Adios Pro 3 vs. Vaporfly 3 vs. Endorphin Pro 3 vs. Metaspeed Sky: Differences and Reviews 2025

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 Review

Official Price: $250

Adios Pro is Adidas’ flagship marathon racer.These shoes received the most wins during 2021 World Major Marathon events.The original Adios and Adios 2 were the tools of choice for many elite marathon runners, including those like multiple-time champion and world record holder Haile Gebrselassie. The Adios Pro series entered the arena with one of the first examples of Adidas's Lightstrike Pro foam combined with carbon rods.  It was an excellent long-distance racing shoe and definitely worked better with longer-distance races/efforts. Version 3 has more foam in the forefoot, a wider net base and a more aggressive toe-spring which makes it softer, more stable and more propulsive than the previous version.

That’s the claim by Adidas on the product page of the Adios Pro 3. After many years of trying to catch up to Nike’s flagship racers, Adidas has finally managed to do it and even overtake Nike (in only World Major Marathon wins though).The Adios Pro 3 has received a whole slew of updates including a new upper, midsole and outsole. The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 has a unique placement of carbon fiber rods embedded into their midsole. The sole features adidas’ Lightstrike Pro foam which is a tiny bit heavier than Nike’s foam but provides more stability and durability. The Energyrods that line the foot like metatarsals also aid in stability.With its wider design, it accommodates wide feet and grips even in wet conditions. 

The Adizero Adios Pro 3 stands out as one of the top racing shoes available in the market, if not the absolute best. 

Who should buy the adidas Adios Pro 3?If you are looking for a fast carbon-plated racing shoe, it’s an excellent option.

Who should not buy the adidas Adios Pro 3?If you're a lover of the v2, the shift to the new model could be a bit too much. The v3 is significantly wider, catering more to midfoot strikers, while the v2 suits heel strikers better due to its high drop.Those with a preference for extremely plush racing shoes might also find the Adios Pro 3 disappointing.

Adizero Adios Pro 3 Pros and Cons

Where to Buy Adizero Adios Pro 3?

• adidas official website (12% super cash back)

• Champs Sports (4% super cash back)

• Amazon
  

• GOAT

• Dicks Sporting Goods 

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Nike Vaporfly 3 Review

Official Price: $250-$260

The Vaporfly Next% is Nike’s most successful and popular marathon racing shoe.The Vaporfly Next% 3 is the third iteration of the series. 

The new Nike Vaporfly Next 3 super shoes retain the highlights of previous versions, with a few notable improvements.The main improvement is in weight and comfort. The shoe weighs 0.18 oz/5 g less while offering more ZoomX foam.Specifically selected Flyknit yarns and engineered zones in the forefoot bring a new level of performance to the Vaporfly. Ample breathability around the toes combined with soft, yet supportive yarns deliver the most customized upper for the Vaporfly. The result is a softer, cooler design that conforms to your foot.An updated thin outsole rubber uses less material without sacrificing durability, which helps reduce outsole weight and thickness.

A full-length, carbon fiber plate underfoot provides a propulsive sensation to help you push the pace.The new VaporWeave material is insanely strong and crazy lightweight. It’s also water resistant so go ahead and pour water over your head—these shoes won’t soak it all up.It doesn't offer as much speed assistance as other top tier carbon racers because of its gentle forefoot rocker but it's incredibly lightweight and extremely comfortable.From elite runners to those new to racing, this versatile road-racing workhorse is for those who see speed as a gateway to more miles and more seemingly uncatchable highs.

Who should buy the adidas Nike Vaporfly 3? Nike Vaporfly 3 is made for the chasers, the racers, the elevated pacers who can’t turn down the thrill of the pursuit. 

Who should not buy the Nike Vaporfly 3? Narrow-footed runners might find themselves slipping and sliding inside the Vaporfly 3. Those looking for a super shoe with a decidedly better lockdown should try the Alphafly Next% instead.

Nike Vaporfly 3 Pros and Cons

Where to Buy Nike Vaporfly 3?

