Saucony Kinvara 16 vs Endorphin Speed 5

Kinvara 16 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

Want a light, low shoe with real ground feel? Get the Kinvara 16.

Want a plated shoe for tempo days and race day? Get the Endorphin Speed 5.

Get the Kinvara 16 if

• You want the softer, more cushioned ride
• It’s mostly for easy days
• You want the lighter shoe, by about 1 oz
• You prefer a lower drop (4mm vs 8mm)

Get the Endorphin Speed 5 if

• You want a nylon plate for faster running
• You like a firmer, more stable feel
• You want more bounce and energy back
• You want more foam underfoot (8mm more at the heel)

On the run

Kinvara 16: The light, low classic. Low, light and flexible. You feel the road more than in a max-cushion shoe, and it picks up the pace easily, though the foam is more muted than bouncy.

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

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

Kinvara 16. True to size, but narrow through the midfoot and toes.

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.

Shop the Kinvara 16 · Shop the Endorphin Speed 5 · Compare other running shoes