Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 Review: Fast, Comfortable, and Race Day Ready

Hey everyone, I’m Alastair from Trail and Kale, and today I’m finally going to be putting words down on a super shoe that I have been having an absolute blast running in, and one that is so underrated, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4.

It annoys me a little when I come across a running shoe that totally surpasses my expectations during testing, especially when competitor shoes get so much marketing spend and “paid influencers” behind them that the general public end up believing that they’re the best running shoes available – because so often that’s total bull crap.

Take for example the Nike Vaporfly 3, a shoe that for all intents and purposes should be totally epic, I mean all the Instagram influencers are saying it’s awesome, so it must be right? Well, no because most of them are just pretty people being paid, so it’s not really an honest opinion on the product. The Vaporfly 3 is not a great race day super shoe for the majority of people – a small segment, yes – but not the general population.

My point being that the Endorphin Pro 4 is up there with the best race day super shoes I’ve reviewed, because it caters to the non-elite marathon runners out there so much better – which by the way, is actually the majority of runners – hence making it a much better running shoe for many more people; you’ll understand why I’m saying this by the end of my review.

Key specifications

Here’s a quick rundown of the key specs for the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4:

• Price: $225 at saucony.com (US) | £230 at sportsshoes.com (UK)
• Fit: True to size in length, medium to wide width thanks to nice roomy upper
• Upper: Comfortable, breathable mesh with smooth heel liner/collar and integrated tongue
• Midsole: PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN HG fused together provides responsiveness and cushioning. Full length carbon fiber plate provides excellent forward propulsion and energy return thanks to SPEEDROLL TECHNOLOGY.
• Outsole: Rubber compound with cross-hatch pattern
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm | Stack height: 39.5mm at the heel, 31.5mm at the toe
• Weight: 7.5oz (213) for a size US Men’s 9 (my pair)

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How does the Endorphin Pro 4 cater so well to the average runner then? Well here are a few ways: it’s more affordable, it’s more comfortable, and it’s more stable – and you get all that for a shoe that really doesn’t lag that far behind in performance, certainly not for the non-elite runners out there, like myself.

If you loved the Endorphin Pro 3 but had some issues with fit and comfort, like I did, you’re in for a treat with this new upgraded version. The Endorphin Pro 4 addresses those concerns and then some, making it a fantastic race day shoe. Let’s get into it!

Performance review

To make sure this review is in-depth and so you know we actually run in the shoes we review (believe it or not, some sites that like to cut shoes in half and call it a review, do not), you can also watch my performance video review on Youtube by tapping the image below – Don’t forget to subscribe to our Channel :).

One of the major improvements in the Endorphin Pro 4 is the fit, and how it affects comfort on the run, the tongue was also too short with no way of pinning it in place, so it would slip down.

Unlike its predecessor, this shoe offers a roomier toe box and a more accommodating heel counter and collar, eliminating the heel rub and fit issues of the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3.

The lacing system wraps around your foot comfortably, making it suitable even for those with wider feet. The upper is made from a breathable mesh that not only provides plenty of ventilation but also a supportive yet stretchy, accommodating fit.

Unlike many race day shoes at the moment, the Endorphin Pro 4 doesn’t compromise on comfort, which is crucial for non-elite runners who spend more time on their feet during races.

The tongue is now integrated into the shoe, providing a sock-like fit that also prevents it from slipping down during runs. Although this design is generally comfortable, it does have a tendency to fold over itself when the laces are cinched tightly – depending on the width of your feet.

This folding doesn’t cause discomfort but some people just may not like how that looks. Overall, the comfort level of the Endorphin Pro 4 is exceptional, particularly for a race day shoe.

The midsole features a combination of PowerRun PB and PowerRun HG, which delivers a snappy response and a cushioned ride. This balance between cushioning and responsiveness is critical for maintaining speed and comfort over long distances.