• Nike (up to 3% super cash back)

• Foot Locker (4% super cash back)

• Champs Sports (4% super cash back)

• Dicks Sporting Goods

• GOAT

• STOCKX

Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 Review

Official Price: $225

The Saucony Endorphin line is one of the most popular models of road running shoes available.This collection has some powerhouse shoes built for speed but is also tailored to fit every runner’s need.

Changes were minimal between the Saucony Endorphin Pro 1 and Endorphin Pro 2, having identical specs on paper. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 puts a game-changing spin on the franchise, with all engineering components receiving beneficial updates.The Endorphin Pro 3 has a new, stripped down upper, a beefed up midsole and a tweaked outsole. The Endorphin Pro 3 has been updated with an additional 4mm of PWRRUN PB, bringing it just under World Athletics' limit of 40mm stack height for marathon racing shoes. It has the S-shaped carbon plate for propulsion as well as the SpeedRoll technology to quicken transitions.It features thinner XT-900 rubber underfoot compared to the previous generation, providing coverage to cater to midfoot and heel strikers without increasing weight.

As Saucony’s ‘super shoe’ for race day, Version 3 has a lot more foam and a wider base, making it softer and more stable; however the new minimal upper runs a half size too small. While it can handle everything from easy runs to fast workouts, it doesn’t have the “oomph” that some of the other carbon-plated racers have so it doesn’t feel as fast. The changes to the upper give you a more roomy feeling overall so that narrowness is gone. And they do their job, which is to go fast, and whether it is your half marathon or full marathon race day, or you just wanna see what it’s like to go fast the Endorphin Pro 3 is a great choice.

Who should buy the Endorphin Pro 3? The third version of the Saucony Endorphin Pro is a great buy if you want a: 

• carbon-plated running shoe that offers an insane amount of energy return

• long-distance racer that's best suited for half to full marathons, especially during summer

Who should not buy the Endorphin Pro 3? If you want a racing shoe that won't be abrasive on your heel, the Endorphin Pro is not it.

Endorphin Pro 3 Pros and Cons

Where to Buy Endorphin Pro 3?

• Saucony (8% super cash back)

• Moosejaw (6% super cash back)

• Dicks Sporting Goods

• REI

• Amazon

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Review

Official Price: $250

The Metaspeed Sky is ASICS’ most advanced, most expensive marathon racing shoe they’ve ever created.The shoe is a carbon-plated road racing shoe designed for neutral runners. It can be used for a wide range of race distances from the 5k to the marathon.

The MetaSpeed Sky highlights all of ASICS's top technology in one exceptional package. In the midsole, ASICS introduces FLYTEFOAM Turbo which is the brand's lightest and most responsive foam to date. In true super shoe fashion, ASICS has also included a full-length carbon plate along with a unique midsole geometry that allows the MetaSpeed Sky to deliver unbelievable speed and performance. The unique midsole geometry is another major highlight of the MetaSpeed Sky as it allows runners to extend their stride without adjusting their cadence, which further accentuates the propulsive speed of these racers. To top it all off, the engineered mesh upper design provides runners with a magnificent amount of comfort and a secure lockdown, while being incredibly lightweight and breathable.

The Metaspeed Sky sees Asics lay down the gauntlet to Nike and Adidas and prove that it can make a running shoe that’s built for going fast and helping maintain that speed over the course of your run or race.It’s not cheap, but if you’re looking for a great alternative to what Nike and Adidas currently have to offer in the performance shoe realms, don’t rule out the Metaspeed Sky.

Who should buy the Metaspeed Sky?Runners who are looking to reach new levels of performance and amplify their speed should get their hands on a pair of MetaSpeed Sky.The ASICS Metaspeed Sky is a dream come true for runners who love their toe box spacious. Heck, it can even fit wide feet. 

Who should not buy the Metaspeed Sky?This isn’t a shoe to pick up as a daily trainer or to wear for 'pressure’s off' runs. It’s one to save when you want to be at your quickest.

