Supershoe Showdown: On Cloudboom Echo 3 vs Vaporfly 3, Adios Pro 3 and Endorphin Pro 3

Introduction

Third iterations dominate the current racing shoe scene, so it makes sense to line them up. The On Cloudboom Echo 3 faces three of the most raced super shoes on the market: the Nike Vaporfly 3, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3, and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3. All four follow a broadly similar formula, with roughly 42 mm of heel stack and around 35 to 36 mm in the forefoot, but the differences in feel, fit and durability are bigger than the spec sheets suggest.

Here is how they stack up in practice, and who each shoe really suits.

Weight, Width and Stack: The Stats First

The Vaporfly 3 is the lightest of the four at 233 g (8.2 oz) in a UK 11 / US 12. The Endorphin Pro 3 follows at about 242 g (8.5 oz), and the Cloudboom Echo 3 sits close to an ounce heavier than the Vaporfly. The Echo 3 is also the narrowest shoe here, measuring about 11 cm across the widest point of the forefoot and roughly 8 cm at the heel. The Endorphin Pro 3 is the widest in both areas, at 12 cm in the forefoot and about 9 cm in the heel, a full centimeter wider than both the On shoe and the Vaporfly at the heel. The Adios Pro 3 lands somewhere in the middle.

That width difference matters more than it first appears: narrower-footed runners tend to get on well with the On and the Nike, while wider-footed runners gravitate toward the Saucony and the Adidas.

On Cloudboom Echo 3: The Modern Race Flat Feel

The Cloudboom Echo 3 is built with an elegant, minimal, low-profile upper that leaves plenty of room for ankle movement and generally accommodates more foot shapes than the Vaporfly. The silicone-infused laces are a standout detail and stay put through runs.

Underfoot it is firmer and more responsive than its rivals, closer to an old-school race flat than a plush super shoe. The narrower forefoot and heel give real road feel, and there is no prominent arch cut-out like the one in the Vaporfly, so your foot never feels like it is hanging over the edge. A proper heel counter adds structure, which the Endorphin Pro 3 and Adios Pro 3 both skip.

This is a shoe for quicker, shorter efforts. It unlocks around 6:40 per mile (about 4:08 per kilometer) and is genuinely fun for 400 m and 1K repetitions and races from 5 to 10K. Slighter runners may even stretch it toward a half marathon. The grip is excellent, with firmer rubber that handles wet and dry surfaces confidently. Expect the midsole foam to discolor after a few runs, and note some early rubber wear at around 23 miles. The main drawback is price: it feels a touch overpriced, and discounts are scarce.

Nike Vaporfly 3: The Proven All-Rounder

The Vaporfly 3 is the lightest here and keeps the classic underfoot feel that made the original 4% so beloved: responsive foam, a pace-oriented ride, and a comfortable if somewhat loose upper with generous creasing, though it locks in well toward the bottom of the eyelets. The prominent arch cut-out means your foot sits close to the edge of the midsole, which some runners love and others do not.

Durability is impressive, with the outsole still looking very usable after 100 miles. At around 235 pounds in the UK, it is also considerably cheaper than the On shoe, and discounts are usually available. For the majority of runners and most key race distances from 10K through the marathon, this remains the default pick. Its softer, more versatile foam makes it the easier shoe to recommend for a full marathon.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 3: Comfort and Bounce for Long Races

The Endorphin Pro 3 wears one of the most breathable uppers in the category, essentially a net full of holes. Its underfoot feel is the most distinct here: squishy, compressive, and bouncy, delivering exactly what most people expect from a super shoe. That comes from compressed pallets of PEBAX in the midsole, giving more impact protection for long efforts.

It suits half marathon and marathon efforts plus long training runs better than the On shoe, which demands stronger legs. It is also wider in the forefoot and heel, making it a natural choice for broader feet. Grip is the weak point compared with the On shoe, which is worth considering in variable British weather. The good news on price: retail sits around 220 pounds, with special editions at 230, and discounts are frequently available. After 100 miles it is still fully raceable, and it has proven durable and fun to run in.

View more details for Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3: Grip That Goes the Distance

The Adios Pro 3 reportedly has more podium finishes over the past year than any other shoe, and it is a more stable design than its predecessor, the Adios Pro 2. It is wider than the On shoe in both forefoot and heel, and it carries more midsole bulk, which gives it a more cushioned, dialed-in feel for half and full marathon paces around 6:50 to 7:20 per mile (4:16 to 4:34 per kilometer).

The upper is the trickiest part. Getting a consistent lockdown is difficult and often requires stopping to retighten laces, and the On shoe’s upper is clearly the better of the two. Where the Adios Pro 3 genuinely excels is grip: after 100 miles there is virtually no rubber scuffing at all, which is remarkable compared with the early wear already visible on the On shoe.

With current discounts, it is hard to overlook this shoe over the On, and along with the Endorphin Pro 3 it is a top budget-conscious choice for the marathon.

Overall Buying Advice

For most runners, the Vaporfly 3 is still the safest recommendation: light, versatile, durable, and relatively affordable. If you want more width and a bouncier, more cushioned ride for long races, the Endorphin Pro 3 is an excellent alternative with frequent discounts. The Adios Pro 3 is the pick for marathon-focused runners who prize outstanding outsole durability, as long as you can tolerate a fiddly upper. The Cloudboom Echo 3 is the specialist: firmer, narrower, and lower-profile, best for nimble runners targeting 5K to half marathon races who want real road feel instead of maxed-out squish.

Conclusion

There is no single winner here, just the right shoe for the right runner and the right distance. The Vaporfly 3 remains the benchmark all-rounder, the Endorphin Pro 3 and Adios Pro 3 deliver superb long-race value, and the Cloudboom Echo 3 rewards faster, lighter-footed runners with a rare old-school race flat feel in a modern super shoe.