The Endorphin Speed has taken the world by storm. It has a very lightweight build, a super foam midsole and a nylon plate. It’s no wonder it has become one of the most popular Saucony trainers.
This comparison will tell you if the Endorphin Speed 4 or the Endorphin Speed 3 is the better trainer for you.
Endorphin Speed 4
Endorphin Speed 3
Verdict
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a flexible, plated trainer which is best suited to uptempo runs. It doesn’t offer as much speed assistance as other plated trainers but it has a natural ride with excellent traction. Version 4 feels faster than version 3 due to its firmer ride. It has a higher level of ground feel and a more streamlined design.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a multipurpose trainer/racer which can fill many roles in your rotation. Its nylon plate doesn’t provide the propulsion that carbon racers have but it’s still a very fast shoe. Version 3 has a more stable platform with a softer and more relaxed ride. It’s now more of a daily trainer than a speedwork shoe.
Recommended for
Speedwork
Racing, speedwork, daily training
Cushioning type
Responsive/balanced
Balanced
Cushioning amount
Medium cushioning
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
medium
Stability
some stability
some stability
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$170
US$170
Both versions use PWRRUN PB in their midsoles which is one of Saucony’s premium racing foams. It is a beaded PEBA foam and has very high energy return. The main difference is that the midsole of the Speed 4 is firmer than the midsole of the Speed 3.
The firmer midsole of the Speed 4 results in a faster ride. It’s better for short, fast runs compared to the Speed 3 which has a softer ride and more suited to relaxed runs. The Speed 3 is better for slow and long runs.
The Speed 4 has better stability because it has a firmer ride with less lean bias. Your foot strikes feel more planted in the Speed 4.
The ride of the Speed 3 feels smoother but flatter than the 4. The forefoot rocker isn’t as prominent as the rocker of the Speed 4 and in the Speed 4, you can feel the plate more.
The Speed 4 has the better outsole. The rubber on its forefoot has lugs which protrude and bite into the ground better than the flatter profile rubber on the forefoot of the Speed 3 so traction is much better in the Speed 4.
The upper of the Speed 4 is thinner and more breathable than the Speed 3. The Speed 3 has a little more padding which makes it more comfortable for long runs.
Both trainers have flat tongues but the Speed 3’s tongue moves around during runs while the Speed 4 stays in place. They both fit true to size and they are also available in wide versions.
If you prefer a faster, firmer ride, the Speed 4 is the shoe for you. It has better stability and it feels more like a speed trainer. It also has better traction. The Speed 4 is best suited to tempo runs, intervals, fartleks and any uptempo run.
If you prefer a softer, more relaxed ride, the Speed 3 is the better shoe for you. It has more cushioning and is better for slow runs and long runs.
