Endorphin Speed vs. Alphafly

The Alphfly has been one of the most highly anticipated and most controversial marathon racers of the year. The On the other hand, the Endorphin Speed has come out of nowhere to be one of the People’s Favorite shoes of the year. It’s time to pit them head to head for some marathon miles.
0:00 intro
3:14 Disclosures
3:30 Alphafly intro
5:06 Endo Speed intro
6:57 Alphafly miles
8:50 Endo Speed miles
12:32 winner
Disclosures: both of these shoes were purchased with my own money. No one sent them to me or is paying me to make this video. No one will get a chance to preview my footage or thoughts before this video goes up on youtube.
Nike Alphafly www.nike.com/running/alphafly
Saucony Endorphin Speed www.saucony.com/en/endorphin-...
Thanks for watching! Leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!
Running footage shot on:
GoPro Hero 9 Black (paid link)
amzn.to/3iWG8v9
Disclosure: It's 2020, so I think we all know how affiliate links work at this point, but for regulatory compliance or affiliate program purposes, I must state that affiliate links do not increase cost to you, but:
I may earn commissions if you purchase items from Insta360 via my affiliate links.
"As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Also, you do not need to use these links. You can also search for these same items in amazon or on any search engine/shopping site of your choice and buy/research them that way.
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subscriber count at time of upload: 63,997
end card music:
Jim Yosef - Checkered
/ jim-yosef-checkered

[@eoincasey5461]

The Speed is my favourite shoe of the year, actually it’s probably my favourite shoe ever.

[@rustydaines6859]

Same here! A true quiver killer!

[@peterlee208]

I third that nomination. Close second is the pro

[@lazyhusband]

Ssshh. Don’t tell anyone.

[@zer0875]

Looks rubbish but great shoe!

[@thestoebz]

@@zer0875 running shoes aren't really for looks

[@slugontheface]

Loving the Eddbud tee!

[@miket.8528]

I need a non elite tee!

[@135Patriots]

Agreed with all of your points - it's a testament to Saucony that the speed can hang with the best carbon racers while also handling daily mileage, easy/long runs, 10k efforts, etc. Best shoe of 2020.

[@thestoebz]

My best shoe of 2021 again 😅

[@InspectMyGadget69]

Who needs to go to an EDM concert when you have kofuzi's intros?!

[@plamenski5244]

I've had the Endorphin Speed for a bit over a week and it's by far the best running shoe I've ever had. Even for just long walks and light jogs its fantastic, my feet feel great even after 12miles

[@emmawilhelm1148]

LOVING the endorphin speed! Racing my first marathon this weekend in them. Virtually, of course. Awesome vid, Ko!

[@kevinscott4938]

That running montage music is beyond epic!!

[@vernonrembold6466]

The Endorphin Speed gets my vote. Enough space in the toe box for my wider feet. Ran a PB 10km in a triathlon in the Speed, faster than I've managed in a 10km road race.

[@drfunk1216]

I think Eliud said the day after the 2 hr run challenge in the alphafly he went for a 8 mile run. But then again he is superhuman

[@unknowenunknowen4060]

Every Pro Runner runs a couple of times after every Race. The reason for this is that the body can change to recovery mode after all the weeks of hard training. The runs after the race are mostly slow recovery runs before they take a two week break to give the body full energy back before starting training again.

[@RunJLC]

Excellent review! Haven't run in either shoe but you pretty much sold me on the Speed today.

[@slmagera]

Awesome that you are repping the Ed bud tee!

[@Ian-oi2pe]

Endorphin Speed for me. I have 2 pairs !! Best shoe I've ever run in.

[@sylvainhyais8166]

Hello from France ! I've just done my first run with the endorphin speed and it feels fantastic right away, comfort, responsiveness,etc... I did 7 km steady run un 28min 54" today compared to the same steady run last week(same route,same effort)in 30 min 35" in the Saucony kinvara 10 which I like very much. Amazing !

[@tfxcShoes]

Fantastic comparison! These are two of my favorite shoes this year! It’s a thought choice for which I would choose for a marathon, but I think the AlphaFly might be the one.

[@jeremy-bernard]

Great idea to compare these! Thanks! I am more and more considering trying the Endorphin Speed!

[@novennelagua3151]

Loving the intro especially the sunrise

[@IainMabbott]

Absolutely beautiful intro!

[@AH-ij4oz]

Great channel. Thx4 doing this video. Random observation: I think I heard the gobble of a wild turkey covered by the background music at 1:24 ... lol definitely not the type of animal I'd encounter on a jog in my area.

[@shahzadahmad4228]

Love the reviews and thumbernail option's!

