Nike Vaporfly 4 (2025 Review): Back on Top of the Game?
In 2017, a Vaporfly revolutionized the running world by enabling new records.
But the model had since lost its lead and was far from dominating its category. Nike had notably taken few risks with the Vaporfly 3 and fell behind other brands.
This new Vaporfly 4 therefore raises a lot of expectations and just as many questions:
- Does it regain the top spot?
- What is its position in Nike’s range, especially compared to the Alphafly 3?
- Is it a good choice for you?
This is what we are going to find out in this field test.
Why trust me?
With a personal best of 2h38 in the marathon and a considerable weekly training volume, I have the opportunity to test many shoe models to assist my practice.
I conducted my field test of the Nike Vaporfly Next% 4 on different types of sessions to evaluate their comfort and performance. Additionally, I also consulted other runners to validate my feelings and ensure that my recommendations will be useful to as many runners as possible.
Our verdict
Excellent carbon-plated running shoe intended to break your records on intermediate distances.
- Featherweight: 164 g (size 42)
- Flyplate carbon plate + ZoomX foam
- Height: 35 mm (heel), 29 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 6 mm
- Competitions 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon
Nike has responded to the decline of its flagship model: the turn taken is at least radical and ultimately very coherent. Exit the marathon pretensions for the Vaporfly 4 (the Alphafly 3 already handles that), it focuses on shorter formats.
The weight and stack have been noticeably reduced, losing between 20 to 30 g and 5 mm respectively. The shoe adopts a steeper (and more aggressive) angle for the Flyplate carbon fiber plate and a slightly denser ZoomX foam for a more balanced feel, less cushioned than on the Alphafly 3.
The dynamism and propulsion are excellent, but the rocker is less pronounced (despite a more powerful lever on the plate) giving a flatter feel to the stride with less “vertical” bounce. The emphasis is more on speed than energy economy.
As always, the woven mesh upper impresses with its lightness, breathability, and comfort. The thin rubber on the outsole delighted me with its excellent grip. However, the ZoomX foam, a usual weak point, invites close monitoring of the shoe’s durability.
In summary, this new Vaporfly 4 strikes hard and will certainly establish itself as a reference for speed on intermediate distances.
Pros
- Featherweight for short distances
- Very comfortable and breathable upper
- Highly performing outsole
- Excellent reactivity with a closer-to-the-ground feel than other carbons
- Well-balanced feel and good stability
Cons
- Reduced energy economy, muscle-demanding
- Elitist model
- Insufficient lifespan
Cushioning
Not surprisingly, Nike chose the ZoomX for the midsole, its most performant foam, which envelops the Flyplate carbon plate on either side. From this classic base, the changes are many.
A steeper angle alters the shape of the board. The lever effect is significantly more marked, felt very well during the impulse, especially in accelerations.
The foam is also different, with increased density. The result is a more balanced feel than the previous version, with a feeling neither too firm nor too soft that will suit, in my opinion, a very large number of runners.
The dimensions are down: 35 mm under the heel and 29 mm at the forefoot.
The shock absorption is still very good, but with the reduced amount of foam and a firmer feel, the Vaporfly 4 clearly distances itself from a marathon-focused shoe.
Some might certainly push it to that distance, but I rather recommend it for shorter distances, as indicated by the brand (for the marathon, they recommend the Alphafly 3).
Personally, I would have a hard time pushing it beyond the half-marathon and would more willingly use it for 10 km.
Finally, the drop increases to 6 mm, made necessary by the stack reduction. Indeed, Nike must still guarantee a minimum of protection at the front to allow for more complete usage. If you are used to more standard drops, do not neglect this particularity.
Energy return
Less foam, lower stack, thinner upper and outsole: Nike has shed grams to achieve a featherweight of 164 g in 42. It will be hard to find lighter today.
The dynamism is impressive.
However, it’s important to note that the geometry deviates from the standard of such models, with a less pronounced rocker and a less intense rocker. It’s paradoxical since you feel the plate’s lever pushing forward, but it’s not the same “vertical” bounce as, for example, on an Alphafly 3.
The feeling is therefore more “flat”, and you need to have strong feet to fully exploit the shoe’s potential. It will not suit all runners.
Some tests suggest a minimum speed of 15 km/h, but I’m not convinced. I rather have the impression that you have to really push to feel the propulsion. This makes the Vaporfly 4 highly suited for speed sessions and short-distance competitions.
Support and stability
The Vaporfly 4 is for a neutral stride and has no stabilizing technology.
The reduced height, slightly flatter ride, and slightly firmer foam give this Vaporfly 4 a good stability that should satisfy everyone.
