncy step that made me want to go faster, it also could have been they felt a bit too narrow (no wide option for this shoe - could have tried a men's but since I didn't I think it was more than one thing that didn't excite me enough about this shoe). I feel they were just an okay shoe, but I already have quite a few pairs of shoes I find to be just okay or adequate so I did return these and exchanged them for something else. Maybe the perfect shoe for me just doesn't exist but I'll keep on looking.
Once a runner and trying to get back into it. These are not the same shoes as previous models and I’m very disappointed that I paid $170 for them. I noticed a very strong plastic smell out of the box that stuck to the shoe for weeks. They lack cushioning in the forefoot and have been causing me foot pain. They are not springy and feel very stiff. The Endorphin Speed 2’s provided a cushioned springy boost that propelled me forward into an effortless stride. These feel I am pounding the pavement and sucking the life out of my legs rather than returning energy. I have knee pain in both knees since I have started wearing these and taking time off to recover has really set me back. I will look for a new shoe that provides the springy bounce and cushioning that these ... MoreOnce a runner and trying to get back into it. These are not the same shoes as previous models and I’m very disappointed that I paid $170 for them. I noticed a very strong plastic smell out of the box that stuck to the shoe for weeks. They lack cushioning in the forefoot and have been causing me foot pain. They are not springy and feel very stiff. The Endorphin Speed 2’s provided a cushioned springy boost that propelled me forward into an effortless stride. These feel I am pounding the pavement and sucking the life out of my legs rather than returning energy. I have knee pain in both knees since I have started wearing these and taking time off to recover has really set me back. I will look for a new shoe that provides the springy bounce and cushioning that these shoes once had.
I am really struggling with the ride of these shoes - no issues with fit, uppers, or outsole grip. Background: I am a 54 year old male. I have been running for ~40 years. With my kids growing up, I am spending more time running - ~30 miles / week with half marathon races this year. My pace varies from 7:15 min/mile for mile repeats to 9:15 for long slow distance training. These are the my first plated shoes with PEBA midsole foam. I have done two 3 mile runs in the shoes. I am a heel striker. The initial landing is fine albeit firm. The transition onto the forefoot is troublesome in that the shoes feel like they are forcing this to happen more quickly than my body would like (and is used to?). When my forefoot lands, the shoes slap audibly, and the feel is very ... MoreI am really struggling with the ride of these shoes - no issues with fit, uppers, or outsole grip. Background: I am a 54 year old male. I have been running for ~40 years. With my kids growing up, I am spending more time running - ~30 miles / week with half marathon races this year. My pace varies from 7:15 min/mile for mile repeats to 9:15 for long slow distance training. These are the my first plated shoes with PEBA midsole foam. I have done two 3 mile runs in the shoes. I am a heel striker. The initial landing is fine albeit firm. The transition onto the forefoot is troublesome in that the shoes feel like they are forcing this to happen more quickly than my body would like (and is used to?). When my forefoot lands, the shoes slap audibly, and the feel is very harsh. The impact transmits through my feet into my legs and hips. This is very uncomfortable and induces IBT syndrome symptoms. I am having trouble determining if: (1) the shoes will break in, (2) I need to adapt my running biomechanics to the dynamics of the shoes, (3) I should give up on them. I had intended that they be my race shoes for an upcoming half, but instead I have shelved them. I plan to spend a little more time with them during my next training cycle. For now, I am really disappointed.
