© Saucony
Saucony Endorphin Pro 5: everything you need to know about the new carbon-plated road racing shoe
In the world of carbon shoes, some models have defined an era. That’s the case with the Saucony Endorphin Pro. When super shoes started taking over the roads in 2019, the Endorphin Pro was already part of the first wave, alongside models like the Nike Vaporfly and Nike Alphafly Next%. A carbon plate, ultra-responsive foam, and a geometry built for speed—this is where the foundations of modern running shoes were laid. Since then, the model has continuously evolved. And with the new Endorphin Pro 5, launching this Monday, March 16, Saucony takes things a step further: delivering a super shoe that shines on race day… but can also handle fast workouts and demanding training sessions.
| A major evolution in the Endorphin lineup
Over the years, the Endorphin Pro has changed significantly:
✔ Early versions focused on a smooth rolling stride
✔ Version 3 was extremely bouncy
✔ Version 4 moved toward a more stable, higher-stack racer
The Endorphin Pro 5 continues this evolution, but with a new goal: creating a more aggressive and versatile shoe, capable of handling both speed sessions and racing. A logical move, considering many runners were already using the Pro 4 for fast training, while saving the Saucony Endorphin Elite for race day.
| A firmer, more explosive foam setup
Underfoot, Saucony uses a familiar combination from its performance lineup:
✔ PWRRUN PB as the base (PEBA)
✔ PWRRUN HG as the top layer underfoot (supercritical TPE foam)
This setup creates a firmer platform than previous versions, but also one that is more responsive and explosive. The result: a ride that prioritizes reactivity and speed over ultra-soft cushioning. With a stack height of 39.5 mm in the heel and 31.5 mm in the forefoot (8 mm drop), the shoe stays within modern super shoe standards and World Athletics regulations.
Tech specs – ENDORPHIN PRO 5
- Category: carbon-plated racing shoe (5K to marathon)
- Use: racing and speed training
- Cushioning: PWRRUN PB, PWRRUN HG
- Surface: road
- Level: all runners
- Weight: 206 g (M)
- Stack height: 39.5 mm / 31.5 mm
- Drop: 8 mm
- Price: €270
- Available March 16, 2026
| A redesigned carbon plate
Another major update is the carbon plate. Saucony introduces a slotted plate that maintains longitudinal stiffness—essential for propulsion—while adding more lateral flexibility in the forefoot.
This design provides:
➜ A smoother stride
➜ A more natural transition
➜ Better adaptability to different running styles
Combined with Saucony’s signature SpeedRoll technology (its rocker geometry), the shoe promotes a fast forward roll and a highly dynamic stride.
| A shoe built for speed
On the road, the Pro 5 has a clear personality: it thrives at faster paces. The underfoot feel is firmer than previous versions, making it particularly effective for:
➜ Fast intervals
➜ Tempo sessions
➜ 5K to half marathon pace
As intensity increases, the shoe becomes very lively and delivers excellent energy return. However, at slower paces or during easy long runs, it may feel a bit stiff and less natural.This is clearly a shoe that prefers fast efforts over relaxed jogs. Then again… who still does easy runs in carbon shoes?
| Improved durability and grip
Saucony has also updated the outsole with PWRTRAC rubber. This is a key improvement, as previous Endorphin Pro versions were sometimes criticized for lacking grip on wet roads.
With this new outsole:
✔ Grip is significantly improved
✔ Traction is more reliable on wet surfaces
✔ Durability is enhanced
Durability has always been a strong point of the Endorphin Pro line—these shoes are known to last longer than many other carbon super shoes. Kudos to Saucony.
| A fast shoe… but not for everyone
At 206 g (men’s), the Pro 5 remains very lightweight, although some competitors are even lighter. Its firmer ride and carbon plate give it a distinct personality:
➜ Highly effective for runners with a powerful stride
➜ Excellent at fast paces
➜ Less suited for those seeking soft cushioning
As with most super shoes, it ultimately depends on your running style and biomechanics. But between the Endorphin Pro 5 and the Endorphin Elite 2, there’s definitely a Saucony model for you.
| What you need to know
With the Endorphin Pro 5, Saucony evolves its super shoe into a model that is:
✔ More aggressive
✔ More durable
✔ More versatile between speed training and racing
A logical progression in a market where runners increasingly want a super shoe that works both for key workouts and race day. While the Pro 5 retains the fast DNA of the franchise, it introduces enough updates to write a new chapter in the story of one of the most iconic super shoes in modern running.
Clearly, 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for Saucony. After the standout release of the Endorphin Azura, the new Endorphin Pro 5 enters the carbon shoe market with a redesign that should appeal to runners chasing fast times. Firmer, more explosive foam, a revamped carbon plate, and strong energy return at high speeds—this Endorphin Pro 5 ticks a lot of boxes. One thing is certain: if your goal is to run fast on race day, there’s a good chance this new Endorphin Pro will be on your feet at your next start line.
✔ The Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 has been available since March 16 on saucony.com for €270
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
