Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 – Full Written Review (Based on Race Testing)
- FORDY RUNS
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 is finally here—well, almost. Landing officially in February 2026, I’ve been lucky enough to get an early pair, and as always on the channel, race shoes get taken straight into a race. After a full test run at the Hatfield 5, plus a handful of training efforts, I can confidently say: this is a seriously good shoe, especially for everyday runners looking for a stable, forgiving, race-day option.
What’s New in the Endorphin Pro 5?
Saucony hasn’t reinvented the Pro series with version five, but they have refined it in smart, meaningful ways that improve the feel and broaden the appeal.
Key Updates
Dual Foam Setup:Still uses PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN HG, delivering responsiveness without being overly soft.
New Slotted Carbon Plate:Enhanced compatibility with the dual foams for a smoother, more controlled ride.
Updated SpeedRoll Geometry:More efficient heel-to-toe transition.
PowerTrac Outsole:Excellent grip—proved itself on very wet race-day roads.
Subtle Stability Enhancements:Built-up sidewalls and increased platform width offer noticeable inherent stability.
Weight & Stack:
39.5 mm heel / 31.5 mm forefoot (8 mm drop)
237 g in UK 9.5
Fit:True to size, breathable mesh upper, and a secure, racy lockdown.
Price:US pricing confirmed at $225, likely similar to the Pro 4.
Saucony also continues to crush the colourways—this launch design looks fantastic.
First Impressions on Foot
Straight out of the box, the Pro 5 feels forgiving—much more than many of the aggressive “super shoes” competing in this category. The slightly firmer foam blend, combined with the stabilising width and sidewalls, gives immediate confidence.
This makes the shoe stand out for two types of runners:
Runners needing mild stability (mild pronation, wobbly ankles, or who simply prefer structure).
Bigger, heavier runners who want a race shoe that won’t collapse under load.
In fact, Saucony might not have intended it, but the Pro 5 is essentially a stable carbon-plated racing shoe—something the market doesn’t really offer. If you loved the Endorphin Pro 4, you’ll feel right at home. And if you miss the New Balance SC Elite v4 (RIP), this may just be the closest performance replacement.
Race Test: Hatfield 5 Miler
Conditions were far from ideal—wet, dirty roads after a heavy downpour—but the Pro 5 handled it brilliantly.
What Stood Out in the Race
Outsole performance:The new PowerTrac rubber was phenomenal in the wet.
SpeedRoll + plate:Delivers smooth, quick transitions without feeling overly aggressive.
Foam:Not the softest on the market, but responsive, stable, and dependable.
Stability under load:This was the star of the show. Through all race efforts, the shoe stayed controlled and predictable.
Race feel:Light on foot, fast, and capable of holding pace comfortably.
Even pushing around 10K pace (and sometimes harder), the shoe gave everything I asked of it.
Performance Summary
The Endorphin Pro 5 is not trying to be the most explosive “super shoe” out there—but that’s exactly why it shines. It’s a fast, forgiving, friendly racer designed for real-world runners.
Who Will Love This Shoe
Everyday runners training for half or full marathons
Anyone who mildly pronates
Heavier runners wanting stability + speed
Runners who want performance without battling instability
Fans of the Endorphin Pro 4 or NB SC Elite v4
Who Might Not Love It
Elite-level athletes chasing maximum bounce/softness/aggression
Runners who want that “trampoline” feeling (e.g., Adios Pro 4, Alphafly)
