HOKA Rocket X 3 vs Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
We haven't tested HOKA Rocket X 3 or Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 yet, so their role suitability is estimated from published specs.
Saucony
Endorphin Elite 3
Check priceReview Pulse · Strongly positive · 94/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning, criticise the stability and split on the value and durability.
The differences that matter
- HOKA Rocket X 3 costs $40 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
HOKA Rocket X 3
No Review Pulse yet.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Praised
An exceptionally soft and bouncy race ride that becomes more responsive as the pace rises; it feels vague at easy paces and unstable in tight turns.
Cushioning
HOKA Rocket X 3
No Review Pulse yet.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Praised
The dual-layer IncrediRun foam and near-legal maximum stack deliver outstanding impact protection and energy return for long races.
Upper
HOKA Rocket X 3
No Review Pulse yet.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Praised
The light, stretchy mesh is comfortable and secure with no heel counter, but the toe box is tapered and many runners need a half size up.
Durability
HOKA Rocket X 3
No Review Pulse yet.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Divisive
Outsole rubber wears slowly, but the thin toe box scores poorly in abrasion tests and some testers see early foam wear.
Grip
HOKA Rocket X 3
No Review Pulse yet.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Praised
PWRTRAC rubber provides dependable dry and wet road grip, though it is noisy and not for gravel.
Stability
HOKA Rocket X 3
No Review Pulse yet.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Criticised
More stable than the previous version thanks to a wider heel and sidewalls, but the soft foam still makes cornering unpredictable.
Value
HOKA Rocket X 3
No Review Pulse yet.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Divisive
The $290 price is high and the shoe is heavier than rivals, but reviewers see the unique foam and race performance as justifying it.
Which one to choose
Choose HOKA Rocket X 3 if…
- price matters
Choose Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 if…
- its ride is what you care about most
- its cushioning is what you care about most
- its upper is what you care about most
- its grip is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Half-marathon to marathon racing
- Fast tempo and interval sessions
- Runners wanting maximum bounce
Specifications
- Category
- Race shoe
- Race shoe
- Price
- $250$40 less
- $290
- Weight
- 210 g
- 204 g6 g lighter
- Drop
- 7 mm1 mm lower drop
- 8 mm
- Stack
- 40 / 33 mm0.5 mm more stack
- 39.5 / 31.5 mm
- Plate
- Carbon plate
- Carbon plate
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- dual-density PEBA
- IncrediRUN
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE