Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 vs Nike Vaporfly NEXT% 2: Which is the best carbon plate running shoe?

Like most runners, we’re huge fans of the Nike Vaporfly NEXT% 2 here at The Run Testers, and the Vaporfly is the yardstick we measure all other carbon plate racing shoes against. Most fall short, but the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 goes toe-to-toe with the Vaporfly as a contender for the carbon crown.
But which is better? Run Testers Tom and Nick discuss both shoes and pick their favourite in this video.
Check out our multi-tester reviews of both shoes:
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 Multitester Review: • Saucony Endorphin Pro ...
Nike Vaporfly NEXT% 2 Multi-Tester Review: • Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NE...
JUMP STRAIGHT IN:
00:00​​​​ - Intro
00:19 - Design & Key Stats
02:35 - How’s The Fit?
03:28 - The Run Test
09:53 - Verdict
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Nike Alphafly NEXT% 2 Multi-Tester Review: • Nike Air Zoom Alphafly...
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 Multi-Tester Review: • Adidas Adizero Adios P...
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Multi-Tester Review: • Saucony Endorphin Spee...

[@runfrankfurt]

Really enjoying your side by side reviews. This is always helpful and helps me to decide whether a shoe might be worth trying or not (especially with expensive shoes like that).

[@jimoconnor8597]

The Endorphin Elite might really make things interesting!!!! Thanks for a great comparison review. I love both of these shoes.

[@alexkhan2000]

I have both and agree with these verdicts. You can't go wrong with either but the EP3 is the one I put on more often and save the VF2 for all-out speed and shorter races. I definitely find the EP3 more comfortable and stable.

[@stevebillingsley2625]

I have the AF2, VP2, EP2, and just got the EP3 Panda. The AF2 are nice and felt great at first, very squishy, half way through my run I developed blisters on my left mid foot. The VF2s were great and felt like they gave me great pop while running however my PBs are all in the EP3s. They feel similar to the VP2s but have more of a fwd propel, allowing me to maintain a faster pace. I'm a heel to toe runner and feel that for me the EP3 is the superior shoe. The upper is more comfortable, and I felt zero pain after my run. Hope this helps others make a better decision, I struggled.

[@UTubeSL]

That's really helpful! Thank you.

[@davebelcher8374]

Thanks to your good reviews, I just picked up the Endorphin Pro 3’s and I can’t wait to log some miles in them!

[@lp3761]

How you getting on with these mate?

[@davebelcher8374]

@@lp3761 Wish I could provide more data but in their maiden voyage - a four-mile XC race at my alma mater over grass and pavement with lots of turns, I was struck by how well they kept me turning over. Very responsive, light, surprisingly stable, very comfortable and breathable upper. My previous race-day show was the New Balance RC Elite 2 which got me to 26.2 comfortably but never made me feel they were getting me there any quicker. These feel like they might be the best of both worlds - comfortable and noticeably propulsive. I hope that helps!

[@lp3761]

@@davebelcher8374 appreciate that, mate, thanks!

[@alanorcharton8855]

Thx - I have both and think I’ll get a lot more use out of the pro3 during training, race day is a harder decision- lean to the vaporfly but need to test the pro 3 in a race.

[@i.p2088]

I run in both. The Endorphin Pro 3 is amazing but if a Rottweiler was chasing me down the road I will prefer the Vaporfly.. The Pro3 is so comfortable and easy to use.. But it lacks the aggressive nature of the Vaporfly.

[@iosifkovalenko8364]

I’d rather be wearing metal cleats

[@i.p2088]

@@iosifkovalenko8364 😁

[@buddyrye9190]

The 8mm drop in the vaporfly is an underestimate, which is partly why it’s more aggressive.

[@NicoakaRedCat]

I want to see the Rottweiler test for future racing shoe review :D

[@normrubio]

Well said, I too have both but couldn't have said it better.

[@kentm7731]

Great comparison. I am very “enamoured” with my Endo Pro3s. They’re definitely my fall marathon shoe. I do feel that my Endo Pro v1s are still my choice for 5K to HM, and will be using those for a 10K shakeout event. I never got along well with the VF unfortunately, mostly due to fit, so never ventured into the 2.

[@ptlewis2000]

Agreed and can relate on every point.

[@zacsborntorunrunningadvent3441]

I've just received the Pro3 yesterday and got an 80min/ 17km Zone2 Run in them done. Ive also got the Next% & Next%2 & Alphafly to compare directly. The original Next% had a softer foam overall than the Pro3 but the Pro3 is softer than the Next%2. Nike says its the same Midsole but I can feel a distinct difference in stiffness in the Next%2. My size Us14 is also heavier in next%2 vs Pro3. For me the stability advantage of the Pro3 & excellent weight leaves it as my shoe choice for 3k to 21km. At 42km I'm definitely going the Alphafly 1. The series 2 Alphafly is also heavier & not as soft as Original Alphafly. Cheers, great review.

