Pace Athletic x Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Review

It’s wild to think how far we’ve come since dropping our first newsletter just three months ago. In that short time, we’ve partnered with some incredible brands and hosted exciting events around the Olympics. But, hands down, the highlight for me so far has to be this review of the Pace Athletic x Saucony Endorphin Speed 4.

When I first saw this shoe pop up on my social feeds, I knew I had to get my hands on it. I reached out to Will at Pace Athletic, not expecting much. To my surprise, he was all in—even taking the time to grab a coffee with me to chat about running and the industry. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity, but let me assure you, it doesn’t influence my verdict!

Now, I promised a review, but I’ll be honest—do you really need another runner’s take on a shoe that’s already been reviewed a million times? For those looking for in-depth insights, I recommend checking out reviews from

• Believe in the Run 

• Run Repeat

• Doctors of Running

That said, here’s my quick take. The Endorphin Speed 4 is marketed as an all-rounder, but for me, it’s more of a workout shoe—perfect for sessions under 90 minutes where you need a bit more pep in your step. Right now, I’m deep into marathon training, focusing on either short, easy runs or long workouts of 20km+. So, this shoe doesn’t quite fit into my current rotation. I’m currently running in the Adidas SL2 for easy miles, Asics Superblast 2 for long runs and threshold paces, and Alphafly 3 for marathon pace sessions. However, I can see the Endorphin Speed 4 being an excellent choice for someone looking for a versatile shoe that’s firmer than a max-cushion option like the Superblast 2. It’s got pop and stability, and I’ll definitely be using it more when I transition into a speed block after the Sydney Marathon. For the record, I went with a size 10.5, and the fit is spot on.

But let’s talk about the real reason I’m excited—the story and design behind this shoe. It’s not every day you see a local running store collaborating with a major brand like Saucony, especially in the road racing scene. Will shared that Pace Athletic had been eager to do something like this for a while, and when they reached out to various brands, Saucony’s approach resonated the most. It allowed them to pick a shoe that would fit seamlessly into most runners’ rotations.

The design, crafted by Glen Liddiard, is where this shoe really shines. It’s a tribute to the runners of Sydney and the community that’s made Pace Athletic what it is today. And, conveniently, it seems to nod to the Sydney Marathon, which, I’ll admit, has given me a little extra motivation to get out and train.

The shoe itself is a testament to the Sydney running community and the cultural significance of the city. On the lateral side, you’ll find a platypus, and on the insole, a long-neck turtle—each with deep spiritual meaning. The platypus symbolises adaptability and resilience, while the long-neck turtle represents wisdom and longevity. Glen chose these animals not just for their significance to Aboriginal people, but also to represent the geographical span of Sydney—from the foot of the mountains to the ocean, encapsulating the entire region.

The more I learn about this shoe, the more I love it. Rumour has it, Pace Athletic has more collaborations in the pipeline, and I’m pumped for what’s coming next. Plus, they’ve got some exciting plans set to drop in their stores early next year, perfectly aligning with what we’re all about here at Zato Athletic Club—so stay tuned.

As always, it’s an honour to review gear being created right here in Australia. If there’s anything else you’re curious about, let me know, and I’ll see what we can make happen.