Foot support
The new woven mesh upper stands out for its lightness and breathability. It’s so thin that in the photos you can see my black socks through it!
It’s not fragile however and will show no weakness regarding durability. Ideal in hot weather, it will protect less in winter, like most of its carbon rivals. I also validate good moisture evacuation and rapid drying.
I’m always amazed at the comfort such light shoes can provide, especially if I think back to the discomfort of older competition models. You feel perfectly good in the shoe, without any hesitation to wear it for a long time.
The fit is closer to the foot than on the previous version. While the support offered by the Vaporfly 4 is excellent, some testers found the shoe too narrow.
I confirm that there is not much space. But I found the upper quite stretchy and never felt compressed, despite having rather wide feet. In my opinion, the shoe fits true to size, but it’s better to try it if you have strong feet.
I was less impressed by the tongue. Very thin, perforated, it fits well on the foot. But it lacks a gusset, which surprises me given the price.
I didn’t notice any slipping, but runners with thin feet might not escape it. The heel counter is very well executed, with very good heel lock.
Remarkably for such a light model, the padding at this point enhances comfort. The lacing system is classic and brings the final touch to a very good foot lock, for a very successful upper overall.
Traction
The outsole alone reflects the target audience for this Vaporfly 4, as there is no rubber in the heel area. In other words, it’s better to have a forefoot or midfoot strike.
The front is equipped with a thin layer of rubber offering excellent traction. Even on wet surfaces, the shoe does not fail, the grip is very effective.
The Vaporfly 4 performs less well on trails or paths, but that’s not its purpose. Its favorite terrains are road and track. The numerous grooves (including the deep central groove) ensure very good flexibility.
Use scenarios
Speed! That’s what every carbon-plated competition shoe aims for, but this Nike Vaporfly Next% 4 Proto is even a high-speed champion!
The geometry offers a less pronounced rocker and a more “flat” feel than previous versions. I fully noticed this during my training runs with the model.
Usually, with other carbon rockets, I really feel the invitation to speed, which pushes for acceleration. That was not the case here; the Vaporfly 4 is not suitable (or pleasant) for lower paces, even less so than its competitors.
This confirms the demanding nature of the shoe: the rocker is less intense, and you really need strong feet to make the most of the shoe’s propulsion. But for seasoned runners, the Vaporfly 4 will be a true rocket.
It will therefore mainly be used for speed sessions, and of course in competitions.
For which distances?
It’s hard to answer, it depends on your profile.
The shock absorption is satisfactory and Nike states on its website that the Vaporfly 4 can be used over any distance. Press conferences tell a different story and position the shoe for shorter distances, recommending Alphafly 3 for the marathon.
For my part, I find the cushioning of the shoe insufficient for the marathon, especially with the firmer feel and different geometry. On a marathon end, the effort required will be, in my opinion, too great for a large majority of runners.
For half-marathon, it will likely suit a larger number of runners. But it wouldn’t be my first choice for this distance, as other models are much more appropriate.
So it is indeed for 5-10 km distances that the shoe will suit most runners. If your stride is powerful enough to take advantage of it, the Vaporfly 4 will be a fantastic partner to chase records.
Quality and lifespan
The upper and outsole have a standard lifespan. But Nike doesn’t seem to seek to improve the durability of its ZoomX foam, which very quickly shows visible wear signs.
Add to that a more limited use and a demanding model: the investment seems too significant to me compared to other models.
To achieve zero emission, Nike has committed to the “Move To Zero” approach. The shoe therefore contains recycled materials, but the brand hasn’t disclosed the proportions.
According to our information, the Nike Vaporfly Next% 4 Proto is not vegan.
Nike Vaporfly 3 vs 4
The new version brings major changes:
- Very clear weight reduction (about 20-30 g)
- New foam composition for a more balanced feel
- Reduced stack (35 mm compared to 40 mm)
- Decreased drop (6 mm compared to 8 mm)
- New geometry, with a less pronounced rocker and a less intense tilt
- Higher angle at the plate level
- New upper with better support and breathability
- Thinner outsole yet more adherent
The two shoes are completely different. One will opt for the V3 if looking for a stronger rocker, a more cushioned feel, and a high-performing shoe over all distances (even the marathon). The V4 will be more suitable for runners seeking speed on shorter distances.
Conclusion
Nike has put its range of carbon-plated shoes in order: the Alphafly 3 is now the model for the marathon, and the Nike Vaporfly 4 is dedicated to shorter distances.
However, ask yourself if the significant investment is wise for you on these formats. If so, the Vaporfly 4 is a rocket, provided you have a stride powerful enough to fully exploit it.
Facts
Reference: official site
