Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 vs. Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2

When looking for a top-level running shoe, you will get recommendations for Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2.

These running shoes offer performance and unparalleled speed and gained attention in the running community.

While they both have carbon plates and high stack height with cushioning, they differ in some categories, and you stopped here to know where.

So, stick to the end as I compare the design, construction, performance, fit, comfort, etc., between the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 to make the right decision for you.

Let’s dive in.

Overview of Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2

The Saucony Endorphin Pro and Nike Vaporfly Next% series are ready to deliver the ultimate performance on race day.

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 offers speed with its lightweight design. Saucony added an extra lace from the predecessor with the aim of improving midfoot lock and overall comfort.

This shoe can help you break your records.

Due to the higher volume, this shoe fits wider feet, making it a perfectly balanced shoe for wide-footed runners.

On the other hand, the Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 stands out with its premium ZoomX midsole and carbon plate for enhanced responsiveness.

Nike has improved the quality of Vaporfly Next% 2 to make it more breathable.

While Nike Alphafly and Vaporfly share similar features, speed-focused racers often choose the Vaporfly over Alphafly to push the boundaries.

Attribute Comparison Table: Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 vs Saucony Endorphin Pro 2

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 and Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 are highly popular in the racing shoe market.

However, they differ in various attributes like weight, cushioning, soles, etc.

Below is an attribute table highlighting comparisons between the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2:

Now, let’s dive into the detailed comparisons.

Key Differences Between Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 shine themselves with their unique features and technologies. Understanding their crucial differences can help you choose the ideal footgear based on your needs.

Here are the main differences between Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2:

1. Upper Design and Aesthetics

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 features FORMFIT mesh upper. The single-layered engineered mesh is lightweight and wraps the foot nicely.

Due to the design, the shoe provides impressive breathability.

This feature is crucial to keep the feet cool through summer. But, like the other side of the coin, my feet got too cold in the winter.

The Endorphin Pro 2 has two lacing tabs, which helped to achieve an improved lockdown across the midfoot. However, it lacks eyestay.

I used a thick sock, which was not a problem at all due to the spacious inside.

Endorphin Pro 2 features a thin mesh gusseted tongue. Though it’s only 0.7mm thick, I felt no extra lace pressure on my feet.

Conversely, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 ditched the first generation’s plasticky vapor weave upper. Instead, Nike used a less baggy knitted upper.

Due to the improved synthetic mesh, this shoe also provides excellent breathability.

Moreover, the new slight reinforcement in the toe section helps to keep the dirt off your toes.

Though it has more padding on the tongue, Vaporfly 2 doesn’t have a gusseted tongue, unfortunately.

In addition, I found it challenging to keep the swallowtail-designed tongue where I wanted to place it.

The collar pod on the heel was also slightly unpleasant, as it rubbed at my back.

However, you can find it to fit the shoe tightly.

Regarding upper construction, I prefer the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 over the Vaporfly Next% 2.

2. Sole Technology

In Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, I found that the outsole remains similar to the first version. It has a standard racing grip setup with minimal outsole rubber.

The XT-900 outsole with reinforced high-abrasion zones is really great for grip and endurance.

Saucony used the PWRRUN PB foam in the midsole with the same geometry and SPEEDROLL technology. All this combination gives a propulsive feel.

Though loads of midsole foam were exposed, I found no durability issues. I recommend using the shoes on roads, sidewalks, or a track.

There’s an S-shaped carbon fiber plate running through the entire shoe in the middle of the PB foam.

On the other hand, Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 uses ZoomX foam without any AirPods, which you will find in the Alphafly.

Vaporfly 2 uses a full-length carbon plate that provides lots of propulsion. The outsole also holds up to the competition like it did with the Vaporfly Next%.

The toe cap is angled upwards, which gives a unique appearance.

In terms of sole technology, I declare both shoes are a tie.

3. Fit and Sizing

I ordered Men’s 9, and the Endorphin Pro 2 fits true to size.

Regarding fitting, the Endorphin Pro 2’s insole and the heel cup construction are modeled nicely.

It’s like the heel nicely finds its slot into the shoe like a bucket. Its hold around the heel was a pretty good experience. In addition, the lacing system also provided a snug fit on top of it.

The 8mm heel-to-toe drop gave a smooth transition– not a bouncy feeling, but effortless speed.

In contrast, Nike mentioned that the ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 fits small. However, one of my friends and I ordered a regular size, which fits true-to-size for us.

The shoe also fits nicely on my feet with enough wiggle room. The upper mesh also made an impact.

