The SC Elite v3 is the third iteration of the Elite racing series and it’s designed specifically for the marathon distance. It has been updated with an Energy Arc midsole, and a bootie upper It costs $250.
The Vaporfly Next% 3 is the third iteration of Nike’s Vaporfly series. It is one of the most popular carbon fibre marathon racing shoes in the world and it has been updated from the ground up. It also costs $250.
Which one of these super shoes is more suited to your running style?
The midsole of the SC Elite is made of FuelCell which is a Nitrogen infused super foam. It’s incredibly soft and super bouncy and it’s one of the softest super shoes on the market.
The midsole of the Vaporfly Next% is made of ZoomX which is Nike’s premium, PEBA super foam. It’s not as soft as the FuelCell of the RC Elite but it still packs enough cushioning for full marathons. It delivers a cushioned, springy ride which is a good balance between soft and firm.
The SC Elite is the better shoe for long distances like marathons and ultramarathons because of its super soft cushioning whereas the Vaporfly Next% is the better shoe for shorter distances like half marathons, 10 K and 5 K races. The firmer midsole of the Vaporfly Next% doesn’t compress as much as the SC Elite’s, so it’s easier to pick up the pace.
The carbon plate inside the SC Elite is steeper and feels more prominent than in the previous version but it doesn’t provide as much propulsion as the Vaporfly Next%’s carbon plate. The geometry of the Vaporfly Next%’s plate provides a forward tipping sensation with every toe-off compared to the more muted feeling of the SC Elites’s plate.
When it comes to stability, the SC Elite feels more stable than the Vaporfly Next% because it has a wider midfoot, rearfoot and forefoot. The Vaporfly Next% has a more narrow midfoot. The SC Elite also has midsole sidewalls which help to keep your foot centred during transitions.
The SC Elite uses soft, flexible rubber on its outsole compared to the firm rubber on the outsole of the Vaporfly Next%. The softer rubber of the SC Elite has better traction than the firm rubber of the Vaporfly Next% because it grips onto surfaces more effectively.
Outsole durability is better on the Vaporfly Next% because the rubber is more abrasion resistant than the soft rubber of the SC Elite. The exposed ZoomX foam on the outsole of the Vaporfly is also more durable than the FuelCell of the SC Elite which gets chewed up by the ground.
The upper of the SC Elite is a knitted mesh which is stretchy and very breathable. It has a roomy, accommodating fit which makes it comfortable for very long runs. It fits true to size and doesn’t come in any additional widths.
The upper of the Vaporfly Next% is a mesh which is not stretchy or as foot conforming as the SC Elite but it’s more porous and more breathable. The fit is a snug, racing fit which is dialed in and more suited to racing because it allows your foot to move around less inside the shoe. It also fits true to size and doesn’t come in additional widths.
If you’re looking for a softer, more bouncy ride with more long distance cushioning, the New Balance SC Elite is the better shoe for you. It has a more relaxed upper which is more comfortable and it has a wider last which suits wide-footed runners better. The SC Elite is also more stable and has better grip.
If you’re looking for a lighter, faster racing shoe, the Vaporfly Next% is the super shoe for you. It has a carbon plate which provides a forward tipping sensation and it has a more propulsive ride. The Vaporfly Next% is also a cooler shoe since it has a more breathable upper and it has better outsole durability than the SC Elite. The Vaporfly Next% costs the same as the SC Elite but it has a firmer ride which makes it easier to pick up the pace.
