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- In our opinion, Nike's latest Vaporfly marks a significant upgrade in the "original supershoe" concept. This third iteration, lighter, swifter, and more stable during all of our runs, is a marathon marvel, yet its softer midsole and gentler toe-off make it less suited (but still great!) for 5K/10K races than its predecessors.
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Aug 17, 2023 · Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 review: Running performance This shoe is fast, bouncy, and can easily cope with anything from a 10K to a marathon. It’s slightly softer underfoot than the...
- Fitness Editor
- jane.mcguire@futurenet.com
- Introduction
- Comfort
- Cushioning
- Foot Lockdown
- Use
- Quality and Durability
- Conclusion
- Comparisons – Nike Vaporfly Next 3 vs.
A lot has changed since the launch of the original Vaporfly, the 4%, in 2017. At the time, the results were so impressive in official runs that the international federation (World Athletics) had to intervene to regulate their use. What’s more, virtually all running brands have since launched at least one carbon shoe model. So the big question is wh...
Should performance and comfort be at odds? In the case of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 3, the answer is no. This is made possible with their ZoomX midsole, which offers an easy, comfortable stride. In addition, without being large, the mesh upper is breathable and flexible to adapt to different foot shapes and provide effective yet discreet lockdown. Fi...
Stack, drop and underfoot feel
The Nike Vaporfly Next 3 features a maximal cushioning sole (like the previous version) with 40 mm stack height in the heel and 32 mm in the forefoot. This thickness helps absorb shock when running on asphalt for long periods. Overall, the underfoot feel is rather soft, though slightly firmer than in the past. It’s a far from the firmness of a Saucony Endorphin Pro, for example. The heel-to-toe drop of 8 mm is standard and suitable for all runners.
Energy return
The ZoomX foam equips the midsole. It’s a space-industry technology composed of Pebax, an ultra-light, highly bouncy material that doesn’t deform over time. ZoomX works in synergy with the integrated carbon fiber Flyplate and a rocker design to provide optimum responsiveness. The result is more efficient propulsion with every stride, especially at toe off, allowing you to go faster than with other shoes for the same effort, even on tired legs.
Type of support
The Vaporfly 3 is a “neutral running shoe” model, offering neutral support. Previous versions were known to be a little unstable. The Nike Vaporfly 3 is a little better, but you have to be careful: remember, this is not a classic trainer.
Protection and breathability
The upper of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 3 uses engineered/technical mesh that offers excellent breathability. So your feet stay (relatively) cool during exercise—moreover, the Flyknit upper offers just the right amount of flexibility for comfort without compromising precision fit. However, some testers would have liked more structure in the upper. Indeed, the upper has nothing but Flyknit. So there’s no internal reinforcement, which can be strange for competition shoes, especially if you’re used...
Fitting and sizing
For optimum fit, the Vaporfly 3 features an efficient lacing system and a thin tongue, although the latter can be a little temperamental and cause chafing. Nevertheless, the heel lock is secure and guarantees a good foot lock while running to prevent slipping. What’s more, the offset heel seam prevents chafing. As for the fit, this race shoe has a standard size and corresponds to the usual sizes. You can therefore choose your usual size for running shoes.
Specialty: long distances and marathon
The Nike Vaporfly Next 3 is a race-day shoe that has been designed to excel at long distance racing (half marathon and marathon): thick sole, comfortable, bouncy foam, plate and ultra-light weight, everything is done to enable athletes of all levels to excel in the ultimate running discipline. You only have to look at the exploits of Kenyan legend Eliud Kipchoge, world marathon record holder, to see that the Vaporfly Next delivers exactly what it promises.
Other uses
With their great comfort and lightness, the Nike Vaporfly Next 3 is perfectly suited to all distances. There’s no reason not to use it over a 10km; the question is whether this will give it the space to reveal its full potential. What’s more, shorter distances require less comfort, and a firmer model might be better suited depending on your preferences. You can also use the Nike Zoomx Vaporfly 3 for speed workouts (e.g., splits, tempo sessions, fartlek). However, if you don’t have a competiti...
Grip on different surfaces
The outsole of the Nike Vaporfly Next 3 (the part in contact with the ground) features exposed foam and rubber zones with a waffle pattern, notably under the forefoot. In practice, testers note that grip is good on urban surfaces (e.g. road, sidewalk). However, a little caution is required during rainy weather on wet surfaces.
Durability and price
A high-end model means a high price. The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next 3 is one of today’s most expensive models. You’re paying for a little jewel of technology with few equivalents on the market. Unfortunately, the price doesn’t reflect their potential durability. Like most super shoes, the Nike Vaporfly Next 3 is rather fragile and your pair will struggle to exceed 500 km/300 mi. What’s more, this new model has even less outsole rubber, which may exacerbate the problem. Note, however, that this...
Carbon footprint and animal protection
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly model to promote sustainable running, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next 3 may not be the best option. It doesn’t appear to use any recycled materials, and its lower durability means you’ll have to replace it sooner. Finally, we currently have no confirmation that the Nike Vaporfly Next 3 is vegan (Nike has not communicated on the subject).
The Nike Vaporfly Next 3 remains true to form. A super-fast road racing shoe to galvanize your performance. With a few grams less, a few millimeters more foam and a more comfortable fit (except for the tongue), the Vaporfly 3 is as effective as ever, but more comfortable on the foot. Its main weakness remains its unconvincing value for money. It’s ...
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 2
The Nike Vaporfly 3 is a significant update to the previous modelwithout being radical or revolutionary. Around 5 grams lighter, the 3 also features an improved upper that offers greater comfort than the previous version. In particular, the heel fits more snugly with their seams better positioned to avoid friction. Nevertheless, the tongue may compensate for this gain in comfort by being irritating for some runners. Then, while keeping the same stack height, the sole contains more ZoomX foam,...
Nike Alphafly Next
Very similar, the choice between these two shoes depends above all on how you feel, your preferences and your budget (the Alphafly is more expensive…). The Nike Alphafly Next’s lockdown is a little more precise, but this may vary from runner to runner. See the comparison.
- 8 mm
- Nike
- 40 mm
May 25, 2023 · Nike Vaporfly 3 Review: We Tested the Fastest Marathon Racer. The “original super shoe” got an overhaul. Here’s how it performs after four months of workouts and racing. By Jeff Dengate...
- Nike
- 9 min
Nov 14, 2024 · Our verdict. 9.5 out of 10. The Nike ZoomX NEXT% Vaporfly 3 is a refined and meticulously crafted racing shoe, offering an excellent update to the renowned super shoe lineup. It is an excellent option for serious runners looking for a lightweight, responsive, and fast racing shoe.
Nov 27, 2023 · Our verdict. In our opinion, Nike's latest Vaporfly marks a significant upgrade in the "original supershoe" concept. This third iteration, lighter, swifter, and more stable during all of our runs, is a marathon marvel, yet its softer midsole and gentler toe-off make it less suited (but still great!) for 5K/10K races than its predecessors.
- Nike
Apr 4, 2023 · Read our in-depth review of one of the top marathon racing shoes in the business, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3, and learn all about this incredible racing shoe. Packed with Nike's top tech, the Vaporfly is a proven winner that will guarantee fast times on race day.
Mar 31, 2023 · As a result of the new upper, thinner rubber, and strategic cut-outs, the Vaporfly Next% 3 is a touch lighter than the previous version. It’s the lightest marathon shoe money can buy, which is ridiculous for a shoe with this much cushion. My runs in the Vaporfly Next% 3 were fun, and the effort vs. pace was in the minus column.
