Saucony Endorphin SPEED 4 vs. Adidas Boston 12: Which to Choose?

Summary

In this video, David from Doctors of Running compares the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, two versatile performance trainers. He highlights their similarities in weight, stack height, and drop, but notes differences in fit, particularly in the midfoot and heel. David discusses the shoes' upper materials, the snugness of the Adizero's midfoot, and the Endorphin's softer, more accommodating fit. He also covers the performance aspects, including traction, underfoot platforms, and the unique feel of each shoe from heel to toe, suggesting the Boston 12 for a firmer heel and faster transition, while the Endorphin Speed 4 offers a more balanced and plush experience.

Takeaways

• 👟 The video compares the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 and Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, both performance trainers suitable for various running activities.
• ⚖️ The Boston 12 weighs 99.4 Oz (267g) and has a 37mm heel stack and 30mm forefoot stack with a 6.5mm drop, while the Endorphin Speed 4 is lighter at 8.2 Oz (233g) with a 36mm heel stack and 28mm forefoot stack with an 8mm drop.
• 🔍 Adidas Adizero shoes typically have a narrower midfoot with a good lockdown, while the Boston 12 is slightly wider with more volume but still has a dialed-in heel and midfoot.
• 🌐 The Endorphin Speed 4 offers a more accommodating heel and midfoot with a softer, plusher upper material, providing a more traditional training shoe feel.
• 🏃‍♂️ For runners seeking a tight midfoot and heel fit, the Boston 12 is more likely to provide the desired snugness compared to the Endorphin Speed 4.
• 👣 Both shoes feature wide forefoot designs with good traction, using Continental rubber in the Boston 12 and a lattice design in the Endorphin Speed 4.
• 🛠 The Boston 12 uses energy rods and Light Strike Pro in the forefoot with a bottom layer of Light Strike in the heel, creating a firm base with a soft, bouncy forefoot.
• 🔄 The Endorphin Speed 4 has a consistent midsole platform with Power PB (polyester block amide) and a nylon plate, offering flexibility and a balanced feel throughout.
• 🔄 The Boston 12 features a posterior lateral bevel for quick transition into the midfoot and a firmer heel due to the Light Strike midsole.
• 🚀 The Endorphin Speed 4's heel is softer and more compliant, focusing on a balanced and centered platform, providing a slightly different transition feel.
• 🏅 Both shoes are solid performance trainers, with the Boston 12 being recognized in the previous year and the Endorphin Speed 4 likely to be in the current year's honorary list.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the Adidas Atzo Boston 12 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 shoes?

Both the Adidas Atzo Boston 12 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 are performance trainers designed for a variety of running activities, including daily training, speed workouts, and even racing.

What are the weight differences between the men's size 9 of the Adidas Boston 12 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4?

The men's size 9 Adidas Boston 12 weighs 99.4 Oz (267 G), whereas the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 weighs 8.2 Oz (233 G), making the Endorphin Speed 4 approximately 1 Oz lighter.

What is the heel-to-toe drop measurement for the Adidas Boston 12 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4?

The Adidas Boston 12 has a 6.5 mm drop, with 37 mm of stack in the heel and 30.5 mm in the forefoot. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 has an 8 mm drop, with 36 mm of stack in the heel and 28 mm in the forefoot.

How does the midfoot fit differ between the Adidas Boston 12 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4?

The Adidas Boston 12 tends to have a more narrow midfoot with a good lockdown, while the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 has a more accommodating fit in the heel and midfoot with a softer, more plush upper material.

What type of rubber is used in the outsole of the Adidas Boston 12?

The Adidas Boston 12 uses Continental rubber in its outsole, which provides excellent traction.

What is the material composition of the midsole in the Adidas Boston 12 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4?

The Adidas Boston 12 features a combination of Light Strike and Light Strike Pro midsoles, with a firmer base in the heel. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 uses a PEBA-based midsole with a nylon plate, providing a consistent feel throughout.

How do the heel and midfoot feel in terms of firmness and transition in the Adidas Boston 12?

The Adidas Boston 12 has a firmer heel due to the Light Strike midsole and a quick transition into the midfoot, with an undercut design that promotes a fast pronation moment.

What is the main difference in the heel and midfoot experience between the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and the Adidas Boston 12?

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 has a softer and more compliant heel with a balanced platform, while the Adidas Boston 12 offers more rigidity and a streamlined fit in the heel and midfoot.

How does the rocker placement affect the running experience in both shoes?

Both shoes have a gradual rocker that provides a rolling sensation onto the forefoot, but the Adidas Boston 12 has a more pronounced roll through the heel and midfoot, whereas the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 has a gentler rocker for a balanced transition.

Which shoe would be better for runners who prefer a more dialed-in, track spike-like fit in the midfoot and heel?

Runners who prefer a more dialed-in fit would likely prefer the Adidas Boston 12, which offers a tighter midfoot and heel lockdown.

Which shoe might be better for runners who want a more accommodating and plush feel?

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 would be more suitable for runners seeking a more accommodating and plush feel, with a softer heel and a more balanced transition.