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.