Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 vs Adidas Boston 12: Which is the best super-trainer?

Summary

In this video, Nick compares two top super trainers, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and the Adidas Boston 12. Both shoes offer a lightweight design with advanced foam technology from their respective carbon shoe racers. The Speed 4, priced at £180 or $170, is slightly more expensive and lighter than the Boston 12 (£140 or $160). The video discusses differences in design, fit, and performance, highlighting the Speed 4's rocker geometry for smooth rides and the Boston 12's nimble, speedy feel. Nick shares his preference for the Endorphin Speed 4 for its comfort and versatility, while noting the Boston 12's value and suitability for short, sharp workouts.

Takeaways

• 👟 The video compares the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and the Adidas Boston 12, two top super trainers with foams or tech from their respective carbon shoe racers.
• 💷 The Endorphin Speed 4 is more expensive, priced at £180 or $170, compared to the Boston 12 at £140 or $160.
• ⚖️ The Endorphin Speed 4 is lighter, weighing 255 G or 9 oz, compared to the Boston 12 at 259 G or 9.1 oz, despite being a half size larger in the US.
• 🔍 The Boston 12 has a 7 mm drop with a stack height of 38 mm at the heel and 31 at the forefoot, while the Endorphin Speed 4 has an 8 mm drop with a 36 mm stack at the heel and 28 at the forefoot.
• 👕 The Boston 12 features a lightweight mesh upper with minimal padding and structure, while the Endorphin Speed 4 has a more padded and structured upper with a full internal heel counter.
• 🏃‍♂️ The Boston 12 has a dual-density midsole with Adidas's Light Strike Pro foam and Light Strike 2.0 EVA foam, along with energy rods for propulsion.
• 🌱 The Endorphin Speed 4 uses a carbon rubber outsole with good coverage, featuring Saucony's Power Run PB foam and a winged nylon plate for a smooth ride.
• 👣 The fit of the Boston 12 is slightly tighter and narrower than the Endorphin Speed 4, which has a more comfortable and less fussy upper.
• 🛒 Both shoes are versatile and suitable for various types of running, but the Endorphin Speed 4 may be better for easy cruising and long-paced runs due to its rocker geometry.
• 🏁 The Boston 12 offers a snappier ride and is preferred for short, sharp workouts and has better grip due to the Continental rubber outsole.
• 💰 The Boston 12 is often cheaper and can be a cost-effective alternative with similar performance to the Endorphin Speed 4, especially for those who don't have specific ride preferences.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video is a comparison between the Sakon Endorphin Speed 4 and the Adidas Boston 12, two high-performance training shoes.

Which shoe is more expensive according to the video?

The Sakon Endorphin Speed 4 is more expensive, priced at £180 or $170, compared to the Adidas Boston 12 at £140 or $160.

What is the weight difference between the Endorphin Speed 4 and the Boston 12 in the same size?

The Sakon Endorphin Speed 4 weighs 255 G or 9 oz, while the Adidas Boston 12 weighs 259 G or 9.1 oz in the same size, although the Boston 12 is a half size smaller in the US.

What is the stack height difference between the heel and forefoot of the Boston 12 and the Endorphin Speed 4?

The Boston 12 has a 7 mm drop with a stack height of 38 mm at the heel and 31 mm at the forefoot. The Endorphin Speed 4 has an 8 mm drop with a stack height of 36 mm at the heel and 28 mm at the forefoot.

What material is used in the midsole of the Adidas Boston 12?

The Adidas Boston 12 uses a dual-density setup with a layer of Adidas's Light Strike Pro foam over a layer of Light Strike 2.0, which is an EVA foam.

What is special about the midsole of the Sakon Endorphin Speed 4?

The Endorphin Speed 4 features a full internal heel counter and S Power Run PB foam in the midsole, which is a P.B.E-based foam, along with a winged nylon plate running through the midsole.

What is the main difference in the upper design between the two shoes?

The Boston 12 has a lightweight mesh upper with minimal padding and less structure around the heel and midsole, while the Endorphin Speed 4 has a more padded upper with a gusted tongue and more structure around the heel.

What is the issue with the fit of the Adidas Boston 12 according to the video?

The Boston 12 has a fussy upper that can cause heel rub and lace bite due to the thin tongue, making it less comfortable for daily training compared to the Endorphin Speed 4.

How does the video describe the ride feel of the two shoes?

The Endorphin Speed 4 has a more rocked and smoother ride, especially with the Speedroll geometry, while the Boston 12 has a snappy feel with a more direct and faster ride.