[@AsGuusual]

Seeing the thumbnail I didn't know what to expect, but this was such an interesting comparison. I guess the Speed really is a do-it-all shoe!

[@stefanwagner1841]

Very interested in this comparison. Have been loving the speed's. Thanks Kofuzi.

[@kofuzi]

thanks for watching!

[@philippegagne268]

Yeah... haven’t tried the Nike but based on both being so close in performance for the average runner, I’ll stick with the speed and save up some money!!

[@chris_mcc_]

B-roll on point as always 🔥

[@cormacschliesmann462]

Picked up a fresh pair of Speeds a couple weeks ago. Haven’t been able to use them yet but every video I see gets me more hyped

[@december25guy]

Great review! I’ve been running in the Endorphin Speed 1 & 2 for a year and I love them. I do all types of runs in them. Glad to hear they are on par with such an expensive and highly engineered Nike shoe 😎🤘

[@tesserwithpaul]

My favorite of your videos ever!

[@thestoebz]

Just bought my pair, going to pick them up tomorrow! Can't wait to try them

[@ericgbarber]

Love the Speed, but would love to see the comparison between the Pro, Next%, and Alpha. Thanks for the video!

[@TheSqueak99]

I’ve been training and racing my Endorphin speeds since I started running last year. I was recommended them by a friend. I only realised recently how good they are. I’ve done 1:25 Half and 17:12 5k in them. I am awaiting delivery of Vaporfly but I might be disappointed with them!

[@thestoebz]

Yeah I find myself picking up the Endorphin Speeds every workout... Speed, tempo, Strides, long runs, easy runs... You name it... The Speed can do it!

[@december25guy]

Any follow up on the vapor flys?

[@kevinlemanquais2006]

Love the Speed. Ran a half marathon in fall and felt great after. Would buy again.

[@dbiscoc287]

Great clip at the end!

[@michaeldwilson1471]

The toe boxes in Nikes have always felt too narrow to me.

[@handleYT-vv7iy]

I got blasters 3 times when wearing different Nike running shoes. Never buy it again.

[@MaartenAnna]

Great review, great shoes! But I love that shirt! 😂🤪

[@kentm7731]

The Speeds have done well for me and definitely love them for road runs. Though not the greatest in wet conditions or loose terrain. Set my half marathon PB in them and part of my rotation with Adidas Bostons.

[@deborahjane3801]

Great review thank you. I have the Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% as my mileage training show, replacing the Saucony Endorphin Shift. I use the Saucony Speed for my intervals and tempo runs and the Alphaflys for racing. I find the Nike Tempo a little rigid, but it comes into its own when upto speed and easier to run in, definitely for forefoot strikers. I do find my calfs aching a bit afterwards, that's probably my weakness though. The Saucony Speed is a fabulous shoe, no feet or calf ache and its a bit more flexible, which is what I liked about the Ultra Boost. Tha Alphaflys were a dream to run in, so I'm saving for races, not that there have been many in 2020 and I was injured for 6 months of it. Only raced upto 10k distance, but I'm keen to take further. Legs felt great after too. Never tried the Vaporflys, so can't compare. I would definitely buy the Saucony Speed again though, nearly 300 miles in them now, a few more to go.

[@jdelvalle288]

Nice work with the intro ..

[@clingenpeelc]

Saucony nailed it with the Endorphine Speed

[@atalk143]

As always, I appreciate the comparison. I just recently purchased the Speed (couldn't turn down the Black Friday sale). My first run with it will be later today :)

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

Where were you able to find the Speed discounted? I’m in US and have been watching and waiting but so far it’s been exempted everywhere I’ve seen these holiday sales. Martha

[@atalk143]

@@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183 Jackrabbit/RunOn had a Black Friday sale where it was "$35 off $150". Naturally, there were exclusions but only on certain models (not necessarily on entire brands). Luckily, the discount could be applied to the Speed. I honestly have no affiliations with Jackrabbit (or anyone for that matter) but I joined their mailing list awhile back and that is how I found out.

[@sandralee7862]

@@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183 I ordered speed at sports basement (shop.sportsbasement.com) and paid only $128.00 w/tax, total of $139.84 . I should be getting it today or tomorrow.

[@cazman41]

@@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183 Roadrunner also. Signed up for their trial membership during BlackFriday. I also paid $128.