Metaspeed Sky Pros and Cons

Where to Buy Metaspeed Sky?

• ASICS (5% super cash back)

• Amazon

• Dicks Sporting Goods

• GOAT

Adios Pro 3 vs. Vaporfly 3 vs. Endorphin Pro 3 vs. Metaspeed Sky: Side-by-Side Comaprsion

1. Midsole and Carbon Fibre Plate

Adios Pro 3 - There are now 2 layers of Lightstrike Pro foam which make up the midsole of the Adios Pro 3. The ENERGYRODS 2.0 are embedded in between the two layers. Both layers feel very similar in density and the ride feels like the midsole is made from a single chunk of foam.ENERGYRODS 2.0 starts at the heel and stretches all the way to the end of the forefoot.The plate and the rods were not connected. This feels like you’re being helped forward as you transition from midfoot to forefoot. This sensation is most prominent when you’re going at moderate paces or faster, below 5 minutes per km.Seeking to shave a bit of weight from the Adios Pro 3, the midsole geometry includes a few cutaways in areas which frequently go unabraded. 

Vaporfly 3 - The midsole of the Vaporfly 3 is made of ZoomX foam which is super light and super bouncy. It allows the Vaporfly to be one of the lightest racing shoes on the market with enough cushioning for a full marathon.ZoomX works in synergy with the integrated carbon fiber Flyplate and a rocker design to provide optimum responsiveness. The result is more efficient propulsion with every stride, especially at toe off, allowing you to go faster than with other shoes for the same effort, even on tired legs.The stiff carbon plate of the Vaporfly 3 is angled upwards in the forefoot but it isn’t rounded so it doesn’t function as a rocker: it gives you a forward-tipping sensation with each toe-off which is unique to the Vaporfly.

Endorphin Pro 3 - The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 features a redesigned midsole that packs in more PWRRUN PB foam than its predecessor.It’s more bouncy and feels just much more lively while that stiff carbon fiber plate does a great job of transferring energy and allowing you to feel that extremely fun PWRRUN PB foam.It’s an ultra-responsive ride with S-curve carbon plate and aggressive SPEEDROLL rocker geometry ensuring smooth and snappy transitions from heel-to-toe while preserving your energy.The Endorphins excel in a more responsive and lively ride than the Nike’s. Furthermore, the S-Curve plate exhibits less rigidity compared to the Nike’s design, contributing to more energy return and an additional boost in forward propulsion.

Metaspeed Sky - The midsole of the Metaspeed Sky is made of Flytefoam Blast Turbo which is their latest nylon-based super foam. It has a high level of cushioning with a high level of energy return in a lightweight form.The lightweight FF Blast Turbo cushioning compresses as you land then quickly bounces back to allow a super responsive take-off. It is also designed to help reduce the impact and protect your joints.These shoes have full-length carbon fibre plates embedded in their midsoles.The Metaspeed Sky’s plate is rounded at the front of it so the Metaspeed Sky has a rocker. The carbon-fiber plate flexes at initial contact before contracting at toe off for enchanced propulsion.The rocker geometry provides a natural rocking motion for a responsive ride.

2. Outsole

Adios Pro 3 - The outsole of the Adizero Adios Pro 3 is made from a minimally thin, yet maximally covered layer of Continental rubber. Laid out in mainly strategic areas or most abrasion, the outsole rubber of the shoe has gaps through the arch and through the centerline of the rear half of the shoe.You get the regular, thicker Continental rubber on the toe area of the outsole. Grip is great for the first couple hundred kilometres but as soon as it becomes smooth, the shoe loses a lot of traction.There is also a distinctive cutaway just under the little toe which saves some weight and is also a seldom worn part of a shoe for most runners.Most of the rubber on the outsole is still the thin, rough-textured kind so it’s still a shoe that you’ll want to use exclusively for races. 

