Comparing Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 3: which one do you choose for your quality workouts?

From Runnea we bring you a comparison that you like so much between two versions of one of the most versatile and popular shoes of the American brand Saucony, we are referring to the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 and the new version Speed 4.

In this RUNNEA Magazine article we want to show you all the details of the two latest versions of the Saucony running shoes that stand out for their great performance and that we see on the feet of many runners at the starting line of running races: the Saucony Endorphin Speed.

Before starting the comparison between the two versions, it is important to place the Saucony Endorphin Speed within the brand's Endorphin range.

Saucony Endorphin Range

The shoes that are part of the Endorphin range of the brand, both running and trail, are considered the fastest shoes, designed for runners with a good running technique and who like to run at fast paces. In addition to the Saucony Endorphin Speed they are also part of the range:

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

This is one of the most popular shoes in the range and stands out for its great combination of reactivity, fit and cushioning. The latest version of this shoe presents interesting improvements with respect to its predecessor that will allow us to run at very fast paces in our asphalt competitions.

Saucony Endorphin Elite

The latest addition to the family and that for this season 2024 presents new colors. It is a maximalist shoe that enjoys a great cushioning but, above all, a great reactivity thanks to its carbon plate and in which are present the best materials and technologies developed by the brand.

Saucony Endorphin Shift 3

It is the shoe of the range intended for our daily running workouts at paces not as fast as the previous shoes. It does not have a carbon plate and the last version on the market is from last season.

Saucony's maximum versatilityShoes.

Both versions of the Saucony Endorphin Speed are shoes that stand out mainly for their maximum versatility as they adapt to a wide profile of runners.

The technologies present in this shoe allow us to run comfortably and fast without the need to have a great running technique, a running technique that is more than necessary to run effectively with the fastest models of the Endorphin range.

Highlights and commonalities of these Saucony shoes Saucony

The last two versions of the shoe have many points in common, not in vain, in the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 a full-fledged remodeling was carried out in comparison to the previous version that laid the foundations for the success of this model of the American brand. The highlights are:

Nylon plate

One of the highlights of the shoe. It is a model that has a plate that allows you to run fast, but it is not a carbon fiber plate that has a higher stiffness and requires a better running technique, but it is a nylon plate that adapts to a wider profile of runners.

The full-length nylon plate allows for greater flexibility and adaptability, allowing for a much more comfortable yet faster run, ideal for those demanding daily workouts or fast paces.

Same drop (8 mm)

Both versions have the same highdrop of 8 mm, a drop that allows good cushioning and comfort for training and/or longer distance competitions.

PWRRUN PB in the midsole

The PWRRUN PB is one of the technologies developed by the brand that provides great cushioning. It seemed that the last version could incorporate the same cushioning that is present in the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 (PWRRUN HG) but finally both versions keep this cushioning.

The combination between the high drop and the PWRRUN PB technology allows us to run with extreme comfort during our training sessions and/or competitions, an aspect that we will appreciate mainly if we participate in half marathon competitions or even a marathon.

Main differences between both Saucony shoes

Although the latest version of the Saucony Endorphin Speed is quite continuist, there are slight differences between the two models, the most significant are:

More stylized design

An aspect that is becoming more and more important when buying a shoes, we refer to the design and the combination and contrast of colors. The latest version of the shoe has a more modern and stylized design that gives the shoe a faster look and a different and more striking color palette than the previous version.

More breathable upper

In the latest version, the upper has become more breathable. This is a highlight, especially when running in the hottest months of the year, allowing us to run more comfortably.

Outsole design

This is another of the most notable differences between the two versions. The sole of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 has a nylon plate in the central part and less rubber in that area, so we lose a little bit of durability in this aspect but we gain lightness in the shoe.

Profile of runners and recommended uses

Both versions of the shoes are aimed at the same runner profile, since in the latest version they have not ostensibly changed their characteristics, so we are facing perfect shoes for:

Runner profile:

• Lightweight, medium weight runners .
• Runners who train intensively during the week.
• Runners who like to combine different paces during their training sessions.

Recommended uses

• Intense workouts: ideal for those fartleks or series workouts.
• Long distance training and/or competitions

Which of the two versions should I choose?

Once we have seen the similarities and differences between both versions, it's time to decide, and it's not an easy decision, because both shoes are very similar.

The choice between the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 depends on different aspects, such as your goals, type of training you do and level of experience. Both are excellent options to improve our performance in the fastest races, with similar technologies, a more modern and stylish design and a more economical price. It is clear that, whatever your choice is, you will enjoy running fast with them on your feet.