I'm a recovering shoe-aholic, this year I am not buying every shoe that comes out, I already have the AF3 and absolutely love it so no need for the SC4 for me
Great comparison! But with the AF3 constantly being sold in limited numbers and selling out like hotcakes (whether through scalpers or etc.), the SC Elite v4 is the best alternative! The comparison that I'm super eagerly waiting for is with the Adidas Adios Pro 3 - I feel they're both closer to one another as compared to the Alphafly 3! I mananged to snag the SC Elite 4s, and as a devote Adios Pro 3 lover, I have finally found my alternative to the Adios Pro 3s with the SC Elite v4 and have made the decision to pick the SC Elite 4s as my Marathon Race shoe instead of the Adios Pro 3!
Had my heart on the Alphafly 3s until I accepted that the proto colourway is impossible to get and probably aren’t the best for wide feet. So now I’ve been tossing up between the Adios Pro 3 vs SC Elite 4. Why did you choose SC4 over AP3?
@@roycecastillo from experience as I have both. Ap3 is a faster shoe. That’s not even debatable. It’s very obvious that the same pace required was effort. BUT it really lacks stability and for me it plagues me with foot and lower limb injuries. Which sucks because it owns all my PBs but I cop and injury almost every time I run in it. The sc elite v4 on thwnn be other hand while a touch slower is the last stable racing shoe I’ve ever used. It’s actually bizarre how stable it is and how much stops my over pronation compared to basically all super shoes. Endorphin pro 3 is the only other super shoe that helps me stability wise and I would say pace wise effort etc it sits right between the sc elite and ap3. That’s my experience anyway what that means for you I dunno 🤷♂️ the last thing I’ll say is, the sc elite does not excite me to go running. And I think k your race shoe must excite you to run in it.
While I like the new balance shoe. It’s the first shoe Ive had trouble with my achilles. It ripped the skin off. After 50 miles in it. I can run but I have to use protective tape under my socks. Blister bandaids did not work as the shoe would keep scraping them into a ball. Nike alpha fly 1 and vapor fly 2s dont bug me at all. I’m going to test in a half marathon this weekend and see if I could do a marathon in them. The shoe feels comfortable and fast while running. Thanks for this video comparison. Unfortunately I can’t get an alphafly 3 prior to my goal race. So I need to choose between alphafly 1. Vaporfly 2. Or this sc elite v4.
SC Elite V4 comes in wide, which is a win for me. I tried the Alphafly 3, but it was just a tad too narrow for my wide-ish foot. Also not sure I'm fast enough to justify the AF3 :)
Love this comparison, thanks! The Nike super shoes are complete non-starters for me due to the arches in them. Knowing it's not a huge difference between them and the NB Elite v4 is very helpful.
Just got a pair of Alphafly 1 off vinted for £80. Waiting for them to be delivered, but look like they've been worn for maybe 1/2 runs. Can't have done more than 10 miles!
BY FAR preferred the NB SCElite V3 to the AF2s. Hands down. Much more approachable as Nick said. Ran a fantastic Marathon in them and they were so comfortable. Perhaps an elite such as Nick could indeed see a difference and prefer the AFs in direct-to-direct comparaisons, but I am sensing a bit of a bias against the NBs. Even a comment such as they're just "fine". They are likely way better than fine. Same as with the Elite V3s. Will so much depend on the runner. Nick said it best. Elite V4s more approachable likely for more people. I sold my used AF2s for a good price and am thus hesitant to go for the AF3s .... such a close and tough call. If only money was no object... So subjective isn't it?
It’s actually common opinion that the sc3 was utter garbage as a race shoe. You’re an outlier at best mate. Sc4 is a substantially better shoe. But again it’s not a racer. It’s a good long run tempo shoe. That’s it. If you wanna race new balance just aren’t good enough to compete with adidas Nike saucony and now asics entering the fray with their new metaspeed as well. The sc 4 feels like what they wanted the sc trainer to be
Common opinion is not something I often care about. Often the contrary actually. I’m new to running. Never ran even a 5k before I picked up triathlon at age 58. Did a marathon at 59 in 3h45. So I believe I am entitled to my opinion without having people tell me the shoe I prefer is garbage. But then again, people don’t hesitate to tell others off don’t they in today’s world? I love how my garbage shoes feel and how they protected my old feet in my first marathon. Judgmental, self-righteous elitists will always like to argue. I couldn’t care less. The Run Testers often recommend all sorts of shoes for marathons (many far from super racers) for different types of runners. But thanks for the jab. Have a nice day.
