Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 running shoe review – verdict, price, comparison, who it suits

Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 running shoe upper

The upper of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 running shoe is made from a thin mesh woven from relatively stiff fibres, with very good breathability. The weave is more open along the sides and denser over the toe box. These areas are surrounded by stiffer, very densely woven reinforcements that improve lockdown.

It fits true to size in length and has an average width, but the toe box is rather tapered. Its stiffer construction makes the available space feel more limited, so it is worth trying a size up as well. The upper has limited stretch and does not give much, providing a snug, secure fit, but a wide version is available alongside the standard version.

The tongue is gusseted on both sides, with the gussets wrapping securely around the foot. The tongue is thin but wide, with more padding at the top, and protects well against pressure from the flat laces. However, it is worth making sure the flat laces do not twist.

The heel collar is moderately stiff and moderately padded, holding the foot securely. For fast runs, it is worth trying the final eyelet as well, as this improves the precision of the lockdown. The heel collar is high, but its top is soft and flares away from the Achilles, avoiding irritation during runs while also working well as a pull tab.

The upper is clearly optimised for performance: it is lightweight and holds the foot securely. However, comfort has not been completely sidelined, as both the tongue and heel collar are padded and comfortable.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 running shoe midsole

The midsole of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 running shoe uses the new PWRRUN PBX foam, made by compressing small beads together. This PEBA-based foam is lightweight, durable and offers good energy return. According to Saucony’s measurements, the new PWRRUN PBX foam is 15% lighter and 15% bouncier than its predecessor, PWRRUN PB. The foam compresses slightly but rebounds strongly, delivering a firmer, more decisive feel. There are two layers of foam, with a completely redesigned plastic plate sandwiched between them. The plate improves stability, contributes to the energy of toe-off and reinforces the midsole’s very pronounced rocker, which plays a major role in the shoe’s speed. The plate is strongly curved, starting high at the heel and curving sharply through the midfoot. One change is that the plate’s lateral wings have moved rearwards from the forefoot, providing greater stability at the heel. Another change is that the plate branches into a fork at the forefoot, reducing torsional stiffness and allowing the midsole to twist more easily, so it restricts your foot less on longer runs. A longitudinal rib runs along the forked sections (fluted plate), giving each prong greater stiffness.

As we have come to expect, the midsole has an aggressive rocker at both the forefoot and heel, making the shoe’s transitions very fast. SpeedRoll technology has already proven itself in several Saucony shoes and is a highly effective solution for faster running. The heel is rounded, while the forefoot rocker does not start too early, resulting in a very pronounced curve. The plate further stiffens this rocker, strongly guiding the foot through the transition. It feels explosive and fast on both short and longer runs.

The midsole is 2 mm higher and slightly wider, and stability is good considering its speed and the fact that this is a neutral running shoe.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 running shoe outsole

The outsole of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 running shoe uses Saucony’s proprietary XT-900 rubber compound, which is relatively hard. The shoe’s primary focus on performance influences the outsole in two ways. First, good grip is essential. Second, because solid outsole rubber is the densest component of a running shoe, the amount used needs to be limited to keep the shoe light. As a result, the Endorphin Speed 6’s outsole does not cover the entire midsole and is also thinner than average. There is very little outsole rubber at the heel: the medial edge has only a thin strip, while the lateral side, which takes more load, receives slightly more rubber coverage. The heel outsole has no tread, so grip is not particularly strong there either. The forefoot, however, has a more substantial outsole to prevent slipping during toe-off at fast paces. It has deeper grooves that improve traction. Thanks to the large outsole cutouts, the outsole does not add stiffness to the already stiffer-than-average midsole.

What is it like to run in the Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 running shoe?

The Endorphin Speed 6 lives up to its name and heritage: this is a running shoe for fast runs. Transitions are very quick and the shoe really drives you forwards, but experienced runners with good running form are best placed to take advantage of this. Within the first few metres, you can feel how difficult it is to hold yourself back in this shoe. For me, it worked best on fast runs at a steady pace, but it is also a good choice for interval workouts if you can resist running the recovery sections too quickly. At slower paces, it feels firm and hard underfoot, while at faster paces it provides plenty of assistance. It guides the foot, and you feel less like you are in control: the shoe takes charge and carries you along. It is one of the few fast shoes with good stability, thanks to its stiffer, firmer midsole. However, this also calls for well-conditioned feet and running experience, so it is not the best choice for beginners. Its high level of cushioning also makes it suitable for longer runs, but you should pay close attention to sizing if you are buying it for long, fast outings. The stiffer upper holds the foot precisely, but it can cause rubbing if the size is wrong. Grip is adequate, and it performs reasonably well on wet surfaces compared with other running shoes. However, if you are a heel striker, expect limited outsole protection and possible wear to the midsole foam as well. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 running shoe does a very good job of helping you maintain a faster pace, and for me it worked best on fast runs, including longer ones.

Who is the Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 running shoe recommended for – and who should avoid it?

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 running shoe is recommended for runners looking for an affordable, explosive running shoe for fast runs, including race preparation workouts. It can also be a good choice for racing, delivering something close to the responsiveness of carbon-plated running shoes while being more durable than its carbon-plated, race-focused counterparts. Since there are no fast stability running shoes, the Endorphin Speed can be a good compromise for runners who pronate and want a running shoe exclusively for their fast runs, while using stability shoes for their other runs.

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 running shoe is not recommended if you are looking for a soft, generously padded, comfortable running shoe. Its midsole is firm and relatively hard, and it strongly guides the foot, making it unsuitable for slower-paced runs. Although it comes close to the speed of racing shoes, faster shoes are available. If you run a marathon in under 3 hours and want to improve that time, there are better choices, including within Saucony’s own range.

What has changed from the previous version? Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 running shoe vs Endorphin Speed 5.

At first glance, the Endorphin Speed 6 does not appear to have changed much from the previous version, but a closer look, a try-on and a run quickly reveal the differences:

• The upper has become stiffer and provides better lockdown, but its stiffness means sizing requires more attention. The tongue is slightly thicker and more securely attached
• The midsole is 2 mm higher and slightly wider. It uses a new foam that is lighter, offers better energy return and is slightly firmer. The plastic (nylon) plate has been redesigned with a stronger, more aggressive curve and a forked forefoot, improving the shoe’s torsional flexibility. The plate’s wings have moved rearwards from the forefoot.
• The outsole uses the same rubber as the previous version, but both its tread pattern and shape have changed. There is less outsole coverage at the heel, while the forefoot has more longitudinal cutouts aligned with the divisions in the plate.

Are there any differences between the men’s and women’s Saucony Endorphin Speed 6 running shoes?

The men’s version uses the same materials and technology as the women’s Saucony Endorphin 6 running shoe. The officially listed weights differ because the men’s version is weighed in a larger size than the women’s Endorphin Speed 6.