Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 vs Nike Vaporfly 4
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Same weight at size 10.5 (8.2 oz) but the Vaporfly is considered the better option at a similar price point
Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , firm_responsive feel , high energy return , neutral stability , aggressive rocker.
-
A slightly lighter, higher-foam race-day pairing for the Endorphin Azura, with a durable PWRRUN PB foam that keeps the same underfoot feel from training to racing.
In their words: "not going to be miles away" · "that little bit more durable"
-
Fordy highlights the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5's new fluted, more rigid carbon plate as delivering a very stable racing ride.
In their words: "very good stable racing shoe"
-
Both reviewers found the Endorphin Pro 5 disappointing, calling it an outdated race day shoe that feels like it is from two years ago. With minimal innovation over the Pro 4, heavier weight than competitors, and firm foam that causes late-run fatigue, they rated it a pass and gave it a red light recommendation.
Ride:Foam feels firm and a bit dated compared to newer race day options. Dual foam midsole with Power Run HG on top for softer step-in feel and Power Run PB below for structure. Slotted carbon plate provides some pop but overall the shoe lacks the soft, propulsive feel of modern super shoes. Thomas experienced forefoot fatigue after 10 miles due to firmness.
Fit:Fits true to size. Accommodates wider feet despite being a race day shoe. Heel lockdown is good with no gaping around the collar. Requires untying to remove.
In their words: "the foam is a lot firmer" · "one of the heavier race day options" · "people who maybe prefer a firmer ride"
-
A subtle upper-focused update that is essentially the same shoe as the Pro 4 with a $15 tariff-driven price bump; capable but less aggressive than peers, and Kofuzi suggests grabbing discounted Pro 4s instead.
Ride:Nice compression and responsiveness from Power Run PB, but softer than ideal; slotted plate and HG top layer reduce pop. Stable heel suits midfoot/heel strikers.
Fit:Upper feels less precise, slightly baggy; feels like a cost-saving downgrade versus prior versions.
In their words: "a little bit on the soft side" · "ideal for midfoot and heel strikers" · "less aggressive than I'd like"
Nike Vaporfly 4 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
-
EDDBUD says the Vaporfly 4 became one of his favorites after initially disliking it — great lockdown since the offset lacing was dropped, very light, and durable outside of sharp debris.
Fit:Sizing is a bit sporadic across colorways currently on sale.
In their words: "kind of become one of my favorites" · "great lockdown" · "very light shoe"
-
#4 carbon racer. Brings Vaporfly closer to Alphafly aesthetic — execution issues but still fun at fast paces. Extremely lightweight.
In their words: "still very fun for running very fast" · "extremely lightweight shoe" · "execution issues going on with this shoe"
-
A solid but limited race shoe that feels light and quick at shorter distances but lacks the midsole and bounce for longer races, especially the marathon.
Ride:Lighter and closer to the ground than Vaporfly 3 with snappy, responsive ride and reliable landings; lacks midsole bounce and feels limited at longer distances; works well for shorter, faster efforts.
Fit:Roomier than expected for such a lean, small-looking shoe with plenty of space for the big toe; race-hugging without feeling cramped, with some heel slipping fixable with attentive lacing; stay true to size.
In their words: "designed for shorter distances" · "doesn't have enough midsole for me" · "a half marathon sweet spot"
-
Not a flop — still a top-tier super shoe, but Nike has narrowed its purpose to 5K and 10K racing, making it less versatile than prior Vaporflies and a poor pick for half marathon or marathon distances.
Ride:Lightest Vaporfly yet, makes 5K pace feel smooth and efficient; ZoomX shows quick compression where the foot lands
Fit:Best-fitting Vaporfly to date with a slightly more narrow forefoot, traditional tongue and a secure spike-like lockdown; no heel slipping for Ben
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 if
- Marathoners wanting a stable, plated race day shoe — FORDY RUNS
- Marathon and any race distance for runners wanting soft but guided cushioning. — EDDBUD
- Everyday marathon and half-marathon racers, heavier runners, and those with mild overpronation seeking a stable carbon-plated racer. — FORDY RUNS
- Heavier runners or those whose form breaks down during longer races; marathon distance where stability and a consistent ride matter — EDDBUD
- Midfoot and heel strikers wanting a less aggressive, more stable race shoe. — Kofuzi
- Runners who prefer a firmer, more stable race day shoe and liked the Endorphin Pro 4 — Believe in the Run
Consider the Nike Vaporfly 4 if
- Racing for runners seeking a light, fast marathon/road racer at a bargain price, especially those with smaller/lighter feet who get the most 'explosive feel' from it. — EDDBUD
- 5K to half marathon; viable marathon option for seasoned runners — The Run Testers
- Runners who prioritize a comfortable, light upper in a race shoe but may find the foam underwhelming — EDDBUD
- Runners wanting one lightweight super shoe that covers easy through race day — especially those new to carbon — Doctors of Running
- Runners who want a lightweight, snappy, ground-connected race shoe for 5K to half marathon distances — The Run Testers
- Track workouts and shorter races where breathability and a narrow, light, fast platform matter — Seth James DeMoor
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 and the Nike Vaporfly 4?
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 is a race shoe and the Nike Vaporfly 4 is a race shoe. By the numbers, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 weighs 215g, has a 39mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the Nike Vaporfly 4 weighs 167g, has a 36mm heel stack and a 6mm drop. MSRP is $240 for the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 and $240 for the Nike Vaporfly 4.
Should I buy the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 or the Nike Vaporfly 4?
FORDY RUNS on the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5: Marathoners wanting a stable, plated race day shoe. EDDBUD on the Nike Vaporfly 4: Racing for runners seeking a light, fast marathon/road racer at a bargain price, especially those with smaller/lighter feet who get the most 'explosive feel' from it.
Per FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD.
Has anyone reviewed both the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 and the Nike Vaporfly 4?
Yes — Believe in the Run directly compared the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 and the Nike Vaporfly 4 in their reviews.
Per Believe in the Run.
Which is lighter, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 or the Nike Vaporfly 4?
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is lighter, at 167g versus 215g (men's 9) — about 48g less.
Which is more cushioned, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 or the Nike Vaporfly 4?
Measured by stack height, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 has more underfoot foam — 39mm at the heel versus 36mm.