Tested at: Brighton Marathon
Runner Weight: 94kg | Finish Time: 3:58:43

I took the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 out for the Brighton Marathon and came away seriously impressed. As a heavier runner, I’m always cautious about carbon plate running shoes feeling unstable or losing performance over long distances but that just wasn’t the case here. It handled the full 26.2 miles effortlessly and felt reliable from start to finish.

Cushioning & Support

At 94kg, you quickly notice if a marathon shoe can’t handle the load. The Endorphin Pro 5 held up brilliantly throughout. The cushioning feels firm yet responsive, with a nice level of bounce. Even in the final 10K, there was no sign of the foam flattening out or becoming overly soft. It provided excellent protection without feeling slow or bulky.

For lighter runners, the cushioning will likely feel even more energetic. Instead of firm and protective, it comes across as springy and highly responsive, delivering greater energy return with each stride.

This shoe really helps maintain a consistent pace. There’s a smooth, natural forward roll that keeps your stride efficient something I really appreciated once fatigue kicked in around mile 20. It never feels forced, just fluid and efficient. You still feel quick, even when your legs are tiring.

Lighter runners will probably notice more “pop” from the carbon plate. The ride feels slightly more aggressive at faster paces, making it easier to hold speed or push harder towards the finish.

In terms of fit, no issues at all. It’s more accommodating than many carbon racing shoes, especially for runners with slightly wider feet. No rubbing, no hot spots just comfort straight out of the box.

It also feels more stable than many other super shoes, which gave me confidence over the full marathon distance. That stability benefits lighter runners too, as it doesn’t feel overly soft or unstable ideal if you prefer a more controlled ride.

Overall, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 is an excellent marathon running shoe. It handled my weight and the full marathon distance without any issues while still delivering a fast, responsive ride.

Whether you’re a heavier runner looking for a reliable and protective carbon shoe, or a lighter runner wanting maximum bounce and speed, it strikes a great balance. If you’re chasing a PB especially targeting a sub-4 marathon it’s definitely a shoe worth considering.