Saucony Endorphin MD4 review

Who should buy the Saucony Endorphin MD4

The Saucony Endorphin MD4 is a truly lightweight running spike best for:

• middle-distance races
• 800 meters to 5000 meters events

Profile of the Saucony Endorphin MD4

Use – As suggested by the name, the composition of the Saucony MD4 allows it to yield maximum performance in mid-distance races. These track and field running meets can range from 800 meters to 5000 meters.

Spike Type – Just like most track running spikes, this track shoe is supplied with pyramid spikes. This type of spike pin is best suited for rubber tracks. These measure ¼ inch in length for lightweight, aggressive grip. 

Spike Plate – Equipped with a 6-pin Pebax plate, the middle-distance spike is engineered for featherlight, superior traction. This spike plate is also responsible for accommodating the removable spike pins of the running spike.

Updates to the Saucony Endorphin MD4 

• A much lighter version of the running shoe's predecessor and some refinements to enhance its functionality. 
• Trimmed-down upper construction that consists of ultra-light mesh, permitting breathable, lockdown security. 
• Midfoot and heel flex film overlays are thinned down 
• The heel counter of the Endorphin MD 4 is also engineered to employ a lesser weight compared to the series' previous model.

Foot-conforming design

The Saucony Endorphin MD4 is available in standard sizing scheme. It runs in both men's and women's sizes. Thus, users can purchase a pair using their usual size preference.

Several factors are affecting the fit of the fourth iteration of the Saucony Endorphin MD series. First, there's the mesh upper of the middle-distance spike. It conforms to the natural pattern of the foot for a secure fit. 

Endorphin MD4 delivers a versatile grip

Both the flex film midfoot and the heel overlays bonded to the upper are targeted for support and reinforcement. Lastly, a traditional lace-up closure permits a dialed-in fit.
Just like most track and field shoes, the Saucony Endorphin MD4 consists of a Pebax plate. It has a 6-pin configuration, housing the removable pyramid pins of the middle-distance running shoe for versatile grip.

Enhances propulsion

The spike plate is made out of thermoplastic elastomer. Its low-density quality allows for a whisper-light composition.

The plate has a good ratio between rigidity and weight, addressing both propulsion and lightweight makeup. 

Mitigates shock impact

The engineering of the plate allows it to give cushioning to the foot. Thus, it is not entirely stiff but keeps a fair amount of softness. This quality from the spike plate allows it to generate shock-mitigating properties. 

Lastly, the Pebax spike plate is a component that's also present in the Nike Zoom Victory Elite 2 and the Nike Zoom Matumbo 3.

Sufficient amount of cushioning

Embedded on the midsole of the Saucony Endorphin MD4 is a thin foam made out of SSL EVA. It is a proprietary midsole innovation from Saucony.

Although keeping a slim frame, the SSL EVA foam supplies a sufficient amount of cushioning to the foot. It also heightens the rebounding properties of the shoe. Because of these qualities, it is dubbed as a premium midsole material from Saucony. 

Light and breathable

The same midsole element is featured in the well-known Saucony track and field shoes, such as the Saucony Ballista and the Saucony Endorphin 2.

Complementing the featherlight fashion of the fourth version of the Endorphin MD lineup is its mesh upper. Aside from being very light, this upper material flaunts breathability. It employs a number of perforations that let in the air into the foot chamber. 

Promotes a healthy foot environment

Breathable characteristics are essential from a running spike. It helps promote a healthy foot environment by wicking away moisture. Through this, the growth of bacteria within the platform is prevented. This gives the wearer an odor-free track running spike. 

The mesh also enables foot conformity. Thus, providing a secure and lockdown fit. This is accompanied by the flex film overlays that are embellished to the upper. These overlays enhance the structural integrity of the track shoe. 

Saucony Endorphin MD4 offers adjustable lockdown fit

Moreover, these overlays are found in the medial side and the rear area of the running spike, keeping the foot in place. With such design, the unwanted removal of the running shoe is prevented— may it be in training or competition.

For a dialed-in fit, a traditional lace-up fastening system is implemented on the upper. This allows the athlete to have an adjustable lockdown.