Nike Vaporfly 3

Review Score
76%
🏅 Highly Rated
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Nike Vaporfly 3: Review

“A top choice for speed and racing with its ZoomX midsole and carbon-fiber Flyplate.”

Overview


The Nike Vaporfly 3 is a running supershoe designed for speed and racing. The shoe's design has been optimized for weight reduction and improved stability, making it a top choice for marathon runners.

Key Features:

The Vaporfly 3 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize speed and energy return for racing. Its lightweight design offers comfort, making it suitable for long-distance races.

According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 76%. This puts it in the lowest rated 20% of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 10% of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the Nike Vaporfly 3


The Nike Vaporfly 3 is a standout shoe for racing and speed training. It offers a combination of excellent cushioning, energy return, and a lightweight feel, thanks to its ZoomX midsole and carbon-fiber Flyplate. The shoe's Flyknit upper provides breathability and comfort, making it ideal for long races. However, it's worth noting that the Vaporfly 3 may not be the best choice for everyday use due to its focus on speed and racing. Overall, if you're a runner looking for a shoe that can help you achieve your best race times, the Vaporfly 3 is a top contender.

Comparable Shoes


Compared to the Nike Zoom Fly 3, the Vaporfly 3 offers a more responsive and propulsive ride, thanks to its ZoomX midsole and carbon-fiber Flyplate. However, the Zoom Fly 3 might be a better choice for everyday use due to its greater stability.

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro is another top racing shoe. While it also offers excellent speed and performance, the Vaporfly 3 stands out for its ZoomX midsole and carbon-fiber Flyplate, which provide a more responsive and propulsive ride.

6 Nike Vaporfly 3 Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Excellent cushioning and energy return thanks to the ZoomX midsole and carbon-fiber Flyplate.
Lightweight and breathable Flyknit upper.
Optimized for weight reduction and improved stability.

3 Cons

Lacks some stability, making it less suitable for everyday use.
Upper lacks stretch and flexibility.
Sacrifices some traction and durability for the sake of lightness.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Nike Vaporfly 3 is made of a lightweight, breathable Flyknit material. This ensures that your feet stay cool and comfortable during your runs. The upper also provides a secure fit, with good forefoot lockdown. However, some runners have noted that it lacks stretch and flexibility, which might be a consideration for those who prefer a more adaptable fit.

Midsole

The midsole of the Vaporfly 3 features Nike's ZoomX foam and a carbon-fiber Flyplate. These two elements work together to provide excellent cushioning and a high energy return. This makes the shoe highly responsive, with a snappy toe-off and a gentle rocker design. However, the shoe is not particularly stable, making it less suitable for everyday use.

Outsole

The outsole of the Vaporfly 3 is made of lightweight rubber. This contributes to the shoe's overall lightness, but it does sacrifice some traction and durability. Therefore, while the Vaporfly 3 excels on the road, it might not perform as well on more challenging terrains.

Size/fit

The Vaporfly 3 is known for its medium toe box, providing ample space for your toes to splay naturally. However, some runners have noted that the upper lacks stretch and flexibility, which might affect the overall fit of the shoe.

Comfort

With its ZoomX midsole and Flyknit upper, the Vaporfly 3 is designed for comfort. The midsole provides excellent cushioning, while the upper ensures breathability. However, the shoe's focus on speed and racing means it might not be as comfortable for slower, everyday runs.

Who should buy the Nike Vaporfly 3?


The Nike Vaporfly 3 is a great choice for runners who prioritize speed and performance. It's particularly suited for those who participate in 10k, half marathon, or marathon races. The shoe's ZoomX midsole and carbon-fiber Flyplate make it an excellent option for those seeking a responsive and propulsive ride.

Who should not buy the Nike Vaporfly 3?


The Vaporfly 3 might not be the best choice for runners who need a shoe for everyday use or slower runs. Its focus on speed and racing means it lacks some stability, which could be a concern for those who require more support. Additionally, runners who prefer a more flexible and stretchy upper might find the Vaporfly 3's fit a bit restrictive.

Nike Vaporfly 3: What's it good for?


The Vaporfly 3 is excellent for road racing and speed training. Its ZoomX midsole and carbon-fiber Flyplate provide a responsive and propulsive ride, making it a top choice for runners aiming to achieve their best race times.

4 Nike Vaporfly 3 FAQs


Is the Nike Vaporfly 3 suitable for everyday running?

The Vaporfly 3 is primarily designed for racing and speed training. While it can be used for everyday running, it might not provide the stability some runners need for daily use.

What makes the Nike Vaporfly 3 stand out from other racing shoes?

The Vaporfly 3 stands out for its ZoomX midsole and carbon-fiber Flyplate. These features provide excellent cushioning and a high energy return, making the shoe highly responsive and ideal for fast races.

Does the Nike Vaporfly 3 offer good breathability?

Yes, the Vaporfly 3 features a Flyknit upper that provides good breathability, ensuring your feet stay cool and comfortable during your runs.

Is the Nike Vaporfly 3 durable?

The Vaporfly 3 is designed for speed and performance, and as such, it might not be as durable as other running shoes. Its outsole is made of lightweight rubber, which sacrifices some durability for the sake of lightness.

Nike Vaporfly 3 alternatives



Nike Vaporfly 3
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released
Released
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Weight
Weight
M: 184 g
W: 159 g
210 g
M: 230 g
W: 164 g
M: 224 g
W: 190 g
M: 266 g
W: 227 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
32 mm
32 mm
30 mm
36 mm
31 mm
M: 37 mm
W: 32 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
8 mm
6 mm
5 mm
5 mm
Heel
Heel
40 mm
40 mm
36 mm
36 mm
36 mm
M: 29 mm
W: 34 mm
Usages
Usages
Racing
RacingSpeed trainingRacingRacingSpeed trainingRacingRacingSpeed training
Brand
Brand
Nike
NikePUMAAltraHokaHoka
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
LightweightMaximalist
MaximalistComfortableLightweightMaximalistComfortableLightweightLow dropLightweightMaximalist
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Rocker
Rocker
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Techs
Techs
Nike ZoomX
Nike ZoomXPUMA NITROPUMA NITRO Elite
0

Nike Vaporfly 3: what the experts say (3 reviews)

Nike Vaporfly 3: 21 Expert video reviews

Nike Vaporfly 3 characteristics and specifications

Specificationsvs Average
Released
Mar 2023
Measurements
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
Heel
40 mm
Forefoot
32 mm
Weight
M: 184 g
W: 159 g

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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