Written by

Brandon Law

Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
The SC Elite is New Balance’s fastest marathon racing shoe; the Vaporfly Next% is Nike’s most popular marathon racer. Here we will be comparing these two super shoes.
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The SC Elite v4 is the fourth iteration of the Elite racing series and it’s designed specifically for the marathon distance. It has been updated with a traditional upper and a PEBA midsole. 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?

Similarity and differences: FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 vs ZoomX Vaporfly 3

FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4

ZoomX Vaporfly 3

Shoe type
Expert score
Expert score
8/10
Expert score
8/10
Weight
8.1 oz
6.5 oz
Heel Drop
4 mm
8 mm
Verdict
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is a fun, stable long-distance racer. It has one of the softest and most cushioned rides of any super shoe but it lacks a high level propulsion. This is due to its cushioning still being too soft and its gentle forefoot rocker which doesn't give you a big forward tipping sensation. Version 4 has a vastly improved upper which has better heel lockdown and doesn't poke into your ankles. It also has a firmer ride and thicker midsole which makes it feel more efficient.
The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 3 is a soft, bouncy super shoe best suited to marathons. It doesn't offer as much speed assistance as other top tier carbon racers because of its gentle forefoot rocker but it's incredibly lightweight and extremely comfortable. Version 3 has been improved in a number of areas including stability, cushioning and weight. The forefoot is softer so it doesn't feel as fast as the Vaporfly 2 but its ride is plusher and it has more long-distance comfort.
Recommended for
Racing, speedwork, long distance racing
Racing, speedwork, long distance racing
Cushioning type
Balanced/plush
Balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
rigid
rigid
Stability
some stability
some stability
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$249.95
US$250

Sole unit: FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 vs ZoomX Vaporfly 3

The midsole of the SC Elite is made of a new FuelCell which is a PEBA 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 SC Elite because the foam is more abrasion resistant than the soft foam of the Vaporfly. It also has more rubber coverage.

Upper unit: FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 vs ZoomX Vaporfly 3

The upper of the SC Elite is a breathable, thin mesh. It has a roomy, accommodating fit which makes it comfortable for very long runs.

The upper of the Vaporfly Next% is a mesh which is not 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.

Which one to buy: FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 vs ZoomX Vaporfly 3

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. 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.

This expert review is written by

Brandon Law

Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Brandon is a South African who lives and trains in Malaysia. He is a marathon runner who eats, sleeps and dreams running shoes. While most people wear shoes to run, he runs to wear shoes.