The Nike Vaporfly, a pioneer within the realm of tremendous footwear, has earned its popularity as a favorite amongst long-distance runners. That is attributed to a lot of components: its affordability, widespread availability, and the exceptional velocity help it presents. All through its lifespan, the Vaporfly has undergone a collection of notable updates, culminating within the newest iteration, Model 4.
Model 4 of the Vaporfly boasts a complete overhaul, that includes redesigned components in its higher, midsole, and outsole. This comparability will inform you which model is best for you.
Verdict
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is a superb tremendous racer with a pleasant journey. Whereas it doesn’t have an aggressive rocker, it has a cushty higher & journey, easy transitions and wonderful traction. Model 4 is leaner than its predecessors and extra suited to shorter races than marathons. It’s lighter & much less cushioned however its largest enchancment is the brand new higher which gives a snugger, racing match with higher lockdown.
The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 3 is a tender, bouncy tremendous shoe finest suited to marathons. It does not supply as a lot velocity help as different prime tier carbon racers due to its mild forefoot rocker but it surely’s extremely light-weight and intensely snug. Model 3 has been improved in a lot of areas together with stability, cushioning and weight. The forefoot is softer so it does not really feel as quick because the Vaporfly 2 however its journey is plusher and it has extra long-distance consolation.
Advisable for
Racing
Racing, speedwork, lengthy distance racing
Cushioning kind
Balanced
Balanced
Cushioning quantity
Extremely cushioned
Extremely cushioned
Stability
some stability
some stability
Sizing
true to dimension
true to dimension
Retail value
US$260
US$250
The Vaporfly 4 has a full ZoomX midsole (manufactured from PEBA) which gives wonderful vitality return. It has a comparatively low heel stack top for a marathon racer at solely 35 mm but it surely nonetheless feels very properly cushioned.
The Vaporfly 3 additionally has a full ZoomX midsole which may be very energetic. V3 has a thicker midsole which measures 40 mm within the heel so it has deeper cushioning than v4. This makes V3 higher for long-distance runs than V4.
The carbon plates inside the two variations differ. Model 4 has a steeper plate which is designed to unlock extra leverage from the foot and the ankle. Which means V4 has extra highly effective toe-offs and it feels quicker.
V4 has a lighter construct than V3. This makes it really feel extra nimble and extra agile. V4 is best for brief and quick runs equivalent to 5K and 10K races in comparison with V3 which is best for the longer distances equivalent to half and full marathons.
In relation to stability, V4 is extra steady. That is primarily as a result of it has a thinner midsole so your toes sit nearer to the bottom and there’s much less lean bias. V4 is best for runners who overpronate.
Model 4 has a extra sturdy outsole. It is because it has a flatter design so it doesn’t catch on the bottom just like the outsole of V3 that has a ridge design on its midfoot. V4 has softer, thinner rubber than V3 however it’s nonetheless extra sturdy thank to its flatter design. Each variations have superb traction on moist surfaces.
The Vaporfly 4 has a greater higher than the Vaporfly 3. It has a extra dialed in match that gives higher foot lockdown than V3. Model 3 nonetheless, has a extra breathable higher materials with massive air flow holes on the highest of the toe-box. The opposite huge distinction is the tongue. V4 has a shorter tongue which is extra snug. V3 has an extended tongue which some runners discovered digs into their ankles.
In relation to match, each of them are true to dimension. Model 3 has a way more spacious higher which is best suited to high-volume toes. Model 3 can also be appropriate for extensive toes. Model 4 has a a lot narrower match which isn’t appropriate for extensive toes.