Which shoe is recommended for easy runs and holding paces over long periods according to the video?

The Endorphin Speed 4 is recommended for easy runs and holding paces over long periods due to its rocker geometry and wider base at the heel.

What is the main advantage of the Adidas Boston 12 in terms of performance?

The Boston 12 has a nimbler, faster feel, making it better suited for short, sharp workouts and interval reps, and it also offers better grip due to the Continental rubber outsole.

Which shoe is considered more comfortable for daily training and why?

The Endorphin Speed 4 is considered more comfortable for daily training due to its easier fit, less fussy upper, and more comfortable heel area.

What is the video's final recommendation for runners who are looking for a versatile all-rounder shoe?

The video suggests that both shoes are great all-rounders, but the choice between them should be based on personal preference for ride feel, comfort, and price, with the Boston 12 being a more affordable option.

Outlines

00:00

👟 Comparison of Super Trainers: Endorphin Speed 4 vs. Boston 12

Nick introduces a video comparing two top super trainers: the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and the Adidas Boston 12. He discusses their prices, weights, and stack heights, highlighting the Speed 4 as the more expensive and lighter option. Both shoes feature advanced foam technologies from their respective brands. Nick also describes the design differences, including the upper materials and midsole setups, and notes the unique features of each shoe, such as the Speedroll rocker geometry of the Endorphin Speed 4 and the dual-density foam and energy rods of the Boston 12.

05:01

🏃‍♂️ Running Experience and Fit Comparison

In this paragraph, Nick delves into the fit and running experience of both shoes. He mentions that while both are available in his usual size, the Adidas Boston 12 fits slightly smaller. He points out that the Boston 12 has a more fussy upper, leading to some discomfort and fit issues, whereas the Endorphin Speed 4 offers an easier and more comfortable fit. Nick also compares the running experience, noting the Speed 4's smoother and more relaxed ride, especially for heel strikers, and the Boston 12's snappier and more direct feel, which is better suited for short, sharp workouts. He also touches on the grip and upper comfort of both shoes, concluding that the Endorphin Speed 4 is more comfortable for daily training due to its less problematic upper.

Keywords

💡Super Trainers

Super Trainers refer to high-performance running shoes that often incorporate advanced technologies for enhanced performance. In the video, the term is used to describe the Adidas Boston 12 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, which are compared as two of the best options available in the market. They are characterized by having features borrowed from their respective brands' carbon shoe racers, indicating a focus on speed and efficiency.

💡Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a specific model of running shoe that is highlighted in the video as being released in the current year and positioned as a premium option due to its higher price point. It is described as a lighter shoe with an 8mm drop and features such as a lightweight mesh upper, a full internal heel counter, and a midsole made with PWRRUN PB foam, which is a proprietary material used by Saucony for cushioning and energy return.

💡Adidas Boston 12

The Adidas Boston 12 is another model of running shoe that is compared alongside the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 in the video. It is noted for being slightly less expensive and having a 7mm drop with a midsole featuring a dual-density setup of Adidas's Lightstrike Pro foam and Lightstrike 2.0 EVA foam. The shoe also includes Adidas's energy rods for added propulsion, indicating a design geared towards speed.

💡Drop

In running shoe design, 'drop' refers to the difference in height between the heel and forefoot stack. The video mentions an 8mm drop for the Endorphin Speed 4 and a 7mm drop for the Boston 12, which influences the shoe's feel and the runner's posture. A lower drop is often associated with a more natural running experience, while a higher drop can provide more cushioning.

💡Lightstrike

Lightstrike is a foam technology used by Adidas in their running shoes, designed to provide lightweight cushioning with good energy return. The video describes the Boston 12 as having a dual-density setup with a layer of Lightstrike Pro foam over a layer of Lightstrike 2.0, emphasizing the shoe's focus on speed and responsiveness.

💡PWRRUN PB

PWRRUN PB is a proprietary foam material used by Saucony in the Endorphin Speed 4 for the midsole. It is highlighted in the video as a key feature that has been used since the launch of the Endorphin series, indicating its importance in the shoe's performance and comfort. The material is known for its durability and energy return properties.

💡Speedroll

Speedroll is a design feature mentioned in the video, which is part of the Endorphin Speed 4's design. It is intended to create a smooth and efficient rolling motion from heel to toe during running, contributing to the shoe's overall ride quality and efficiency.

