NIKE VAPORFLY 3 vs SAUCONY ENDORPHIN PRO 3: THE ULTIMATE COMPARISON

Welcome to the ultimate face-off between the new Nike Vaporfly 3 and the performance running shoe benchmark, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3. If you’re searching for the perfect running shoe to boost your performance, look no further. In this blog post, I’ll thoroughly compare every aspect that matters: comfort, energy return, features, quality and more. Get ready to discover how the new Nike Vaporfly 3 fairs against a true champion in this thrilling battle between two of the best running shoes out there. Let’s dive into the Nike Vaporfly 3 vs Saucony Endorphin Pro 3: The Ultimate comparison.

Quick Look.

Are you searching for the perfect running shoes to elevate your performance? Look no further as I bring you the ultimate comparison of two running juggernauts – the Nike Vaporfly 3 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3.

Having proven itself as a true benchmark for performance running shoes, the Endorphin Pro 3 has been in the market for quite some time. So, in this review, I aim to put the new Nike Vaporfly 3 performance shoes to the test and see how they measure up against the highly esteemed Saucony’s.

Bring yourself up to speed and take a look at our full test and evaluation of the Endorphins Pro 3’s here.

In this report, you can expect a detailed overview of each shoe, highlighting their most important features and technologies that matter to you as a runner. From the moment you slip them on, I’ll delve into comfort and fit, plus the real-world running experience you can expect.

Energy return and responsiveness are crucial for pushing your limits, and I’ll break down the technologies that make each shoe stand out. Moreover, quality and durability are key factors in any running shoe investment, so I’ll give my assessment of this as well.

But that’s not all – I know your running experience is more than just performance stats. I’ll explore how these shoes handle long-distance runs, speed workouts, and competitive races. Plus, I’ll consider support and stability to keep you running strong and injury-free.

Lastly, I’ll weigh in on the pricing and overall value of each shoe, helping you make an informed decision for your running dollars.

I purchased both of these trainers with my own money and have run extensively in them, including a marathon in the Endorphins. I’m ready to let you know the warts and story of these two contenders from a real-world running experience over hundreds of kilometres.

So, if you’re eager to find out how the new Nike’s compare to the highly accomplished Saucony’s, join me in this exciting battle between the new Nike Vaporfly 3 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3. Let the race begin!

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Disclaimer – I purchased this these shoes with my own money and have not been paid by anyone to make this review. This is my honest, independent opinion.

Nike Vaporfly 3 Snapshot.

The Nike Vaporfly 3 is a premium road racing shoe from Nike.

Featuring Nike’s revolutionary ZoomX foam, this trainer is designed to offer exceptional foot support, energy return, and responsiveness for peak performance in races, up to and including marathon distance.

Here are the key features of the Nike Vaporfly 3:

• Serious Stack of ZoomX. Nike’s premium foam, known for its exceptional energy return and responsiveness.
• Full-length Carbon Fibre Plate. Designed to enhance propulsion and add a spring effect.
• Breathable Upper. Designed with Nike’s light, open mesh Flyknit yarn.
• Light Weight. Size 8.5 men’s in this test, 368g.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 Snapshot.

Sitting at the top of the extensive Saucony stable of running shoes is the Endorphin Series, of which the Endorphin Pro 3 is probably the most celebrated by runners.

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 is a premium carbon-plated racing shoe, but with a serious stack of responsive foam cushioning, providing the shoe with outstanding comfort and performance.

Here are the key features of the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3:

• PWRRUN-PB Midsole Foam. Saucony’s premium foam that is both responsive and lightweight.
• Speedroll Geometry. Designed to provide a smooth and effortlessly forward roll.
• Full-length Carbon-Fibre Plate. Saucony’s S-curve Carbon Plate, designed to enhance flexibility and propulsion.
• Lightweight Mesh Upper. Breathable and comfortable.
• Light Weight. 388g for a pair of men’s size 8.

Features And Design.

Before we hit the road in these two road rockets, let’s conduct a thorough examination of each design element, comparing their features, effectiveness and any performance issues I uncover.

Midsole and Carbon Fibre Plate.

Running shoe manufacturers all want you to believe that their proprietary foam creates the greatest midsole possible from the point of view of responsiveness, cushioning from foot strike shock, lightweight, and comfort. Nike and Saucony have both nailed the brief here, and developed class leading foam technology, let’s see how they compare.

