The 3 Dealbreaker Differences
On paper these shoes look like siblings. Same brand, same carbon plate category, same 8mm drop, similar weight. But once you start running in them the differences are immediate and dramatic. Here is what actually separates them.
The Elite 2 introduces Saucony's new IncrediRUN TPEE foam. Reviewers universally describe it as running on a marshmallow. It delivers over 80% energy return — arguably the bounciest shoe on the market — but that extreme softness comes at a significant cost to lateral stability. Take a sharp corner in the Elite 2 and you will feel your foot slide inside the shoe.
The Pro 5 is the Everyman's Racer. Its slightly firmer foam and wider base act as a safety net, guiding your foot smoothly through the stride even when your legs are completely trashed. It is genuinely forgiving in a way that the Elite 2 is not.
The Elite 2 uses a more traditional spoon-shaped plate — but because the IncrediRUN foam is so plush, you actually feel the plate less than you might expect. Instead of a harsh mechanical snap, the Elite 2 relies on the massive compression and rebound of the foam to slingshot you forward. The plate is doing less of the work; the foam is doing more.
Full Spec Comparison
| Spec | Endorphin Pro 5 | Endorphin Elite 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price USD | $240 | $290 |
| Price CAD | C$325 | C$370 |
| Weight | ~207g / 7.3oz | ~198g / 7.0oz |
| Heel Stack | 38mm | 39.5mm |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Foam | PWRRUN HG + PB | IncrediRUN TPEE |
| Plate | Slotted Carbon | Spoon Carbon |
| Stability | High | Low |
| Energy Return | High | 80%+ |
| Best For | All strikers | Midfoot/forefoot only |
| Race Score | 9.1 | 9.1 |
Who Is Actually Wearing What
Endorphin Pro 5 Crowd
- 3:00 to 4:30 marathon runners
- Heel strikers and midfoot strikers
- Runners whose form degrades late in a race
- Anyone doing a full marathon training block
- Runners who want carbon speed without sacrificing support
- Budget-conscious racers saving $50 over the Elite 2
Endorphin Elite 2 Crowd
- Elite and sub-elite runners (sub-3:00 marathon)
- Strong midfoot and forefoot strikers only
- Runners with excellent ankle stability
- 5K and 10K specialists who want maximum pop
- Runners who have tested the shoe and know their mechanics hold
- Those chasing absolute maximum energy return
Both shoes sit at 8mm drop — which is on the higher end for carbon plate shoes and is generally more forgiving for heel strikers than a 5mm or 6mm drop. However, the Elite 2's IncrediRUN foam is so soft in the heel that it actively destabilises a heel strike rather than cushioning it. If you are a heel striker, the Pro 5 is your only safe choice between these two. For a broader comparison of which carbon plate shoes work best for heel strikers, see our full heel striker buying guide.
How They Compare to the Rest of the Field
Both Saucony shoes score 9.1 on our R.A.C.E. methodology — tied for 6th and 7th in our full rankings. To put that in context: the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo leads the field at 9.6, with the Nike Alphafly 3 at 9.5 and Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 at 9.4 above them. So where do the Saucony shoes fit?
The Pro 5 is the better value play in the broader category. At $240 it undercuts most of its competitors and delivers a ride that genuinely competes with shoes priced $50 to $75 higher. The Elite 2 at $290 is harder to justify purely on score — but if your mechanics support it, the IncrediRUN foam delivers a sensation that no other shoe in the lineup currently matches.
Neither shoe matches the outsole grip of the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo in wet conditions, and neither is as light as the Sky Tokyo's 170g. But for runners who want a Saucony and are deciding between the two, the choice above is clear.
The Final Verdict
Buy the Endorphin Pro 5 if...
- You want a stable, durable racer for the full marathon distance
- Your strike pattern is heel or mixed
- Your form degrades in the final miles of a race
- You are doing a full training block and need a shoe that lasts
- You want to save $50 without giving up carbon plate performance
Note: both Saucony options come in standard width only. If you have wide feet, the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v5 is the only elite racer available in Wide (2E).
Buy the Endorphin Elite 2 if...
- You land consistently on your midfoot or forefoot
- You have strong ankles and stable mechanics under fatigue
- You want the bounciest, most explosive ride available
- You are racing 5K to half marathon distances primarily
- You have tested the shoe and confirmed your form holds
Compare All 12 Carbon Plate Shoes
See how both Saucony shoes stack up against ASICS, Nike, Adidas, and more — side by side.
Open the Comparison Tool →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 or Elite 2 better for a marathon?
For most marathon runners, the Pro 5 is the better choice. Its firmer foam and wider base provide the structural support needed to survive 26.2 miles, especially when form degrades in the final miles. The Elite 2 is better suited to elite runners with flawless mechanics who can maintain midfoot or forefoot contact throughout the race.
What is the difference between IncrediRUN foam and PWRRUN PB?
PWRRUN PB is a PEBA-based foam — the same category of foam used in Nike ZoomX and ASICS FF Turbo+. It is light, responsive, and proven. IncrediRUN is Saucony's new TPEE compound introduced in the Elite 2. It delivers higher energy return (80%+) but is significantly softer and less stable than PWRRUN PB, particularly in the heel. The trade-off is bounce versus control.
Can heel strikers wear the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5?
Yes. The Pro 5 is one of the more heel-striker-friendly carbon plate shoes on the market. Its 8mm drop and firmer PWRRUN foam provide a stable, predictable transition for heel strikers. The Elite 2 is not suitable for heel strikers — see our full guide to carbon plate shoes for heel strikers for more options.
Is the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 worth the extra $50 over the Pro 5?
Only if your mechanics support it. If you are a strong midfoot or forefoot striker with stable ankles racing at sub-3:30 marathon pace, the IncrediRUN foam delivers an energy return that genuinely justifies the premium. For most recreational runners, the Pro 5 is the smarter investment — more durable, more stable, and $50 cheaper.
How does the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 compare to the Nike Vaporfly 4?
Both score highly on our R.A.C.E. methodology — the Vaporfly 4 at 9.2 and the Pro 5 at 9.1. The Vaporfly 4 is lighter (167g vs 215g) with a lower 6mm drop, making it faster at shorter distances. The Pro 5 is more stable and $45 cheaper. For runners who struggled with the Vaporfly's instability or narrow fit, the Pro 5 is a strong alternative.