Vaporfly 3 - In the outsole the ribbed rubber forefoot has been replaced with a thinner, waffle pattern rubber outsole with holes in it to save weight. The result is a quieter ride with more padded landings and more ground feel. The new waffle outsole also provides better grip because it feels softer and has more bite.The midfoot and the centre of the rearfoot has exposed foam on it. As usual, this exposed ZoomX foam is extremely brittle and gets scuffed very easily by the road so the Vaporfly 3’s durability isn’t great. 

Endorphin Pro 3 - The outsole uses targeted pieces of XT-900 rubber for a little extra grip and durability in key areas.It is slightly thinner regarding its thickness.On the Pro 3, there’s much more coverage than there was in the last two years of this shoe.There’s a massive cut-out in the midfoot and a smaller one on the forefoot, which allows you to see the carbon fiber plate and allow the Pro to shed a bit of weight.The Pro 3 has a outsole design with an additional layer of rubber in the heel area for extra cushioning and shock absorption.It has a outsole design with an additional layer of rubber in the heel area for extra cushioning and shock absorption.

Metaspeed Sky - Metaspeed Sky features a ASICSGRIP outsole.The ASICSGRIP outsole provides a solid grip and enough traction to help you tackle tight corners and keep you grounded on wet roads. The rubber is also abrasion-resistant and designed to maintain its shape overtime.The outsole has better grip than the Vaporfly but lower durability. Its entire forefoot is covered with rubber while there are some strips of rubber on the rearfoot to protect the high wear areas but the rubber strips don’t extend far back enough so when you heel strike, the exposed foam on the heel gets chewed up by the ground.

3. Upper

Adios Pro 3 - Made primarily from Adidas Celermesh the upper materials on the Adizero Adios Pro 3 are built to be light and fast. Partially made with recycled materials, the upper mesh is very open and breathable. Rounding out the upper is a fold-over heel pull which, unlike many of its peers, folds down and out of the way to avoid friction on the achilles.

Vaporfly 3 - Nike’s Flyknit yarn is a super light, and very breathable open weave material. This minimalist design helps in keeping the feet cool during intense workouts and races. There is just enough flexibility in the Flyknit yarn to comfortably wrap around the foot and provide a secure lockdown.The upper of the Vaporfly 3 has a snugger, racing fit compared to the Metaspeed Sky. Its engineered mesh upper is even more porous and breathable than the Metaspeed Sky’s.

Endorphin Pro 3 - The Endorphin Pro 3 features a paper-thin and reduced upper reminiscent of racing flats.It features engineered mesh upper, and FORMFIT upper for a custom fit.This is an interesting “fishnet” type of upper which is just a super thin mesh that’s pretty much see-through.The upper on the Pro 3 is just going to be very lightweight and extremely race-ready.In terms of security, the upper on the Pro 3 is kind of floppy and has no real strength there to keep that upper structured, but the back is fairly stiff. 

Metaspeed Sky - The Asics Metaspeed Sky’s upper translates into integrated breathable knit with a seamless and single-layer construction. It ensures a comfortable and secure foot lockdown while letting the foot breathe, especially when it’s hotter outside.The mesh on the upper part fits like a second skin, allowing your foot to move without restriction. 

4. Ride

Adios Pro 3 - The ride of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is fun and fast. The Lightstrike Pro foam combined with Adidas’ Energy Rods 2.0 provides great cushion while at the same time bringing enough power to easily outpace the ability of the runner.Right off the bat, the Adizero Adios Pro 3 feels faster than the previous two versions. The toe spring of the Adizero Adios Pro 1 and 2 were more rounded, whereas the Adizero Adios Pro 3 is angled at about 45 degrees. This gives you the “forward tipping feeling.” It feels like you are being helped transition from midfoot to forefoot. The faster you go, the more you feel it. It also helps the ride feel more smooth.