• Nike Vaporfly 3: Nike’s ZoomX midsole foam is impressively light, and responsive. Putting them on for the first time, you are immediately struck by how plush, bouncy, and supportive they are to walk in. However, when it comes to running, the experience is slightly different, as the carbon fibre plate’s stiffness and the firmness of the outsole rubber work together to diminish the springiness to some extent.
• Saucony Endorphin Pro 3: Saucony’s PWRRUN PB midsole foam is engineered to provide a perfect blend of high-performance and supportive cushioning. Paired with the S-Curve carbon fibre plate and Saucony’s Speedroll technology, the running experience delivers a sensation of effortlessly springing forward with every stride. The Endorphins excel in a more responsive and lively ride than the Nike’s. Furthermore, the S-Curve plate exhibits less rigidity compared to the Nike’s design, contributing to more energy return and an additional boost in forward propulsion.

Vaporfly 4 out of 5, Endorphin 5 out of 5.

Upper.

The Upper design is where some running shoe manufacturers truly excel. The development of materials used, and the manufacturing technology, has come a long way. When evaluating this component, my focus is on a lightweight, breathable Upper that offers a secure and comfortable fit.

• Nike Vaporfly 3: Nike’s Flyknit yarn is a super light, and very breathable open weave material. This minimalist design helps in keeping the feet cool during intense workouts and races. There is just enough flexibility in the Flyknit yarn to comfortably wrap around the foot and provide a secure lockdown. My only slight quibble here is that when running on trails or in sandy areas, fine debris can get through the open mesh and into the shoe.
• Saucony Endorphin Pro 3: Much like the Nike’s design, this one also features an open weave mesh. However, it incorporates a very fine lattice behind the open holes to safeguard against the infiltration of debris from the running surface. There is slightly less flexibility in the upper material compared to the Nike’s, but is still very comfortable. The upper is lightweight and offers a secure and comfortable fit, thanks to Saucony’s FORMFIT technology. Neither trainer had any issue with rubbing or chaffing.

Vaporfly 5 out of 5, Endorphin 4 out of 5.

Heel And Collar.

It’s been a long time since I have purchased a new pair of running shoes that gave me any chafing or rubbing problems around the heel area resulting in discomfort, or worse, blisters. These two trainers have been no different, but they employ different strategies, let’s take a look.

• Nike Vaporfly 3: Nike has incorporated a slim strip of cushioning material horizontally along the interior of the heel counter. At first, I was concerned that a small area of pronounced cushioning around the heel could lead to rubbing issues. However, I am pleased to report that I haven’t encountered any problems of this nature during my runs. Throughout my workouts, the heel stayed securely in place, and the support offered in this area is quite comfortable. It’s worth noting that the heel counter itself is exceptionally rigid, and there is virtually no collar padding, except for the small strip of cushioning.
• Saucony Endorphin Pro 3: In contrast to the Nike Vaporfly, the heel counter in the Endorphins exhibits a noticeably less rigid structure, accompanied by a more traditional collar of cushioning enveloping the entire heel area. Though not as plush as some running shoes, the padding in this region offers a high level of comfort, ensuring a snug and secure fit for the feet. The Endorphins’ heel counter and collar provide a distinct wrap-around sensation, cradling the heel area, creating a feeling of snugness and stability.

Vaporfly 4 out of 5, Endorphin 4 out of 5.

Lacing And Tongue.

• Nike Vaporfly 3: The tongue of the Vaporfly is remarkably thin and minimalist, with light padding under the lace knot. It is attached at its base to the upper and located mid-way through a lace loop, ensuring the tongue stays securely positioned, preventing any slipping down into the shoe. This setup works well, and I did not experience any pressure pain across my instep. The laces are thin and ribbed to prevent them from undoing as you run.
• Saucony Endorphin Pro 3: Saucony have also designed a very thin and minimalist tongue in the Endorphins. However, these are located via a gusset sewn into the strobel layer of the shoe. This design is very comfortable, and the tongue does not move about during a run. There are three large ventilation holes in the tongue, which greatly aids breathability. Laces are also ribbed to prevent coming undone as you run.

TIP: Given the thinness of these tongues, I would recommend you use properly padded technical running socks to protect the instep of your feet from any irritation from the laces. Personally, I would prefer slightly more padding on the tongues.

Vaporfly 4 out of 5, Endorphin 4 out of 5.

Toe Box.