[@TheTyzak]

Totally agree with you on both shoes!! The fade for me in the Speed is a real thing!! So much so that I have put a carbon fiber insole in them which helped a ton.. with the carbon fiber insole it still doesn't feel like the Pro and certainly no where close to the Alphafly but it does help.. for me the speed will lose its pop at around the 8 mile mark when I'm running hard.. with the carbon fiber insole there's no issue with that falling out feeling.. my Alphaflys are simply the best running shoes on earth. Obviously they cost way more then a shoe should cost but real runners know that the Zoom x foam with a carbon fiber plate is a real thing that really works

[@TopsMiah]

Great video. Want to get the black version of Speed but stock always sold out. Also there is a new colourway coming out in Speed. Thank you

[@kevinlemanquais2006]

Try runner's warehouse. Picked up the black a month ago. Still in stock.

[@albertteng1191]

You are wearing an eddbud shirt. You, edd and jamison are three of my most favorite running shoe reviewer. I always base my purchase on your reviews

[@kofuzi]

some of my favorites, too!

[@cartervivio6280]

The frozen eyelash at 1:10 is legendary

[@jimcooke7147]

Great Review, thanks. Comment: I have also had problems with the toe-box of the Nike Next%. It felt like it was squashing my big toes 'down' . The shoes are the correct size it's just the shape of the construction. So I fixed it by slicing 3 x 1.5" long openings above my big toe allowing the material to expand to take the pressure off the toes. I have too big an investment in the shoes & definitely want to race 10K's & Half's in them...!

[@qhaqulfikri495]

Beautiful cinematic

[@RunThePlanet]

Great review. Have to agree with you, but wasn't it always going to be the Alphafly. I'm interested why the comparison was not with the Endorphin PRO (so top end vs top end shoe) ?

[@marktucker7221]

loving the Eddbud T also

[@edwinvencio27]

Another good review! I would love to try the nike zoom fly, but the price tag is just too much 😂 I wear out my running shoes like crazy, I tend to drag the back of the inner heel of the shoe for some reason and I can’t correct my stride no matter how I try. So I always run with gravel shoes all the time so that I don’t have to go through a lot of pairs! I run about on average 7 miles a day. On a good day I’d run 8:40 ish pace but average usually in the 9:30 pace.

[@paulcain1285]

I love the SPEED. Struggling with the AlphaFly’s. I don’t feel I can get onto my toes like the VapourFly’s. This weekend I raced a half marathon and stuck with my older VPs as just not confident in the AF. I think it’s more fir a forefront striker. The Speed allows you to get onto your toes easier.

[@xyzv8640]

Muuuuusiiiiic 🙌🙌🙌🎧🎧🎶🎶🔊🔊👌👌👌 Edit: intro music, not being "checkered" by jim yosef??🤔

[@fernandojruiz8770]

I have the endorphin speed and love them best shoe ever but just got the alphafly on a great deal so can wait to try them

[@charriso]

Endo Speed is a wonder shoe! 😍

[@TheAnikdam]

Interesting comparison. I have not run in the Alpha Fly's, but do my races and interval work in the Next %'s. I love the Endorphin Speeds for tempo day runs and as a daily trainer. Looks like your toes are taking a beating in the Alpha's, so are you sure you want use them for a marathon?

[@RareAirTwo4]

Kouzi, how long have you been running? Also how long does it take to build some good endurance?

[@philortman8139]

As someone who went all in for the Pros (and I LOVE them), I'm so curious about the Speed. Seems to be the overwhelming fan favorite of the Endorphin lineup.

[@anthonybach9559]

What're your thoughts on the durability of these two? Estimated lifespan?

[@diggindan1498]

Should've been the Endorphin pro VS Alphafly. I much prefer the Alphafly & the next% for racing, you don't have to put so much work in as the speed & feel a lot better after a long run. The Endorphin speed are great for a training shoe, just got back from a 10 mile run in them.

[@jihwankim4678]

Absolutely love the speed. Don't know how my feet would feel for long runs greater than 16 miles.

[@WillyTheWang]

Do you think the Hyperion tempo may be better than the speed for faster than half marathon paces? :) great video as always!

[@kofuzi]

That’s a great question. Both would be fun to race in. But I think I would go for the Speed.

[@dannyj1983]

What informed your decision to compare the speed to the alphafly instead of the pro?

[@barrelvisor]

A bit late to the party, but the Alphaflys didn’t work for me (high arch thing). But the speed is just awesome - seriously, seriously good. It’s not really a fair fight, though - the Endorphin Pro+ would be a closer comparison!

[@keithchun3973]

I don't get your conclusive decision - objectively, you were faster in the Saucony and you were less comfortable in the Nikes (toe impingement), yet you would choose the Nikes.

[@lecat0235]

I have my speeds. Love them!!!Favorite shoe ever!!!

