| Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 | Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 |
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| Buy From Pro:Direct Running | Buy From Nike |
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Running enthusiasts, buckle up for an exciting journey comparing two titans - Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and Nike Vaporfly 3!
Both shoes are powerhouses in their own right, winning runners over with innovative designs and performance-enhancing features that set them apart from each other.
But which shoe will ultimately take home the crown as the supreme running shoe?
What Is The Difference Between The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and Nike Vaporfly 3?
The Heel Difference
When it comes to heel cushioning, two powerful forces exist - each supporting its own distinct philosophy.
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 features an exquisitely engineered heel designed to offer a firm yet forgiving landing platform, creating a responsive toe-off with every stride.
Its innovative FORMFIT technology cradles runner's feet for comfort and efficiency, while Nike Vaporfly 3 uses ZoomX foam and an additional full-length carbon plate as key selling points. This combination creates an almost trampoline-like effect for runners, providing unparalleled energy return that propels them forward while simultaneously reducing fatigue and improving performance over long distances.
Both technologies represent exciting advancements in footwear technology that cater to different runners' preferences in pursuit of that elusive perfect run.
Uppers Difference
Comparing their uppers, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and Nike Vaporfly 3 offer distinctive approaches to supporting runners' feet.
While the Endorphin Pro 3 uses single-layer mesh that maximises breathability while maintaining durability. This design, combined with the shoe's 3D-printed structure, not only reduces weight but also adapts to each foot shape for an ideal, customised fit that is both snug and flexible.
Conversely, Nike Vaporfly 3 utilises their engineered mesh technology called VaporWeave. This material is known for its lightweight properties and moisture-wicking abilities, helping keep feet dry and comfortable. VaporWeave shoes are specifically engineered to resist sweat absorption, maintaining their featherweight feel even under strenuous conditions.
As runners select their shoe preferences for sprinters and endurance athletes alike, selecting between those that prioritise agility or comfort becomes key in making their decision.
Outsole Difference
When it comes to outsole durability and traction, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and Nike Vaporfly 3 vary significantly to meet runners' individual needs.
The Endorphin Pro 3 features strategically-placed rubber with an enhanced tread pattern designed for durability and grip in various terrain conditions, making it suitable for long training runs as well as race day competition.
The Vaporfly 3, on the other hand, prioritises speed through minimal outsole rubber coverage that favours weight reduction over tread longevity. While this approach offers racing benefits, regular runners may require more frequent replacement due to increased wear-and-tear.
Each brand's decision highlights tradeoffs between short-term lightweight builds optimised for speed and long-term durability and traction required for extended mileage running.
The Midsole Difference
Midsoles are often considered the centre of any running shoe, determining its comfort and responsiveness during runs.
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 takes advantage of PWRRUN PB cushioning - a lightweight foam with exceptional energy return and resilience - to deliver a springy ride, something many competitive runners appreciate.
Nike Vaporfly 3 features the innovative ZoomX foam, known for its exceptional energy return and cushioning despite being lightweight. Nike's carbon fibre plate creates a sensation of propulsion that athletes love for cutting seconds off of personal bests.
Each brand's midsole technology showcases their respective philosophies: Saucony emphasises well-balanced performance while Nike prioritises ultra-responsive race day speed.
The Weight Difference
A running shoe's weight can have a dramatic impact on a runner's performance and fatigue levels.
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, while offering comprehensive features, remains at an attainable weight, enabling runners to maintain speed without being bogged down by heavy footwear. Its men's shoe weight is 204g and the women's shoe is 179g.
Conversely, the Nike Vaporfly 3 takes lightweightness to an extreme, featuring one of the lightest foams and upper materials on the market. This significant reduction in weight aims to optimise efficiency and economy of motion while creating an almost "barely there" sensation when walking or running. Its men's shoe weight is 186g and the women's shoe is 168g.
Both shoes embody featherweight contenders with minimal weight yet maximum performance capabilities in mind.
The Stack Difference
One cannot ignore stack height when making comparisons between these two running shoes. It refers to how much material is between your foot and the ground - impacting cushioning, running mechanics and comfort significantly.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 shoe features a sizable stack height for an exceptionally cushioned and protective ride, helping reduce joint impact over longer distances.
Nike Vaporfly 3 ultra maximalist cushioning offers the feeling of running on clouds. The high-rise cushioning can reduce strain on the lower extremities, which is especially helpful during long races.
Both options indicate the advancements made in shoe technology targeted specifically at runners who run many kilometres per month.
| Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 | Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 |
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| Buy From Pro:Direct Running | Buy From Nike |
Conclusion
Let's not get bogged down in details here: both the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and Nike Vaporfly 3 are outstanding examples of running shoe evolution.
From its pep-in-your-step to cloud-like bounce, both provide fantastic benefits that should meet both your feet's and running aspirations needs perfectly.
Simply slip one on, put them through their paces, and let your soles decide who emerges victorious from this foot-feather battle.
Where To Buy
You can buy both trainers easily online or in-store depending on your preference.
Here are links to the brands directly:
| Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 | Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 |
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| Buy From Pro:Direct Running | Buy From Nike |
Questions
If you have any questions you would like to ask about the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 or Nike Vaporfly 3, please ask below in the comments.
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Nike Trainer Comparisons
If you found this guide useful, have a look at our other Nike trainer guides:
- Vaporfly 2 vs Vaporfly 3
- Alphafly 2 vs Vaporfly 2
- Invincible 2 vs Invincible 3
- Alphafly 1 vs Alphafly 2
- What is Nike's fastest running shoe?
Saucony Comparisons
If you found this guide useful, have a look at our other Saucony trainer guides: