Head-to-Head
Nucleo 2vsEllipse
The Nucleo 2 and Ellipse are both daily trainer shoes built for road running. The Nucleo 2 retails for $165 while the Ellipse comes in at $145 — a $20 difference. The Ellipse is the lighter shoe at 9.6 oz versus 9.7 oz for the Nucleo 2. In our ratings, the Nucleo 2 edges out the Ellipse — 9.0/10 versus 8.4/10.
| Rating | 9.0 / 10✓ | 8.4 / 10 | |
| Price | $165 | $145✓ | |
| Weight | 9.7 oz | 9.6 oz✓ | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | |
| Terrain | Road | Road | |
| Cushion | Medium | Medium | |
| Softness | Balanced | Soft | |
| Drop | Medium | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 5 mm | 8 mm | |
| Stack | 40 mm | 38 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Medium | |
| Energy Return | Low | Medium✓ | |
| Breathability | Medium✓ | Warm | |
| Traction | Medium | High✓ | |
| Shock Absorption | Medium | High✓ | |
| Durability | Good✓ | Decent |
