Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 vs Endorphin Speed 5
Endorphin Speed 6 or Endorphin Speed 5? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
The Endorphin Speed 6 replaced the Endorphin Speed 5.
A lighter, bouncier PWRRUN PBX foam, 2mm more stack, a redesigned nylon plate, a stronger rocker and a roomier toebox.
What changed
- Foam: PWRRUN PBX replaces PWRRUN PB. Saucony says it’s about 15% lighter and 15% bouncier.
- Plate: Redesigned, fluted nylon plate.
- Shape: 2mm more stack and a more aggressive rocker.
- Upper: More width and volume in the toebox.
- Specs: 2mm more heel stack.
- On the run: The Endorphin Speed 6 hasn’t been lab tested yet, so we can’t measure the difference in feel.
Still like the Endorphin Speed 5? It’s $50 less than the Endorphin Speed 6 while supplies last, with 12 colors in stock.
On the run
Endorphin Speed 6: The plated workout shoe, sharpened. Springy and quick, with a stiff nylon plate and a strong rocker that rolls you forward at tempo pace. It’s on the firm side, so slow easy runs can feel harsh.
Endorphin Speed 5: The plated workout weapon. Firm-leaning and snappy, with a nylon plate and a rocker that roll you onto your toes. It comes alive at tempo and race pace and still handles a long run.
Specs side by side
| Endorphin Speed 6 | Endorphin Speed 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $180 | $129.95 (was $175) |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 38 / 30mm | 36 / 28mm |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Weight, men’s | 8.2 oz | 8.3 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 6.9 oz | 7.2 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | Nylon plate | Nylon plate |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Standard, Wide |
| Built for | Tempo & workouts, Race day | Tempo & workouts, Race day, Long runs |
| Expected life | 250–350 miles | 250–350 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Endorphin Speed 6. Some testers found it a touch short, so if you’re between sizes, go up a half. The toebox is roomier than the Speed 5’s, though the midfoot can feel snug. Wide available.
Endorphin Speed 5. Runs slightly short and narrower than the 4. If you’re between sizes, go up a half. The stiff heel counter can bother sensitive heels.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
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