In 2022 and early 2023 I put 1600 miles in 4 pairs of Endorphin Speed 2. I absolutely loved this shoe, so much that I ran my first-ever marathon in them and many 15-20 mile long runs. This was the best shoe ever.I excitedly ordered the version 3 and the footbed felt like it was dimpled under the forefront and I sent them back and got some Triumph 20s instead. I’ve run in two pairs of Triumph 20s since. I love the comfort but I missed the snappy Endorphin Speed.This week I thought I’d give the Endorphin Speed 4 a shot. I ran a 3 mile and 4 mile run in them. My feet hurt bad after 2 miles both runs, the forefoot felt like there were chunks of the midsole missing and simply not comfortable. Also the upper was way too stretchy and I couldn’t get the shoe snug at ... MoreIn 2022 and early 2023 I put 1600 miles in 4 pairs of Endorphin Speed 2. I absolutely loved this shoe, so much that I ran my first-ever marathon in them and many 15-20 mile long runs. This was the best shoe ever.I excitedly ordered the version 3 and the footbed felt like it was dimpled under the forefront and I sent them back and got some Triumph 20s instead. I’ve run in two pairs of Triumph 20s since. I love the comfort but I missed the snappy Endorphin Speed.This week I thought I’d give the Endorphin Speed 4 a shot. I ran a 3 mile and 4 mile run in them. My feet hurt bad after 2 miles both runs, the forefoot felt like there were chunks of the midsole missing and simply not comfortable. Also the upper was way too stretchy and I couldn’t get the shoe snug at all. I sent these back because I couldn’t imagine a full training block in this shoe.Why wreck such a good thing? The V2 was amazing, can you please go back to that design? Seriously, take the same approach like you did with the Triumph and tweak but avoid the wholesale changes. These aren’t even close to being the same shoe or feel.Unfortunately, I’ve now moved on to my first pair of New Balance 1080s after being a Saucony endorser for 2 years, it’s saddens me to each for a new brand.
These are excellent running shoes. Been a long time endorphin speed 3 user. The speed 3 toe box never quite worked right for me, but I liked the feel so much I sucked it up and used them anyway.The toe box fits a wider foot much better than on the speed 3 in my opinion. The heel fit feels pretty similar to the speed 3. As far as running feel the toes feel firmer and more powerful than on the speed 3, while the heel feels pretty similar. To me this means they still can handle a mellow run easily when you're doing more heel striking, but it also gives the shoe a better interval and race day feel with the stiffer and more aggressive roll off of the toe.The sole seems grippier and covers the bottom better than the 3s. That was always the first part of my 3s to wear ... MoreThese are excellent running shoes. Been a long time endorphin speed 3 user. The speed 3 toe box never quite worked right for me, but I liked the feel so much I sucked it up and used them anyway.The toe box fits a wider foot much better than on the speed 3 in my opinion. The heel fit feels pretty similar to the speed 3. As far as running feel the toes feel firmer and more powerful than on the speed 3, while the heel feels pretty similar. To me this means they still can handle a mellow run easily when you're doing more heel striking, but it also gives the shoe a better interval and race day feel with the stiffer and more aggressive roll off of the toe.The sole seems grippier and covers the bottom better than the 3s. That was always the first part of my 3s to wear out so I am curious if it improves durability at all.I see a lot of reviews where people talk about buying these shoes for work? That I dont get. Save your money. This is a running shoe with a plate (to improve your running). This isn't the shoe you want in the office. It has compromises made to stability, traction and durability to make it light and good at running. There are better and cheaper options for work.
After 42 miles, these are better than the Speed 3, but still not as good as the Speed 2. The quality of material is good; lightweight and minimal while still offering enough structure. Good cushion and energy return from the sole, though they look a little goofy from the side profile. Plenty of ventilation for air exchange in the toe box, and the fit is very consistent with the other Speed models.The Speed 3 was too stiff and stride-correcting and I absolutely could not wear them. I gave them away and scoured everywhere to stock up on 2s for a year to get through the 3 model year. The 4 fits and feels more like the 2, and is not as stiff or stride-correcting, but I find myself scraping my heel just a little, and my adductor/gracillis (inner thigh) muscles get very ... MoreAfter 42 miles, these are better than the Speed 3, but still not as good as the Speed 2. The quality of material is good; lightweight and minimal while still offering enough structure. Good cushion and energy return from the sole, though they look a little goofy from the side profile. Plenty of ventilation for air exchange in the toe box, and the fit is very consistent with the other Speed models.The Speed 3 was too stiff and stride-correcting and I absolutely could not wear them. I gave them away and scoured everywhere to stock up on 2s for a year to get through the 3 model year. The 4 fits and feels more like the 2, and is not as stiff or stride-correcting, but I find myself scraping my heel just a little, and my adductor/gracillis (inner thigh) muscles get very fatigued for some reason. I do not experience either with the Speed 2 or Pro 2, and have run through 17 pairs of them in the last couple years.After 5-6 runs in these 4s, I found 2 more pair of Pro 2 to hoard away and will probably start to search for another brand to incorporate into the rotation. Wish y’all would bring back the 2s.I am 51 and run 35-40 miles per week at a 7:35 pace with 350-400’ of elevation gain in a 5 mile run, and typically get 230 miles out of a pair of Saucs.