💡Lattice Rubber Outsole

The lattice rubber outsole is a specific type of outsole design used in the Endorphin Speed 4, which is noted for providing good coverage of the forefoot but less so for the back, allowing for a reduction in weight. The term 'lattice' refers to the pattern of the rubber, which is designed to improve grip and durability while reducing material for a lighter shoe.

💡Fit

The term 'fit' in the context of running shoes refers to how well the shoe conforms to the shape of the wearer's foot. The video discusses the fit of both the Boston 12 and the Endorphin Speed 4, noting differences in comfort and snugness. The fit is crucial for comfort during runs and can affect performance and injury prevention.

💡Heel Lock

Heel lock is a term used in the video to describe a modification made to the Boston 12 to prevent heel rub, which can cause discomfort or injury. It refers to securing the heel more firmly within the shoe to avoid movement during running. The video mentions that the reviewer had to heel lock the shoe due to its fussy upper and thin tongue.

💡Daily Trainer

A 'daily trainer' is a term used to describe a running shoe that is suitable for regular use in various types of training, from easy runs to faster-paced sessions. The video compares the Boston 12 and the Endorphin Speed 4 as potential daily trainers, noting their versatility and comfort for different types of runs.

Highlights

Comparison between the Sakon Endorphin Speed 4 and the Adidas Boston 12, two top super trainers with Super Shoe Foams or Tech.

The Endorphin Speed 4 is priced higher at £180 or $170, compared to the Boston 12 at £140 or $160.

The Endorphin Speed 4 is lighter, weighing 255 G for UK size 9, while the Boston 12 is slightly heavier at 259 G for US size 9.5.

The Boston 12 features a 7 mm drop with a stack height of 38 mm at the heel and 31 mm at the forefoot.

The Endorphin Speed 4 has an 8 mm drop with a 36 mm stack at the heel and 28 mm at the forefoot.

Boston 12 has a lightweight mesh upper with minimal padding and a dual-density midsole setup.

The Endorphin Speed 4 features a continental rubber outsole with good coverage, especially on the forefoot.

The Boston 12's upper is less comfortable and more fussy to position correctly, causing potential issues like heel rub and lace bite.

The Endorphin Speed 4 offers an easier fit with more padding and structure around the heel.

Both shoes are versatile for various types of running, including racing and training.

The Endorphin Speed 4 has a more relaxed and cruisy feel due to its wider base at the heel.

The Boston 12 is more comfortable for long, hard runs due to its higher stack and softer foam.

The Boston 12 has a nimbler and faster feel, making it suitable for interval reps and short efforts.

The Endorphin Speed 4 is more efficient for holding paces over longer periods, ideal for tempo runs and marathon pace reps.

The Boston 12 offers better grip with its Continental rubber outsole, making it superior on various track surfaces.

The Endorphin Speed 4's upper is more comfortable and less fussy, making it more suitable for daily training.

Both shoes are excellent all-rounders, but the choice between them may come down to personal preference and price.

The Boston 12 is often cheaper and can be a great alternative if found at a reduced price.

For marathon training and long sessions, the Endorphin Speed 4 is slightly better due to its comfort and efficiency.

The Endorphin Speed 4 is recommended as an all-round daily trainer for its comfort in relaxed runs.

Transcripts

hello and welcome to run testers my name

is Nick in this video I'm going to be

comparing the sakon Endorphin speed 4

and the Adidas Boston

[Music]