Due to the tongue, hell slippage was a risky factor in my run test. But your mileage may vary.

When it comes to fit and sizing, Endorphin Pro 2 takes the crown.

4. Cushioning and Stability

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 shines with its responsive cushioning. Saucony did a great job with the proper cushioning balance—not too firm or too plush.

It performs well when you are at pace. But it can cause stability issues and wobble at slower speeds.

Vaporfly 2, on the other hand, offers huge cushioning with a 40mm stack height in the heel, giving a very little ground feel.

The ZoomX midsole is excellent for marathon distances without giving you fatigue compared to other midsole foams.

However, the higher heel striker is my main concern, which can lead to instability.

The narrow midfoot and rearfoot are another drawback that makes the Next% 2 inflexible.

While they both shine with their cushioning, both Endorphin Pro 2 and Vaporfly 2 have some stability issues in specific cases. 

So, it’s a tie for me.

5. Performance and Durability

The carbon-fiber plate, Speedroll technology, and responsive design enhance the Endorphin Pro’2 performance and ensure a smooth ride.

The perfect-sized heel cup and midsole give confidence when turning. The XT-900 outsole performed well in dry and wet atmospheres.

During testing, I found noticeable comfort at higher speeds in tempo workouts with Pro 2 compared to recovery intervals.

Around 7.5 ounces of lightweight and responsive cushioning contributes to the efficient running experience. And it’s also durable like its predecessor.

However, the carbon plate’s sturdiness caused discomfort in my run test at slow speeds.

So, Endorphin Pro 2 will perform better at racing compared to regular training runs.

Contrarily, Vaporfly Next% 2 is also optimized for speed. Feather-light weight, below 7 ounces, allows Vaporfly 2 to maintain the pace in any condition.

The traction-focused outsole allowed me quick turnover, but the traction was subpar.

If you are ready to make a personal effort, this shoe will certainly give you a boost.

The forefoot’s thick rubber outsole is very durable. Two vertically striped rubber on the rear outsole recessed into the midsole.

One potential drawback is the midsole sections tend to abrasion due to not being covered with rubber. But it’s not a significant concern.

I like lightweight shoes, and Vaporfly 2 satisfied me with its performance.

6. Price and Value

As both Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 are top-tier racing shoes, they come at a premium price.

However, Endorphin Pro 2 costs slightly lower, around $200, compared to Vaporfly Next% 2’s $250.

I think the price justifies the features and technologies they offer. Both shoes offer good value for the bucks.

Though the price is slightly higher, I lean more toward the Vaporfly Next%2. But you can’t go wrong with the Endorphin Pro 2 either.

Pros & Cons of Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 are amazing running shoes for their unique features.

Finding their advantages and potential drawbacks can help you make a meaningful decision.

Following are the pros and cons of Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 and Saucony Endorphin Pro 2:

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2

Which to Choose: Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 or Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2?

After a detailed comparison, you can clearly see that both shoes deliver top-notch performance and speed capabilities.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 delights with its lightweight design and responsive cushioning.

The breathability is impressive with its unique upper. For wider feet, it will fit perfectly.

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 mitigates your search for racing shoes with its maximum energy return with the ZoomX midsole and excellent breathability with a snug fit for narrow feet.

I prefer the Vaporfly Next% 2 despite being more pricey than the Endorphin Pro 2 for its lightweight, almost no break-in period, and the comfy fit it provides.

You can’t go wrong with Saucony either, as Endorphin Pro 2 is also an excellent option for runners aiming to push their limits.

FAQs

Is Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 suitable for the marathon?

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is an excellent footgear to cover 5K, 10K, or marathon distances. But racing is not the limit of the shoe. You can also use Endorphin Pro 2 for recovery or tempo runs.

Can you run a marathon in Nike Vaporfly Next% 2?

The Nike Vaporfly series is best for speed workouts and racing. And Vaporfly Next% 2 ensures it covers long-distance running like marathons. So you can efficiently perform great with Vaporfly 2 in a marathon.

What’s the difference in cushioning technologies between the Endorphin Pro 2 and Vaporfly Next% 2?

The materials differ, while Endorphin Pro 2 and Vaporfly Next% 2 offer responsive cushioning. Endorphin Pro 2 uses PWRRUN PB cushioning and Speedroll technology, whereas Nike uses their proprietary ZoomX foam and a carbon fiber plate for a better cushioning experience.

Can I use Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 on terrain?

No. Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 are racing shoes specially for marathon tracks. Due to the outsole pattern and lack of proper lugs, they are unsuitable for terrain and hill climbing.