I have been a Saucony fan for years and it is the only running shoes I've bought. I was most recently wearing the Triumph 21's and loved them. Went to my local running store right as these came out and decided to give them a try and they just don't work for me. The main issue for me is not enough cushion (so it might just be a personal thing). I developed really bad plantar fasciitis and ankle pain with these. I unfortunately had to retire them after less than 40 miles. Switched back to my Triumph 21's and noticed a huge difference in heel/ankle pain for the better. Decided to purchase the new Triumph 22's and love them (lots of cushion). If you enjoy a shoe with a lot of cushion the endorphin speed 4's are not for you.Was a little disappointed with Saucony's ... MoreI have been a Saucony fan for years and it is the only running shoes I've bought. I was most recently wearing the Triumph 21's and loved them. Went to my local running store right as these came out and decided to give them a try and they just don't work for me. The main issue for me is not enough cushion (so it might just be a personal thing). I developed really bad plantar fasciitis and ankle pain with these. I unfortunately had to retire them after less than 40 miles. Switched back to my Triumph 21's and noticed a huge difference in heel/ankle pain for the better. Decided to purchase the new Triumph 22's and love them (lots of cushion). If you enjoy a shoe with a lot of cushion the endorphin speed 4's are not for you.Was a little disappointed with Saucony's return/exchange policy. My local running store allows returns for the full value within 60 days even when used. I ordered the endorphnis right through Saucony's website and was bummed that they had no system in place the second you put the shoes on. Oh well.... still a huge saucony fan and looking forward to putting some miles on my Triumph 22's.
I have wide 2E feet, and was able to run comfortably in the normal width in all of the first three versions of the Endorphin Speed. I went through one pair of version 1, two pairs of version 2, and am on my 3rd pair of version 3. I loved them all, and got about 500 miles out of each of my 3's. I was especially grateful that Saucony made a wide option for version 3 -- I bought two of those while I still could, and those were extra-comfortable for me. But I tried version 4 on in a running shoe store, and it does not work for me at all. Version 4 tapers sharply in the forefoot and toe box. Both the forefoot and toe box are very narrow and tight, making version 4 quite uncomfortable for me. A customer service rep at Saucony let me know they are not planning to release ... MoreI have wide 2E feet, and was able to run comfortably in the normal width in all of the first three versions of the Endorphin Speed. I went through one pair of version 1, two pairs of version 2, and am on my 3rd pair of version 3. I loved them all, and got about 500 miles out of each of my 3's. I was especially grateful that Saucony made a wide option for version 3 -- I bought two of those while I still could, and those were extra-comfortable for me. But I tried version 4 on in a running shoe store, and it does not work for me at all. Version 4 tapers sharply in the forefoot and toe box. Both the forefoot and toe box are very narrow and tight, making version 4 quite uncomfortable for me. A customer service rep at Saucony let me know they are not planning to release version 4 in wide sizing. I'm sure this shoe would be great for someone with narrow feet, but I am very disappointed that I can't run in the new version of my favorite running shoe. Please consider your wide-footed customers, we like to run fast too!