The full-length SpeedRoll Technology carbon fiber plate embedded in the midsole enhances this responsiveness, providing maximum energy return as you run.

This midsole geometry with forefoot rocker, makes the Endorphin Pro 4 a great choice for marathons and fast-paced training sessions like intervals, fartlek sessions, and tempo runs.

When running in the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4, you’ll notice how effortlessly the shoe propels you forward – that’s the Speedroll Technology doing its thing; the the carbon fiber plate, creates a rolling motion that encourages a quick, efficient turnover. This makes it easier to maintain a fast pace without feeling like you’re expending extra energy.

Stability is another area in which I have noticed the Endorphin Pro 4 does a great job. It has a wide footprint, which helps provide a stable base, especially for runners with mild pronation issues. The carbon fiber plate adds to this stability by preventing lateral flex and keeping your foot aligned properly.

This is particularly beneficial during long races when maintaining proper form is crucial to prevent fatigue and injury.

The outsole of the Endorphin Pro 4 uses a rubber compound with a cross-hatch pattern, and while this pattern offers good grip for straight-line running, it falls short during sharp turns on slick surfaces, which for sure is a niche situation to find yourself in with these running shoes.

If you’re running on shiny asphalt or cobbled streets, you might experience some slippage, however, for most straight-line, fast-paced runs, the traction is more than adequate. If your training routes involve a lot of tight corners or slick surfaces, you might want to consider this limitation and check out some other recommendations I share at the end of this review.

The breathable mesh upper is a significant plus for the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 too as it ensures your feet stay cool and dry during intense runs. The airy fit allows for good ventilation, preventing overheating and discomfort.

This is especially important during long races where your feet will swell. The material is so breathable that you can see through it, and you can feel the airflow when you run. This excellent ventilation helps regulate temperature inside the shoe, keeping your feet comfortable throughout.

The combination of PowerRun PB and PowerRun HG in the midsole provides a unique balance of cushioning and responsiveness which ensures that each stride is both comfortable and efficient. The cushioning absorbs impact, reducing the strain on your feet and legs, while the responsiveness ensures a quick return of energy, helping you maintain speed over any distance.

The full-length carbon fiber plate in the midsole provides a snappy, propulsive feel that makes it easier to maintain a fast pace. Unlike some shoes that only have a partial plate, the Endorphin Pro 4’s full-length plate ensures consistent performance across the entire length of the shoe. This is particularly beneficial for runners who land on their heels, as it maximizes energy return from heel strike to toe-off.

Best alternatives

In the world of super shoes, the Endorphin Pro 4 faces stiff competition. Here are review links to a few contenders that have performed well in my reviews and that sit in a similar class to this shoe:

• HOKA Rocket X2: Lightweight, stable, fast, and only slightly pricier at $250.
• ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris: Another fast, insanely lightweight option that’s also comfortable.
• Nike Alphafly 3: Impressively fast and cushioned but significantly more expensive and not as stable.

Are they worth buying, in my opinion?

At $225 from Saucony (US) / £230 Sportsshoes (UK), the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 offers excellent value for a super shoe. Compared to its competitors, which often cost more, it provides a fantastic blend of performance, comfort, and stability. The updates from the Pro 3 make it worth every penny in my opinion.

It’s perfect for marathons, speed workouts, and any race where you want to maximize your performance without sacrificing comfort – it’s the one super shoe right now that just feels like a normal shoe, but elevated to race day levels. I say that in an endearing way, because sometimes normal is all you want from a running shoe, if far better than an expensive shoe that tries to do too much, and ends up falling flat because they’re too uncomfortable to wear.

👋🏼 Hey there! If you’re thinking about getting these shoes, using our links would be a huge help for Trail & Kale Running Co. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which lets us keep creating awesome content like this review. Thanks so much for your support – we really appreciate it!

Thanks for sticking around for this review! If you found it helpful, give it a like and subscribe to our Newsletter for more running shoe reviews like this one. See you next time! -Alastair