Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 vs Nike Vaporfly Next% 3: Super Shoe Buyer's Guide
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 are two of the top marathon racing shoes on the market today. Here's how they compare.
Nike redefined the marathon racing shoe in 2017 with the first Vaporfly. Though they were first to market, other brands are starting to catch up over the last few years. One of the top rivals to the Nike Vaporfly for enthusiast runners is the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, which one Redditor called "the shoe of the people." While marathon podiums are still dominated by the Vaporfly and Adidas' super shoe, the Adios Pro 3, you'll see the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 on the feet of many midpack hobbyists cranking out three hour marathons. Here's how the Pro 3 compares to the tried-and-true Vaporfly.
Overview: Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 vs Nike Vaporfly Next %3
The Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 is the original super shoe. In this third version, Nike has updated the upper and contouring of the midsole foam while keeping the general foam-and-plate formula intact. The key to the super shoe magic here is the thick stack of Nike's PEBA-based ZoomX foam paired with their carbon-fiber FlyPlate. The weight comes in at a spry 6.5 ounces for US mens 9.
Nike Vaporfly Next% 3
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The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 is the third iteration of the brand's marathon racing super shoe. While it used to sit at the top of their racing range, the newly introduced Endorphin Elite is now positioned as the racer for the fastest runners. The Pro 3 is designed to have a comfortable yet speedy ride that's approachable for runners of all levels.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3
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While both of these shoes have a 3 in their name, the Nike Vaporfly predates the Endorphin series by a few years. The first Vaporfly dropped in 2017 and ushered in a new era for performance running footwear, shifting the industry from minimalist racing flats to max-stacked carbon-plated super shoes. The Endorphin Pro followed in 2020 as one of the first competitors to Nike's Vaporfly—and one of the only racing shoes lab-verified to deliver efficiency benefits similar to the Nike.
Midsole: PWRRUN PB vs ZoomX
The Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 uses a PEBA-foam based midsole that they've branded as ZoomX. This is Nike's top-tier racing foam and is seen in other performance shoes across the lineup like the Nike Alphafly Next% 2, Tempo Next% and Nike ZoomX Streakfly, plus the recovery running focused Invincible 3. ZoomX is a highly responsive compound, and paired with a full-length carbon plate provides great energy return at fast paces.
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 uses the brand's PWRRUN PB compound, which is a beaded PEBA foam similar in feel and function to Nike's ZoomX. The PWRRUN PB foam is used in other speed-focused shoes from Saucony like the Endorphin Speed 3, Endorphin Edge, Endorphin Rift and Saucony Sinister, as well as the stable Tempus and high-mileage Kinvara Pro.
Both the Nike and Saucony racing shoes use PEBA-based midsoles. The main difference is that the Nike ZoomX is a standard Pebax that comes in an off-white color and tends to crease with wear. The Saucony PWRRUN PB is a beaded compound and looks pure white off the factory floor. The PWRRUN PB also tends to visually wear less with usage.
Ride: Fast for Forefoot Strikers vs Comfortable and Stable
The Nike Vaporfly series have maintained a similar ride experience throughout the different iterations. The third version here keeps the same bouncy and responsive ride as the first two, maintaining a soft and comfortable udnerfoot sensation from the ZoomX. The carbon-plate stiffens the platform and creates a snappy toe-off that feels best at marathon pace and faster. There's a moderate forefoot rocker but a relatively flat heel—the heel foam is also exposed with with no forefoot rubber, as the shoe is designed for a midfoot to forefoot strike.
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 has a more versatile ride than the Vaporfly. While the PEBA foam itself feels relatively similar to the Vaporfly, the rockered geometry and wider heel platform making it a more approachable option for heel strikers. At marathon pace, the Endorphin Pro feels smooth, bouncy and responsive, and the plate gives a firm and snappy feel without being overly harsh.
The main difference between the ride of the Vaporfly Next% 3 and the Endorphin Pro 3 comes from the Saucony's rocker. The Pro 3 feels more comfortable for more runners due to the wider platform and aggressive rocker, as the set-up helps it feel better at slower paces. The Pro 3 is a viable option for fast everyday runs because it's so comfortable at relaxed efforts (though we don't recommend running in carbon-fiber plated shoes all the time if you're looking to build strength, as they make it easier to run). On the other hand, the Vaporfly is best reserved for race day when you're likely to be up on your toes and midfoot to forefoot striking.
Outsole & Durability
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 has better outsole coverage than the Nike Vaporfly Next% 3. The Pro 3 has two thin layers of Saucony's grippy XT-900 rubber, one on the forefoot and one on the heel. The Nike has a waffle application of rubber on the forefoot and two strategically placed rubber strips on the outside of the heels.
The exposed foam on the rear of the Vaporfly reduces the durability compared to the Pro 3. In our experience, the rubber on the Pro 3 should protect the heel foam for at least 200 miles—even for the heaviest scuffers. On the other hand, heel strikers who race in the Vaporfly may see chunks of ZoomX missing from the rear of the platform in less than 100 miles.
Upper & Fit: Mesh vs Flyknit
The Saucony Endoprhin Pro 3 has a breathable mesh upper tht's slightly stretchy. It fits snug through the midfoot and has a narrow toe-box. The fit is true-to-size, but those with wide feet should go up half a size. The lockdown is excellent through the heel and over the top of the foot, with no squirelly-ness or instability around the rear of the platform.
The Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 uses a FlyKnit upper that's lightweight and extremely minimal on fit. The lockdown in this version is a bit better through the heel and rear of the shoe than in the Vaporfly Next% 2, which had gaps between the ankle and upper for most runners. That issue is largely solved here. The toe-box is narrow though not overly snug compared to the fit of the Saucony. Wide-footed runners should also size up half a size here.
Who They're Best For
The Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 is a great option for experienced runners who are training hard to chase down a PR at their next race. It'll also be a better option for forefoot to midfoot strikers, as heel strikers won't get much life out of the shoe due to the exposed foam on the rear area. In the rotation, the Vaporfly is best for fast races and big workouts where you need a little extra help hitting your paces.
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 is one of the more versatile and approachable super shoes on the market. It's a great marathon racer for any comfort-minded runner, and particularly for heel strikers, as the back of the shoe has a solid amount of rubber protecting the foam. The Pro 3 is also a good option for newer runners looking to try their first carbon-fiber shoe, as the rocker and wider heel make it an easier shoe to run in than other marathon racers like the Vaporfly.
Final Thoughts
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 are two of the top marathon racing shoes on the market today. Both are excellent options for chasing down your next PR. The Vaporlfy is faster forefoot strikers, and the Endorphin Pro 3 is more comfortable—but you can't go wrong with either if you're seeking speed over the long haul. If the tie breaker comes down to price, the Pro 3 takes the win being $25 cheaper.
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