I've run the Endorphin Speed 1, 2, and 3 shoes, each to about 600 miles, and have now put about 150 miles on the Endorphin Speed 4.I loved the version 1 and 2 shoes (which were very similar), and quite enjoyed the 3 as well. People say the 3 is softer, but what I mostly noticed was a larger heel platform for added stability. While I run neutral shoes, I do think that the v1 and v2 shoes did become a little unstable as they wore down, so the change in the v3 shoes was welcome.The v4, however, is a step backward from the 3, in my opinion. Lots of publications claim that the v4 is faster and stiffer, and maybe that's true, but I hardly noticed much difference compared to the v3. What I DID notice was the shorter toe box (less height vertically) and the expanded heel ... MoreI've run the Endorphin Speed 1, 2, and 3 shoes, each to about 600 miles, and have now put about 150 miles on the Endorphin Speed 4.I loved the version 1 and 2 shoes (which were very similar), and quite enjoyed the 3 as well. People say the 3 is softer, but what I mostly noticed was a larger heel platform for added stability. While I run neutral shoes, I do think that the v1 and v2 shoes did become a little unstable as they wore down, so the change in the v3 shoes was welcome.The v4, however, is a step backward from the 3, in my opinion. Lots of publications claim that the v4 is faster and stiffer, and maybe that's true, but I hardly noticed much difference compared to the v3. What I DID notice was the shorter toe box (less height vertically) and the expanded heel design. As a result, I feel pressure on my small/pinky toes from the upper and the shoes overall feel sorta "clunky" to me with the new heel design. The reduced toe space is highly disappointing, since the previous versions of the shoes felt spacious, and of course the clunky feel to the heel makes the shoes feel less fun and comfortable.In summary, while I loved the Speed 1+2+3, to me the Speed 4 is sorta just average. I could run 5 miles or 20 miles in the previous versions of the shoes and they just disappeared on my feet, while the 4 constantly reminds me that it's there with the toe pressure and awkward sole design.
My favorite all around running shoe of all time is the Speed 2. It just felt dialed in no matter what pace I was running. I was not a fan of the Speed 3 as it felt 'flat' to me and I did not find it much different from any of the other daily trainers in the same price range. Fast forward to the Speed 4 and I am thrilled that pretty much everything I loved about the Speed 2 is back in the Speed 4 - and then some. I am a midfoot to forefoot runner and the Speed 4 brings back the 'pop' that the 3's lacked. Part of the reason the 3's felt so flat to me was coming from the slightly firmer midsole in the 2's which I think accentuated the aggressiveness of the speedroll technology. I cant say for sure if the speedroll in the 3's was tamed down or if the lacking feeling was ... MoreMy favorite all around running shoe of all time is the Speed 2. It just felt dialed in no matter what pace I was running. I was not a fan of the Speed 3 as it felt 'flat' to me and I did not find it much different from any of the other daily trainers in the same price range. Fast forward to the Speed 4 and I am thrilled that pretty much everything I loved about the Speed 2 is back in the Speed 4 - and then some. I am a midfoot to forefoot runner and the Speed 4 brings back the 'pop' that the 3's lacked. Part of the reason the 3's felt so flat to me was coming from the slightly firmer midsole in the 2's which I think accentuated the aggressiveness of the speedroll technology. I cant say for sure if the speedroll in the 3's was tamed down or if the lacking feeling was due to a softer midsole but, either way, the 3's didnt feel the same. That said, the 4's have a midsole comparable to the 2's which I love. The 4's also feel more stable than the 2's and as stable as the 3's. The 4 also brings back the practically effortlessness sensation when you are in your flow. The heel feels softer than the 2's which works extremely well with the rest of the midsole. The upper is not as tight as the 2's but the slightest bit tighter than the 3's. I did have an issue with the laces putting pressure at the very top of my foot in one of the shoes but hoping that goes away with more use. Certainly not enough to detract a star for it. I also love the white/viziorange colorway. I've got roughly 35 miles in these and they do not disappoint. I can see myself buying multiple pairs of the 4's as I did with the 2's; something I would not consider doing with the 3's. Thank you, Saucony!!!
