Are you thinking of renewing your racing shoes with carbon plate and you have doubts between the Nike Vaporfly 3 and the new Nike Vaporfly 4? The first question you ask yourself is very simple: is it worth investing those 70€ (or more) of difference in exchange for the improvements introduced by the fourth generation?
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You already know that in RUNNEA we try to find the most suitable material for your characteristics and also find them at the best price. We are going to tell you everything you need to know about these two iconic Nike models so that you have convincing arguments and decide with your head if you want to take the leap.
Since Eliud Kipchoge popularized the carbon plate in 2017, the Vaporfly saga has become a reference for runners looking for reactivity and lightness in medium and long distance. The Vaporfly family evolved with the Next% versions, up to the 2 and 3, which offered more ZoomX foam and an increasingly lightweight upper. The new Nike Vaporfly 4 promises to be the lightest, with a revamped midsole and a more aggressive carbon plate. But does that justify the cost premium?
Main changes of the Nike Vaporfly 4
Nike Vaporfly 4
Nike Vaporfly 3
Less weight, more speed?
It is true that the Nike Vaporfly 4 is somewhat lighter than the previous version. According to Nike, we are talking about a model up to 10% lighter than the 3 and about 20 grams below the original 2017 Vaporfly. Theoretically the lighter it is, that weight savings should translate into a greater sense of freedom and speed.Will you notice?
Studies indicate that adding 100 grams to each shoe can increase oxygen consumption by up to 1%. If we make the rule of three, 10 grams represents about 0.1%, a difference that, in real-world conditions, is almost imperceptible to most recreational runners. In other words, when the shoes are very similar and only differ by 10-12 grams, the improvement in pace will be minimal, almost unnoticeable in practice. Where you might notice it a bit more is in very demanding efforts (short series or elite athletes where 1 second can make the difference between success or failure), where even the smallest detail influences, although it is still a very small impact.
Reduced midsole height
While almost all running shoes with carbon plate play at the limit of 40 mm in the heel, Nike takes a step back with the Vaporfly 4: 35 mm in heel and 29 mm in forefoot, with a drop of 6 mm. This makes for more direct ground contact and a slightly firmer running feel. Great for explosiveness and fast transitions, but less friendly if you go over 3 hours in marathon. In other words, they are a shoe to always run at paces under 4 min/km (not only the Vaporfly 4, but also the 3).
More aggressive carbon plate
Nike Vaporfly 4
Nike Vaporfly 3
The Flyplate has been reshaped in this new version with a more pronounced curvature. This amplifies the leverage effect at take-off. In other words: more thrust in every stride, but also a somewhat more demanding posture for the foot and ankle. If you loved the propulsion of the previous versions, you will probably notice a plus in reactivity.
The channel in the sole (a groove that runs along most of the sole) has been extended towards the rear to reduce weight and gain flexibility. However, be careful because it is still a shoe for running with good running technique because if you land on your heel you will notice its instability, so everything will depend on your stride type and if you get a good fit in the upper eyelet.
New upper and central channel
Nike Vaporfy v4
Nike Vaporfly v3
The upper is now an engineered mesh that adapts to the foot, with more width in the middle area (it gives more stability to the model). The breathability is very good (in version 3 it era too), but in the 4 we have some more structure in the materials.
An interesting improvement is that, if you land midfoot or with the forefoot, the shoe gains in stability, mainly due to the firmer feel of the foam and a wider base in the metatarsal area.
What distances are they designed for?
Nothing fits here. Both are shoes that work great in marathon and half marathon for those looking for reactive cushioning with carbon plate.
But it is true that the Nike Vaporfly 4, thanks to its reduced weight and height, many elite runners find it very interesting as a winning bet in 10K races. Those who run the marathon under 2h45' can also take advantage of it. But if you are going to be more than 3 hours in the race, the feeling of firmness can take its toll on you in the final stretch.
Nike Vaporfly 4
Nike Vaporfly 3
The question of price: 70€ difference?
This is where the most controversial factor comes into play. If you can find the Vaporfly 3 right now at a more competitive price and the Vaporfly 4 is going to be at its starting price of 260€, it is worth considering your level and your objectives:
- Are you an athlete looking to improve your overall performance in detail? The lighter weight and the new carbon plate layout can help you shave a few seconds off your personal best.
- Are you going to use them more for marathons or shorter distances? For 10K and half marathons, the Vaporfly 4 can give you a little extra.
- Are you looking for more reactivity or comfort? If you valor a slightly friendlier feel and more comfort, the 3 is a safe and somewhat cheaper investment.
Running experience
Many runners included in the reviews we've been reading in the last few days, and the tests of our testers who have been using the Vaporfly Next% since its beginnings tell us that the Nike Vaporfly 4 feels "more minimalist" in contact with the asphalt, very fast and with a little more sparkle, especially in shorter distances. Meanwhile, the 3 retains that elevated ZoomX foam and an 8mm drop that keeps the impact from being as aggressive.
To pay or not to pay?
The answer, as usual, is not simple. Is the Nike Vaporfly 4 faster? Yes. Much faster than the Vaporfly 3? No.
So if you're a runner who fits the characteristics of this shoe and your goal is to shave seconds off your target race of the year -or if you're looking for the latest new thing and don't mind investing-, go ahead with the Nike Vaporfly 4 If not, the Vaporfly 3 is an excellent choice, and the good news is that you'll find it at a much better price, under 200 for sure.
If you want to be notified the day the shoe is launched, leave us an email and we will write to you.
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