The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is a well-balanced super shoe that blends speed, cushioning, and stability more seamlessly than many of its competitors. While it’s great as a racing shoe, it leans toward the firmer side and isn’t the most cushioned option, making it particularly well-suited for shorter distances like 5Ks and 10Ks. That said, it’s still a capable marathon option, though not as specialized for long distances as some other super shoes like the Nike Alphafly 3 and the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4.
This feature combination positions it among shoes in the unofficial ‘hyper trainer’ category—primarily built for racing but versatile enough to handle track intervals and even uptempo workouts without feeling overly aggressive.
Within Saucony’s lineup, the Endorphin Pro 4 sits above the Saucony Triumph 22, a max-cushioned daily trainer, and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, a versatile super trainer with a PEBA midsole and nylon plate designed for a mix of training and faster efforts. However, it sits below the Saucony Endorphin Elite, Saucony’s top-tier, most aggressive racing shoe, which is built purely for absolute performance.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes to find the perfect pair.
Nike Vaporfly 3
The Nike Vaporfly 3 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 are both popular super shoes with the same overall level of cushioning, but their ride characteristics differ. The Endorphin Pro 4 offers more balanced cushioning throughout, while the Vaporfly 3 has better heel cushioning but lacks forefoot protection. The Vaporfly 3 also provides a bit more energy return, contributing to its propulsive feel, but the Endorphin Pro 4 is significantly more stable, thanks to its wider outsole. Additionally, the Vaporfly 3 is lighter, giving it a more effortless, race-day-ready feel, while the firmer forefoot foam adds to its snappy toe-off compared to the smoother, more controlled ride of the Endorphin Pro 4.
Nike Alphafly 3
The Nike Alphafly 3 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 are both high-performance racing shoes, but they cater to different types of runners and preferences. The Saucony is stiffer in the forefoot, providing a more structured toe-off. It also offers greater lateral stability than the Nike, benefiting runners who need extra support during turns. Additionally, its geometry is particularly well-suited for heel strikers. On the other hand, the Nike shoe excels in energy return and overall cushioning, maximizing efficiency over long distances. While the Saucony is an excellent option for both racing and versatile enough for workouts, the Nike remains hard to beat for those prioritizing raw speed and performance.
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 are both high-performance racing shoes, but they cater to slightly different strengths. The adidas offers more cushioning and better energy return, making it feel softer and more efficient. In contrast, the Saucony is notably more stable and features a stiffer forefoot, which helps create a dynamic, snappy ride, especially beneficial for shorter races like 5Ks and 10Ks. Additionally, the Saucony is slightly lighter, giving it a more agile feel. Overall, the Saucony is probably the better race-day option for most.
Nike Vaporfly 4
The Nike Vaporfly 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 are both carbon-plated super shoes built for race day, but they offer different strengths. The Vaporfly 4 is significantly lighter and geared toward runners prioritizing absolute performance and efficiency, especially over half-marathon distances. The Endorphin Pro 4, while heavier, provides more stability, and it has a firmer forefoot that delivers a snappier toe-off.
PUMA Deviate NITRO 3
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and the PUMA Deviate NITRO 3 both offer a similar level of cushioning, but they serve slightly different purposes. The Puma is a super trainer with a carbon plate, making it great for high-performance training, while the Saucony is a versatile super shoe primarily built for race day. Despite their similarities in cushioning, the Saucony is the better option for most runners since it is lighter, more stable, and more energetic, providing a snappier, race-ready feel. The Puma, while still capable of fast efforts, leans more toward durability and daily versatility rather than outright speed.
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 are both carbon-plated super shoes, but each caters to different racing scenarios. The Saucony is better suited for shorter distances thanks to its lighter weight and firmer forefoot. It’s also surprisingly stable for a super shoe, and its midsole feels more energetic. The Mizuno, while slightly heavier and softer, delivers a more cushioned and protective ride, making it better suited for longer races like marathons, especially for midfoot strikers able to activate the midsole fully.
On Cloudboom Strike
The On Cloudboom Strike and Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 are both high-performance racing shoes but excel in different ways. The Saucony is more stable, provides better energy return, and has a stiffer forefoot foam, making it a stronger option for shorter-distance racing where a snappy, responsive ride is key. On the other hand, the On Running is more cushioned and lighter, making it a good choice for runners prioritizing comfort over longer distances while still maintaining race-day efficiency.
