Sneak Peek Review: Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
01/29/24 • 4 minute read
The much anticipated Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is expected to be released in the United States in April 2024. So while I personally haven't gotten my hands on them yet, some lucky runners in other regions have been able to pick up a pair and try them out ahead of the US launch.
Update 1/31/2024: the Endorphin Pro 4 is now available to order from selected retailers: Men's Saucony Endorphin Pro 4, and Men's Saucony Endorphin Pro 4.
In this post, we'll bring you an early sneak-peek, first-hand account of running in the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 from u/Think_Replacement592 on Reddit, who has graciously permitted us to use his review in our write-up.
The Endorphin Pro Line
The Saucony Endorphin line represents a significant entry from Saucony in the field of performance running shoes. Between the incorporation of Saucony’s lightweight and responsive PWRRUN PB cushioning and a full-length carbon fiber plate, the Endorphin Pro is a true super-shoe. The shoe also features Saucony’s SPEEDROLL technology, an ergonomically designed rocker that encourages a forward rolling motion, leading to a more natural and efficient stride.
The Endorphin Pro as we know it today started to take form in the Endorphin Pro 2, but really hit its stride (sorry) with the Endorphin Pro 3. The Endorphin Pro 4 builds on the success of the 3 with some important changes. But do those changes represent big improvements over the 3s? It depends on what you're looking for.
Endorphin Pro 4: Key Specs
First, let’s take a look at the key specs of the Endorphin Pro 4:
- Brand: Saucony
- Model: Endorphin Pro 4
- Weight (men's size US8.5): 7.3 oz (208 g)
- MSRP: $225.00
- Heel Height: 39.5 mm
- Toe Height: 31.5 mm
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- Full-length carbon plate
How Does the Endorphin Pro Feel?
To get a first-hand account of running in the Endorphin Pro 4s, we consulted u/Think_Replacement592 on Reddit, who provides his perspective as a “relatively slow (9:00-9:45/mi, 5:00-6:00/km) and lightweight (5’5”/130lbs, 166cm/59kg) runner.” He also runs in the Endorphin Pro 3s, so was able to compare the experience between the two models.
Comparing the 4s to the previous generation, he points out that “the 3s feel quite stiff for me and I don't have so much fun running in them”, but after his initial runs with the Endorphin Pro 4, explains that they were softer and cushier than the 3s, despite being slightly heavier. “When I first tried them on, the feeling of the midsole reminded me a lot of the Superblast.”
He also notes comfort improvements in the upper as well. “The upper and the tongue are kinda stretchy they cover the foot nicely without leaving any hard feeling”, he continues. This is in contrast to the more minimal and compromising upper found in some super-shoes, which may account for, in part, the slight weight increase from the 3.
Performance-wise, he states that “it feels good when I run about 9:45/mi (6:00/km) and feels even better at my tempo pace around (9:00/mi) 5:0o/km.” He also liked the shoes at much faster paces. During a sprint workout, the energy return was particularly noticeable, aiding in higher cadence and leg lift.
Though the shoes performed well for this tester, others have noted that the rocker in the 4 is somewhat less aggressive than in the 3. This change should contribute to comfort for longer efforts but may do so at the expense of some speed and responsiveness.
Breaking Down the Pro 4 vs the Pro 3
Overall the 4 appears to be similar to the 3, but with some modifications that make it an even softer ride. “For my case, it’s very, very positive,” concludes u/Think_Replacement592. He appreciates that the changes may not be positive for those looking for a faster, more aggressive shoe, but “for a slow and lightweight runner like myself I appreciate the change very much”.
So while this cushy feel of the 4 will be appreciated by some runners, those who are seeking out a faster and more aggressive shoe might be disappointed. The changes from the 3 to the 4 seem to suggest that Saucony is moving the EP toward a speedy super-shoe for training or longer races while positioning the Endorphin Elite model as the key high-performance racing shoe.
Should You Buy the Endorphin Pro 4?
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is a solid super-shoe with a stiff carbon plate suitable for workouts and longer races, but updates to the shoe make it softer and less aggressive than its predecessor. Though the Pro 4 is a solid update to the 3, it might not be well received by runners looking for a faster, more aggressive racing shoe, particularly for shorter distances. Instead, these runners may want to consider the Endorphin Elite.
