Small changes make the Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 better than ever

Introduction to the Saucony Endorphin Speed 6

MEG: The Saucony Endorphin Speed has long been a go-to for tempo runs and daily training. Some versions have stood out more than others, but it’s been a solid performer since day one. Versions two and three leaned toward daily training, the Speed 4 brought back more of a race-day feel, and the Speed 5 kept that going with subtle updates. 

Now we’re on version 6, and while the changes are bigger this time, it still feels like an Endorphin Speed. This is a shoe that rides the line between race day and daily trainer.

The biggest update is underfoot. The midsole is now PWRRUN PBX, a molded PEBA formulation that Saucony says is roughly 15% lighter and 15% bouncier than the foam in the Speed 5. You also get 2mm more stack, putting the shoe at 38mm in the heel and 30mm in the forefoot for an 8mm drop. The nylon plate sticks around but has been tweaked for a little more pop at toe-off. Up top, a lightweight engineered mesh and minimal padding keep things trim. All in, my US W7.5 came in just under 7 oz (6.95 oz / 197g). Let’s dive into how it performed on the roads.

TINA: Like my history with Brooks, Saucony has always been a consistent player in my shoe rotation, both on roads and trails. There’s something about its shoes, especially the Endorphin line-up, where you can spot it out of a crowd and know exactly what it is. I picked up the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 when I began running more races and put at least 1,000 miles on a pair, so when the opportunity came to review the Endorphin Speed 6, I jumped on it.

I’m not a betting girl, but if I were, there are a few things I'd count on before even having the shoe in my hands: the silhouette and ride will feel familiar, and hitting faster paces won’t be an issue. That's at least what I hoped, but was I right?

THOMAS: I might be the only reviewer on our team who's always been lukewarm on the Endorphin Speed. I've liked past versions. I just never held them in the same esteem as Meg.

So here's the headline: This version is my favorite. That could be bad news if you're in the camp that loved the old ones, but relax. It still carries the same DNA as its predecessors... it just works better for me this time.

What we like about the Saucony Endorphin Speed 6

MEG: Of course I’m starting with aesthetics, because Saucony sent me a stunning white and Aureate colorway with a gum sole, and it might be the prettiest Saucony I’ve owned. The step-in feel is great too. The upper is minimal, with just a touch of padding around the collar and tongue, so it’s comfortable like a daily trainer but light and breathable enough to border on race day. 

Importantly, I found the fit to be true to size, and my wider foot had no issues. The toebox has plenty of room in both width and overall volume, while the midfoot stays snug, and the flat, stretchy laces lock everything in nicely.

Underfoot, it feels familiar but like a true upgrade over the Speed 5. It’s slightly softer and bouncier, giving you a ride that’s comfortable but still fast. It’s still on the firmer side as far as midsoles go, but it’s comfortable enough that I could easily use it for daily training. It’s one of those shoes you take out for an easy run and find yourself picking up the pace without trying. And we love that.

Since I usually save my retired race day shoes for workouts, I didn’t do much speedwork in this one, but strides and quicker paces felt great. It’s an incredibly versatile shoe, and if I were on a budget and needed one pair that could do a lot, this would be at the top of my list. Did I mention it’s $180? With some recovery shoes now hitting $200, getting this much versatility at that price puts the Speed 6 near the top of the list.

TINA: I have to start with the box and the clever “sock-a-knee” wording plastered all over the top. I’m a sucker for fun marketing. Now, straight out of the box, the white base with gold logo accents and tan rubber sole are a match made in heaven. I usually avoid white articles of clothing or shoes because I’m clumsy and trip over everything, but this color scheme is perfect, and I’ve been extra careful.

The Speed 6 looks and feels similar to its predecessors, and I appreciate it so much. I’ve talked about my love for a certain amount of groundfeel, and for a daily trainer, this gets it right. The midsole foam looks like it takes up more space than the Speed 4, but the forefoot felt just as snappy. Even at higher paces, the nylon plate still responded enough to spring me forward.

The step-in feel is comfortable, and even with my higher arches, the insole felt crafted for my foot in all the right ways.

THOMAS: I'll echo Meg and give the design team their flowers. The Speed looks like a traditional running shoe with a clean, modern edge. Look good, run good. It's science.

The upper fits my low-volume, narrow foot and Meg's wider foot, and neither of us had a single complaint. It breathes well, and the materials feel a step above your standard daily trainer.

The personality lives in the midsole. I've never been a fan of pelletized foams over traditional ones, but this year changed that. Several brands have upgraded the formula, and now some of my favorite rides come from pelletized foam. The Speed 6 hits the sweet spot. It's firmer, but pliant and responsive. The plate sits closer to the ground and farther from your foot, so you get the snap without giving up comfort. It sings at easy paces and comes alive when you push. This one shoe can cover the needs of a whole shoe rotation.

Outsole grip was solid, and my US M10.5 fit true to size with no rubbing and no irritation.

Shop The Shoe - Men Shop The Shoe - Women 

What we don't like about the Saucony Endorphin Speed 6

MEG: I really don’t have much to complain about here, but I do wonder if a slightly softer midsole would unlock a bit more from this shoe. It’s missing just a touch of bounce. You don’t get that true sink-in-and-pop-back feeling like some of the other fast shoes out there right now, but maybe that’s a good thing. If you like a firmer ride, this is your shoe.

TINA: I’m beginning to realize this may be a me-issue, possibly a foot size difference, but my right foot tends to feel more cramped in a shoe, and the Speed 6 was no different. The mid-portion of the shoe felt a little snug at times, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed when I loosened the laces.

My only other issue is, as the name would suggest, it’s a speed shoe. The Speed 6 is not necessarily built for longer distances, and my feet felt fatigued midway through a 14-miler.

THOMAS: This one hits the mark for how Saucony positions the Speed in the Endorphin line. There isn’t much to complain about.

Shop The Shoe - Men Shop The Shoe - Women 

Final thoughts on the Saucony Endorphin Speed 6

MEG: The Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 is one of the most versatile shoes on the market. It’s comfortable enough for daily miles but light and poppy enough for workouts or even race day. Longtime Endorphin Speed fans should be happy with these updates, and if you’re looking for one shoe that can do it all, this is a great place to start.

TINA: As expected, and mostly hoped, Saucony has done it again. The Endorphin Speed 6 only added to the performance factor of those in the past and delivered a responsive but easy-going trainer, ready to take on higher paces. I will happily be reaching for this shoe because it checks all the boxes.

THOMAS: The Endorphin Speed 6 gets straight A's from all three of us. That says plenty on its own. The price runs a little high, but this shoe covers enough bases that you can justify it. Put it on your short list to try.

You can pick up the Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 for $180 at Running Warehouse (featuring free 2-day shipping and 90-day returns) by using the shop link below.

Shop The Shoe - Men Shop The Shoe - Women