12 Boston 12 and the Endorphin speed 4

are two of the best super trainers on

the market that is training shoes that

have some of the Super Shoe Foams or

Tech from their Brand's respective

carbon shoe Racers the Boston 12 came

out last year and the Endorphin speed 4

came out this year speed 4 is more

expensive it's £180 or $170 Boston 12 is

£140 or $160 the Dophin speed 4 is the

lighter shoe it's £255 G or 9 oz in a UK

9 whereas the Boston 12 is 259 G or 9.1

o in the same size although that is a

half size smaller in the US the Boston

12 has a 7 mm drop with a stack height

of 38 mm at the heel 31 at the 4ot the

Endorphin speed is an 8 mm drop with a

36 mm stack I at the heel 28 at the 4T

comes to the design you've got a

lightweight mesh upper on the a Boston

12 a very racy upper with minimal

padding and not a lot of structure

around the heel and then the mid soole

is a dual density setup with a layer of

Adidas's light stke Pro foam over layer

of Light Strike 2.0 which is an EVA foam

you've got ad's energy rods running

through the midsole there to add some

propulsion in the same way a plate does

in the Endorphin speed 4 youve got a

continental rubber out soole with very

good coverage especially on the 4 foot

it's pretty thick layer of foam actually

considering that this is still a very

lightweight shoe with the socon

Endorphin speed 4 you've got a

lightweight mesh uper with a gusted

tongue a bit more padding than the

Adidas and certainly a bit more

structure around the hill you've got a

full internal heel counter on this shoe

then you've got s power run PB foam in

the mids soole this is a p based foam

the one they've been using since the

Endorphin series was first launched you

have a winged nylon plate running

through the midsole of the shoe and the

shoe has a s speedroll rocker to create

that rocket geometry on the shoe there

you now got a latice rubber outsole on

the shoe which is different to past

models pretty good coverage of the

forefoot not so much of the back Fair

bit more exposed foam there and you got

cut out in a similar area to the Boston

to try and reduce weight in the center

of the shoe there

[Music]

so when it comes to the fit it's worth

noting that I've got uk9 in both these

shoes but the Adidas is a us99.5 it's

half a size smaller than the sakon which

is a us10 that is the normal size I get

with Adidas and sakon across all shoes

but in general Adidas is a slightly

tighter fit if you're going by UK sizing

Boston always used to have a very tight

fit in general was a very narrow shoe

I'd say that's not so much the case with

the Boston 12 it's got a slightly wider

fit than past Boston's but it's not a

fit without its problems I've talked

about this a lot in videos but it's very

fussy upper it's got a few things you

have to deal with almost every day if

you are going to wear it for daily

training I had a bit of heel rub with

the shoe i' actually ended up heel

locking it as a result you get a bit of

lace bite from the very thin tongue it's

hard to position the tongue correctly

it's just not that comfortable an upper

all round whereas the Endorphin speed 4

has a much more easy fit I did have to

heal lock the Endorphin speed three to

avoid getting heel rub because it's

quite a wide shoe and I have quite a

narrow foot but hasn't been the case

with the Endorphin speed 4 I don't if

they just narrowed it slightly the fit

in some way I do think it's got a pretty

normal fit all round and sticking with

your normal size W have any problems

Boston I'd stick with your normal size

but yeah it's a slightly fussy upper

like I

[Music]

