Saucony  Endorphin Pro 5 Road-Running Shoes - Men's

most traditional/stable feel for the "carbon shoes" I've tried. (and I've tried just about all of them) having a full sole and not a cut away heel like many of them do feels good. The stretchy one piece upper fits a wide foot well. I primarily use for triathlon and running sockless so the stretchy one piece upper is great for that too. But presents a few more issues to deal with.... The tab on top of the heel sink was too high and stiff for me causing rubbing on my achilleas so I cut it down about 1" and folded the felt over the back then super glued it. problem solved. I also have large knuckles over both my big toes and the lacing seam hits right on top of it so I re-laced it to skip the lower holes. There also is a notable seam between the upper and the lacing area that rubbed on top of my knuckle and caused a blister. So I placed a patch of moleskin over that area on the inside and I think that will solve it but more testing to be done still yet. I also have been testing dry intentionally to observe any hotspots but I usually add baby powder periodically and before each race so I think that will help with that rubbing also but more testing to be done yet...

In all honesty, with nearly 2 years to come up with some updates and improvements, a big swing and a miss for me. The upper and midsole are very similar to the 4, except I got a little bunching on the tongue over the top of my foot which I never had with the 4. If you like firm, and only run in Saucony, you might like these, but there are so many other racing shoes that trump this in nearly every category. The ONLY improvement for me is the outsole is a bit more grippy, but I would save your money on this one and get something else, or just buy the Pro 4 at a discount and you'll get the same performance/tech that's in this model.

The "I hate to be That Guy" review: I've run in the EP 4 and really like it. This after enjoying the ES (Endorphin Speed) for a few iterations. So I ordered this new EP5 only to find its MUCH stiffer with the slotted carbon plate - just prohibitive for me unfortunately. I assume its to better compete with other racers out there but for slower, older runners just looking for a light cushioned shoe, its not a good fit. Going to try the "Azura" which is heavier but "plate free". PS Good to see Saucony offerings at least a few neutral colorways (many mixes are pretty wild aka bowling shoes)

These are great from marathon to threshold pace. While they are responsive and have a great carbon plate, the foam also allows you to enjoy the shoe during your recovery. The tongue is nice and stretchy, gives the shoe a fitted sock feel. Really enjoyed my runs in them.

Color is chipping and I’ve worn 6 times all indoors.

I’m really sad to be leaving this review. I’ve been running in exclusively Saucony for over 10 years now, I go through about 4 to 5 pairs a year of different versions for different reasons. I’ve run in the pro four, and other pro versions before that. This is the first time I have ever had a problem with blistering on my Achilles. Another review mentioned it, and I didn’t notice it when I tried it on in the house, but after going on a 6 mile run this is the first shoe that absolutely tore both my Achilles up. They reduced the padding, and R&D just missed the mark on this one. Love the new color ways. Really sad that Saucony does not give a try on period for things like this. The run itself felt great, best underfoot experience in any of the pros that I have run on, but nothing is worth a blister on both heels.

I bought these for half and full marathon racing and very happy with the feel of the shoe. Very similar to the previous model with some upgraded features. I’ve been using Endorphin model since version 2 and this is the best one yet. Only minor complaint is the shoelaces are shorter than the previous model and makes it difficult to do a heel lock with the top lace. Otherwise, must buy for any long distance runner.

I’m coming from the Pro 4, and the Pro 5 is a massive upgrade. The new plate design is immediately noticeable. the propulsion is way snappier and gives you that pop with every stride. What really sets this apart for me, though, is the stability. It feels incredibly secure for a high-performance racer. Absolute winner.

I have been a longtime Saucony supported and specifically the endorphin pro and original elite. I've gone through at least 10 pairs of pros in their various iterations. The Pro 5 is exactly what you would expect from this lineup, fast and stable. Perfect for tempo, interval and race day (Pending on distance).

Shoe is responsive and fast. Problem is whatever they have inserted in the rear quarter is tearing up my ankles. I've never had this problem with anything else, and I don't heel strike. Has me definitely questioning 1. should I even race in these 2. is it worth the money/risk