There’s something surreal about standing on the hallowed turf of Eden Gardens. The same grass that’s seen cricketing legends etch their names in history, now playing host to a different kind of test, a running shoe review. Yes, I had the unique opportunity to test the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 on the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. As the early morning mist hovered over the 66,000-capacity stadium, I laced up a pair of the much-hyped Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and set off to see if this shoe lives up to its reputation as a high-performance, versatile supertrainer.
First Impressions: Fit, Feel, and Flair
The moment I slid my feet into the Endorphin Speed 4, the snugness of the slightly narrow toe box was immediately evident. Despite being broader in the midfoot compared to previous versions, the toebox remained quite tapered, which might not appeal to runners with wider feet. The engineered mesh upper was lightweight, breathable, and flexible, with the ventilation holes practically yelling “performance.”
As I paced along the boundary line of Eden Gardens, the grip of the PWRTRAC outsole on the slightly dew-covered grass was remarkable, even more so considering this is a road shoe. The semi-gusseted tongue provided a secure lockdown during lateral movements, and despite the thin 2mm tongue padding, I felt no lace bite thanks to the well-structured lacing system.
The Tech Behind the Shoe
Data has been gathered from Saucony’s official website for the sake of reliability and accuracy.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.4 oz (237g) |
| Heel Stack | 36.2 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 27.5 mm |
| Drop | 8.7 mm |
| Midsole Material | PWRRUN PB (Pebax) Foam |
| Plate | Nylon Winged Plate |
| Outsole | Rubber with exposed foam |
| Toebox Width | 69.9 mm |
| Breathability Score | 5/5 |
| Energy Return (Heel/Forefoot) | 72% / 73.4% |
| Flexibility | 13.5N (30-degree bend test) |
| Torsional Rigidity | 3/5 |
| Heel Counter Stiffness | 3/5 |
| Heel Width | 93.4 mm |
| Forefoot Width | 114.7 mm |
| Insole Thickness | 5.1 mm |
| Reflective Elements | Yes |
| Removable Insole | Yes |
Performance on the Ground: Tempo, Sprints, and Recovery
The Eden Gardens turf might not be your typical running route, but it offered a pristine, flat surface ideal for testing speed, grip, and responsiveness. I started with a 2K warm-up, followed by a series of 400m intervals and finally a 5K tempo run.
During the warm-up, the shoe felt light and bouncy, a sensation familiar to those who’ve run in the Endorphin Speed series before. However, the firmer midsole, rated at 22.3 HA, made the ride feel more responsive compared to the mushier feel of the Speed 3. This was a welcome change for me, especially when picking up the pace.
The intervals were where the Endorphin Speed 4 truly shone. The winged nylon plate added a spring to each step without the harshness of a carbon plate. The shoe’s flexibility, despite the plate, made it easy to toe off during sprints. It gave me propulsion without sacrificing comfort.
On the longer 5K tempo segment, I appreciated the increased cushioning, especially in the forefoot. The 27.5 mm forefoot stack felt plush enough to keep fatigue at bay, while the 36.2 mm heel stack provided ample protection for occasional heel strikes. The 8.7 mm drop felt natural and helped with smooth transitions.
Stability and Comfort Over Time
One of the most talked-about improvements in the Endorphin Speed 4 is its stability. Saucony has clearly taken notes from previous iterations. The wider heel and forefoot base (93.4 mm and 114.7 mm respectively) made cornering around the stadium feel secure. Even during sharp turns around the pitch or sudden stops near the stands, the shoe held its ground, literally.
Despite the increased width and stack height, the shoe’s agility remained intact. This is likely due to its balanced torsional rigidity (rated 3/5) and its clever use of sidewalls in the midsole design. The result? A shoe that feels stable but not clunky.
The breathability was another standout feature. Even after an hour of running, my feet felt cool thanks to the ventilated mesh upper. However, I’d advise wearing thicker socks if you’re running in cooler temperatures, as the airflow can be excessive in chillier climates.
Durability: Will It Go the Distance?
Durability is often the trade-off in lightweight performance shoes, but the Endorphin Speed 4 makes a compelling case for longevity. The toebox, despite its mesh-heavy design, scored a 3/5 in lab durability tests using a Dremel. More importantly, the heel padding durability scored a perfect 5/5, indicating long-term comfort and resilience.
The outsole rubber, while only 2 mm thick, held up impressively on the slightly abrasive grass surface at Eden Gardens. A 0.8 mm wear reading post-testing showcases its ability to withstand high-mileage training without premature degradation. For those worried about traction, the forefoot grip scored 0.50 in lab tests, an excellent figure for a road shoe.
Fit, Lockdown, and Customization
In terms of fit, the Endorphin Speed 4 runs slightly small. I had to size up half a size to avoid any toe cramping, especially given the narrow 69.9 mm toebox. The midfoot was snug but not constricting, and the semi-gusseted tongue provided a secure lockdown.
The insole is removable and 5.1 mm thick, offering runners the flexibility to insert orthotics or swap for thinner insoles to increase internal volume. This feature, combined with the broader midfoot design, makes the shoe surprisingly adaptable for a variety of foot shapes.
Final Thoughts: A Shoe Worth the Speed
Testing the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 at Eden Gardens was more than just a performance review, it was a celebration of innovation meeting tradition. Running on a ground so steeped in history while wearing a shoe that represents the cutting edge of running technology made for an unforgettable experience.
The Endorphin Speed 4 is not just for tempo runs. It’s a daily trainer, a long-run companion, and even a potential race-day shoe for those looking to avoid the stiffness of carbon plates. With its excellent energy return (72% heel, 73.4% forefoot), breathable upper, and enhanced stability, it ticks almost every box for serious runners.
Yes, it’s slightly heavier than its predecessor, and no, it’s not the best option for runners with wide feet. But for those in search of a versatile, durable, and performance-oriented shoe, the Endorphin Speed 4 is a top-tier choice.
As I cooled down on the edges of Eden Gardens, soaking in the early morning sun and the echoes of past cricketing glories, I couldn’t help but smile. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 had not only passed the test, it had turned a stadium into a personal playground of speed and comfort.
