Nike Vaporfly 4 vs Saucony Endorphin Elite 2

Comparison Overview

Both are top contenders in the racing category. Try both to find your preference.

How the Nike Vaporfly 4 and Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 differ

The Nike Vaporfly 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 sit in the same racing bucket, so the question isn't what you'd use them for — it's which one matches your stride, your weekly mileage, and your budget.

Where they actually differ: the Nike Vaporfly 4 comes in roughly 0.3 oz lighter (6.7 oz vs 7 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the drop differs (6mm on the Nike Vaporfly 4, 8mm on the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2) — higher-drop shoes tend to feel friendlier to heel strikers and tight calves, while lower drops favor a midfoot landing; and the Nike Vaporfly 4 is $20 cheaper at MSRP ($270 vs $290).

Head-to-Head Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is lighter, the Nike Vaporfly 4 or the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2?

The Nike Vaporfly 4 is the lighter shoe at 6.7 oz versus 7 oz.

Which costs less?

The Nike Vaporfly 4 is the more affordable option at $270 compared to $290.

Do they have the same heel-to-toe drop?

No. The Nike Vaporfly 4 has a 6mm drop and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 has a 8mm drop, which can change how each shoe loads your calves and Achilles.

Are these carbon-plated racing shoes?

Yes — both the Nike Vaporfly 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 use a carbon plate, so they're built primarily for race day and key workouts rather than daily mileage.

Can I rotate both shoes in the same training block?

Yes — many runners pair complementary shoes like these to spread load across different muscles and tendons. Use our rotation planner to build a mileage split that fits your schedule.

Read the full reviews

• Nike Vaporfly 4 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
• Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
• Browse the full running shoe database
• See more shoe comparisons