Head-to-Head
Nucleo 2vsRocket X 3
The Nucleo 2 is a daily trainer shoe while the Rocket X 3 is a race shoe. The Nucleo 2 retails for $165 while the Rocket X 3 comes in at $250 — a $85 difference. The Rocket X 3 is the lighter shoe at 7.4 oz versus 9.7 oz for the Nucleo 2. Both score 9.0/10 in our ratings.
| Rating | 9.0 / 10✓ | 9.0 / 10✓ | |
| Price | $165✓ | $250 | |
| Weight | 9.7 oz | 7.4 oz✓ | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Race Shoe | |
| Terrain | Road | Road | |
| Cushion | Medium | Medium | |
| Softness | Balanced | Soft | |
| Drop | Medium | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 5 mm | 7 mm | |
| Stack | 40 mm | 40 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Narrow | |
| Energy Return | Low | High✓ | |
| Breathability | Medium | Breathable✓ | |
| Traction | Medium | Medium | |
| Shock Absorption | Medium | High✓ | |
| Durability | Good✓ | Decent |
