
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
9.1 ExcellentEndorphin Speed 5 is on the Specter 2 alternatives list for more cushioning. Endorphin Speed 5 brief: Nylon-plated tempo shoe for workouts, faster long runs, and accessible race efforts.. Specter 2 brief: Lightweight PEBA race/tempo shoe with Topo’s roomy toe box and moderate drop.. Extra peer cue: strong race/training crossover. Peer spec: drop 8, heel stack 36, weight 227, midsole PWRRUN PB.
Read review →Better than Specter 2
- Endorphin Speed 5 is on the Specter 2 alternatives list for more cushioning. Endorphin Speed 5 brief: Nylon-plated tempo shoe for workouts, faster long runs, and accessible race efforts.. Specter 2 brief: Lightweight PEBA race/tempo shoe with Topo’s roomy toe box and moderate drop.. Extra peer cue: strong race/training crossover. Peer spec: drop 8, midsole PWRRUN PB, cushion feel balanced, stability neutral.
- Endorphin Speed 5 advantage: versatile plated workout shoe
- Also stronger on: strong race/training crossover
What you give up
- You leave behind Specter 2's fast PEBA ride
- Endorphin Speed 5 downside: overkill for easy recovery jogs
- Only switch if less known retail availability is a real problem — otherwise more cushioning is optional
Who should switch
Switch to Endorphin Speed 5 when more cushioning is the shopping trigger and versatile plated workout shoe shows up more weeks than fast PEBA ride.
Who should stay with Specter 2
Keep Specter 2 when drop 5, heel stack 31, weight 227, midsole ZipFoam / PEBA still matches the miles you actually run, even if Endorphin Speed 5 looks better on paper.
Best for
- Dedicated workout/tempo shoe with plate pop without full race-day carbon cost.
- Building an Endorphin ladder: Ride/Ghost for easy, Speed for workouts, Pro for race day.
From € 170
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