It seems like this 1 is more for sort of beginners? Maybe people looking to get their first top tier marathon shoe and want 1 to last a bit and go for their first PB? Whereas more experienced runners looking to really run time should be looking at Nike?
Which of the two shoes would suit a Marathon pace of 5.10/km best? Or would another shoe altogether be better at this pace? Be great to hear thoughts on this! 🙏
I feel like your guys channel isn't really for us 'normal' runners. You guys are talking 3:30's at marathon pace. Of course you prefer the shoe made for elites. Get the feeling you guys like telling us how fast you can run.
They are perfect for sitting in a cubicle for 8hrs a day. I think you could even extend the 8hrs a day to 12 hrs a day as long as you have a protein shake after 6hrs to see you through.
I love the Vaporfly V2. Alphafly V1 kills my calfs. Feel like zero drop. Between the two (Alphafly V3 vs SC Elite V4) which has a more tip forward feeling.. Endorphin Pro 3 is perfect for me. By the way.. Love extreme rocker. SC Elite V2 was kind of boring..
The NB Elite v4 would be such an interesting choice. But the price is just WAY too much. Few bucks more, and I can get the Alphafly 3. So why even bother with the NB (if the AF is suited towards you)?
Well it’s NB’s version of the AF hence the price. If the AF suits you just fine and you find it better thn the NB elite V4, sure it doesn’t make sense to bother with it. However, if the NB suits you better, you’d be happy to save a few bucks.
@@martinlee1477 I completely disagree. The The elite v4 is in the same category as the Vaporfly, Adio Pro 3, Metaspeed Sky,... The equivalent to the Alphafly is the Prime X Strung (even though it's race illegal). My problem with all of this is, if the elite v4 sells well, all these other companies have every reason to bump up the price of their equivalent shoe to the exact same. I mean we live in an age, where normal daily trainers like the Nimbus or the 1080 range around 200€. If this keeps going, soon we will pay 300 for the Vaporfly-type shoes, 350 (or more) for the Alphafly and at least 200 for any daily trainer. I don't like that future.
@@edelkebap well idk if you've looked around but inflation is a thing Inflation plus basic supply x demand. It's pretty clear that running is a lot more popular today than it was previously and shoes are in fact selling out at those prices so why would companies not price them at such?
@@edelkebap also to me I group all the brand's premier racing shoes in the same category and the only segregation is if it's meant for different distances that's how the brands are designing it so why create your own categories? Just because you don't personally think a shoe is as good doesn't mean it wasn't designed to be a competitive alternative
@martinlee1477 so you mean inflation only affects the NB Elite 4? why is Vaporfly so much cheaper than NBE4? If you are worried about inflation why would you buy NBE4 over the vaporfly?
I've purchased another pair of Alphafly V.1 as well. 😁 When I've tested them at the running track, later I've realized that one of the airpods was popped. There is a guy who has published a chart, showing the running economy you get wearing the Alphafly (even including running with a popped airpod). If his calculations are right, I should be able to complete my testbed (5x1K with 2 minutes of rest), in 18m57s which would be very close to the 18m44s recorded using the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite V.1. I know this is pure madness, but if you spend this money I guess you want to know precisely how fast the shoes are.
C’mon guys, everyone’s biomechanics and foot strike and shape are different. There is no longer a single best. I PR’d by 18:00 in Boston last year in Endo Pro3’s, and even though I got my hands on AF3s (thanks to my fave running store)I’m torn between risking it this year vs the Endorphin Pro3 I used last time. They’re both great but very different. No one brand-let alone model-is the best for everyone. All previous Nike’s I tested bothered my metatarsal-until the AF3, but I’ve only done one 14+ mi LR in them so far; the jury is still out. Now both the Endo Pro 3 and 4 are alternative options as soon as I can get a pair of v4 to try. Here in the US only a small handful of the top Olympic Time Trial finishers were wearing the AF3-I think 3 of the men and one of the women among the top 10 of both genders. And one man had the AF1. Maybe one woman had the VF. Any one of those elite runners could be sponsored by Nike if they preferred.