Vaporfly 3 - The Nike Vaporfly 3 is designed to offer an optimal blend of cushioning and responsiveness. The ZoomX foam, which is the heart of the midsole, delivers a plush and energetic underfoot feel. The full-length carbon fibre plate is taught and designed to provide spring forward responsiveness with every stride. This combination provides the Nike’s with impressive performance and comfort, contributing to a sensation of effortless speed. The Vaporfly’s are equally at home in speed workouts or long-distance hit-outs. The Vaporfly’s deliver a stable and comfortable ride that avoids excessive softness, leaning slightly towards a firmer feel.

Endorphin Pro 3 - For a carbon shoe, it has a relaxed ride. It’s very fast as you’d expect, but the soft foam and Speedroll rocker create a smooth and comfortable ride, which means the Pro 3 can handle pretty much any kind of run while still being a great racing shoe for any distance.

Metaspeed Sky - The Asics Metaspeed Sky uses the new technology of “Flytefoam Blast Turbo Foam.” Like the ZoomX, the Flytefoam Blast Turbo is lightweight, cushioned and springy.This allows the Asics Metaspeed Sky to be well-cushioned and light. Together with the full-length carbon plate, it propels you forward. Unlike the Next%, the base is slightly wider, so you don’t feel a lot of pressure in your arch and Achilles.

5. Fit and Sizing

Adios Pro 3 - You had to go a half size down in the Pro 2 but the Pro 3 is true to size. The heel, midfoot and toe box are on the narrow side but the forefoot is spacious. There is no heel counter but you do get cushioning pads on the inside of the heel which help to provide comfort and lock your heel in.

Vaporfly 3 - For optimum fit, the Vaporfly 3 features an efficient lacing system and a thin tongue, although the latter can be a little temperamental and cause chafing. Nevertheless, the heel lock is secure and guarantees a good foot lock while running to prevent slipping. What’s more, the offset heel seam prevents chafing.As for the fit, this race shoe has a standard size and corresponds to the usual sizes. You can therefore choose your usual size for running shoes.

Endorphin Pro 3 - Not only is the upper awesome, but it’s also wide. The Saucony Endorphin 3 fits better than any other carbon-plated shoe. The padded heel collar, as well as the tongue, fits and feels premium.  But the Pro isn’t as snug as some other top-tier super shoes and so you do have a decent amount of room in the toe box but a nice secure 

Metaspeed Sky - Usually, Asics is one of the most narrow-fitting shoes, but I will say the Asics Metaspeed Sky is actually one of the widest carbon plated shoes.There is a fair amount of room in the toebox, and the upper is much more forgiving than other brands. It does fit slightly short.

6. Durability and Traction

Adios Pro 3 - This year, the Adizero Adios Pro 3 has more rubber.It’s still a thin, rough texture rubber on most of the shoe. But you do get adidas thick Continental rubber on the toe area. The traction is lightyears better than previous versions.

Vaporfly 3 - The Nike’s quality stands strong, with no instances of breakage, separation, excessive wear, or obvious quality control issues. The upper maintains a high level of quality.

Endorphin Pro 3 - It looks ok from a durability perspective. Though the mesh looks thin, it’s reinforced with a synthetic underlay near the midsole edge.Though the outsole rubber is thinner than the Pro 2, it’s softer than before. This allows it to flex inwards instead of taking hard direct knocks from the landings and transitions. This kind of behavior usually does a better job of delaying the rate of abrasion.All in all, I estimate that the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 should last 400 miles without a drop-off in performance.

Metaspeed Sky - The outsole of the Asics Metaspeed Sky uses “ASICSGRIP,” which is a flexbile rubber. Of any carbon plated shoe, it handles at the top during inclement weather.

Comaprsion Table

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

If you are looking for a more supportive, stable carbon fiber running shoe, then the adidas Adizeo Adios Pro 3 is your racing shoe. The Adios Pro 3 still has a noticeable energy return and improvement in running efficiency but offers more structure and space. 

With the Vaporfly 3 having a softer ride, it’s more suited to longer distances.If you prefer a softer ride, the Vaporfly 3 is better suited to you. It has a unique forward tipping sensation during toe-offs and plenty of cushioning for long distance races.The Vaporfly 3 has a more durable outsole than the Metaspeed Sky and it weighs slightly less. The upper of the Vaporfly 3 is more breathable than the Metaspeed Sky but it has a snugger, racing fit upper.

