Metaracer vs. Endorphin Pro

Today I put up the Metaracer against the Endorphin Pro in a 15 mile test with 4x2mi intervals. Flytefoam vs. PWRRUN PB. Low slung racer vs High Stack Height Carbon. Which will win?
TLDW: Endorphin Pro
Disclosures: the Metaracer was provided to me by Running Warehouse. The Endorphin Pro was purchased with my own money. No one will get a chance to preview my thoughts or footage before the video goes up on youtube.
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[@TheFODRunner]

This has cheered me up! I was so gutted I couldn’t get the metaracer due to not doing them in my size so this comparison is everything I wanted to see! Top video as always 👌

[@Hurts4MVP1]

That color on that ASICS Metaracer is 🔥 🔥🔥🔥!!!

[@skopa1223]

Agreed

[@keyboardbw]

There is an interview with Jared Ward on KZbin where he says exactly the same about the improvement in running downhill with the endorphins pros, so it's not just you! Great video again, thanks!

[@franciscosilva2511]

Allways great revue and insight of running stuff. 💪👌

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

I really like the uppers both of these shoes, great review as always!

[@runningwithaj]

I just love the look of both of these shoes. Desperately loving the metaracer. Itjust looks awesome

[@OnTopoftheWorld76]

You are one of the great reviewer of the shoes and provided me with in-depth knowledge of the running shoes. With your review, I continued with ASICS GT-2000 series from 4 to 8 and enjoying it. Now thinking of having Metarace for short distance running. Keep it up!

[@kofuzi]

I’m glad that the GT-2000 have been working for you!

[@OnTopoftheWorld76]

New Balance barefoot running shoes destroyed my knees almost and then after consulting doctors and different sports stores, they recommended ASICS and ran more than 1200 kilometers on GT 4 before retiring it. My average running kilometers is around 20 and GT proved perfect to me. Now thinking of improving my speed....

[@tomas2375]

Awesome video! I think I heard somewhere, that the "Carbonfibre-Plate" in the Asics Metaracer has a Y-Shape.

[@slodogg]

I want the MetaRacer as a casual shoe, it just looks so dope I’d want to rock it!

[@ronaldweed6103]

Yup!! At this stage of my life I'm going for Saucony Endorphin Pro,I need staple mainly because I'm a big Person. Awesome review!!

[@chriskarafinski2640]

new subscriber love your videos, you have so much knowledge its unbelievable

[@bocacocasky3581]

Great review as usual Michael. I am expecting the PRO in a few days. Too many shoes in line up already may pass on metaracer...very nice though

[@lvalday]

Great video Michael! So, the metaracer has a firm but super responsive feeling and will be great for distances no longer than a half marathon. Now, from your speed elite review, I understand that that shoe may fall in the same category as the metaracer, so I would like to know how those 2 shoes compare; perhaps not with an answer to this post but with a vs video 😮🙌🏻. Greetings from 🇧🇴

[@sleepwell8899]

Amazing pair!

[@superfast30]

Great comparison!

[@dokutaaguriin]

YES. I have been looking forward to this comparison video! I always wondered about how beneficial a carbon fibre plate would be for a light-weight (132lbs) like myself.

[@kofuzi]

Part of me thinks I may be overstating the effect of weight on carbon fiber shoes, but I think perhaps weight combined with slower-than-pro speed, and it makes me wonder if the carbon needs to be thinner for some runners

[@benjaminfarias6451]

I own a pair of the Endorphin Pro's ... I agree that they kill it on the down hills ... the plate, foam and the rocker really seem to shine in that situation ... I also feel good going uphill ... Fantastic Shoe 👍

[@TheBowerbird]

Same impressions here. I actually laughed the first time I went downhill in the Endorphins. Absolutely wonderful ride and crazy bounce.

[@alenrabi]

Great review 👌🏻

[@henrikrudehvid3067]

Great review.

[@attackedbywaterfoul]

These are definitely in the top tier of sharpest looking shoes of 2020, IMO

[@miller10]

vacanthouses Ekiden Next% looks better but the ASICS Metaracer does look very good!