@@Martha-fluterunner Have you run in the AF 3? And only 1 run in the VF 3 and sounds like none in most of the other versions. Tough to judge them really if you haven't run in them much. It seems its your feet or mechanics that doesn't allow. I'm not knocking the other shoes or brands but if I'm spending that kind of money, I'm getting the shoe that produces the best efficiency. Plenty of independent research out there comparing the brands. Others are getting closer but Nike shoes still deliver on those tested. From elites to non-elites. ZoomX is a superior foam. I'm sure you watch all the reviews here on UA-cam. AF 3 is being chosen over all other super shoes by everyone. Variety of runners and foot shapes and biomechanics. BTW, my 17' PR was a 3:08:22 at CIM. I'm just about to turn 61. Full 41' BQ. I have the EP 2/EP 3 and ES 2/ES 3. I have trained and raced in both. Great for a C goal race or training runs but not on the level of the AF 1/AF 3 or VP models. I'll be attempting to go sub 3 soon and the AF 3 or VP 3 will definitely be on my feet. Cheers
Something to consider as a clear point for the New Balance.... its the only one offered in a wide. For me, with a wide foot, its the only option.
Ding ding ding
I wear 13 or 14 (depending on shoe fit) wide (2e). New Balance is literally the only option I have for high end wide shoes.
I'm a recovering shoe-aholic, this year I am not buying every shoe that comes out, I already have the AF3 and absolutely love it so no need for the SC4 for me
But would you buy more pairs of the AF3?
@@solefreak2 only when my first pair start wearing out
yes you do buy more lol
did you crack
@@kev60625 bought the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris instead 😂
Got to be the Alphafly at these prices !
Great comparison! But with the AF3 constantly being sold in limited numbers and selling out like hotcakes (whether through scalpers or etc.), the SC Elite v4 is the best alternative! The comparison that I'm super eagerly waiting for is with the Adidas Adios Pro 3 - I feel they're both closer to one another as compared to the Alphafly 3!
I mananged to snag the SC Elite 4s, and as a devote Adios Pro 3 lover, I have finally found my alternative to the Adios Pro 3s with the SC Elite v4 and have made the decision to pick the SC Elite 4s as my Marathon Race shoe instead of the Adios Pro 3!
Had my heart on the Alphafly 3s until I accepted that the proto colourway is impossible to get and probably aren’t the best for wide feet.
So now I’ve been tossing up between the Adios Pro 3 vs SC Elite 4.
Why did you choose SC4 over AP3?
@@roycecastillo from experience as I have both. Ap3 is a faster shoe. That’s not even debatable. It’s very obvious that the same pace required was effort. BUT it really lacks stability and for me it plagues me with foot and lower limb injuries. Which sucks because it owns all my PBs but I cop and injury almost every time I run in it. The sc elite v4 on thwnn be other hand while a touch slower is the last stable racing shoe I’ve ever used. It’s actually bizarre how stable it is and how much stops my over pronation compared to basically all super shoes. Endorphin pro 3 is the only other super shoe that helps me stability wise and I would say pace wise effort etc it sits right between the sc elite and ap3. That’s my experience anyway what that means for you I dunno 🤷♂️ the last thing I’ll say is, the sc elite does not excite me to go running. And I think k your race shoe must excite you to run in it.
Endorphin Pro 4 guys! The shoe is out there.
While I like the new balance shoe. It’s the first shoe Ive had trouble with my achilles. It ripped the skin off. After 50 miles in it. I can run but I have to use protective tape under my socks. Blister bandaids did not work as the shoe would keep scraping them into a ball. Nike alpha fly 1 and vapor fly 2s dont bug me at all.
I’m going to test in a half marathon this weekend and see if I could do a marathon in them. The shoe feels comfortable and fast while running. Thanks for this video comparison. Unfortunately I can’t get an alphafly 3 prior to my goal race. So I need to choose between alphafly 1. Vaporfly 2. Or this sc elite v4.
Always wanted to see the comparison
SC Elite V4 comes in wide, which is a win for me. I tried the Alphafly 3, but it was just a tad too narrow for my wide-ish foot. Also not sure I'm fast enough to justify the AF3 :)
Have to mention that SC Elite v4 comes in wide sizes!