[@steveh5242]

Love this comparison-Any thoughts as to why you might not want to take the Endorphin Pro to the marathon distance? It just feels a little extra snappy for me and feels a bit faster, though I know some find it harsher underfoot.

[@kofuzi]

I don’t think I’m loading the plate with the Pro at marathon speed. It seems to be tuned for a more powerful or a heavier runner than me.

[@gudboyngdisyerto]

@@kofuzi how much do you weigh?

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

Mike, why would you choose the Alphafly when you know you’ll damage your toes? I know the Next% isn’t in this comparison but assuming you didn’t have that problem when you wore it for the Tunnel Marathon why wouldn’t you use that one again? It sounds like either the Alphafly just doesn’t fit well or doesn’t secure your foot well. I’m looking forward to a review of the Adios Pro.

[@arthurtorres6232]

Haven’t tried either, I’m a Nike fan but I would choose the speed

[@PDARUNS]

My speeds arrived last week. And I have done 2 workouts and a long run in them and they are magic. 👌👌 Are you still hr training?? Your hr is high still for 7 min mile? Just an observation not a criticism. :)

[@ilias2841]

Hello , I haven't seen your follow-up 100-mile review for the Endorphin PRO? did you do one, if so can you provide the LINK? I remember the initial review looked promising on the Pro

[@OntheStaff]

It essentially is boost foam. Saucony is smart. They did what any successful brand does, take an already great product(ultra boost), fix it’s flaws(heavy, unstable), and now you have a near perfect product- endorphin speed.

[@kirkapplewhaite4541]

I'm seeing that Ed Budd merch!

[@zer0875]

Isn't it as simple as this - if you're running up to half a marathon take the Endorphin Speed and if you're doing up to marathon take the Alphafly or the Endorphon Pro?

[@saininniaful]

If possible, can you do a comparison between adios pro and alphafly

[@OmahaTonyG]

Shout out from Omaha!!!

[@namkim54]

Definitely agree with the fade in Endorphin speed. But it's a great speed trainer and HM racer!

[@jjjellyfish4198]

Can you compare the ZF3 to the endorphin speed

[@treboltreacy9498]

Hey bro from the island 🇵🇷 howbout those next%s in comparison with thease champs? I feel like there here to stay 👍🏻💪🏻❤️

[@emanuelsantos5585]

I have the Alphafly!!! 😂 What a sound kofuzi!!!!!

[@chuonghong6131]

Just noticed the endorphin speed midsole paint is chipping. Assume this is just aesthetics and doesn’t affect the performance?

[@vayenquist4969]

Hi Kofuzi, actually we both agree I am not agreeing with all of Nike’s policy/politics. But I like their designs and also as I haven’t got wide feet Nike has always fitted me perfectly. I just can’t get the same fitting in any other brand as my feet just fit best in Nike than Saucony, Adidas. To put it short: what is your experience what finding the right size/fitting in other brands than Nike?

[@thomasbraun6603]

Great video! I have both shoes. When I want to go fast, I pick up the Endorphin Speed. I think of it as more of a tempo shoe. I use the Alphafly for my long runs occasionally and whenever races come back, half-full. For me, the Alphafly is light years more comfortable, and that's not saying the speed is uncomfortable, the Alphafly is just in a league on its own. I think the Alphafly is excellent at a variety of paces, but I can only go fast when I wear the Endorphin Speed. If I had to choose, Alphafly all the way. If money is considered, Endorphin Speed is perhaps a better value.

[@markoljustina]

Thomas Braun -Thanks for the helpful comment

[@nunuHayaOfficial]

Great reviu

[@adamcheney9299]

Just wondering, HOKA ONE ONE is a brand that I'm sort of new to. And I think for 2020 it would be kind of cool to do a lineup video for all the shoes in that brand!

[@kofuzi]

I probably won’t do one for 2020. But I did one for 2019. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqKVZZmOrcx1gLs

[@adamcheney9299]

@@kofuzi understandable

[@Maatt.1]

Just got myself two pairs!

[@nberkel]

Surprise winner imo!

[@jean-pierosgriccia4520]

I love your videos, allow me though to say I wished your disclosures should be underline(like your workout description). Just saying...

[@kofuzi]

I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking

[@jean-pierosgriccia4520]

@@kofuzi forgive me, I meant, instead of every time mentioning your disclosure. You bought with your own money... And so forth. .. you could have your disclosure subtitled.. It's just a suggestion 😉

[@nickatnite16]

@@jean-pierosgriccia4520 that's not a bad suggestion

[@rustydaines6859]

Ok so here's the rub...I just bought the Endorphin Speed and absolutely love them! Just recently ran a 6:40 pace 14 miler and my legs felt so fresh afterwards, I don't know if it's that Nylon plate (have never run in plated shoes before) or that PB foam but I feel like these are some of the best shoes I have ever run in. However, I was planning on using the Speed's for training and Pro's for racing but now I see THIS video and it makes me wonder why you're not comparing the Pro's with the Alphafly's? I love the Endorphin Speed's and they would be stellar racing shoes as well, just wondering what you're take is on the Pro's, thanks and love your videos keep up the great work!