[@thegoatreaux9196]

@@miller10 nah i would rather have either of these than the next %

[@skopa1223]

@@thegoatreaux9196 Same. Metaracers my favourite though.

[@aravindpillai7287]

Totally agree, the Endorphin has a sweet spot where it comes alive - but you don't need to work hard to find it, which Is why i love it. Can't get hold of the Alphafly (still love my next%'s) but my Metaracer arrives beginning August so looking forward to it even more now as I feel it will improve me as a runner as I'll need to work more. Keep up with great videos. Best wishes.

[@ALAA-ch2un]

Does it hold up to a marathon race?

[@kerry_runs]

Endorphin vs carbon x...that's what the people really want!!! Love your channel mike:)

[@Andi69155]

Great review! What are thoughts of the Endorphin Speed vs the Metaracer?

[@jollyroger1009]

Nice running scenery in this video, great spot.

[@kofuzi]

It’s beautiful out here

[@AncoraImparoPiper]

As much as I love the look of the Metaracer, I really need a marathon shoe so it has to be the Endorphin Pro. But I'll keep the Metaracer in mind after I've run down my NB Rebels because it sounds like the Metaracer will give me the same light, snappy and fast feel, and it has a similar low stack and drop.

[@drfunk1216]

I have tried neither shoe but what I can say is the metaracer looks 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@kofuzi]

It’s the best looking shoe I’ve seen from asics, perhaps ever

[@hippo71124]

kofuzi the kind of design that I want to own even if I probably really can’t use them well, at all

[@christiangroendyk7198]

The Metaracer looks closer to a traditional racing flat. Would it be good for 5K/10k racing?

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

I’ll be curious to see a comparison between the Metaracer and the Adidas Adizero Pro, because the Adidas also has a lower stack height as far as I can tell by looking at photos. Kofuzi, objectively I’d love to know if you would lean toward the Endorphin Pro or the Vaporfly Next % in a future marathon. If my 2020 time doesn’t cut it for Boston 2021, I may repeat Tunnel Marathon next year. You mention the incredible downhill propulsion in the Endorphin Pro-would you now choose it over the Nike you wore there, aside from ethical preferences? Thanks, Martha

[@bettstp]

I know you recently did your 50km in the Carbon X, how does the Saucony compare to that?

[@Nonixification]

What I noticed with the Next% is that its a different shoe when I hit 4min/k pace. Going slower is not giving any benefit but when I reach higher pace its amazingly working. Im light like you.

[@TheBostl]

Would you say that Metaracer could be compared to NB Fuelcell Rebel as Rebel has plastic plate on the forefoot?

[@michaelfgny1664]

Just got the pros , gonna see if I do a faster pace 3-6 miles today , excited and nervous , I wanna love them so much

[@mikedickerson3944]

Considering that around 6 times more people do 1/2s than full marathons, nailing that distance is good business. I would really like to see the year end sales totals of all the carbon plated shoes (units, not $).

[@joshuajerome7907]

I definitely don’t need another racing shoe but if ASICS comes out with an onitsuka or Bruce Lee color way I might have to buy the metaracer

[@NPow94]

Yeah that’s what I’m waiting for too

[@oliruse5954]

I think as being a lighter runner only weighing around 60kg I'd go for the asics meta-racer for both marathon and half marathon based off watching this video.

[@htmonaro1969]

Thanks for the video, I'm looking for a shoe to run a marathon in the 3:30 to 3:15 range and I just feel the Vaporfly's are too fast and squishy for me. I'm pretty old (61), so I need the cushioning, but I have found the Vaporfly too squishy. I currently do my long runs, on paved tracks, in the Pegasus 36 and as of last week in the 37, and I like the bouncy feel, it helps my rhythm. I'm looking for a lighter softer race like that. What's the Endorphin Pro like in that regard?

