Head-to-Head
Nucleo 2vsEndorphin Elite 3
The Nucleo 2 is a daily trainer shoe while the Endorphin Elite 3 is a race shoe. The Nucleo 2 retails for $165 while the Endorphin Elite 3 comes in at $290 — a $125 difference. The Endorphin Elite 3 is the lighter shoe at 7.2 oz versus 9.7 oz for the Nucleo 2. In our ratings, the Nucleo 2 edges out the Endorphin Elite 3 — 9.0/10 versus 8.4/10.
| Rating | 9.0 / 10✓ | 8.4 / 10 | |
| Price | $165✓ | $290 | |
| Weight | 9.7 oz | 7.2 oz✓ | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Race Shoe | |
| Terrain | Road | Road | |
| Cushion | Medium | Medium | |
| Softness | Balanced | Soft | |
| Drop | Medium | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 5 mm | 8 mm | |
| Stack | 40 mm | 39.5 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Medium | |
| Energy Return | Low | Very High✓ | |
| Breathability | Medium | Medium | |
| Traction | Medium | Medium | |
| Shock Absorption | Medium | High✓ | |
| Durability | Good | Good |