[@Chasery]

I feel like I was expecting so much from the vaporfly that I was a little disapointted with using them. I feel like they are great if you're progressing throughout a race and keeping your pace up. Where as some races have not gone to plan and I slow down (still not too slow, maybe in the 6:30s/mile) I feel like it's not helping me as much as I thought it would. I feel like it will come into its own when I do longer distance races but I opted for the takumi sen 8 for my recent 5k rather than the vaporfly for that reason

[@JasonTreu]

I love the shoe. Saucony did a fantastic job on the Pro 3. Unlike Nike, Saucony is listening to runners and reviewers. Great reviews and I find I agree with your takes on shoes. Vaporfly is a great shoe and I have no idea what they can do for version 3.

[@ketanmamtora4693]

Great video! How about a comparison between alpha fly 1 and pro 3? Thanks

[@andrewdevine4350]

My saucony was going to be just for my Mara but over the last 2 weeks I've found them to be better at every distance! Unreal

[@thomaselwin9397]

Loving my Endorphin 3’s. Did London in Pro 1’s and the difference is amazing. Tried Vaporflys once, didn’t work with me… maybe I should give them another go

[@atalk143]

Fantastic comparison! While I have the AF1 for marathons, the Vaporfly has been my choice for all other distances at higher speed efforts - tempo day, threshold, race (5k to HM). With Nike being enamored with the AF2, the Vaporfly can often be had for ~$150 here in the US. I am very interested in the Endo P3 but I cannot justify another high cost shoe with so many VF pairs in my closet :D

[@paddywiggle]

Haha I thought you were talking about the air force 1

[@runfrankfurt]

@@paddywiggle 😂 Running a Marathon in the Air Force 1 would be a pretty bad ass move. 💪🏼😝

[@fabsterun]

Amazing comparison. Lovely video Nike is due to upgrade those vaporfly it's been 2 / 3 years? Ok don't fix what's not broken but I mean seems other brands are gaining traction. Saucony really outdid themselves this year . Asics doing great things aswell Nike staying behind if you ask me the alphafly 2 was not such a step forward and those other Nike shoes in the lower tier did not fill any voids

[@stevenleung1759]

Trying to decide between VF, meta sky+ or AF for NYC. Leaning towards VF or sky+ at this point

[@stuartwalker6786]

Tom ....for Chicago, I'd take 2 shoes....Pro3 if it's dry and Nike AFN%2 if wet! 😁Saucony Pro3 my choice for NYC Marathon in November...... as fast as the Nike AFN%2, more comfortable and as/more stable when the old pins lose form when the hurt is on, it's just a lot less intrusive on foot than the Nike....the only question was if it is a VERY wet day, the traction is not as good and man does it squelch when it gets wet! Unlike Nick's run in the rain, I found this even when it had rained and left quite a bit of surface water and an hour into the run it had picked up huge amounts...sock was soaking and the squelch!! 😁Completely different feel/ride though than the speeds and the Pro2's......They've knocked it out the park!

[@josephgonzalez_]

The Vaporflys seem, to me, to have become firmer since the v1s. Perhaps the pro3s feel softer and bouncier like the earlier Vaporflys? If so I think I’ll make the switch to them!

[@markm3747]

Great honest comparison. Recently purchased Endorphin Speed 2 based on @theruntesters recommendations and last week bought the Vaporfly 2 for £135. Hoping foam isn’t too soft for me!

[@jomelltan9296]

Love both shoes but for marathon race I will pick for now the ep3.

[@yesroh]

I noticed the same with the EP1--on hot days, it seemed to collect water, but does anyone have a fool proof way of stopping the achilles rubbing? I bought a pair in August that tore up my Achilles but now am reconsidering, just getting longer socks--would longer socks help?

[@natedawgnug]

Have any flat footed runners used this? I heard the Pro 3 provides more stability as compared to the Pro 2.

[@chrisvanbuggenum871]

Does the Saucony roll inwards at all? As i found the Vaporfly did with me.

[@macoyupadoodle]

Im surprised that the endorphin weight is sooo close while looking like a more comfortable/ built up shoe compared to the VF. The Saucony MIGHT also be more durable .

