NIKE VAPORFLY 4 SHOE
| Shoe | Nike Vaporfly 4 |
| Category | Elite Race Day Shoe (5K to Marathon) |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6mm (35mm Heel stack) |
| Midsole Foam | Evolved ZoomX Foam |
| Carbon Plate? | Yes (Full length Flyplate angled at 20 degrees) |
| Upper Material | Engineered Mesh (Moved away from Flyknit) |
| Price | £239.99 / $270 |
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.
Nike Vaporfly 4 at a Glance
- Who it is for: Runners who found the Vaporfly 3 too soft and "mushy" and want a more aggressive, lower stacked racing shoe for 5K to Half Marathon distances.
- The Fit: Fast and breathable. Nike dropped the Flyknit in favor of an engineered mesh upper and shortened the tongue to prevent lace bite. However, some runners may experience slight heel slippage.
- The Verdict: It is significantly firmer and snappier than version 3, bringing it closer to the beloved Vaporfly 2. While it's a fantastic short distance racer, the outsole durability is a concern for heavy heel strikers. If you are spending £240, we highly recommend looking at the Puma FAST-R 3 as a stronger alternative.
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.
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
PROS & CONS
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Snappy Geometry: The lower 6mm drop and sharper 20 degree carbon plate angle deliver a very aggressive toe off. | Outsole Durability: The extremely thin rubber at the rearfoot will likely wear down quickly for heel strikers. |
| Improved Upper: The new engineered mesh is highly breathable and fixes the lace bite issues from previous versions. | Heel Slippage: The roomier heel counter can lead to slipping if not laced perfectly using a runner's knot. |
| Lighter Weight: Stripping back the stack height and outsole rubber has made this shoe incredibly light for 5K racing. |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the Nike Vaporfly 4 better than the Vaporfly 3? It depends on what you want from the shoe. The Vaporfly 4 has a lower stack height (35mm vs 40mm) and a lower drop (6mm vs 8mm). This makes the version 4 feel much firmer, snappier, and more aggressive for 5K to half marathon distances, whereas the version 3 felt softer and "mushier" underfoot.
Does the Nike Vaporfly 4 have a carbon plate? Yes. It features a full length carbon "Flyplate" encased in ZoomX foam. For version 4, Nike increased the angle of the plate from 15 degrees to 20 degrees, which creates a more dramatic "teeter-totter" effect to push you forward onto your toes.
Can I run a full marathon in the Vaporfly 4? Yes, but it is better suited for lighter runners or elite athletes. Because the stack height is lower and the foam is firmer than previous versions, heavier runners may find their legs taking more of a beating over 26.2 miles compared to wearing a max-cushioned shoe like the Alphafly 3.
How much do they cost? The Nike Vaporfly 4 shoes retail at £239.99 or $270.
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.
More Race Day Shoe Reviews
If you have any questions you would like to ask about the Nike Vaporfly 4, please get in touch.
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