Nike’s Versatile Vaporfly 4 Super Shoe Arrives 10 Percent Lighter Than Its Predecessor
Update: 11:00 a.m. EST February 26, 2025
Nike has officially revealed the Vaporfly 4, which comes in 10 percent lighter than the Vaporfly 3 and 20 grams lighter than the first Vaporfly, which started the super shoe era in 2017.
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ZoomX foam and a carbon fiber Flyplate continue to work together underfoot, and the latter tech has been updated with new curvature to unlock more leverage from the foot and ankle and generate greater energy return from the foam. Weight has been shed by eliminating foam from surplus areas, and the new upper also plays a part in the cutting effort while offering increased comfort and consistency in fit.
“The Vaporfly 4 is the ideal Vaporfly. Nike nailed it,” Mohammed Ahmed, the Canadian 10,000m and 5,000m specialist who helped test the latest model. “There are so many aspects I love about this shoe: It’s lighter than its previous iteration, more responsive, gives a comfortable ride, has a stable feel, and offers a great fit. Simply put, it’s the perfect combination of carbon to foam in this shoe to date. I love running fast in this shoe.”
The Nike Vaporfly 4 will release in March through Nike’s website and select third-party retailers, although a more firm release date still hasn’t been announced. Pricing, not officially confirmed either, is expected to come in at $260.
What We Originally Reported on January 8, 2024
The next iteration of one of Nike’s flagship race day sneakers is on the way this spring, as the first details and imagery for the Vaporfly 4 have been leaked.
The Nike Vaporfly 4 has been revealed in two colorways through a report by Sneaker News, and the most immediately visible changes are the lack of a visible Zoom Air unit and a concave heel similar to that of the Alphafly 3. A carbon fiber Flyplate once again delivers stiffness and propulsion while working in conjunction with ZoomX cushioning, both at full-length. The new outsole pattern appears to prioritize traction in the forefoot even more than its predecessor.
Coming in at a reported 190 grams, the Vaporfly 4 will be 10 grams lighter than the Vaporfly 3 in a men’s size 10.
The Vaporfly 4’s two initial colorways both make use of black and white with “White/Gridiron” taking on cool tones and “Sail/Black” warm. The former edition also features a two-tone midsole and a metallic silver tongue. Text hits on the midsole’s heel for both sneakers call out the expected release window of April 2025.
Prototypes for the Vaporfly 4 were seen at the prestigious Hakone Ekiden race in Japan earlier this month.
The Nike Vaporfly 4 will release in April 2025 through Nike’s website and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $260, the same fee commanded by the Vaporfly 3.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
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