[@josegutierrez-ly5rj]

Do you use custom insoles with those shoes? Do you think they're suitable for that?. Thanks

[@alphahellhound]

Awesome comparison. I've ran in the endorphin pro so far only for half marathon and 10km and granted its my first carbon fiber shoe but improved both my PRs with the shoe so I can say it definitely works for me at least at those distances. I agree with the decision for the full marathon endorphin simply because I think nowadays cushioning is at a premium for the long distances and they help the legs stay fresh by the end whereas the metaracer with its reduced cushioning might be better at shorter distances but cost you by the end of a full marathon. Anyways all I can safely say is that the endorphin is an awesome shoe and I would definitely recommend people it :)

[@samanthajenkins2399]

I just ordered a pair of Saucony Endorphin Pro as I want to have a more stable shoe to run up and more importantly down Yuelu mountain (its tarmac surfaced) in Changsha, China. I have some Nike next% which are great but a little wobbly at times.

[@loserpro43210]

I think a video comparing the MetaRacer vs Speed Elite would be more useful (than vs the Endorphin Pro or Fuelcell TC) since they are in a much more similar category.

[@tonysoprano9087]

@Kofuzi, how was the sizing on the endorphin pro? I’m a True to Size 10, but I’m thinking about ordering a 10.5 for a full marathon size. I would appreciate your advice! Thanks

[@aneczka2114]

I think your review of the metaracer is dead on! I just ran in it today for the first time. And it doesn't feel like the other carbon plate shoes its more traditional and i love it. The plate is not so aggressive and it really feels like perfect amount of cushion for such a low stack of shoe. But yeah not a marthon shoe atleast for me im not that at that level. Great video as always!

[@kofuzi]

Thanks for backing me up!

[@ThatRunningGuy]

You’re looking super trim💪

[@kofuzi]

I feel great

[@filaovcharka]

Can you expand more the pushing of speed as maintaining pace ?

[@RunLikeHeller]

Can’t wait to try that Metaracer. For 10k-half though. Would probably break my legs wearing it in a marathon

[@enkidu2562]

Thank you for the review! How soft is the endorphin? You speak about the large amount of midsole, but what about it's cushioning?

[@privatelobbies]

I would compare it to the zoomfly 3 in cusion it's lighter and more durable from my couple of runs so far.

[@derekmaeshiro2291]

yes! finally

[@phl0w666]

Good point about loading the plate, and something I miss in other reviews usually. They usually talk about paces they put shoes through, and at what speeds different shoes work and don't work. Yet, any elite draws a different picture when their easy running paces easily exceed most reviewers' marathon pace, and yet they use daily trainers like the Peg, Vomero, Clifton, Ultraboost or Triumph at those paces reviewers deemed too fast for daily trainers. You said the Pro shined going downhill, and when you approached 5K pace. Well, I submit that an elite marathoner's MP is quite a bit faster than your (and 99% of those that read/watch reviews) 5k pace. Thus, they manage to load the plate much more efficiently. It's the same story with oldschool racing flats back in the days. A recreational runner with a marathon slower than 2:40-ish just isn't able to put the necessary force into the flat to get the benefit out of it. Now, apparently VF, 4%, Next%, and now AF are the only shoes that can work their magic at slower paces too. That said, I think any non-Vaporfly shoe will make you wish you'd gone for the Nike instead for the full. For the half, and shorter faster stuff like threshold workouts, I'll take the shoe that is the most fun, and I think that's the Metaracer right now.

[@chrisgamez1045]

What kind of running vest do you have on ?

[@ricardoreis3844]

Great comparison!! As far as I was told endorphin pro is the best shoe out of Alphafly and vaporfly. By the way, have you tried Infinity react? Although It doesnt have carbon plate, It seems to be an amazing shoe for long distance runs!

[@TheBowerbird]

The Infinity React is horrendously slow underfoot for me. It's hard to describe, but it's an energy sapper. It takes a great deal of energy to leverage force downwards and forewards in it. They are insanely durable, however, so if you're a slower runner wanting something to last a long time you might really like it.

