Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 vs the Competition: Three Marathon Racing Shoes Compared

Introduction

Marathon racing shoes keep getting taller, softer, and more specialized, and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 is one of the most talked about releases in the category. It arrives with a redesigned midsole, a slotted carbon fiber plate, and a promise of an all-new experience. But softness is only one way to build a race shoe, so it is worth putting it alongside two very different alternatives: the ASICS Metaspeed Sky and the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0. Each targets a slightly different runner, and understanding those differences is the best way to spend your race shoe budget well.

Saucony Endorphin Elite 3: Softness First

The Endorphin Elite 3 is a 39.5 mm stack shoe with an 8 mm drop, which puts 31.5 mm of foam in the forefoot. Its two defining components are a slotted carbon fiber plate and a midsole made from supercritical TPEE foam. The slotted plate, rather than a spoon-style design, is intended to keep landings stable even when the foot lands slightly unevenly, because the plate can bend in different areas before decompressing into the next foot strike.

Two structural changes set this version apart from its predecessor. The cutout in the outer midfoot has been filled in, creating a single continuous piece of foam that adds rigidity along the outer edge for runners who need a bit more stability. Taller sidewalls have also been added to hold the foot more securely on both the medial and lateral sides.

On the foot, the fit is generous, with plenty of room in the toe box both in width and height, making it one of the roomier racing shoes available. Going with your usual running shoe size should work for most people. The upper uses a lightweight, breathable open mesh with a knit tongue and a more conventional, better-padded heel cup with a pull tab. A US men’s size 9 measured 216 g (7.6 oz), which sits slightly on the heavy side of the current race shoe field.

On the road, this is arguably the softest marathon racing shoe on the market. The foam compresses through the entire stack height on each foot strike, creating a comfortable, plush ride that works from easy running up to marathon pace. That said, the faster you push, the more the shoe starts to feel slightly mushy, staying muddled in its compressed state rather than snapping back with sharp energy return. For runners who find most marathon racers too firm or too tight, the Endorphin Elite 3 is a genuinely appealing alternative that blends comfort and speed.

ASICS Metaspeed Sky: Soft but Still Fast

The Metaspeed Sky is the next squishiest shoe in this class, but it gets there differently. It uses a different foam technology and a partial carbon fiber plate shaped like a teardrop in the front half of the shoe rather than a full slotted plate. The result is a shoe that is extremely soft but still delivers a strong bounce-back on decompression, so it feels plush without giving up the fast feel that matters on race day.

It is also remarkably light, roughly three ounces lighter than the Endorphin Elite 3, thanks in large part to the foam and an extremely minimal upper. That upper can be a little tricky to get on, but once you are in, the fit works well, though it is not as generous as the Saucony.

The two shoes also suit different foot strikes. The Endorphin Elite 3 favors midfoot strikers who land squarely on the flat part of the shoe and roll forward, while the Metaspeed Sky is intended for forefoot strikers. Price is another deciding factor, as the Metaspeed Sky comes in slightly higher at $300.

Hoka Cielo X1 3.0: Responsive and Race Ready

The Cielo X1 3.0 is the most aggressive of the three. It is not as squishy as either the Metaspeed Sky or the Endorphin Elite 3, but it is very responsive with a real bounce that delivers more of a race-day experience than the relaxed ride of the Saucony.

Weights land almost exactly the same as the Endorphin Elite 3, with the Hoka a touch lighter. For runners who want that sharper, more propulsive feel on race day, the Cielo X1 3.0 delivers it, and it also undercuts the competition on price at $275, which still feels like a lot for a race shoe but represents meaningful savings here.

Overall Buying Advice

If you are a midfoot striker who wants the softest possible marathon experience and prioritizes comfort over aggressiveness, the Endorphin Elite 3 at $290 makes a strong case. It also works beautifully as a long run shoe for big sessions with marathon effort miles, where comfort helps you recover faster for the next week of training. If you want a similar experience for less, the previous Endorphin Elite 2 can now be found discounted to around $200 and offers much of the same ride.

If you are a forefoot striker, or you want softness without losing the snappy bounce-back, the Metaspeed Sky is the pick, provided the minimal upper and less generous fit suit you. And if you want the most responsive, race-day-focused ride of the bunch while saving a little money, the Cielo X1 3.0 is the one to reach for.

Conclusion

The Endorphin Elite 3 doubles down on comfort, making it the squishiest marathon racer available and a great fit for midfoot strikers who prize a soft ride. The Metaspeed Sky answers with softness plus genuine speed for forefoot strikers, and the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 brings responsiveness at a slightly lower price. Match the shoe to your foot strike and how aggressive you want your race day to feel, and any of the three can be a strong marathon partner.