Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3

Review Score
88%
🏅 Highly Rated
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Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3: Review

“A high-performance supershoe with superior cushioning and energy return.”

Overview


The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 is a cutting-edge high-performance racing shoe designed for elite runners seeking maximum speed and efficiency.

Key Features:

  • ZoomX Foam Cushioning: The Vaporfly Next% 3 features Nike's ZoomX foam in the midsole, known for its lightweight and responsive cushioning, offering a comfortable and propulsive ride.
  • Carbon Fiber Plate: It incorporates a carbon fiber plate in the midsole, enhancing energy return and providing a propulsive feel during each stride.
  • AeroHug Upper: The shoe's AeroHug upper is designed for a secure and comfortable fit, reducing wasted energy and ensuring a locked-in feel.
  • Race-Ready Excellence: The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 is specifically engineered for elite runners aiming to achieve their best performance in races, with a focus on maximizing speed and efficiency.

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 is a top-tier racing shoe that caters to fast runners looking for the latest technology in speed and efficiency, providing them with a competitive edge in races.

With an average review score of 88%, it's in the highest rated 20% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 10% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3


The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 is a top-tier racing shoe that delivers on its promises. It offers a comfortable fit, excellent breathability, and a lightweight build, making it ideal for daily running and long-distance races. The shoe's ZoomX foam midsole provides excellent cushioning and energy return, while the carbon fiber plate adds a propulsive feel to each stride. However, its durability could be improved, and the less aggressive toe spring may not suit all runners. Overall, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 is a solid choice for runners seeking a high-performance shoe for racing and speed training.

Updates to Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3


The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 introduces several updates from its predecessor, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2. These include a more rounded and stable heel design, midsole cutouts for improved flexibility, and an updated Flyknit upper. The shoe is also lighter than the previous version and includes more ZoomX foam for softer landings.

Comparable Shoes


The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite are both high-performance racing shoes. However, the Nike shoe offers a more comfortable fit and superior cushioning, making it a better choice for long-distance races.

Compared to the Adidas adizero Adios Pro 3, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 offers a more comfortable fit and better breathability. However, the Adidas shoe may offer better durability.

5 Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Increased cushioning and stability
Comfortable fit and excellent breathability
Lightweight design

2 Cons

Less aggressive toe spring than competitors
Low durability

In Depth


Upper

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 features a lightweight and breathable Flyknit upper that provides a snug and secure fit. The upper's excellent lockdown ensures your foot stays in place during your run. However, some users have reported minor irritation caused by the tongue design.

Midsole

The shoe's midsole is equipped with Nike's ZoomX foam, known for its excellent cushioning and energy return. This technology provides a smooth and responsive feel, making your runs more efficient. The midsole also includes a carbon fiber plate for added propulsion.

Outsole

The outsole of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 is thinner than its predecessors, reducing weight without compromising durability. It offers reliable traction on roads, even in damp conditions, and showed minimal signs of wear during testing.

Size/fit

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 offers a true-to-size fit with a medium toe box, ensuring comfort and stability during your runs.

Comfort

With its soft ZoomX foam midsole and breathable Flyknit upper, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 provides a comfortable running experience. The shoe's lightweight design further enhances its comfort, making it ideal for long-distance races and speed workouts.

Who should buy the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3?


The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 is a great choice for runners who prioritize speed and comfort. It's particularly suited for those participating in long-distance races such as marathons and half marathons. If you're looking for a shoe that offers a comfortable fit, excellent cushioning, and a propulsive ride, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 could be the shoe for you.

Who should not buy the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3?


The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 may not be the best choice for runners seeking a durable shoe for daily training. Its durability is lower than some competitors, and the less aggressive toe spring may not suit runners who prefer a more pronounced forward roll. If you prefer a firmer ride, you might want to consider other options.

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3: What's it good for?


The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 is excellent for road racing and speed training. Its lightweight design, superior cushioning, and propulsive feel make it ideal for achieving personal bests in long-distance races.

4 Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 FAQs


Is the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 good for long-distance races?

Yes, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 is excellent for long-distance races such as marathons and half marathons. Its superior cushioning and energy return make it ideal for these types of races.

How does the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 fit?

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 offers a true-to-size fit with a medium toe box. Its Flyknit upper provides a snug and secure fit.

What is the weight of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3?

The men's version of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 weighs 6.5 oz, while the women's version weighs 5.6 oz.

What type of running is the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 best for?

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 is best for road running, particularly for racing and speed training.

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 alternatives

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released
Released
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Weight
Weight
M: 184 g
W: 159 g
261 g
210 g
M: 230 g
W: 164 g
M: 266 g
W: 227 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
32 mm
32 mm
31 mm
30 mm
36 mm
M: 37 mm
W: 32 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
8 mm
7 mm
6 mm
5 mm
Heel
Heel
40 mm
40 mm
37 mm
36 mm
36 mm
M: 29 mm
W: 34 mm
Brand
Brand
Nike
NikeadidasPUMAAltraHoka
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Maximalist
LightweightMaximalistComfortableComfortableLightweightMaximalistComfortableLightweightLow drop
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Rocker
Rocker
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Techs
Techs
Nike ZoomX
Nike ZoomXadidas Lightstrike ProPUMA NITROPUMA NITRO Elite
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
0

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3: what the experts say (2 reviews)

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3: 7 Expert video reviews

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainRoad (+1362)
UsagesRacing (+183)Speed training (+302)
BrandNike (+261)
Support TypeNeutral (+1603)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1116)
Shoe TypeMaximalist (+428)
FitMedium toe box (+855)
FeaturesBreathable (+753)Carbon fiber plate (+101)
MaterialsKnit (+212)
TechsNike ZoomX (+10)
Events10k (+711)Half marathon (+711)Marathon (+711)Triathlon (+32)
ColorwaysBlack, Blue, Green / White, Green Orange / Red / White, Hyper Pink / Black-laser Orange, White, White / Black-phantom-pure Platinum-sail-total Orange, White Particle Grey / Metallic Silver / Dark Smoke Grey
Specificationsvs Average
Model
3
Released
Mar 2023
Measurements
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
Heel
40 mm
Forefoot
32 mm

Evolution of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% product family

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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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December 18, 2024 at 9:55 AM
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