Can Lidl’s budget disruptor take on the established might of Saucony’s new £250 Endorphin Pro – we find out!
For years, the world of “supershoes” has been an arms race defined by eye-watering prices and marginal gains. Carbon plates, ultra-responsive foams and aggressive rocker geometries have helped rewrite marathon records — but they’ve also pushed race-day footwear well beyond the £200 mark.
That’s what makes Lidl’s £39.99 CarbonLite such a fascinating proposition.
On paper, it ticks all the right boxes: carbon plate, high-stack cushioning, and a design language that closely mirrors the sport’s elite offerings. In reality, it raises a bigger question — has performance running tech finally trickled down to the masses, or is this simply a clever imitation of the real thing?
To find out, we’re putting it head-to-head with a proven benchmark: the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5. Not the flashiest supershoe on the market, but one that represents the dependable, race-ready middle ground in a category often defined by extremes.
Because this isn’t just a shoe review — it’s a test of value, credibility and just how much performance £40 can really buy.
Lidl CarbonLite Supershoe (£39.99)
Design
Lidl’s Crivit-branded CarbonLite is a bold entry into a space dominated by £200+ “super shoes”. Visually, it borrows heavily from the category playbook: thick stack, aggressive rocker, and a visible performance intent.
The materials are simpler, but not cheap-feeling. You get a breathable mesh upper and a high-stack EVA midsole with a carbon plate embedded — a combination once exclusive to elite racing shoes. The heel counter, though, is fairly non-existent and runners with moderate over-pronation might struggle.
Fit
The fit is surprisingly accommodating. Early impressions suggest a forgiving, slightly roomy shape that will suit recreational runners more than dialled-in racers. We struggled to move the laces between holes – the apertures did not seem to be wide enough to poke the end of the laces through!
Lockdown isn’t elite-level, but for most runners it will feel relatively comfortable straight out of the box. It’s definitely not a bad fit, but it lacks that step-in-feel of more expensive models. No one is going to put this shoe on and compare it to a pair of comfy slippers – but then, it’s less than £40 so that’s probably to be expected.
Performance
This is where expectations need managing. Yes, there’s a carbon plate — and runners report a noticeable forward “kick” when fatigue sets in. But compared to top-tier racers, the ride is more sturdy than explosive. Noise levels were elevated on the treadmill which means the foam is not ‘relaxing’ on contact with the ground. Energy return is decent for the price, but it lacks the snap, transition smoothness, and efficiency of premium models.
Men’s Fitness verdict
A disruptive entry that makes “super shoes” accessible. It won’t win races, and it lacks the plushness of the competition, but it might win over your wallet.- Exceptional value — category-breaking price
- Genuine carbon-plated propulsion feel
- Heavier and less refined than premium rivals
- Limited lockdown and race-day precision
- Unknown durability and long-term performance
Saucony Endorphin Pro 5
Design
The Endorphin Pro 5 is a more traditional evolution of a proven racer. It sticks with Saucony’s dual-layer foam (PWRRUN HG + PB) and a carbon plate, delivering a familiar but refined setup.
It’s less radical than rivals — but arguably more usable.
Fit
Fit is one of its strengths. It runs true to size with a secure, race-ready lockdown and a breathable upper. There’s slightly more room than typical race shoes, making it accessible for a wider range of foot shapes.
Despite being a carbon racer, comfort is impressive. The cushioning is firm-but-protective, avoiding the overly soft “marshmallow” feel seen elsewhere. It’s a shoe you can race in — and still feel good late in the miles.
Performance
Performance
The Pro 5 delivers a controlled, efficient ride rather than an aggressive, trampoline-like bounce.
- Smooth transitions via SPEEDROLL geometry
- Stable platform for longer efforts
- Consistent energy return, even at pace
However, compared to other super shoes, it lacks that explosive “wow” factor and can feel slightly dated in a rapidly evolving category.
Men’s Fitness verdict
A dependable, no-drama racer that prioritises control over outright aggression — ideal for real-world runners.- Stable and confidence-inspiring at speed
- Durable enough for training + racing
- Lacks the explosive bounce of newer supershoes
- Slightly heavier than top-tier rivals
Final Verdict: which should you buy?
This isn’t a fair fight — but that’s what makes it interesting.
- Choose Lidl CarbonLite if:
You want a taste of supershoe tech without spending big. It’s the cheapest entry-point supershoe we’ve ever seen. - Choose Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 if:
You want a proven, race-day-ready shoe with consistent performance and better biomechanics.
Bottom line
The Lidl shoe proves you don’t need £200 to access performance tech. But the Saucony proves why premium still matters. So the Endorphin Pro 5 wins the day, but the story is all about Lidl.
