Nike Vaporfly 4 is the latest update in the iconic , quickly capturing attention from both professional and dedicated runners – and for good reason. I've had the shoe for some time now and used it in my training the last few months, and in my opinion, it's a substantial update from the previous Vaporfly 3. The new model resembles Vaporfly 2, still used by several pros, but there are optimizations that make the new shoe even better – maybe the best yet?
Vaporfly 4 regains the aggressive traits that made the 2 so popular. It has the same aggressive and extremely reactive feel, providing the familiar “bounce” and sense of being propelled forward. This makes it ideal for 5 and 10 km road races, where every step counts in the pursuit of the fastest time.
Some might even prefer it over for longer distances like half-marathons or marathons. I've already seen several runners using it on half. I was even beaten by a Brit wearing them when I set a Danish record in the half marathon in Barcelona.
But Vaporfly 4 isn't just an update – it's been optimized in several ways. It feels significantly lighter on the foot (and it is in weight, at just 166 grams in US9), which combined with the aggressive feel, provides a sense of speed.
Furthermore, it has a stack height of 35 mm in the heel. The sole is thus lower than its big brother Alphafly, and so is the 6 mm drop. This combination actually provides a bit more ground feel, making Vaporfly ideal for faster races.
Fit is also improved in the new model. Vaporfly 4 fits closer and more comfortably around the foot – especially thanks to the elastic laces, ensuring a secure grip that feels natural and stable. I've fallen in love with the laces, which I think will become a staple in the running market in the future.
I plan to use Vaporfly 4 for 5km and maybe 10km road races. The light weight, aggressive style, and responsiveness make it a perfect choice for these distances. I actually had plans to use it for the DM 10km, which I unfortunately had to withdraw from due to thigh overload, which I'm struggling a bit with – but hopefully, I'll have the chance to wear them later in the year.
However, I am also considering using for runs requiring extra speed and shorter duration – like a 'road mile' – but more on that later.
Overall, I believe Vaporfly 4 is the best version of the Vaporfly series. With improved fit, ultra-lightweight, and aggressive traits, it's clear that has created a shoe that can help you break records on the road and take your training to the next level.
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