Saucony Men's & Women's Running Shoes: Endorphin Speed 4 (various colors) $126, Endorphin Pro 4 (various colors) $162 & More + Free Shipping

Thanks! I will try the EP3 and look into hoka skyward and prime X. I've tried hoka and SC in the past but I found the stiffness lacking. The SC I kept losing my balance for some reason. I think the heel was really narrow. It was always when walking that I'd have issues. I had no idea run repeat actually measured flexibility. I wonder how the Saucony Kinvara Pro compares flexibility wise. It comes in wide but run repeat hasn't done a review yet.

I think the V2 was the peak for this Endo Speed series. I have a couple pairs of Speed 3 and another two pairs of Speed 2 in my rotation. The Speed 2 has a more accentuated rocker geometry from heel to toe. The Speed 3 midsole is flatter and more conventional. Some people have suggested, and I agree with this kind of reasoning, that Saucony nerfed the Endo Speed with V3 by prioritizing stability over other considerations. There were complaints from a proportionally small number of runners that V2 was unstable. By broadening the heel, making the midsole flatter, using a softer flavor of PWRRUN PB, and making the forefoot more flexible the Speed 3 lost much of its magic. The Speed is now more accessible but not as much as fun as the prior versions. V3 is not as bouncy as V2.

From all indications V4 looks like a rehash of V3. A pedestrian ride with a nearly useless plate that folds like a taco.

A runner and Saucony customer on Reddit quipped that in 2024 a runner now has to buy the Pro 3 or 4 to get the same level of performance as the Speed 2. This actually makes sense. Saucony discontinued the Shift, a stable neutral plate less trainer for the masses. To fill the void left by the Shift Saucony downgraded the Speed so it could accommodate a wider base of runners. But at the end of the day it's difficult to make everyone happy with a single shoe model. That's my view on the Endorphin Speed.

From here on out I think that I'm leaning towards using carbon or carbon reinforced plated shoes for my daily trainer needs. Puma has pretty stiff plate in their Deviate Nitro and so does Hoka's Mach X. I have two pairs of the DN2 in my rotation and find it suits my needs better than the Endo Speed 3. Better rocker. Better plate. Smoother transition. Better outsole. The Deviate is arguably the closest successor to the Speed 2.

I liked the Speed 3s but not as much as the Speed 2s. I still have the Speed 2s in my rotation, along with a Pro 2 for speed days. I actually still have a pair of unopened Speed 2s and Pro 2s I got for about $45 total after cash back around Thanksgiving of 2022. I have a pair of Pro 3s that I have only worn for 2 break-in runs, 1 half-marathon and 1 full marathon. I only use them for races now. Will probably use them for 1-2 more races and retire them to regular training. The Speed 4 has gotten some very solid reviews and I will get the Speed 4s as my every day trainer (won't be using them on my actual speedwork days) and then likely bump up to the Pro 4s for my next marathon. Appreciate you sharing your input earlier.

How do you like the Pro 3 for long runs relative to Pro 2 and Speed 2?

I really like them for long runs. My legs felt relatively fresh afterwards and not beat up, not that they felt that way at all with the Speed 2 or Pro 2. I just felt less fatigued with the Pro 3s. I also feel that the Pro 3s have a bit more "pop" than the Pro 2s. I think the Pro 2s fit more "snugg" due to their smaller toebox, which some people really like.

Sounds good. I might get a couple pairs of EP3 when they drop to 50% off MSRP.

Was thinking the same. If you see them hit that mark please send me a DM. I will definitely pick up 2 more pair.