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nike vaporfly 4

Nike Vaporfly 4 Review: Refined Speed and Comfort

Since its explosive debut in 2017, the Nike Vaporfly series has rewritten the rules of racing shoes, blending space-age tech with boundary-pushing performance. A trailblazer in the carbon-plated running shoe revolution, the Vaporfly line ignited an era where lightweight plates and superfoams became the key for speed. Loved by elites chasing records and everyday runners hunting PRs, the line has become synonymous with speed. The Nike Vaporfly 4 arrives not as a revolution, but as a meticulous refinement—a shoe that polishes its predecessor’s strengths while addressing subtle flaws. Is it still the king of the racing circuit? Let’s dive in.

Key specifications:

Brand: Nike
Model: Vaporfly 4
Weight: 9.8 oz. (277 g) for US 9 model
Heel: 35 mm
Toe: 29 mm
Heel drop: 6 mm
Carbon plate: Yes

What’s new in Nike Vaporfly 4?

The Vaporfly 4 isn’t a head-turner at first glance, but beneath its familiar silhouette lies a series of calculated tweaks. Nike trimmed the heel collar for a sleeker fit, reworked the midsole’s geometry for smoother transitions, and introduced a grippier outsole pattern. The upper, now using Atomknit 3.0, feels like a “second skin” compared to the Vaporfly 3’s slightly bulkier wrap. It’s the kind of upgrade that whispers rather than shouts—until you start running.

Price of Nike Vaporfly 4

Price: $260 USD
Release date: April 2025

Upper

nike vaporfly 4

The new Atomknit 3.0 upper is a marvel of engineering—stretchy yet structured, breathable yet secure. Unlike the Vaporfly 3’s occasionally rigid forefoot, this version wraps toes like a breathable mesh glove, with laser-perforations boosting airflow. Runners noted fewer hotspots, even during marathon-length efforts. Nike finally nailed the tongue. Gone is the slippery, minimalist flap of old; the Vaporfly 4’s semi-gusseted tongue stays centered, with just enough padding to prevent lace bite. The flat, ribbon-like laces lock down midfoot tension without digging.

The heel collar is lower and softer, ditching the Vaporfly 3’s sometimes abrasive rigidity. Internal padding is minimal but strategic, cradling the Achilles without bulk. One tester praised it for eliminating blisters during downhill sprints—a notorious weak spot in earlier models.

Midsole

nike vaporfly 4

The soul of the Vaporfly remains its full-length ZoomX foam and carbon fiber plate. This duo still delivers that addictive “trampoline” effect, propelling you forward with each toe-off. But the midsole’s sculpting is smarter now: a slightly rockered geometry smoothes transitions from heel to toe, reducing the “slappy” feel some criticized in the V3.
It’s softer underfoot than the Vaporfly 3, but not squishy—think “cloud with a purpose.” The foam compresses just enough to cushion, then snaps back fiercely. Marathoners will appreciate the balance of comfort and responsiveness, especially past mile 20.

The thin, removable insole is unchanged—functional but forgettable. Some testers swapped it for orthotics, though Nike purists argue it’s best left untouched to preserve the shoe’s intended feel.

Outsole

nike vaporfly 4

Nike swapped the V3’s geometric tread for arrowhead-shaped rubber pods, concentrating coverage under high-wear zones. The result? Better grip on wet roads and sharper corners. While the outsole still isn’t as durable as a daily trainer’s (this is a race shoe, after all), the stickier rubber compound resists wear better than previous versions. Confident on asphalt and track surfaces, though a few testers noted slight slippage on painted crosswalks in rain. For dry conditions, it’s flawless.

Who Should Buy It (And Who Shouldn’t)?

Buy If:

  • You’re chasing PRs in races 5K to marathon.
  • You’re a neutral runner with efficient form.
  • You crave that “boosted” sensation without sacrificing cushion.

Avoid If:

  • You need stability features (this shoe is firmly for neutral gaits).
  • You want a daily trainer—save these for race day.
  • Your budget is tight. At $260, these are an investment.

Verdict

The Nike Vaporfly 4 doesn’t reinvent the wheel—it just lets it roll faster. By refining the upper, tweaking the midsole, and sharpening the outsole, Nike has crafted a racing shoe that feels more complete than its predecessor. It’s not perfect (the price stings, and wet traction could improve), but for runners seeking every possible edge, it’s still the shoe to beat. For those wanting a budget-friendly hybrid for training and racing, the Nike Zoomfly 6 offers versatility without the premium price tag.

