The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 brings a refreshing twist to the carbon-plated supershoe scene. In a world full of ultra-aggressive, elite-only racers, Saucony is offering something a little more approachable—still fast, still high-tech, but a whole lot more forgiving.
In this review, we’re digging into what makes the Endorphin Pro 4 stand out, especially for marathoners who want a touch of comfort without giving up that race-day punch. From its plush-yet-snappy midsole to its revamped upper and sure-footed grip, here’s how it stacks up across the board.
A new take on the supershoe concept
Think of the Endorphin Pro 4 as Saucony’s latest remix of the marathon supershoe formula—yes, there’s still a carbon plate, bouncy foam, and go-fast energy, but this version leans more toward balance than raw aggression.
Unlike other shoes that chase being the lightest or most explosive, the Pro 4 carves out its own lane. It’s quick, no doubt, but also smooth and surprisingly stable. That combo is gold for non-elite runners or seasoned marathoners who’d rather not sacrifice their feet for a few extra seconds.
Midsole tech
Let’s talk guts. The biggest upgrade in the Pro 4 is its dual-foam midsole setup. Up top, there’s Saucony’s plush new PWRRUN HG foam—super soft and energetic. Underneath, you’ve got the more responsive PWRRUN PB. And nestled between them is the trusty S-shaped carbon plate, ready to propel you forward.
On the road, it translates to a ride that’s bouncy yet grounded. Heel strikers, especially, are gonna love it—the rear cushioning feels stable and shock-absorbing in all the right ways. For forefoot runners, the ride is still cushioned, just not over the top.
This layered design adds a noticeable cushion boost without turning the shoe into a mushy mess. And of course, the Speedroll geometry is still doing its thing—helping you roll effortlessly through your stride.
Fit & upper
Right away, the redesigned upper is a breath of fresh air. It’s more generous through the toe box and feels smoother all around. Gone are the tight squeezes and hotspots from earlier versions. This one’s soft, breathable, and still snug where it needs to be.
It fits true to size for most, though runners used to a super locked-down racing fit might find it a touch more relaxed. That actually becomes a win during the back half of a marathon, when your feet start to swell and comfort suddenly matters a lot more than you’d expected.
The engineered mesh upper does its job well, and subtle tweaks to the heel collar and tongue make the whole package feel premium and irritation-free.
Traction & outsole
Traction? No worries there. Wet roads, dry sidewalks—this outsole holds steady. Saucony kept things minimal but smart with the rubber placement, focusing on the spots that take the most abuse.
It doesn’t scream trail shoe or anything, but even in less-than-perfect marathon weather, you’re covered. That secure grip, paired with the shoe’s overall stability and plush heel, gives you the confidence to push without second-guessing your footing.
Weight & responsiveness
No, the Pro 4 isn’t the lightest shoe in the race. It’s a smidge heavier than version 3 and not as feathery as the Vaporfly. But what you get in return is a lot more comfort, stronger materials, and a more secure upper.
At about 7.8 oz (220g), it still qualifies as a racing shoe—just not an ultra-stripped-down one. It’s quick, but in a way that doesn’t wreck your legs. Perfect if you’re chasing a PR but also want to walk the next day without limping.
This is where the Pro 4 really shines: it’s not trying to be the wildest supershoe on the block—it’s just trying to make race day a bit more doable for the rest of us.
Who should run in the Endorphin Pro 4?
Here’s who’ll get the most out of the Pro 4:
- Marathoners who care about cushioning as much as speed
- Heel strikers who need a bit of shock absorption
- Runners with slightly wider feet or who dislike tight toe boxes
- Anyone running at steady, non-elite paces who still wants a racing edge
If you’re gunning for a podium spot and want that turbocharged forefoot snap, you might gravitate more toward something like the Alphafly 3 or Adios Pro 4. But if you’re focused on nailing your race in comfort—without sacrificing too much speed—this is a smart pick.
Durability & value
Here’s the kicker: the Pro 4 holds up. While most supershoes start looking tired after 100–150 miles, testers have pushed this one past 300 miles with only minor wear. That’s pretty rare in the carbon-plate game.
At $225, it’s also priced a little more reasonably than some of the flashier options. Considering the quality of materials, the ride, and how versatile it is, you’re getting strong value—especially if you want a shoe that can handle both race day and the big long runs in your training block.
Potential drawbacks
Of course, it’s not all perfect. A few things to keep in mind:
- It’s a tad heavier than some of the top-end carbon racers
- The ride isn’t quite as snappy for forefoot strikers
- The relaxed fit might not suit runners who love that super tight race feel
So yeah, if you’re looking for that glove-like lockdown for a speedy 5K or love the feeling of ultra-responsive toe-off, there are lighter, racier options out there. But for the majority of marathoners, this shoe strikes a really smart balance.
Final verdict
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 hits that sweet spot that a lot of marathoners are chasing: enough speed to make it feel special, enough comfort to keep your legs from hating you.
No, it’s not the most aggressive carbon shoe out there—but that’s kind of the point. It’s fast, it’s stable, it’s genuinely enjoyable to wear for long distances. And that makes it one of the most approachable supershoes you can grab right now.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Great balance of speed and comfort | Slightly heavier than top-end supershoes |
| Dual-foam midsole: soft cushioning + firm responsiveness | Less energy return for forefoot strikers |
| Very stable heel, excellent for heel strikers | Fit is a bit roomy/relaxed for those wanting race-tight lockdown |
| More spacious, premium upper with no hotspots | Not the most dynamic choice for short races (5K–10K) |
| Reliable traction on both wet and dry roads | Not the absolute lightest marathon shoe |
| Above-average durability (300+ miles) | |
| Slightly more affordable than rivals |
ASICS Gel Resolution 9
