The Great Endorphin Speed Debate: Which Generation Got It Right?
Ask a room full of runners which shoe they wish they could buy again and you'll hear a surprisingly detailed account of midsole foam. Ask which Endorphin Speed was best and you might need extra chairs.
Six generations of the Speed have served a similar purpose but haven't always felt alike. For some runners, the second version remains the favorite. Others love the steadier third generation, or the shape and snap of more recent models. There is no universal winner because there is no universal runner.
Speed 1: the shoe that started the conversation
In 2020, Saucony introduced a new type of fast-day option for runners who wanted a plated performance shoe they could use for training as well as racing. PWRRUN PB, a nylon plate and SPEEDROLL set the pattern. The original Speed became a reference point for later models.
Speed 2: the one people remember at the finish line
A runner writing in July 2023 described retiring their Speed 2 after more than 660 kilometers. That pair accompanied their first marathon and several personal-best efforts. The runner liked the upper, remembered the responsive midsole and also noticed the ride getting flatter as the shoes aged. The detail worth remembering is the first marathon, not a claim that every pair lasts 660 km. Read the original account.
Speed 3: what if versatility matters more than snap?
The third generation appealed to runners who wanted a steadier ride. Some people appreciated the extra sense of security; others missed the feel of their Speed 2. Both views are useful. When a shoe's shape changes, it changes the experience for different feet and running styles.
Speed 4: a return to a sharper sensation?
The fourth version sparked more disagreement about the forefoot and ride. Some runners welcomed a firmer, more energetic response, while others preferred an older fit. The Speed family is a reminder that one person's favorite adjustment is another person's reason to switch shoes.
Speed 5: the workhorse of faster days
In a 2026 retirement report, a runner described 446 miles in their Speed 5. Their typical use included tempo runs, progression work, long runs and occasional racing. They reported good enjoyment and eventual wear. The mileage and impressions are an individual self-report, not a manufacturer's durability standard. Read the Speed 5 story.
Speed 6: new foam, familiar arguments
Speed 6 arrives with PWRRUN PBX, an updated nylon plate and 2 mm more stack height. Saucony's announced aim is faster training and road racing, but early opinions already vary. One runner described a quicker-than-expected five-mile effort and reservations about easy running. Read the original Speed 6 discussion.
Reviewers at Doctors of Running found a responsive, rolling shoe, but differed in how they perceived the forefoot and the most natural running pace. That's a useful reason to try the actual shoe instead of choosing only from a specifications table.
So which generation got it right?
The Speed 2 runner remembers their first marathon. The Speed 5 runner remembers hundreds of fast training miles. Someone buying a Speed 6 today has their own reason for wanting a performance trainer. A favorite shoe is often the pair that fit both the foot and the season of running life.
We're collecting stories from runners of all paces. Which version did you run in? Was it for a first 5K, a group workout, an especially good half marathon, or a long run after work? Tell us one thing you loved and one thing you'd change. Shared stories will be reviewed and used only with appropriate permission.
Take the family for a run
Shop Men's Speed 6 · Shop Women's Speed 6 · Read the technical family history · Try five local workout ideas.
Sources are linked to the original public runner posts and independent review. Reddit stories are the posters' own accounts and do not establish verified Confluence purchases, sponsorships or use of any other Speed generation. Published October 2026.