[@Butterbuts]

Perhaps heavier runners are able to benefit from the carbon plates at slower paces as the extra weight means you are able to put more relative force into the plate at slower paces? Just a random thought I've had. In saying that, Jared Ward did mention he found the shoe was unreal when running downhill too, so there could be something there

[@philortman8139]

I am FLYING in the Endorphin Pro. Can't wait to take them out for a live 5K event tomorrow.

[@kofuzi]

Nice!

[@bakermoore]

Nice video

[@sebastianwt]

Which would you recommend for racing 1 mile to 10km?

[@zacharyfaulkner8503]

Sl20 Kinvara 11 comparison would be interesting

[@Ayoj503]

Great review! I’m sold on METARACER. I already have next%,4% and carbon X. Don’t think I need endorphin at this moment. Thank you for the review!!

[@kofuzi]

Thanks for watching!

[@ALAA-ch2un]

Did you get the metaracer? Is it truly 15 mm in the front foot or 21mm? I want a marathon shoe with low stack height... curious to know how low really is....

[@Ayoj503]

@@ALAA-ch2un no I have not. I suffered Achilles injury for few months and I’m back again. Same here over pronation really hurt me overall. I’ve running on low stacked height shoes these days and it really helps me to adjust foot strikes and pronation issues. If I may, I’d recommend you to look into adidas adizero pro instead of adios. I’ve been running on adizero Boston for a Month and half and just passed 400 miles feels great!

[@ALAA-ch2un]

Ty....I was hoping to get more info about the metaracer.... would give it a second thought on that due to your recommendations...ty

[@Ayoj503]

@@ALAA-ch2un good luck!! Injuries sucks so bad.. such a huge set back.. be safe and stay healthy during this hard time !!

[@korakochchaiwonnakupt2698]

Is METARACER good support for the full marathon? (For beginners)

[@johnbeckett6448]

So would you say that you could run a faster 5 / 10k in the metaracer rather than the endorphin? I recieved a pair of Metaracers yesterday, can't wait to try them, already have Vaporfly Next%

[@MohitGupta-lb8ww]

Hi john ! i have to run 5k for a competition i have to run it in 28 minutes to qualify for next round i am currently running it in 31 minutes . please suggest me better shoes as i have to get through this race. Metaracer or vaporfly i am very confused.. Please do reply!

[@christopherpeltzer2155]

Great video kofuzi! Q: What carbon plated shoe tends to offer a bit more room in the forefoot that could be good for me to try? Carbon X/rocket, meta racer, Endorphin pro. I have a slightly wider foot and I am looking to to make the jump to a carbon shoe for faster training and racing. I do most of my fast paced training in the Adidas Adios 5 and occasionally in my NB beacon 2s so I can fit in non wide shoes but I like the extra room. Thanks for considering my question.

[@davidlee2828]

I have a wider forefoot and I enjoyed the Carbon X

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

Christopher Peltzer I’ve been noticing in reviews that the NB Fuel Cell TC has ample volume, especially in the forefoot. More than these other carbon plated shoes. However, it’s more of a trainer to some people because it’s not nearly as light. Martha

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

PS. About hills, how did the ascents feel in the Saucony? Because some other reviewers have stated that the Speed would be better for a hilly course like Boston because the Pro was working against them in uphills. In comparisons they noted they’d choose the Pro for flat course and Speed for hilly.

[@kofuzi]

I haven’t tried the Speed yet, but so far, I think the Pro is decent on hills. I could see some people disliking it for the same reason it’s an 8mm drop and not a 4mm drop - the stack height can be a bit cumbersome at a certain angle. But I found that the carbon feeling was a bit more pronounced on the uphill for me. And so I noticed that more than the angle of attack on the shoes.

[@MiracleWarriors]

I belive that the lower stack height can be more punishing to the feet but protects and causes less stress in the ankles. I have not the stronger ankle mobility but I do have strong feet and that is why I do much better with an Adios 4/5 instead like a high stack shoe such as a ZoomFly 3 or a Pegasus . After the run my legs are fresh but some times my muscles in my feet are tired while with a high stack running shoe I perverts plantar faciais (probably) but my legs and ankles got to do a lot more work as stabilizers ...