• Nike Vaporfly 3: With a little flexibility in the upper material and a slightly wider toe box in the Vaporfly’s, most runner’s will find these trainers both capacious and comfortable. I did not experience any toe cramping, even on long runs where your feet can splay a little. The upper material is slightly softer than the Saucony’s.
• Saucony Endorphin Pro 3: With my feet being of regular width, I found the Endorphins to offer ample roominess, even during a marathon. Similar to the Vaporfly’s, the toe box length provides enough space to prevent any compression on the toes or any uncomfortable contact with the front tip area.

Vaporfly 5 out of 5, Endorphin 5 out of 5.

Outsole.

Grip, traction, and durability are important considerations when shelling out the big bucks for high-end running shoes. Let’s see how these two contenders fair.

• Nike Vaporfly 3: The outsole comprises a slim rubber layer that spans the entire forefoot region and features inserts in the high-impact zones of the heel. This rubber component is notably firm and slightly counteracts the springiness inherent in the midsole foam. Additionally, during runs, I’ve observed that the outsole produces a distinct slapping sound against the pavement. The remaining part of the outsole exposes the ZoomX foam, which began to display signs of wear and feathering at an early stage. Wet weather traction is good, I haven’t experienced any slipperiness while running on wet surfaces.
• Saucony Endorphin Pro 3: My Endorphins have long surpassed their prime for racing purposes; nevertheless, I continue to run in them sporadically for everyday running. Impressively, they have exhibited minimal wear, retaining good traction over time. Saucony’s XT-900 outsole rubber proves itself to be both flexible and remarkably resilient, contributing to the shoe’s overall durability. This outsole rubber seamlessly complements the midsole’s springiness and liveliness, enhancing the running experience. Wet weather grip is also good in the Saucony’s.

Vaporfly 3 out of 5, Endorphin 5 out of 5.

Performance Comparison.

Having examined the design and features of both the Nike Vaporfly 3 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, let’s delve into their performance when put to the test during runs.

For a thorough evaluation of these two contenders, I’ve chosen to wear them throughout my 24-week marathon training program. Across various phases of this program, I’ve subjected them to a diverse range of workouts. As previously discussed, the objective of this article is to rigorously assess the performance of the new Nike Vaporfly 3 against the performance and comfort benchmark set by Saucony.

Comfort And Fit.

• Nike Vaporfly 3: As previously mentioned, when you first put on the Nike’s, they exude a delightful plushness and springiness that’s evident when walking. Yet, when transitioning to running, these shoes tend to firm up a little, causing some of the plush springiness to fade away. The carbon plate in the Nike’s is firmer than that in the Endorphins, and doesn’t possess quite the same amount of pronounced spring-forward propulsion. However, the Nike’s don’t compromise on comfort; the upper creates an impression of wrapping around the feet securely, and also have very effective ventilation, keeping your feet cool.
• Saucony Endorphin Pro 3: Maintaining their true-to-size fit and boasting a delightfully plush sensation, the Saucony’s offer great comfort, even during extended runs. The upper features a mesh material that may come across as slightly firmer and with less flexibility compared to that of the Nike’s. Yet, interestingly, with proper lacing adjustments, the upper secures your feet more effectively, resulting in reduced foot movement within the shoe. This design contributes to an increased sense of security and stability.

Vaporfly 4 out of 5, Endorphin 4 out of 5.

Responsiveness And Cushioning.

Cushioning has become a buzzword in running shoe circles in recent times. The race toward achieving extreme softness has led certain manufacturers to create shoes that are excessively squishy.

This overemphasis on softness can potentially lead to uncontrolled lateral movement on foot strike, reduced stability and ultimately mute their performance. Striking the right balance, therefore, entails achieving supportive plushness without compromising on responsiveness, stability, and comfort. The question then becomes: How do Nike and Saucony address this delicate balance with these two trainers?

• Nike Vaporfly 3: The Nike Vaporfly 3 is designed to offer an optimal blend of cushioning and responsiveness. The ZoomX foam, which is the heart of the midsole, delivers a plush and energetic underfoot feel. The full-length carbon fibre plate is taught and designed to provide spring forward responsiveness with every stride. This combination provides the Nike’s with impressive performance and comfort, contributing to a sensation of effortless speed. The Vaporfly’s are equally at home in speed workouts or long-distance hit-outs. The Vaporfly’s deliver a stable and comfortable ride that avoids excessive softness, leaning slightly towards a firmer feel.
• Saucony Endorphin Pro 3: The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 excels in providing a responsive yet cushioned ride. The PWRRUN PB foam within the midsole delivers an impressive balance of energy return and comfort. Saucony’s PWRRUN PB foam is not too soft and strikes an optimal balance that complements both speed and long-distance running. The S-curve carbon plate, while not as rigid as the Nike’s, combined with the midsole foam, offers a satisfying burst of energy return and responsiveness. I have also been very impressed with Saucony’s Speedroll technology, this roll-forward geometry engineered into the shoes, effortlessly propels you forward as you transition into the next step. This setup translates to a cushioned yet lively experience, making the Endorphin Pro 3 an excellent choice when aiming for both performance and comfort.

