Nike Vaporfly 4 Review: Lightweight Speed for Race Day

The Nike Vaporfly 4 takes everything that made its predecessors iconic and refines it into a streamlined, race-focused tool for serious runners. With a reputation rooted in performance breakthroughs, the Vaporfly line has continually evolved, and the fourth version offers new features that elevate short-distance racing while keeping the brand’s signature propulsion intact. Built for those chasing seconds off their PRs, the Vaporfly 4 promises agility, comfort, and confidence with each stride.

A Sleek Evolution of an Icon

The Vaporfly 4 is a product of focused innovation rather than radical redesign. Instead of rethinking the entire blueprint, Nike opted to polish the essential elements—lighter construction, improved breathability, and targeted cushioning. Runners familiar with earlier models will notice the refinement in shape and structure, giving this version a slightly more dialed-in race feel.

Compared to the Vaporfly 3, this version shaves off weight while boosting responsiveness. It keeps the core design of a full ZoomX midsole and an embedded carbon FlyPlate, but delivers better transitions and a more supportive in-shoe experience.

Featherlight Feel Without Sacrificing Structure

Weighing in at just 5.9 oz (166g), the Vaporfly 4 is impressively light—even by elite racer standards. That low weight translates directly into a sense of speed and ease, especially in the final stretch of a race when fatigue sets in. The upper features a finely woven mesh that allows for excellent ventilation without compromising durability. During lab testing, smoke flowed through the upper with minimal resistance, suggesting great airflow for warm-weather competition.

The tongue, though minimal, is well-designed to prevent lace pressure. It isn’t gusseted, but its low-profile construction still manages to stay in place thanks to premium lacing and a secure midfoot hold. Combined with a perforated insole that adds comfort while keeping the overall build breathable, every detail feels crafted with race-day in mind.

Performance-Oriented Midsole Design

ZoomX foam remains the star in the midsole, offering the best energy return in Nike’s lineup. This Pebax-based compound is lightweight, bouncy, and incredibly soft underfoot without being mushy. Using a durometer reading of around 19.9 HA, the foam achieves a great balance between cushioning and rebound.

Nested within the foam is the carbon FlyPlate, a rigid, spoon-shaped insert that helps convert vertical force into forward momentum. It plays a crucial role in keeping turnover snappy, especially in faster paces like 5Ks or 10Ks. The rocker design complements this setup, subtly curving the shoe to guide your stride with a rolling sensation.

While the stack height is substantial, with approximately 40mm in the heel and 32mm in the forefoot (yielding an 8mm drop), the shoe never feels unstable or bulky—though it’s not designed for heel-heavy runners or those who need more platform support.

Secure Fit Built for Speed

Nike designed the Vaporfly 4 with a snug, race-day fit that hugs the foot tightly from the midfoot through the heel. It offers a form-fitting experience that enhances ground connection but may feel limiting for runners with wider feet.

The forefoot is narrow, as expected from a top-tier racer, and although it doesn’t cramp the toes outright, the toebox height and width lean toward the slim side. This ensures stability during high-speed efforts but could pose comfort issues for broader foot shapes.

The heel counter, though lightly padded, is stiff enough to hold the heel in place, giving the shoe just enough structure to prevent slippage without adding unnecessary weight. Stability tests show solid torsional rigidity, meaning the shoe resists excessive twisting—a helpful feature for cornering at speed.

Outsole That Grips When It Counts

Traction is another area where the Vaporfly 4 shines. The outsole rubber, though thin, is surprisingly effective on both dry and wet surfaces. Readings showed the forefoot rubber measuring at 64.0 HC and the heel rubber at 71.5 HC—both softer than average, which explains its tacky feel on pavement.

Strategic placement of rubber in high-wear zones helps preserve durability, though the outsole isn’t designed for rough surfaces or high-mileage usage. It performs best on clean roads and tracks, ideal for controlled race environments.

While the thinness of the rubber helps maintain low weight, it also means that the outsole might wear faster than in more general-purpose trainers. This is a shoe for race day, not daily runs.

Ideal Conditions and Runners

The Vaporfly 4 is best suited for competitive runners aiming to peak in events up to the half marathon. It performs exceptionally well in 5K and 10K races, where speed and agility are crucial. The energetic ride, smooth turnover, and precise fit give runners the tools to shave seconds—or minutes—off their times.

That said, it may not be the best pick for longer distances like marathons unless the runner is highly efficient and used to low-profile racing shoes. Its narrow heel and midfoot make it less forgiving over the course of 26.2 miles, especially for those needing a touch more stability.

Pros

• Remarkably lightweight build for explosive speed
• ZoomX foam provides responsive, springy cushioning
• Carbon FlyPlate enhances turnover and energy return
• Great breathability from engineered mesh upper
• Refined rocker for smooth transitions
• Excellent grip in forefoot and heel
• Improved fit and finish compared to previous version
• Updated insole adds comfort and airflow

Cons

• Narrow structure not ideal for wide-footed runners
• Lacks the pop of early Vaporfly generations
• Limited use outside of racing
• Slightly less stable on uneven or slick surfaces

Take Away

The Nike Vaporfly 4 continues the legacy of a line that revolutionized running shoes. While it may not reinvent the formula, it delivers on every promise a modern racer should: speed, comfort, and race-day readiness. Its lightness, energetic ride, and confident grip make it a top-tier choice for short to mid-distance competitions.

Runners seeking an elite racing experience without excess bulk or distractions will find a lot to love in this version. Just be sure you have the foot shape and running style to match its focused design. For those it fits, the Vaporfly 4 feels like an extension of the foot—one that’s built to go fast.

Commonly Asked Questions about the Nike Vaporfly 4

What type of runner is the Nike Vaporfly 4 best suited for?

It’s ideal for competitive runners with a neutral gait looking to maximize performance in short to mid-distance races.

How much does the Vaporfly 4 weigh?

At just 5.9 oz (166g), it’s significantly lighter than most racing shoes, enhancing speed and agility.

What type of cushioning does it use?

The shoe features full-length ZoomX foam for lightweight, energetic cushioning that helps reduce fatigue.

What role does the carbon FlyPlate play?

The carbon FlyPlate adds stiffness and propulsive energy, aiding faster turnover and a smoother ride.

Is the Vaporfly 4 breathable?

Yes, the upper mesh allows excellent airflow, making it suitable for warm-weather racing.

How does the outsole perform on wet roads?

With softer rubber in key zones, the outsole delivers impressive grip, even on slick or damp surfaces.

Can wide-footed runners wear the Vaporfly 4 comfortably?

It may feel too narrow, especially in the midfoot and toebox, making it less suitable for wider feet.

Is it suitable for marathon distances?

While it can be used for marathons, its narrow and less stable design makes it better suited for shorter races.