[@JaydonTobler]

Hey Kofuzi, I'm thinking of entering my city's 4th of July 5K as my first race this year (if we even end up having it). Shooting for sub-20 at least. Thinking either Metaracer or Endophin SPEED for my raceday shoe. Thoughts?

[@mishkadreamrunner673]

If your pace not faster than 5:30 better go for speed. Those are great for every pace and competition, metaracer need some more power and speed in your legs, to use all benefits of carbon. Check your size though, endorphin compare to other shoes need half size more than my regular running shoes

[@mopoffool]

Can't agree or disagree, since I haven't been able to get my hands on either shoe yet. But your remarks about the plate in the Endorphin Pro coming to life on downhills suggests that a more pronounced forward lean might bring it out more on flats as well.

[@kofuzi]

That’s a good point. In the development of the shoe, Saucony says they wanted to make it a 4mm drop shoe, but they bumped it up to 8mm for performance.

[@yoyoz333]

Have you thought about running to a metronome?

[@jsudre]

Do you think its worth to get the Metaracer against Evoride? From a price perspective versus the benefits of each shoe? Great review by the way.

[@mrrandom2501]

Great question as I thought the same thing?

[@franklehouillier8865]

Are you buying it as a racer? I haven't run in either, but I'd guess that the evoride is a much better value unless you are looking for a couple extra seconds each mile in a half-marathon.

[@kofuzi]

If you’re looking at it from a miles per dollar analysis, the evoride is the winner. It may even be the better option for the marathon distance for normal people. I’m not sure who can race a marathon in the metaracer, but it’s not me.

[@jsudre]

kofuzi thanks! Cheers from Brazil!

[@ebscoHOSTpub]

Do you think an average runner could benefit from a carbon plated shoe? I just need validation bc those metaracers look so clean! lol

[@kofuzi]

Yes, for sure. Although, to some extent, it depends on which carbon plated shoe.

[@MaartenAnna]

Great video, as always. Question: do you see differences in stride length? I saw you had a stryd pod in few shots. In another video I saw someone increase their stride length by almost 11cm with a carbon plated shoe (can’t remember which one now).

[@jamesfuentes5688]

I missed a lot you’re not running in Chicago anymore?

[@tsubakichan]

He's in Iowa for at least the summer

[@gyvdjktsiovssjbdduihahl]

Endorphin speed!👍

[@markoljustina]

Yeah! ..i am Nike fan, but Speed is insane shoe

[@mikegiacobbe7758]

Thanks good video. Can you tell me about sizing. Is the Meta true to size?

[@kofuzi]

Yes. Size 9 for me in each

[@hannesaltenfelder4302]

Seems like the Metaracer is the right shoe if you want to improve your cadence, while the Endorphine Pro is for guys running a sub 3 marathon. For everyone running slower, the Endorphine speed might be the right choice, since its nylon plate is more flexible...

[@ElimRem]

I'm getting my metaracers in on Monday. I'm stoked and if they're not to my liking I'm gonna send them right back and get my money back. #nicereturnpolicyasics

[@ALAA-ch2un]

Get me your reviews... do you think it holds a 26.2 marathon well?

[@thomassimard5529]

@@ALAA-ch2un no

[@megenu1582]

Metaracer… midsole color very cute!😃❤😃 Mr Kofuzi very cute💙 ⌒‐⌒

[@chuarh7393]

cmon man he has a wife and kids already 🤣

[@paatakvitsinadze4339]

Metaracer 👌 🔥 🔥🔥🔥

[@mishkadreamrunner673]

Metaracer looks amazing, but metaspeed sky has no competition with its colors

[@javierstrive3356]

Endorphin Pro Sounds Interesting

[@crod4292]

I think the metaracer offers something of value in the half or 10k category, where anything else still is not topping the Next% /Alpha in the marathon for most runners.

[@artekkkt9333]

Job

[@Carlosediaz543]

Asics metaracer all the way