Vaporfly 4 out of 5, Endorphin 5 out of 5.

Short Runs.

Both of these trainers are designed for high-performance running, boasting cutting-edge technology that’s truly state-of-the-art. As expected, their prices are a reflection of the top-tier features they offer. With the design features comparison completed, the next step is to take them out on the track and evaluate how they measure up in a variety of running exercises.

Firstly, let’s see how they compare over shorter distance training, I have thoroughly testes them in sprints, hills, intervals, stairs, and other workouts.

• Nike Vaporfly 3: When it comes to shorter distance workouts like sprints, hills, and intervals, the Nike Vaporfly 3 proves to be a powerful contender. The combination of ZoomX foam and the carbon fibre plate comes into its own during these speed-focused sessions. The propulsion provided by the carbon plate is particularly pronounced during sprints and intervals, allowing for quick turnover and a snappy feel, in these situations you don’t want an overly soft shoe. The lightweight design of the shoe and secure fit further aids in accelerating during sprints, making it an ideal choice for these short bursts of speed.
• Saucony Endorphin Pro 3: The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 also shines in shorter distance workouts, delivering a blend of responsiveness and comfort. The PWRRUN PB foam shows its versatility during sprints, hills, and intervals. It offers a springy and energetic response, making each stride feel light and effortless. The S-curve carbon plate contributes to a smooth and efficient toe-off during sprints and intervals, enhancing forward propulsion. The shoe’s balance of cushioning and responsiveness comes in handy when tackling hills, offering both support and the necessary energy return to power up inclines. I really loved the roll-forward geometry of the shoe, especially when doing hill workouts, I felt like I was rolling uphill, very impressive. The upper’s secure fit ensures that the foot remains snug and stable during stops, turns, or uneven surfaces.

Vaporfly 4 out of 5, Endorphin 5 out of 5.

Long Runs.

• Nike Vaporfly 3: When it comes to long-distance running, the Nike Vaporfly 3 continues to impress, its blend of cushioning and responsiveness becomes invaluable during extended workouts. The ZoomX foams energy return keeps the legs feeling relatively fresh, even over a long distance. I loved the supportive stability of these trainers, they never felt too soft or sloppy in any way. The full-length carbon fibre plate maintains its springy nature and the ZoomX foam doesn’t lose its bounce, or compress in any way. The shoe’s lightweight design becomes an asset during these distances, helping combat fatigue over these long-distance hit-outs. The shoe’s upper is truly among the finest in the industry, and I genuinely valued the secure fit it provided. Throughout my runs, my feet consistently felt perfectly accommodated within the shoe, there was ample space for my feet without any movement within the shoe. There were also no rubbing or chafing issues.
• Saucony Endorphin Pro 3: Similarly, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 also excels in long-distance running. Having run a full marathon in the Endorphin Pro 3’s, I can attest to their suitability for long races. The synergy created by the combination of the PWRRUN PB foam, the Speedroll technology, and the S-Curve carbon fibre plate, results in a nearly flawless configuration custom-built for road racing performance. The PWRRUN PB foam offers a balanced combination of cushioning and responsiveness, ideal for enduring the demands of extended runs. The S-curve carbon plate contributes to a lively ride with plenty of energy return. As with the Vaporfly’s, the shoe’s lightweight construction is beneficial in preventing the feet from feeling excessively fatigued over time. The upper’s secure fit also ensures that the feet remain stable and well located within the shoe.

Vaporfly 4 out of 5, Endorphin 5 out of 5.

Both of these trainers are excellently tailored for long-distance workouts, with a nuanced distinction setting them apart. The newly introduced Nike Vaporfly’s are a fantastic option catering to racers and marathon runners alike. Notably, the fact that the Endorphins, despite being on the market for nearly a year, still hold their ground as comparably excellent to the Nike’s, is a testament to their exceptional quality.

Quality And Value For Money.

