Carbon Plate Racing Shoe Battle: Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 vs Asics Metaspeed Sky Plus

Introduction

Carbon plate racing shoes are the sharpest tool in a runner’s kit, and right now two of the most interesting options are the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and the Asics Metaspeed Sky Plus. Both are built for race day pace, both lean on a stiff plate sandwiched inside highly responsive foam, and both have something specific to offer depending on what your feet and race schedule demand.

We compared them across fit, midsole ride, outsole grip, and price. The final score was remarkably close, which tells you the real decision comes down to which trade-offs you are willing to live with. Here is how the battle played out.

Upper Fit and Comfort

The uppers take noticeably different approaches. The Endorphin Pro 3 uses a dual-layer mesh design that feels breathable and well ventilated, while the Metaspeed Sky Plus pairs its engineered mesh with a light motion-wrap element for structure. Both are firmly in the minimalist race-day camp.

One clear point went to the Endorphin Pro 3: its tongue is simply more comfortable than the Sky Plus tongue. However, the overall upper battle tilted toward the Metaspeed Sky Plus. A notable drawback has been reported with the Endorphin Pro 3’s heel counter angle, which can cause irritation and even a blister on the Achilles tendon during the first few runs. It typically settles down after break-in, but if you have sensitive Achilles areas, that is worth factoring in.

Midsole Ride: PowerRun PB vs FlightFoam Turbo

This is where these shoes reveal their personalities. The Endorphin Pro 3’s PowerRun PB midsole delivers that special, bouncy ride that so many racers chase. It pairs with a carbon fiber plate that sits on the firmer side, so keep your own biomechanics and foot strike in mind. If a rigid plate underfoot does not suit you, a shoe with a softer nylon or TPU plate may be a gentler match for your push-off and how you react to the ground.

The Metaspeed Sky Plus received a fairly substantial update to its midsole geometry compared with the original Metaspeed Sky, and it shows in the ride. On a ten-point scale, the Sky Plus earned roughly an eight for that full-energy, responsive feel, with the Endorphin Pro 3 close behind at around a seven to seven and a half. Both are excellent; they simply reward different running styles.

Outsole Grip and Durability

The outsole decision came down to a simple question: how much rubber do you want down there? The Metaspeed Sky Plus carries a little less rubber, and less can genuinely mean more when it comes to shaving weight. The Endorphin Pro 3 counters with more rubber coverage, which should nudge durability up slightly.

The tiebreaker is where and when you race. If you race frequently in wet conditions, on slicker pavement, or take sharp corners at speed, the extra grip from the Endorphin Pro 3’s fuller rubber layout can make a real difference. On dry roads in straight lines, the lighter Sky Plus setup is easy to love.

Price

The Endorphin Pro 3 lists at $225, which puts it firmly in premium racing shoe territory. For the next version, a slightly lower price point would make it an even easier recommendation. Pricing for the Metaspeed Sky Plus was not specified in our comparison, so check current retail listings in your region before deciding.

Which One Should You Buy?

The overall verdict went to the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, but only just: the final score was 7.4 versus 7.2. That margin is small enough that your personal priorities should decide, not the number.

Ask yourself what matters most:

• Upper lockdown and heel comfort: the Metaspeed Sky Plus avoids the Achilles irritation reported on the Endorphin Pro 3.
• Tongue comfort: the Endorphin Pro 3 clearly wins here.
• Maximum bounce and race-day pop: the Endorphin Pro 3’s PowerRun PB ride has that extra spring, though the plate is firm.
• A lighter outsole and updated geometry: the Metaspeed Sky Plus is the pick.
• Wet roads, slick pavement, sharp corners: the Endorphin Pro 3’s extra rubber gives you more grip where it counts.

Availability is worth watching too. Popular sizes tend to move quickly, especially for the Endorphin Pro 3, which many runners are expected to be lining up in at races. If you have your size in mind, do not wait too long.

Conclusion

This was a genuine barn burner of a comparison, and the narrow result reflects two shoes that are excellent in different ways. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 takes the overall win with its bouncy midsole, comfortable tongue, and added outsole grip, while the Asics Metaspeed Sky Plus answers with the stronger overall upper, an updated energetic ride, and a leaner rubber layout. Match the shoe to your foot strike, your race conditions, and your Achilles sensitivity, and either one will serve you well on the starting line.