Love this comparison, thanks! The Nike super shoes are complete non-starters for me due to the arches in them. Knowing it's not a huge difference between them and the NB Elite v4 is very helpful.
The arches in the Alpha give me blisters.
New version will not bother your arched at all...
Just got a pair of Alphafly 1 off vinted for £80. Waiting for them to be delivered, but look like they've been worn for maybe 1/2 runs. Can't have done more than 10 miles!
I really want the new SC Pacer over this.
love the new balance elite v4 but have problems with chafing on the achilles
I got terrible Achilles pain from rubbing at the back of the New Balance Fuel Cell Rebel v4. But only on one side.
BY FAR preferred the NB SCElite V3 to the AF2s. Hands down. Much more approachable as Nick said. Ran a fantastic Marathon in them and they were so comfortable. Perhaps an elite such as Nick could indeed see a difference and prefer the AFs in direct-to-direct comparaisons, but I am sensing a bit of a bias against the NBs. Even a comment such as they're just "fine". They are likely way better than fine. Same as with the Elite V3s.
Will so much depend on the runner. Nick said it best. Elite V4s more approachable likely for more people. I sold my used AF2s for a good price and am thus hesitant to go for the AF3s .... such a close and tough call. If only money was no object...
So subjective isn't it?
It’s actually common opinion that the sc3 was utter garbage as a race shoe. You’re an outlier at best mate. Sc4 is a substantially better shoe. But again it’s not a racer. It’s a good long run tempo shoe. That’s it. If you wanna race new balance just aren’t good enough to compete with adidas Nike saucony and now asics entering the fray with their new metaspeed as well. The sc 4 feels like what they wanted the sc trainer to be
Common opinion is not something I often care about. Often the contrary actually. I’m new to running. Never ran even a 5k before I picked up triathlon at age 58. Did a marathon at 59 in 3h45. So I believe I am entitled to my opinion without having people tell me the shoe I prefer is garbage. But then again, people don’t hesitate to tell others off don’t they in today’s world?
I love how my garbage shoes feel and how they protected my old feet in my first marathon.
Judgmental, self-righteous elitists will always like to argue. I couldn’t care less. The Run Testers often recommend all sorts of shoes for marathons (many far from super racers) for different types of runners.
But thanks for the jab. Have a nice day.
I want to try the alpha fly 3 but my wide feet has no options but the sc elite v4 is my best bet atm
Endorphin pro 4 review coming soon??
It seems like this 1 is more for sort of beginners? Maybe people looking to get their first top tier marathon shoe and want 1 to last a bit and go for their first PB? Whereas more experienced runners looking to really run time should be looking at Nike?
Which of the two shoes would suit a Marathon pace of 5.10/km best? Or would another shoe altogether be better at this pace? Be great to hear thoughts on this! 🙏
Get Triumph 20/21 for that marathon, not gonna miss.
U love Nike so much there’s no point comparing it to anything.
@NICKHARRISFRY Can you tell us how many cm is your foot so we can understand the sizing.
sc elite v4 vs fastr 2??
I feel like your guys channel isn't really for us 'normal' runners. You guys are talking 3:30's at marathon pace. Of course you prefer the shoe made for elites. Get the feeling you guys like telling us how fast you can run.
Puma must be the choice after the US trials.
got blisters at the arch with the AF3
My wife got blisters from thre AF3 after 3 miles!
please comer SC Elite 4 to ADIZERO PRIME X 2 STRUNG..THX
Are these good for sitting in a cubicle for 8 hours per day?
They are perfect for sitting in a cubicle for 8hrs a day. I think you could even extend the 8hrs a day to 12 hrs a day as long as you have a protein shake after 6hrs to see you through.
I love the Vaporfly V2. Alphafly V1 kills my calfs. Feel like zero drop. Between the two (Alphafly V3 vs SC Elite V4) which has a more tip forward feeling.. Endorphin Pro 3 is perfect for me. By the way.. Love extreme rocker. SC Elite V2 was kind of boring..
The NB Elite v4 would be such an interesting choice. But the price is just WAY too much. Few bucks more, and I can get the Alphafly 3. So why even bother with the NB (if the AF is suited towards you)?
Well it’s NB’s version of the AF hence the price. If the AF suits you just fine and you find it better thn the NB elite V4, sure it doesn’t make sense to bother with it. However, if the NB suits you better, you’d be happy to save a few bucks.