say so it comes to the run test I'll say

at the start that I think these the two

best super trenders on the market I

think these are both very verse style

shoes they're both shoes I really like

and you can do pretty much any kind of

running these very happily so I'd always

use a carbon Super Shoe to racing myself

but these shoes can do it and then they

are very versatile training shoes so

what I'm saying here is that neither of

these is a bad shoe and when I'm going

to highlight differences in the upcoming

section it's not to say that one shoe

does it and the other shoe can't do it

at all it's really very much to

highlight the differences between them

that are more marginal they are both

great allrounder shoes but when it comes

to the differences the ride of the two

shoes the speed is more rocked and you

get more of a Snappy ride through from

the Boston even though it has the lower

drop the speedroll geometry on the

Endorphin speed form does make it that

slightly smoother feeling shoe at times

whereas the Boston has a Snappy feel

really gets to you on your 4 foot

quickly but it has more of a snap to it

than the rolling Rocket Ride of the

speed the speed is the better Sho I'd

say for easy cruising you've got a wider

base at the hill in particular

especially with the Endorphin speed 4

which is a bit wider than previous

models it feels a bit softer at the back

there as well as a heel strike in

particular that makes it feel a bit more

relaxed and cruisy and easy when you are

going at easy Paces Boston is a shoe I

enjoy using easy Paces but it's not

necessarily a shoe I'd say that everyone

would love using at easy Paces it's got

a slightly more Speedy ride and a

narrower design at the back in general

feels a bit faster and some people might

feel it's a bit too fast for easy runs

whereas the speed 4 feels like a great

shoe for easy runs I found I will say

though when it comes to comfort the

Boston I think is a little bit more

comfortable under the 4 foot for long

hard runs because you've got a slightly

higher stack there and the deeper wedge

of Light Strike Pro phone there which I

think is a bit softer than the power run

PB phame on the S endorphin speed 4 it's

not a harsh ride at all with the

Endorphin speed 4 but I do notice if I

do hard runs of over an hour I get a

little bit of for foot discomfort

nothing that would put me off carrying

on running in the shoe but I don't

really get it with the Boston I think

you've got a bit more Comfort there if

you are a heel Striker rolling through

onto your forefoot and running hard

Boston in general has a nimbler faster

feel like I think you can go and do

allout interval reps it just feels a bit

faster in the Boston it's got that snap

your ride it almost feels a bit lighter

even though it's the heavier shoe of the

two it feels very racy on the foot part

of that is the upper but also the way

the foam and the geometry is set up with

those rods there it feels very Snappy

for those short efforts but I do think

when it comes to holding a pace over

longer periods I think that's probably

where the socony shines a little bit

more feels like it's a little bit more

efficient to run in the Endorphin speed

4 and it can just roll you along very

smoothly and if you're going to hold

something like a Tempo effort over the

course of an hour or a look at kind of

marathon pace reps of 4K 5K I prefer to

do those kind of things in the Endorphin

speed 4 where to Boston has a nimbler

faster feel if you're going to go and do

short reps Boston has better grip I'll

say that you got the Continental rubber

out on here it's a fantastic material

Adas has been using it for a long time

and you are getting better grip from the

Boston Dophin speed 4 has slightly

better grip than past models with this

lattice outsole but can still slip a

little bit especially on something like

a greasy track surface if it's been

raining so has a much better upper cover

this a bit in the fit section but it's

just more comfortable it's easy to get

the shoe on if you're using it as a

daily trainer it's just a much less

fussy upper than the one on the Boston

which takes a little bit of figuring out

every time you pull the Sho on it's hard

to put it on partly because I had to

heel lock it to avoid heel rub and in

general it's a slightly more annoying

upper once you have put the shoe on and

sorted out it is fine the Boston upper

is okay for me didn't really cause any

lasting discomfort on the run but the

upper is much easier on the Endorphin

speed 4 and feels more suited to daily

training so I did a short run wearing

both shoes at the same time just to kind

of again feel all these differences on

them and yeah it is quite apparent that

the Boston feels that little bit nippier

maybe it's not really firmer so much is

more direct and faster like I said it

doesn't feel less comfortable indeed I

think it's a bit more comfortable under

the forefoot for those long runs bit

more Comfort at the heel of the

Endorphin speed though like I said it's

a bit wider a bit softer there that's

probably how I'd highlight the main

differences between them I think the

speed's a little bit better for those

easy runs I think it's better for

holding Paces over long periods cuz I do

like a rocker in a shoe like this and

the Boston has got a slightly faster

feel I think it's the better shoe for

short sharp workouts as I mentioned up

top these are all marginal differences I

think both of these shoes are pretty

much great for

[Music]

everything vertices these are both great

shoes you can pop either into your

rotation as an allrounder shoe to do

everything or as a daily trainer for

fast sessions and the odd easy run as

well and they do a really good job of it

Boston is cheaper and often reduced so

there is a big plus point in his favor

cuz I do think when it comes to

Performance it is very similar between

these two shoes so if you're not coming

in with any preconceptions about the

kind of Vari you prefer and you find the

Boston a lot cheaper I wouldn't hesitate

just to go and grab it it's a great shoe

concerns about the upper not

withstanding it's really good about

everything else I personally prefer a

more rocket ride and as a heel Striker I

like the extra width and kind of

softness you get at the back of the

Endorphin speed 4 I think I'd probably

slightly refer out of these two shoes as

a result it just suits my ride

preferences a little bit more but like I

said if you haven't got those ride

preferences in mind already then I'll be

looking pretty much at what the cheaper

one is and it's usually the Boston 12

Boston 12 also has that slightly faster

F so if you are looking for a pure speed

day shoe to add to rotation between

these two then the Boston 12 would be

the better pick I'd say even though they

are comparably fast you've got a

slightly faster feel from the Boston and

it is better for interal workouts I'd

say and then if you're actually someone

who's doing maybe marathon training

doing a lot of long hard sessions so

when on marathon training I'll do lots

of progression runs lots of hours held

at a decent pace that kind of thing I

think I'd say the indor speed for is a

slightly better shoe for that and I do

think if you're looking for all round

daily trainer one youo to do at all the

speed forward probably slightly edges it

again cuz I do think it's a more

comfortable shoe for relaxed runs than

the Boston 12 like I say it's all very

close and even someone who prefers to

ride of the speed for I wouldn't pay a

lot more from it if I saw the Boston for

kind of 50 Quid less I'd be very happy

to go and pick up that shoot instead

just deal with that upper over

[Music]

time that's a comparison of the Boston

12 and the Endorphin speed 4 let us know

what you think in the comments below

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