[@aitorarotzena2550]

Good orning. I wear a 9,5US in the Vaporfly Next% 2 but a 9US in my Pegasus. What size would you recommend me for the Saucony?

[@ryancorr1006]

I run in the Speeds 2's but looking for a race shoe for a half. Watched this twice and still can't decide! What shall I do?

[@keno.bowman9079]

How will the outer sole wear for heel strikers?

[@pinomuscattello8156]

Man! when I saw the title of the video I said, "no-one has been brave enough to make this Comparison between the king and the Pro3" :) I really think that the Vaporfly finally has got a Rival and its strong one.

[@Amadeusz90]

What about longevity, as a heavier runner (94kg) I'm slightly concerned about ZoomX, I've heard that it slowly loses the pop after 250km or so, is this really the case? What about Pro 3, can I expect them to last 500-ish km's without losing performance noticably (my Triumphs are still amazing after 700km)? They're super expensive where I live, durability is definitely a factor. Thanks a lot!

[@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics]

I'd say that there is a very good chance that Pro 3 will last over 500k and possibly up to 400 miles without any major performance drop off. My pair are currently on 238 miles and still going strong. I am consodering purchasing another pair to get a few miles into them and consider wearing as my shoe of choice for upcoming Warsaw Marathon in a little over 3 weeks time. My original plan was to race in Metaspeed Sky+ which I think are quicker but my legs won't thank me so much for in the later miles. Now thinking Pro 3 in dry weather and the Sky+ as a back up plan if it is wet. It is definitely true that the Pro 3 holds on to water.

[@albertogarciasanchez4999]

Which one you'd say is the more durable?

[@andreapacileo143]

Ciao Ragazzi...gran bel video ben spiegato e molto utile...molto professionali. Volevo chiedervi un consiglio. Ho 46 anni, peso 63kg e corro solo da 2 anni. Ad aprile farò la Maratona di Milano dove vorrei fare il mio PB , CIOÈ chiuderla sotto le 03:10...il mio passo è sui 4:25/4:30 al km....che scarpe è meglio usare? la SAUCONY ENDORPHIN PRO 3, oppure la Nike vaporfly Next 2%? Sono molto indeciso su quale comprare . Grazie in anticipo per la risposta vi seguo sempre. CIAO DA ANDREA DA MILANO E BUONE FESTE

[@zer0875]

Vaporfly is just special!

[@paddywiggle]

I have the vaporfly with like 20 miles still but I got the pro 3 just to have something different 👍🏼

[@woidmoasta4673]

i have the vaporfly 2 am also very happy with it but i am still looking for a shoe that has a little more lateral stability than the vaporfly and is still similarly fast. do you think the saucony could fit here?

[@lawrencegalea9911]

Definitely. Tried and tested both. Vaoorfly for a 5k race maybe 10. Saucony pro 3 for long distance. Just feels more locked up to foot, more stable and much more comfortable in my opinion. Vaporfly just feels slightly more faster meaning it has better responsiveness

[@IamMotionMedia]

would you recommend the Vaporfly for casual runners (non-racers) who run 5-10kms and probably is someone with less than ideal running form, if not what would you recommend?

[@alexandernielsen7040]

as a runner who have had both, the endorphin pro 3 would be the better overall shoe for that, I would not go vaporfly, more like a speedy do it all training shoe. Like hoka mach, saucony endorphin speed or asics novablast

[@nicholasrattray8186]

Hey Guys. I have London and then Chicago Marathons. Chicago will be taken a lot easier. What are your thoughts for a shoe for London, Alphafly 1 or 2, Vapourfly 2, Endorphin Pro 3. Very much undecided. I am hoping for around 3 hours. But I know London has quite a few turns. Cheers. Nick.

[@TheRunTesters]

We’ll be having this chat at length in the next podcast haha, I’m (Nick) also really struggling to pick my autumn mara race shoe!

[@steveflor9942]

I'm a cadence runner, so Vaporfly next 2% works better for me. Faster. I love the Endorphin Pro 3, but for me, it seems to have more cushion than I need. Not quite as fast as Vaporfly. Still, I'm glad I own both. Bravo Nike and Saucony

[@runzization]

Do you favor the Endorphin Pro 3 for longer 13.1+ distances?

[@steveflor9942]

@@runzization Yes, the Pro 3 has a wonderful heel strike. Over distance, superb.

[@dhoang75]

Wow...that strange that your VF is true to size? I have to go half a size up in the VF1 & VF2 !!!

[@notall1196]

Pro 3 is shoe of the year hands down

[@lucasgrunden9700]

Nick your 5k PB is better than mine by 0.1 seconds in which I too used the VFs.

