Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
The shoe that changed the game for everyday speed training is back, and Saucony’s Endorphin Speed 5 might just be the most well-rounded version yet. If you're chasing that PB on race day, pushing through tempo sessions, or just want your long runs to feel a whole lot better, this is the Saucony sneaker that shows up for all of it.
Since the original Saucony Endorphin Speed launched in 2020, the lineup has earned a reputation as one of the most versatile plated trainers on the market. Not a pure race shoe. Not a slow-day cruiser. Something in between that just works.
The fifth generation keeps that DNA intact but cleans up the fit, improves durability, and delivers a ride that feels refined without losing the snap runner's love. Available at The Vault now, across men's and women's sizes.
What Makes the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 Different?
There's a reason the Endorphin Speed line has a cult following.
It sits in a category of its own: fast enough to race in, comfortable enough to train in, and built to handle the kind of mileage that would chew through a dedicated race shoe in weeks.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 builds on that with a few key updates that make it feel more polished than any previous version – without straying from the formula that made it a favourite across running communities in Australia and around the world.
Here's what's under the hood.
PWRRUN PB Midsole: Responsive PEBA Foam
At the heart of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 sits a full-length PWRRUN PB midsole – Saucony's top-tier cushioning material made from pebbled PEBA polymers. It's lightweight, responsive, and designed to return energy with every stride.
Compared to the Speed 4, this version feels softer and bouncier underfoot, striking a balance between the plush feel of the Speed 3 and the firmer ride of the Speed 4.
What sets PWRRUN PB apart from competing super-foams is its controlled responsiveness. It doesn't throw your foot around or feel overly bouncy at slow paces. Instead, the cushioning scales with your effort; the harder you push, the more you get back. That makes it equally capable on easy recovery runs and hard interval sessions.
The stack height sits at 36mm in the heel and 28mm in the forefoot with an 8mm drop, giving you a solid platform that feels stable without being bulky.
Full-Length Nylon Plate: Snap Without Stiffness
Unlike carbon-plated race shoes that prioritise maximum propulsion at the cost of flexibility, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 uses a full-length semi-rigid nylon plate sandwiched between two layers of PWRRUN PB foam. The result? A snappy, propulsive feel that still lets your foot move naturally through each stride.
The plate has been redesigned for this version, with the medial wing extending further for improved stability while the lateral side stays streamlined. This subtle tweak gives the shoe a touch more support underfoot – a welcome change for runners who felt previous versions could be a bit wobbly at slower speeds.
For runners who want the performance benefits of a plated shoe without the stiff, unforgiving feel of a carbon racer, our collection of Saucony Endorphin Speeds in Australia hits that sweet spot.
SPEEDROLL Geometry: Forward Motion, Built In
Saucony's SPEEDROLL technology shapes the midsole with a combined heel bevel and forefoot rocker that encourages a smooth, rolling transition from landing to toe-off. Heel strikers benefit from reduced braking forces at contact, while forefoot strikers get a clean, efficient push-off.
The addition of a full-length longitudinal groove in the outsole is new for the Saucony Endorphin Speed. It increases flexibility through the midfoot, allowing the shoe to adapt to the ground more naturally and creating a smoother ride at every pace.
Bonus: it also makes the shoe noticeably quieter underfoot.
Redesigned Upper: Breathable, Secure, and Race-Ready
The upper got a proper overhaul for version 5. A new lightweight engineered mesh is noticeably more breathable than the Speed 4 – lab tests show outstanding ventilation, which is a big deal for Australian runners training through summer.
The fit has been refined, too. A wider toe box gives your toes more room to splay naturally, while the midfoot and heel maintain a secure, performance-oriented hold. The gusseted tongue from the Speed 4 (which had a habit of folding on itself) is gone, replaced by a cleaner design that sits flush against the foot.
A new 3D heel counter locks your rearfoot in place without feeling restrictive. The overall effect is a shoe that fits like a proper trainer but performs like something much faster.
Outsole: Better Durability Where You Need It
Saucony expanded the rubber coverage on the heel, a smart move given the Speed 4 showed early wear in that area.