Final Word: If you loved the Vaporfly 3, the upgrades here are worth the splurge. If you’re new to supershoes, start here—it’s the pinnacle of speed, refined.

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Nike Zoom fly 6 review

Why the Nike Zoom Fly 6 Might Be Your Next Favorite Shoe

Hey there, fellow runners! If you’ve been following Nike’s lineup, you’re probably familiar with the Zoom Fly series—a collection designed to bring that race-day excitement into our daily training. The latest in this lineup, the Nike Zoom Fly 6, has hit the shelves, and it’s turning heads for all the right reasons. After some mixed reviews in the past, Nike seems to have listened to the feedback, delivering a shoe that promises both performance and comfort.

Key specifications:

Brand: Nike
Model: Zoom Fly 6
Weight: 8.6 oz. (244 g) for US 9 model
Heel: 40 mm
Toe: 32 mm
Heel drop: 8 mm
Carbon plate: Yes

What's New in the Zoom Fly 6?

Nike has made some notable upgrades in the Zoom Fly 6:

  • Dual-Foam Midsole: This version introduces a combination of ZoomX foam on top and SR-02 foam beneath, with a carbon fiber plate nestled between them. This setup aims to provide a responsive yet stable ride.
  • Weight Reduction: Shedding some grams, the Zoom Fly 6 is lighter than its predecessor, making those long runs feel a bit breezier.
  • Refined Upper: A two-layer woven mesh upper offers improved breathability and support, ensuring your feet stay cool and secure.

Cushioning & Ride

Amount of cushioning: Medium cushioned
Purpose: Speed workouts and even for racing

Price of Nike Zoom Fly 6

Price: $170 USD
Release date: November 1st, 2024

Upper

Nike Zoom Fly 6
The Zoom Fly 6 features a redesigned upper that feels like a thoughtful upgrade from previous versions. The two-layer woven mesh material strikes a balance between breathability and structure, wrapping around your foot like a supportive hug. The outer layer provides durability and shape, while the inner layer adds softness against your skin, reducing the risk of irritation during longer runs.

Nike also improved the fit with a more refined heel counter and padded collar, locking your foot in place without feeling overly restrictive. The lacing system works seamlessly, allowing you to dial in the perfect fit. However, it’s worth noting that the toe box leans on the narrower side, so runners with wider feet might want to size up or try them on before committing.

Midsole

Nike Zoom Fly 6
This is where the magic happens. The midsole of the Zoom Fly 6 features a dual-foam construction that blends the best of both worlds: plush comfort and snappy responsiveness. On top, you get Nike’s renowned ZoomX foam, known for its lightweight, energetic feel. It compresses nicely underfoot, absorbing impact and returning energy with each stride.

Beneath that, the SR-02 foam adds a firmer layer for stability, preventing the shoe from feeling too soft or mushy. Sandwiched between these foams lies a full-length carbon fiber plate, which gives you that propulsive forward push, making every toe-off feel quicker and more dynamic. It’s not as aggressive as the plate in the Vaporfly or Alphafly, but it adds enough pop to make faster workouts feel exciting.

Outsole

Nike Zoom Fly 6

The outsole of the Zoom Fly 6 is built for durability and traction. Nike has strategically placed high-abrasion rubber in key areas to withstand wear and tear, especially in high-impact zones like the heel and forefoot. The tread pattern has been updated to provide better grip on wet and dry surfaces, giving you confidence on various terrains.

Despite the added rubber coverage, the shoe doesn’t feel clunky. The outsole design complements the midsole geometry, encouraging a smooth heel-to-toe transition. Whether you’re cruising through a long run or pushing the pace in a tempo session, the outsole offers reliable traction and contributes to the overall stability of the ride.

Who Is This Shoe For?

The Zoom Fly 6 is ideal for runners seeking a versatile trainer that can handle a variety of workouts—from long runs to tempo sessions. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate a firmer, more responsive ride and are looking for a durable shoe to log substantial mileage.

Pros

✅ Light for a supertrainer
✅ Lighter than the Zoom Fly 5
✅ Softer cushioning

Cons

❌ Plate is a bit too flexible and not noticeable
❌ Not suitable for wider feet

Verdict

Nike has made significant strides with the Zoom Fly 6, addressing many of the critiques from previous models. While it may not be the softest trainer out there, its blend of responsiveness, durability, and versatility makes it a strong contender in the running shoe market. If you’re in search of a reliable shoe that can keep up with various training demands, the Zoom Fly 6 is worth considering.

What can you tell us about Nike Zoom Fly 6?You've read our critic's opinion, but what do YOU think? Make your voice heard.

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