Nike Vaporfly 3 - Women's Review

If you are a speed-focused racer and want a shoe that can keep up on race day, this 8mm drop, carbon-plated superstar might be perfect for you.

Performance Comparison

Cushioning and Landing Comfort

The Vaporfly 3 doesn't offer the typical landing comfort and cushioning that we are accustomed to seeing on shoes built for the road. Instead, it hosts a thick Nike ZoomX foam stack with an embedded plate for powerful energy return. This is paired with a profoundly thin insole (0.5mm) for maximal speed pushes. The foam and rubber come together beneath the body of the Vaporfly to create a really bouncy and comfortable ride, especially considering all of the tech that is squished into the outsole. While not a plush outsole, the springy foam cushions joints well enough to earn high marks in this metric. This is not our top recommendation for all training distances because of its carbon fiber plate. Especially for newer runners, a more traditionally shaped running shoe without a plate in the outsole will likely be a more reliable choice for overall comfort.

Responsiveness

The Vaporfly set the standard for responsiveness when we first included it in our lineup of tested shoes and remains one of the top competitors in this metric. It is a rare model with such strength in its energy return. If you are looking for a responsive shoe, you've found it. The carbon fiber fly plate is responsible for the epic propulsion of the Vaporfly. The plate runs the entire length of the outsole, so no matter your gait, you have a launchpad to propel yourself forward.

The mildly convex shape of the outsole adds an additional element of responsiveness, as it seemingly allows one footfall to roll into the next. This combines beautifully with the launchpad-style outsole for maximal speed. Running in the Vaporfly means that the energy you put into your stride will be returned, which is very efficient, especially for racing. The first few strides in such a responsive shoe can feel wobbly because the fit tends to be unfamiliar, but after hitting a rhythm, the energetic feedback becomes addictive.

While the Vaporfly is powerfully responsive, that doesn't make it appropriate for all runners and run types. Executing some training runs in the shoes you'll race in is a great idea, but performing all of your training runs in such a unique shoe isn't. Our expert testers recommend utilizing speed shoes like the Vaporfly as part of your arsenal. For long, slow mileage, the responsiveness provided by the Vaporfly is overkill, so these types of runs would be better enjoyed in shoes with a bit more outsole flexibility, lateral support, and toe box space.

Stability

The updated heel collar taper of the Vaporfly 3 makes it more stable than previous iterations, though this is still not a shoe we recommend to runners who want stability. The upper is made of wildly breathable Flyknit yarn. It is so breathable, in fact, that you can see straight through the holes to your socks. This design helps to keep the weight of the Vaporfly low but doesn't offer much reinforcement for lateral stability. The angled lace bed and tongue allow you to tighten the laces up for a secure fit to ensure you won't roll your ankles off of the platform. In terms of support for overpronators and the like, the Vaporfly is lacking. It feels secure but not particularly stable. If you want a racing shoe that offers incredible responsiveness with support, other options might be more appropriate for you.

Upper Comfort

The upper weave of the Vaporfly 3 offers almost nothing in terms of cushioning or comfort elements. With the exception of the tiniest little cushions you've ever seen on the tongue, the upper is severely minimalistic. The Flyknit weave of the Vaporfly is minimal but well-designed so as not to interfere with the fit and use of the shoe. To be clear, there is nothing outwardly comfortable about the upper, but it fits in such a way that it feels fine as you run. The toe box is slightly wider than it was in versions past, giving your toes a bit of extra space to splay and flex as you work. The heel collar is far from plush, but the small, pillowy pockets at the rear prevent rubbing and hotspots by ensuring a secure fit. The lay-flat tongue doesn't offer much of a barrier between the lace bed and the upper of your foot, which can feel uncomfortable after a few miles. Ultimately, the Vaporfly is not a shoe to consider if you want a truly comfortable experience. But if you are motivated by PRs and leg turnover, this shoe is well-fitted enough to earn a spot in your race day gear lineup.

Weight

It is no surprise that a shoe built for speed weighs in at the light end of the pack, but the lightness of the Vaporfly feels almost otherworldly. At 4.98 ounces for a women's size 6.5, the Vaporfly is light. All of its weight rides in the outsole, which can add to the slightly awkward feel of the first few strides. But once your body grows used to the way the outsole weight functions, the Vaporfly feels almost weightless underfoot. It feels like a serious piece of gear underfoot, a sensation that is far different from many of the plush, pillowy running shoes on the market today. If an ultra-lightweight and responsive shoe is your jam, here it is.

Should You Buy the Nike Vaporfly 3?

The Vaporfly 3 lacks the versatility of some of our most often recommended running shoes, so keep that in mind as you shop. This is a really great speed and racing shoe, but it is not going to be your best bet for long, slow, distance runs because the comfortable elements just aren't there. If this niche shoe sounds like it would make a great addition to your existing running shoe lineup, we wholeheartedly recommend buying it and enjoying the speed it encourages. If you want a do-it-all daily trainer, we recommend you avoid specialty shoes like the Vaporfly.

What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?

If you like the idea of a super responsive shoe but want one with a bit more versatility, check out the Puma Deviate Nitro 2. The Deviate Nitro is heavier than the Vaporfly but comes with a bit more stability, cushion, and comfort. The Nike Alphafly 3 is another supreme racing shoe. The Alphafly is a bit heavier and offers a bit more arch support but is equally as responsive and race-ready as the Vaporfly. If you want a responsive shoe without a carbon fiber plate, the Saucony Kinvara 14 might be a great option for you. The flexible outsole of the Kinvara doesn't offer as strong of energy return as the Vaporfly or Deviate Nitro. The foamy underfoot feel of the Kinvara is comfortable and peppy and available for significantly less money than the leading super shoes.