NIKE VAPORFLY 4 REVIEW

NIKE VAPORFLY 4 SHOE

PLEASE NOTE: I paid for the Nike Vaporfly 4 trainers myself and was not gifted these trainers or paid by Nike to give a honest review. This page contains affiliate links. Making a purchase via our affiliate link means I may receive a small share of the sale.

The Nike Vaporfly 4 marks a significant update in the Vaporfly lineage, targeting runners who crave speed for everything from 5Ks to half marathons, but with enough versatility for longer efforts.

With a lighter build, lower stack, and refined fit, it’s designed to offer a snappier, more aggressive ride than its predecessor, the Vaporfly 3.

Read on to find out why.

THE HEEL

The Vaporfly 4 features a highly cushioned heel, supposedly making it one of the most forgiving racing shoes for rearfoot landings. 

The heel collar is rigid yet generously padded, offering support without causing irritation, though some runners have noted mild heel slippage, manageable with careful lacing. 

The stack height has been reduced to around 35mm, giving a slightly lower profile than the VF3 and making it more suitable for shorter races, while still providing comfort for marathon distances, especially for lighter runners.

THE UPPERS

Nike has moved away from Flyknit, opting for a new engineered mesh upper that is ultra lightweight, highly breathable, and supportive where needed. Especially around the heel counter and toe box. 

The tongue is shorter and more padded, addressing previous issues with fit and lace bite. The upper is slightly roomier in the heel, which, while improving comfort, can lead to some heel slippage for certain foot shapes.

Overall, the upper is designed for a race day feel: super light, foot hugging, and cool.

THE OUTSOLE

The outsole uses a thinner rubber, mainly on the forefoot and heel, to reduce weight and allow for more ZoomX foam in the forefoot.

However, the lack of rubber at the rearfoot may impact durability for heel strikers, especially over longer distances.

I have not seen a significant problem on mine but early wear on the outsole has been reported by others, so those running high mileage or on abrasive surfaces should take note.

THE MIDSOLE

Nike has reworked the midsole with an evolved ZoomX foam, aiming for a lighter feel and improved energy return, measured at an impressive 78.1%. 

The geometry is more aggressive, with a 6mm drop (down from 8mm in the VF3), and the midsole is sculpted for a more stable, responsive ride.

The forefoot is firmer and snappier, offering a raw, direct feel preferred for faster paces.

The midsole is slightly roomier in the forefoot than previous versions, but still maintains a compact, agile feel underfoot.

IS IT A FULL CARBON PLATE?

Yes, the Vaporfly 4 continues to feature a full length carbon Flyplate, now with an increased angle (from 15 to 20 degrees) to enhance propulsion and the characteristic “teeter-totter” effect that aids toe off. 

HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?

The Nike Vaporfly 4 shoes retail at £239.99 or $270.

HOW DO THEY COMPARE TO VERSION 3?

• Stack Height & Drop: The VF4 has a lower stack (35mm heel vs. 40mm in VF3) and a reduced drop (6mm vs. 8mm), making it lighter and more responsive for shorter races.
• Fit & Upper: The new engineered mesh upper is lighter and more breathable, with a revised tongue and lacing system for better lockdown.
• Ride: The VF4 is firmer and snappier, with less “sink” in the forefoot, and is more versatile across race distances, especially for those who found the VF3 too soft or bulky for short events.
• Durability: Outsole durability is slightly compromised due to less rubber, especially for heel strikers.

CONCLUSION

The Nike Vaporfly 4 is an exceptionally fast, lightweight racing shoe best suited for runners seeking a snappy, responsive ride for 5K to half marathon distances, but still capable at the marathon for lighter athletes.

The updates bring improved fit, lower weight, and a more aggressive geometry, though some may experience heel slippage and reduced outsole durability.

For runners looking for a high-performance race-day shoe, the Vaporfly 4 is a compelling, if expensive, choice. Especially for those who found the VF3 a touch too soft or high stacked for their liking.

WOULD I RECOMMEND THEM?

I would recommend them, they are a better version than version 3 and more like version 2. 

However, for a similar price you can get the Puma FAST-R 3, which are much better in my opinion. 

WHERE TO BUY

If you have any questions you would like to ask about the Nike Vaporfly 4, please get in touch.

Share

If you found this blog post useful, please share it using the social media buttons below