• Nike Vaporfly 3: The Nike’s quality stands strong at this stage, with no instances of breakage, separation, excessive wear, or obvious quality control issues. Despite the thinness of the rubber on the forefoot outsole, it has shown no signs of wear across the approximately 300 kilometres I’ve logged in them. Nevertheless, there is a noticeable feathering of the exposed ZoomX foam, and the colour has started to wear off. The upper maintains a high level of quality, though it’s worth noting that the Nike logo is simply spray-painted on, giving it a somewhat cheap appearance. Up to this point, there’s been no noticeable degradation or compression in the ZoomX foam, but only time will truly tell if these shoes can endure the expected functional lifespan of around 800 kilometres that we expect from trainers these days. At $330AUD, these shoes are priced at the high-end of the running shoe market, but are certainly not the most expensive out there. I would say that the Vaporfly’s represent good value for money in terms of quality and performance offered.
• Saucony Endorphin Pro 3: I’ve worn the Endorphins tested here far beyond the recommended effective run-by date, and I’m pleased to report that their durability has exceeded expectations. Saucony’s choice of XT-900 rubber for the outsole has only shown slight signs of wear on the mid-forefoot and heel areas, and the exposed PWRRUN PB foam is also maintaining its integrity remarkably well. After covering hundreds of kilometres in these shoes, there have been no instances of breakage, separation, detachment, or vulnerability observed. The upper remains pristine, and the logos and accents are seamlessly integrated into the upper mesh, avoiding the appearance of mere paint application. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 shines in its impressive build quality, underscoring the integration of advanced materials and features. With a new model on the horizon, the Endorphin Pro 3 can often be picked up at a significant discount.

Vaporfly 4 out of 5, Endorphin 5 out of 5.

TIP: As noted in our initial road test and review of the Endorphins, a strategy to offset the expense of frequently replacing these premium priced shoes is to reserve them exclusively for race days, and opt for more affordable options for everyday running.

Final Verdict.

As highlighted earlier, the core intention of this article was to conduct an extensive assessment of the new Nike Vaporfly 3.

The most effective approach to achieving this was by placing it in direct comparison with a well-established benchmark within the premium running shoe space.

This approach helps you figure out if the Vaporfly’s are worth the money, and match up with what you’re looking for in your running shoes.

In the thrilling showdown between the Nike Vaporfly 3 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, both shoes emerge as formidable contenders in the world of running.

Boasting the impressive ZoomX midsole foam and the full-length carbon fibre plate, the Nike Vaporfly 3 excels with its lively energy return, especially suitable for speed-driven scenarios like sprints and races. Furthermore, the Vaporfly’s upper is one of the best in the business.

On the other hand, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 excels in both responsiveness and cushioning, making it a versatile companion for a variety of workouts and particularly suitable for long-distance running including races such as a marathon. The transformative Speedroll geometry by Saucony is particularly effective, propelling you forward with each step and fundamentally altering the experience.

I hope you have enjoyed this road test of the new Nike Vaporfly 3. This impressive running shoe, along with the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, demonstrate the pinnacle of running shoe engineering. Their innovative technologies, quality builds, and exciting performance, reaffirm the dedication of these brands to propel your running experience to the next level.

Final scores:

• Nike Vaporfly 3 – 45/55
• Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 – 51/55

Happy Running

Steve

FAQ’s Of Nike Vaporfly 3 vs Saucony Endorphin Pro 3.

Updates On Previously Reviewed Running Shoes.

On Cloudmonster.

In the current landscape, the Cloudmonsters have taken a backseat due to the emergence of cutting-edge technologies, especially in midsole foams, from brands like Saucony and Nike.

Nonetheless, I continue to enjoy using these shoes for relaxed, brief runs. They prove to be an excellent option for recovery jogs and lighter workout sessions.

Impressively, these shoes have upheld their quality throughout their lifespan, spanning many hundreds of kilometres.

Their weight and bulkiness have somewhat dulled their comfort and performance aspects, especially in comparison to newer running shoe models from On and various other manufacturers, which have raised the bar in these regards.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3.

Just like the Endorphin Pro 3’s discussed in this article’s road test, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3’s have also nearly reached the end of their lifespan in my current running shoe rotation.

Once more, these trainers’ inherent quality is evident as they have sustained minimal wear, showing no signs of degradation or component breakage. Surprisingly, the PWRRUN PB foam utilised by Saucony in these shoes maintains its resilience without conspicuous signs of compression over time. Although, in some instances, I’ve noted a subtle decrease in stability.

These shoes continue to offer a fantastic running experience, even after covering extensive distances of many hundreds of kilometres.

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