Nike Vaporfly 4 - Women's Review

Nike reconfigured a few elements to reclaim some of the Vaporfly's prowess in the world of racing shoes. The slightly wider and shorter base (4 inches and 10 inches, respectively, size US 6.5) adds an element of stability that this 7 mm drop racing shoe benefits from.

Side View Cut in Half

Cushioning

The Nike Vaporfly 4 offers a strong ZoomX foam underfoot, delivering a distinct sensation that is both somewhat soft yet incredibly responsive. I find the ride to be noticeably Nike, even though this iteration of the Vaporfly feels more akin to its cousin, the Nike Alphafly 3 than the Vaporfly 3. The 31 mm heel stack delivers generous cushioning without sacrificing stability, though the 24 mm forefoot might feel a bit lean to some, especially in today's world of towering supershoes. There isn't anything especially pillowy underfoot when it comes to the Vaporfly, but runners seeking a powerful shoe with enough comfort to get the job done will find that this shoe splits the difference nicely.

Upper Comfort

Almost immediately, I found the upper of the reworked Vaporfly to be more comfortable this time around. The upper features a more tightly woven engineered mesh that wraps the foot snugly, offering a secure, adaptive fit. This is a welcome improvement over the Vaporfly 3, where I often felt that lockdown was lacking upper comfort. The Vaporfly's lightweight and breathable nature ensures minimal distractions during runs. The tongue now lies flat and even beneath the laces, a subtle but impactful upgrade that fixes the awkward discomfort caused by the asymmetrical tongue in the previous version. Some runners have reported feeling some heel slippage with the Vaporfly. Even after nitpicking every part of this shoe, I never felt any looseness in the rear, though it is worth keeping this in mind if you often find that shoes slip around your heels.

Stability

While this shoe is primarily a neutral racing shoe, its design incorporates elements that enhance stability. As mentioned, the updates to the base of the Vaporfly have added a bit of neutral stability. Previously, the base was 3.8 inches wide and 10.2 inches long (US women's size 6.5). Nike added 0.2 of an inch in width and removed the same amount in length, creating an impactful change through the Vaporfly's base of support. The full-length carbon-fiber plate embedded in the midsole not only propels runners forward but also provides a stable platform, reducing unnecessary foot movements. This stability is especially beneficial during high-speed efforts, ensuring ultimate confidence. Runners who seek serious lateral stability should be wary of racing shoes; neutral runners looking for a baseline level of stability will find success here.

Responsiveness

Responsiveness is kind of what this shoe is all about. Luckily, this iteration of the Vaporfly maintained all of its energy return, allowing it to score near-perfectly in this coveted metric. The synergy between the ZoomX foam and the carbon-fiber plate results in unparalleled responsiveness. In fact, only the Nike Alphafly scored higher in this metric, and, even then, the difference is difficult to perceive.

Speed Performance for Varying Distances and Effort Levels

Product	Easy (Recovery)	Moderate (Marathon)	Threshold (10K)	Fast (5K)
Best	3	4.5	5	5
Nike Vaporfly 4	2.5	4	5	5
Average	2.6	4.4	4.8	4.6
Worst	1.5	4	4.5	4

Each step in the 7 mm drop Vaporfly feels charged, with the shoe delivering impressive energy return that propels you forward almost effortlessly. This lively responsiveness shines during tempo runs and races, making it easier to lock into and maintain a fast pace. With a 25.0-degree rocker angle and an apex positioned at 61.0% forward on the outsole length, the Vaporfly's geometry encourages a smooth, forward-rolling sensation that effortlessly transitions each stride into the next. Thanks to updates in the stability profile, the Vaporfly now feels more composed at moderate speeds, too, earning it a permanent spot in my personal training rotation — not just on race day.

Weight

Just when I think that Nike has given us the lowest weight shoe they possibly can, they come in with something even lighter. When I began testing running shoes, I never dared to dream of running in a shoe under 6 ounces. Lo and behold… At 4.56 ounces for a women's size 6.5, the Vaporfly 4 is remarkably lightweight! While it isn't the burliest road shoe on the market, its minimal weight reduces fatigue over long distances and allows for quicker leg turnover. The reduced weight doesn't compromise performance, making it an ideal choice for runners who want to see what their bodies are truly capable of.

Traction

The outsole design provides a reliable grip on various surfaces, from vaguely damp roads to dry tracks. The forefoot rubber placement ensures upgraded durability in high-wear areas while maintaining flexibility and control. This traction instills confidence, allowing you to focus solely on your performance without concerns about slipping. No racing shoe is ever going to knock our socks off in the traction metric due to the weight that true lugs would add. Nike addressed both traction and durability concerns by updating the control and security that the rubber outsole of the Vaporfly offers.

Should You Buy the Nike Vaporfly 4?

The Nike Vaporfly 4 is really cool. Just because it's cool doesn't mean it deserves a place in every runner's closet. Racing shoes fulfill a niche in the world of running, but they also exclude huge swaths of runners who seek versatility and daily trainers, especially when we consider their premium price tags. The Nike Vaporfly 4 stands out as a top-tier racing shoe, combining lightweight design, responsive cushioning, and reliable traction. It's best suited for runners aiming to maximize their performance on race day, offering the tools needed to push boundaries and achieve new personal records. Runners who want a daily trainer should look elsewhere.

What Other Road Running Shoes Should I Consider?

As mentioned, the Nike Alphafly 3 narrowly surpassed the Vaporfly 4 in terms of responsiveness. With a slightly higher stack, the Alphafly is better suited for longer distances. If you want a single supershoe to check all of your speed-oriented boxes, we wholeheartedly recommend the snappy Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris and the comfortable New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4. Both of these options provide the elements that speedy runners want without the intensity that exists in Nike shoes. If comfort is crucial, but you still want some responsive snap, the new Asics Superblast 2 is an awesome shoe to consider. The Superblast weighs a bit more, but offers significantly more plush comfort and versatility at a slightly more approachable price point.