@@martinlee1477 I completely disagree. The The elite v4 is in the same category as the Vaporfly, Adio Pro 3, Metaspeed Sky,...
The equivalent to the Alphafly is the Prime X Strung (even though it's race illegal).
My problem with all of this is, if the elite v4 sells well, all these other companies have every reason to bump up the price of their equivalent shoe to the exact same.
I mean we live in an age, where normal daily trainers like the Nimbus or the 1080 range around 200€. If this keeps going, soon we will pay 300 for the Vaporfly-type shoes, 350 (or more) for the Alphafly and at least 200 for any daily trainer. I don't like that future.
@@edelkebap well idk if you've looked around but inflation is a thing
Inflation plus basic supply x demand. It's pretty clear that running is a lot more popular today than it was previously and shoes are in fact selling out at those prices so why would companies not price them at such?
@@edelkebap also to me I group all the brand's premier racing shoes in the same category and the only segregation is if it's meant for different distances
that's how the brands are designing it so why create your own categories? Just because you don't personally think a shoe is as good doesn't mean it wasn't designed to be a competitive alternative
@martinlee1477 so you mean inflation only affects the NB Elite 4? why is Vaporfly so much cheaper than NBE4? If you are worried about inflation why would you buy NBE4 over the vaporfly?
I've purchased another pair of Alphafly V.1 as well. 😁
When I've tested them at the running track, later I've realized that one of the airpods was popped. There is a guy who has published a chart, showing the running economy you get wearing the Alphafly (even including running with a popped airpod). If his calculations are right, I should be able to complete my testbed (5x1K with 2 minutes of rest), in 18m57s which would be very close to the 18m44s recorded using the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite V.1. I know this is pure madness, but if you spend this money I guess you want to know precisely how fast the shoes are.
Ty
great socks!
He talks so fast I actually have to set playback speed at 0.75 :D
Endorphin elite. ++++
I'll take the AF 3 every time... Its still the leader in marathon race shoes. Every brand want to be compared to the BEST. Hence all these videos...
@@justoutlaw6423 Maybe but I'm not sure. Haven't run a 26,2 in the AF 3 yet but did in the VP 3. PR'd by 17 minutes so AF 3 better deliver. LOL
C’mon guys, everyone’s biomechanics and foot strike and shape are different. There is no longer a single best. I PR’d by 18:00 in Boston last year in Endo Pro3’s, and even though I got my hands on AF3s (thanks to my fave running store)I’m torn between risking it this year vs the Endorphin Pro3 I used last time. They’re both great but very different. No one brand-let alone model-is the best for everyone. All previous Nike’s I tested bothered my metatarsal-until the AF3, but I’ve only done one 14+ mi LR in them so far; the jury is still out. Now both the Endo Pro 3 and 4 are alternative options as soon as I can get a pair of v4 to try. Here in the US only a small handful of the top Olympic Time Trial finishers were wearing the AF3-I think 3 of the men and one of the women among the top 10 of both genders. And one man had the AF1. Maybe one woman had the VF. Any one of those elite runners could be sponsored by Nike if they preferred.
@@Martha-fluterunner Have you run in the AF 3? And only 1 run in the VF 3 and sounds like none in most of the other versions. Tough to judge them really if you haven't run in them much. It seems its your feet or mechanics that doesn't allow. I'm not knocking the other shoes or brands but if I'm spending that kind of money, I'm getting the shoe that produces the best efficiency. Plenty of independent research out there comparing the brands. Others are getting closer but Nike shoes still deliver on those tested. From elites to non-elites. ZoomX is a superior foam. I'm sure you watch all the reviews here on UA-cam. AF 3 is being chosen over all other super shoes by everyone. Variety of runners and foot shapes and biomechanics.
BTW, my 17' PR was a 3:08:22 at CIM. I'm just about to turn 61. Full 41' BQ. I have the EP 2/EP 3 and ES 2/ES 3. I have trained and raced in both. Great for a C goal race or training runs but not on the level of the AF 1/AF 3 or VP models. I'll be attempting to go sub 3 soon and the AF 3 or VP 3 will definitely be on my feet. Cheers
200 plus dollars. FOR SHOES. Not Running for any future endorsements at the end of the day.