[@TheRunTesters]

Haha, sure you would have out-sprinted me if we were in the same race, I don’t have any kick!

[@danielbyrne6214]

I bought the Vaporfly 2 a few weeks back for my 1/2 marathons (triathlon and later stand alone run races). I want to limit the training milage in them so they last longer, what shoes are a good cheaper alternative to train in? Currently I have Newton Distance shoes, but I'd like something that has a similar feel in the sole (drop and stack height).

[@Chronx100]

if you often do marathons, its best not to cheap out on your shoes. Not only does shoe choice go a long way, but it will help prevent injuries aswell. They say the vaporfly can last 400 miles, but honestly its more around 100 to 150. Its the same with the ep3. Anything past that and they just arent as bouncy as they used to be. Honestly, its up to you on how much you value your times or injury prevention.

[@dextersuarez9948]

Absolutely love the vaporfly…however it rubs my heel EVERY TIME, so…due to that fact I’m looking forward to trying the pro 3 and hoping I prefer it.

[@iputuoka2707]

For comfortness to pro3

[@ABucc]

The 2 other colorways are so much better though.

[@joemilewicz6847]

I wonder if the Pro3 is getting so many positive reviews because version 2 wasn’t that great as a race shoe. I didn’t hear anyone ever say they were going to use them for their next marathon over the VF, AF, Adios Pro or Metaspeed instead. Let’s see if they change the speed at all for version 4.

[@therunningdad01]

Nope it's because it's as good or better than the rest.

[@therunningdad01]

I have run in The AF for two marathons, the pro 3 is everything the Alpha Flys are but much more comfortable and lighter. I can't wear the VF they are little to short in a US 13. I have worn the New Balance RC Elite Puma Elite, the pro three is light years ahead of those. I would wear the 3s over any others no question.

[@ptlewis2000]

Endorphin Pro 2 was my preferred Marathon shoe over the VF2 and AF1, and I heard lots of praise on EPRO 2. But then again I'm a stability wearer so maybe that was our niche. The Epro3 has that stability of Epro2 but the performance of the VF2, which is better for us in the marathon. Theoretically, at least, we'll know for sure soon.

[@i.p2088]

When I am dying at the end of a hard run the Vaporfly keeps me going..

[@davecharles6286]

a shoe wont keep you going.. you desire will

[@i.p2088]

@@davecharles6286 at my age I need any help possible 😂

[@buddyrye9190]

You guys failed to mention that the vaporfly has ZERO stability as opposed to the Pro. You honestly should redo this video for this very reason.

[@montesquieu5180]

Really like the comfort ride of the pro 3. Vapor fly in my opinion would be a formula 1 and the pro 3 would be a NASCAR.

[@brandonm4664]

Which do you think is the more stable shoe?

[@macoyupadoodle]

They mentioned the Saucony is a more stable ride .

[@amarikrm]

Saucony definitely! It’s awkward just to walk on Vaporfly

[@brandonm4664]

@@amarikrm agree about walking on Vapor’s. Thanks.

[@eoincasey5461]

€250 for those that care, seeing as they never mention Euro prices here.

[@Luke-nh5tu]

The technology got so good that it’s fair to say that it’s cheating to race in these shoes compared to someone who doesn’t have them and to yourself if you wouldn’t run in them. If you don’t believe me test yourself with and without it

[@SweetFi]

why none of the best runners chooses saucony?

[@TheRunTesters]

If you mean the top elites they almost all are sponsored (by Nike and Adidas) and use their shoes. Nike have also been very dominant for a few years so unsponsored elites will tend to use them

[@TolunayOrkun]

Olympian Jared Ward runs on Saucony. It is just that Nike and Adidas have sponsored the majority of sponsored athletes.

[@nunoborgesdias6332]

Saucony Pro 3 all the way. More durable, more comfortable, more reliable. Nike shoes are and always will be too expensive for the poor quality offered. Saucony and Brooks are leading!

[@franmr5562]

How’a about the outsole durability?

[@hezriejaspal6103]

Dang no matter how good people say about the saucony pro3. Please change the design and I'll get them. At this point They look like Barbie shoes.

[@chucky1golf]

Never got VF 's ugly looking designed shoe ,BUT if a good non Nike marathon shoe exists it means spending less money for runners which can only be a good thing.

[@jeremyjj6681]

On 10k-21k nothing can be faster than a vaporfly nothing… still the fastest shoes 5 years later…

[@gerylagrande]

I returned the Endorphin Pro 3 without even trying them on because of the unbearable chemical smell out of the box !! For sure, it's really unhealthy to run in them😡👎