One family, four speeds
For years, choosing a fast shoe was simple: one pair to train in, another to race in. Today Saucony's Endorphin family has four road models, and each one answers a different question. Carbon plate, nylon plate or no plate at all? Classic PEBA foam or the new PWRRUN PBX? With the Endorphin Speed 6 just launched in the United States and the Valencia Marathon around the corner, it is a good time to make sense of the range.
What they share is geometry: all four list an 8 mm drop and the SPEEDROLL rocker that defines the line. What changes is what sits inside the midsole, and which day of your week each shoe is built for.
Endorphin Azura: speed without a plate
The Azura is the most interesting newcomer in the family because it breaks a rule: it is fast, and it has no plate. It uses PWRRUN PB, Saucony's PEBA-based foam, with a 40 mm heel and 32 mm forefoot according to the brand, and weighs about 240 g in a men's US 9. Saucony positions it for daily training, uptempo sessions and days when you want to move quickly without the stiffness of a plate.
For runners starting to add pace work, or anyone who wants one shoe for almost everything, it is probably the most logical way into the family. We stock it for men in White/Fossil and for women in Eggshell/Ivory.
Endorphin Speed: the Swiss army knife reaches version six
The Speed has always been the most versatile model in the line: a nylon plate, more forgiving than carbon, and a lively foam that works for long runs, marathon pace and intervals. Saucony announced the Endorphin Speed 6 on 14 September 2026, available from 15 October on Saucony.com and at select retailers, at a suggested retail price of 175 US dollars.
The changes go deep. It debuts PWRRUN PBX, a beaded PEBA-based superfoam, adds 2 mm more foam underfoot and redesigns the nylon plate for more propulsion. Saucony's spec sheet lists a 38/30 mm stack and 233 g for men. Brian Moore, Saucony's Chief Product Officer, calls it "a lighter, even more cushioned platform".
Its arrival date in Spain is not confirmed yet. In the meantime, the women's Endorphin Speed 5 remains a very safe choice for a marathon build: same philosophy, a nylon plate and PWRRUN PB.
Endorphin Pro 5: carbon for race day
If the Speed is your training partner, the Pro is the one you save for racing and your last key sessions. The Pro 5 combines two foams, PWRRUN HG and PWRRUN PB, with a slotted carbon plate, a 39.5/31.5 mm stack and about 206 g for men. Saucony designs it for road racing and key tune-up runs.
It is the balanced option for runners who want the push of carbon without the extremes of an elite racer. Available for men in White/Multi and women in Ivory/Silk.
Endorphin Elite 3: the fastest in the house
At the top sits the Elite 3, released in June 2026. It uses IncrediRUN, Saucony's racing foam, with a full-length slotted carbon plate and 207 g for men according to the brand. It is built for racing from 5K to the marathon, for runners chasing every second.
It is a demanding shoe: it shines at high speeds and is not the best choice for easy miles. The Endorphin Elite 3 Black/Chrome is available at Collect Running in sizes 42.5 to 44.5.
How to choose yours
A practical way to decide is to look at your training week:
- If you will own only one fast shoe and value comfort: Azura.
- If you train at pace and on long runs and want one shoe for almost everything, racing included: Speed.
- If you are preparing a marathon or half and want the extra push of carbon on race day: Pro 5.
- If you race often and want maximum performance: Elite 3.
Many runners end up combining two: an Azura or a Speed for everyday quality sessions and a Pro or an Elite for racing. See the full range available in our Saucony Running collection.
Where to try them in Barcelona
Nothing replaces trying them on. At Collect Running (Carrer del Rec 26, El Born) our team will help you compare the Endorphin models based on your stride, your pace and your goals. At Collect Sneakers (Carrer de la Palla 25, Barri Gòtic) you will find our lifestyle selection. And if you prefer to shop online, everything is on collect-barcelona.es.