The reconfigured outsole balances grip and weight, giving you better traction and longevity without adding unnecessary bulk. For runners who are putting serious kilometres on their Saucony sneakers, this durability upgrade matters.
Who is the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 For?
This is where the Endorphin Speed line has always shone: versatility. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 isn't a shoe that asks you to pick a lane. It handles a broad range of running scenarios better than almost anything else at this price point.
- Tempo and Threshold Runners: The nylon plate and SPEEDROLL geometry make this shoe come alive at faster paces. It wants to move, and you'll notice your splits dropping without having to force it.
- Long Run Lovers: At moderate paces, the PWRRUN PB foam delivers enough cushioning to carry you through 20km+ without your legs paying for it the next day.
- Race-Day Runners: Not everyone wants (or needs) a full carbon super shoe. The Saucony Endorphin Speed offers race-worthy performance with more flexibility and comfort, making it a genuine option for 10K through to marathon distances.
- One-Shoe Runners: If you're the kind of runner who wants a single pair that does everything from easy days to speed sessions, the Endorphin Speed 5 is one of the strongest contenders available in Australia right now.
- Runners Upgrading From the Speed 4: The fit is cleaner, the upper is more breathable, and the ride strikes a better balance between soft and responsive. It's a genuine step forward.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 in Australia: Colourways & Availability
The Saucony Endorphin Speed Australia lineup includes multiple colourways for both men and women. A standout for local runners is the Sydney Edition, finished in green and gold – a nod to Australia's sporting heritage, featuring a subtle continent outline and iconic kangaroo crossing signs on the design.
Available in standard men's and women's sizing, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 fits true to size for most runners. If you found the Speed 4's toe box a little snug, you'll appreciate the extra room in this version.
Shop Saucony Endorphin Speed at The Vault
When you're ready to buy Saucony Endorphin Speed sneakers, here's why The Vault is your best choice:
- Official Saucony Retailer: Every pair is 100% authentic, verified before shipping. We're an authorised Saucony retailer, so you're getting genuine products backed by Saucony's warranty – no fakes, no grey market, no questions.
- Free Shipping Australia-Wide: Your Endorphin Speeds ship free across Australia. Fast, secure delivery from Sydney to your door without added shipping costs.
- Easy Size Exchanges: Not quite the right fit? Our hassle-free exchange policy makes swapping sizes simple and stress-free. Just keep everything pristine, and we'll sort it out.
- Afterpay & Klarna Available: Flexible payment options let you split the cost into manageable instalments. Get your Endorphin Speeds now, pay over time.
- Sydney Store: Visit our Alexandria location to try on the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 before buying. See the colourways in person, feel the PWRRUN PB cushioning, and get expert sizing advice from our team.
Shopping with The Vault means choosing authenticity, convenience, and service from people who actually know running shoes.
FAQs – Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
What is the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 best for?
Saucony’s Endorphin Speed 5 excels at tempo runs, interval training, long runs at pace, and even race day. It's one of the most versatile "super trainers" available – fast enough for speedwork but comfortable enough for longer efforts.
What's the difference between Endorphin Speed and Endorphin Pro?
The Saucony Endorphin Speed uses a nylon plate for a more flexible, versatile ride at a lower price point. The Endorphin Pro has a full carbon plate for maximum race-day performance and is stiffer, lighter, and more specialised for racing.
Is the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 good for daily training?
Yes! While it's designed for faster efforts, the PWRRUN PB cushioning makes it comfortable enough for daily training miles. Many runners use it as their go-to shoe for everything except easy recovery runs.
What is PWRRUN PB foam?
PWRRUN PB is Saucony's premium cushioning made with pebbled PEBA polymers, an ultra-light material that delivers exceptional energy return. It's the same foam technology used in elite racing shoes, giving you that bouncy, responsive feel.
Is Saucony’s Endorphin Speed 5 true to size?
Yes, most runners find it fits true to size. The toe box is slightly wider than previous versions, offering more room upfront. If you're between sizes, stick with your usual running shoe size.
How heavy is the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5?
The men's version weighs approximately 240g (8.4oz) in size US 9, and the women's weighs approximately 213g (7.5oz) in size US 8. It's light enough to feel fast but substantial enough to handle longer distances comfortably.
