Comparison Overview
Both are top contenders in the racing category. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 edges out as our pick.
How the Nike Vaporfly 4 and Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 differ
The Nike Vaporfly 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 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 0.6 oz lighter (6.7 oz vs 7.3 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the drop differs (6mm on the Nike Vaporfly 4, 8mm on the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5) — higher-drop shoes tend to feel friendlier to heel strikers and tight calves, while lower drops favor a midfoot landing; the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 rides on the taller stack (32mm/26mm vs 39.5mm/31.5mm), giving it more under-foot cushioning at the cost of a slightly less stable platform; and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 is $45 cheaper at MSRP ($270 vs $225).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Nike Vaporfly 4 | Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Nike | Saucony |
| Model | Vaporfly 4 | Endorphin Pro 5 |
| Category | racing | racing |
| Weight | 6.7 oz | 7.3 oz |
| Drop | 6mm | 8mm |
| Price | $270 | $225 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is lighter, the Nike Vaporfly 4 or the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5?
- The Nike Vaporfly 4 is the lighter shoe at 6.7 oz versus 7.3 oz.
- Which costs less?
- The Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 is the more affordable option at $225 compared to $270.
- Do they have the same heel-to-toe drop?
- No. The Nike Vaporfly 4 has a 6mm drop and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 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 Pro 5 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 Pro 5 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Browse the full running shoe database
- See more shoe comparisons
Not sure which is right for you?
Use our AI-powered shoe finder for personalized recommendations, or build a smart shoe rotation with the rotation planner.