If you’re a runner looking for a more stable, softer-riding marathon racing shoe, the Endorphin Pro 3 is the shoe for you. The Endorphin Pro 3 has a comfortable upper, a midsole with Speed Roll to roll you through transitions.

Metaspeed Sky has the firmer, more responsive ride which is better for shorter distances.If you’re a runner looking for a firmer ride, the Metaspeed Sky is the shoe for you.It has a stable ride with an accommodating fit that is suitable for wide footed runners.

FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions

Is Adizero Adios Pro 3 good for speed?

The Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a world-record-breaking race-day shoe, designed primarily for speed across the marathon (and half marathon) distance.

How long do Adios Pro 3 last?

As far as durability, I expect, like most other carbon-plated shoes, it will last about 100 miles. Can you still run in it after that? Sure, but the magic of the super shoe won't be there.

Can I train in Adios Pro 3?

The Adios Pro 3 has enough foam and inherent stability to be used for longer training miles in addition to longer workouts and races.

Does Adios Pro 3 have carbon plate?

Rather than a carbon fibre plate, the Adios Pro 3 features a midsole with carbon rods embedded into it. 

Does Adios Pro 3 fit true to size?

The Adios Pro 3 is true to size, but it does ride just a smidge on the large side. If you're in between sizes, it may be a good idea to err on the side of the smaller.

How long do Nike Vaporfly 3 last?

The outsole of the Nike Vaporfly 3 is thinner.I think It will affect the durability, and I don't see the Nike Vaporfly 3 lasting more than 100 miles. The Vaporfly 3 is designed to run fast, and that's precisely what you should do.

How much faster do Vaporflys make you?

Comparing different brands of super shoes and found that the Nike Vaporfly improved running economy by about 2.7 percent at speeds of 16 kilometers an hour (or 6:02 mile pace) compared to a control shoe.

How many miles do Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 last?

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 will last about 100 miles.

Does Saucony Endorphin Pro make you faster?

It's bouncy, extremely lightweight, and responsive, almost as if it's anticipating your every move in the best possible way. Even at slower paces, you'll feel a little boost. The more you pick up speed, the more they'll power you forward.

Can you train with Saucony Endorphin Pro 3?

The higher stack heights and softer ride turn the lightweight Endorphin Pro 3 into an improved version of its past self. The Carbon plate, bouncy PEBA foam, and E-TPU midsole make this shoe ideal for long-distance training and races.

Is Endorphin Pro 3 good for marathon?

It has excelled during all of these, but does particularly well during longer intervals, tempo runs and marathon efforts. While some people may prefer a little less shoe for 5k and below, the Endorphin Pro 3 will be a 5k to marathon racer for a large population of people.

What are Asics Metaspeed Sky good for?

The Metaspeed Sky is a shoe for stride-style runners who see an increase in their stride length when they pick up the pace, whilst their cadence remains the same. On the other hand, the Metaspeed Edge is geared towards cadence-style runners who see significant changes in their cadence as their pace increases.

Is ASICS Metaspeed Sky good for wide feet?

The shoe can accommodate all runners including those with the wide foot.Metaspeed Sky are only for race day and being used to heavier training shoes, the metaspeed sky feels soo light on the race days.

Does Metaspeed Sky have carbon plate?

Yes!The Metaspeed Sky unisex racing shoes are designed to help you set a new personal best, promoting a faster cadence or longer stride thanks to the energetic midsole foam and propulsive carbon plate.

【Read More】

Nike Alphafly vs. Vaporfly vs. Streakfly vs. Tempo: Differences and Reviews 2025

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 vs. Pro 3 vs. Speed 3 vs. Elite: Differences and Reviews 2025

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 vs. Pro 2 vs. Shift 2: Differences and Reviews 2025

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