[@justinpaynter3140]

I have had both since mid-summer. The Pro is a bit more stiff and has a little more pop to it. It really likes to be run fast. The Speed feels softer and more forgiving to me, and is better for a range of speeds. The upper on the Pro is lighter, more breathable, with less cushion. Both are great shoes, and you get a lot of performance from the Speed. If you want to squeak out every bit of performance then the Pro is it, but that’s after improving fitness and power. Otherwise the Speed is a very capable shoe for daily and racing.

[@Nuno350z]

Have both, for me... i run much better in the pro, my favorite shoe till now. Have vaporfly and alphafly too so...

[@hanphilnoffz8827]

Fast! Many people can't do that twice

[@dannyj1983]

I really wish you would wear some brighter colors, Ko. Running around camouflaged as the same color of the road with your back to oncoming traffic and no rear blinking light on the headlamp freaks me out.

[@michaeldwilson1471]

Agreed. I wear roadworker green and blaze orange, esp. in the woods during hunting season.

[@jp05598]

I just implemented wearing a reflective neon construction vest for this exact reason. I typically use a flashlight bc I don’t like the headlamps too much but it’s not enough and most of my clothes are dark colored

[@pam00088]

Here in the UK (but I guess the same everywhere) I am amazed at how many people run on the wrong side of the road.

[@jp05598]

@@pam00088 which side is the right side?

[@pam00088]

@@jp05598 The UK's Highway Code says that, where there is no dedicated footpath, pedestrians should stay on the right - i.e. facing the oncoming traffic - unless in large groups.

[@grahamtricker4103]

Great article. Do this two shoes and the new Adidas Adios Pro have removable inner soles so orthotics can be used inside?

[@kofuzi]

If I recall correctly, the endorphin speed does. The alphafly and adios pro do not.

[@grahamtricker4103]

@@kofuzi Thanks Michael, I bought a pair of Vaporfly Next Percent and took them back because I couldn't fit my orthotics in them. I settled on the Zoom fly 3 which I actually thought were more comfortable for me.

[@jp05598]

Wondering if the endorphin pro would’ve been more comparable That said I love the endorphin speed, I ran an 11 mile PB in it by over 4 minutes! I do notice a PF or end of the ball of my foot bruise after running in it though (odd that it only happens on my left foot but it is consistent)

[@andrewcollier3495]

Cannot get the Speed here in Malaysia. Only the old Saucony models are available 😡 so sad.

[@BostonMarathon255]

How many miles do you think the Alphafly midsole will last with responsiveness?

[@dbestbc]

I've running around 300 km with Speed2, and just can't wait for the Speed3. Like it much better than my Vapor.

[@bobotmeister]

Saucony used the same foam as nike. But made it like boost. They said it improves durability since pebax isnt known for long term... Sturdiness?😁

[@ChargersEveryDay]

Does anybody use/recommend the endorphin speed as a daily trainer or is more of a racing shoe? I’m looking for a daily trainer and I’m considering the shift, speed, and peg 37. I’ve been running in kayanos for 10 years, but 27’s are really bad, so looking to switch into new brand as well as a neutral shoe. Any suggestions?

[@EmpireAsus]

What would you recommend? A 90 USD Zoom Fly 3 vs 160 USD Endorphin Speed?

[@steveellefsen5662]

I personally have both, the zoom fly 3 feels so bottom heavy, the speed is worth the extra $ imo

[@Whoever429]

I have them two. Endorphin speed FTW. You will feel the extra weight from zoom fly 3 especially when you are going for a longer tempo run / long run.

[@Intenseactionhero]

The endorphine speed is my favoriye shoe ever. This shoes are sold out in Japan.

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

I found the Speed too loose in the midfoot, is the Pro any better?

[@georgeschneider9751]

I enjoy the comparison vids. The alphafly toe situation sounds terrible.

[@albertorincon2549]

Is the E S Pro better to compare vs Alphafly ?

[@Noypi54494]

I LOVE my endorphin speed runshields!!!

[@Getsomeshock]

Pain is an absolute killer for me, would never buy a shoes that hurts.

[@FreshTopEnd]

My Marathon pace is crawling on all fours