Nike Vaporfly 3 Review

Nike Vaporfly 3 Review

Nike Vaporfly 3

The Heel

The current rules set a 40-mm stack height limit for the heel in elite race-day legal running shoes, a standard introduced around the first-generation Vaporfly in 2020.

This substantial stack height still offers plenty of cushioning, making it suitable for runners of all footstrike patterns to comfortably handle any distance, including marathons.

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Forefoot Stack

The forefoot height measures 32 mm, which is somewhat surprising as it’s nearly 5 mm lower than the Vaporfly 2 at the official World Athletics measurement point.

Drop

We found that the drop isn’t the 8 mm claimed by Nike. This larger drop, combined with the exceptional durability of the heel, makes this version of the Vaporfly the best choice yet for heel strikers.

The Uppers

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The Vaporfly 3 features an updated upper with a new breathable Flyknit material, offering more midfoot and toe box flexibility. This improvement enhances airflow and comfort, making it especially beneficial for longer races.

Larger ventilation holes in the toe box boost breathability while the shoe’s fit remains true to size, providing runners with a snug yet comfortable experience.

The Outsole

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Nike introduced a new rubber outsole for the Vaporfly 3 to improve grip compared to the first two models. While it is noticeably more effective, it still falls short of the traction many competitors offer.

The Midsole

The midsole is one of the standout features of the Vaporfly 3, utilizing Nike’s renowned ZoomX foam. This foam delivers outstanding energy return and cushioning, offering a plush yet responsive feel.

Compared to the Vaporfly 2, the Vaporfly 3 includes more foam, creating a softer ride that improves comfort, especially during long runs.

Flexibility

The Vaporfly 3 features a carbon-fiber plate embedded in the midsole, giving the shoe a naturally high level of stiffness. This stiffness is exactly what runners need when chasing personal bests.

How Much Do They Weigh?

One of the most remarkable features of the Vaporfly 3 is its incredible lightness. The Vaporfly 2 was already impressively lightweight at 6.9 oz (196g), so we expected the Vaporfly 3 to be similar in weight, possibly even slightly heavier.

How Do They Fit?

Size and fit: true to size.

Marathon shoes often have a narrower toe box, but the Vaporfly stands out with a slightly roomier design. While it’s not overly spacious, the highly flexible upper material provides extra room for added comfort.

How Much Do They Cost?

The Nike Vaporfly 3 is priced at $260, placing it in the premium range of running shoes.

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