Running Shoes · owner-verdict comparison

ASICS Novablast 5 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: 75% of 134 owners recommend it, vs 41% of 145 for the ASICS Novablast 5.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

ASICS Novablast 5

41%of 145 owners recommend

41% recommend · 26% neutral · 33% don't

Owners praise

Soft, bouncy ride when fresh
Comfortable, well-cushioned feel
Versatile daily trainer across paces

Owners complain about

Bounce and midsole die early (durability)
Forefoot pod, arch, and foot pain
Slippery grip on wet pavement

Full owner report →

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

75%of 134 owners recommend

75% recommend · 6% neutral · 19% don't

Owners praise

Versatile do-it-all daily and tempo shoe
Great for uptempo, tempo and race-pace runs
Nice bounce, pop and protective cushioning

Owners complain about

Narrow, pointy toebox cramps and rubs the pinky toe
Firm, dead-feeling midsole with little bounce
Toe numbness or circulation issues mid-run

Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the ASICS Novablast 5 if

✓Neutral runners wanting a soft, bouncy daily trainer
✓Easy days, long runs and beginners building mileage
✓Runners with wider feet who want a roomy toebox
✓Value seekers wanting an all-rounder that won't break the bank

Skip it if

High-mileage runners needing foam that lasts past ~250km
Forefoot strikers prone to arch or forefoot pain

Get the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 if

✓Runners wanting a plated tempo and uptempo shoe
✓Those doing race-pace workouts and faster efforts
✓Runners with narrow to medium-width feet
✓Runners wanting one versatile do-everything trainer

Skip it if

Wide-footed runners (narrow, pointed toe box)
Runners wanting soft, bouncy cushioning

What ASICS Novablast 5 owners say

“Look at that Nova Blast, Bouncy yet Stable. And the comfort level.”
— @andrewmcallister3903 on YouTube

“I just bought novablast 5. So far, its good for me. Bounce and good energy return. Satisfied”
— @alihafiz13 on YouTube

“novablast has way too much cushion for me. too soft for my taste.”
— @MrJoshbono5 on YouTube

What Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 owners say

“Endo Speed 4 being great”
— @dhgpan on YouTube

“i love them so much i decided to run the marathon i was preparing with”
— @jeremybmxfr on YouTube

“Speed 4 is by far my least favourite version. I loved version 1-3 but this one just doesn't feel right on my foot.”
— @nickskier1 on YouTube

ASICS Novablast 5 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: frequently asked questions

Is the ASICS Novablast 5 or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 better?

Real owners lean toward the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: 75% of 134 owners recommend it, vs 41% of 145 for the ASICS Novablast 5.

Who should get the ASICS Novablast 5?

Owners point the ASICS Novablast 5 at neutral runners wanting a soft, bouncy daily trainer, and easy days, long runs and beginners building mileage.

Who should get the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4?

Owners point the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 at runners wanting a plated tempo and uptempo shoe, and those doing race-pace workouts and faster efforts.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the ASICS Novablast 5 is bounce and midsole die early (durability). For the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, it's narrow, pointy toebox cramps and rubs the pinky toe.