I’ve always been critical of the Nike Vaporfly 3’s fit and design quirks—its narrow underfoot platform, wobbly feel, and odd asymmetrical lacing made even race days a bit of a chore.
So when I finally laced up the Vaporfly 4, I was eager to see if Nike had addressed those issues.
At just 5.9 oz (167 g) for my US M9 pair, incredibly, they are lighter than their predecessor, and the moment I slipped them on, I could already tell this shoe aims for a more seamless “disappearing” feel underfoot.
In this review, I’ll walk through the specs, how they fit, dive into performance (the heart of all my shoe reviews), compare it to the Vaporfly 3, and wrap up with my final verdict.
Key Specifications
- Price: $270 at Nike (up $10 from Vaporfly 3) / £200 at Sportsshoes.com (For UK Readers)
- Weight: 5.9 oz (167 g) for US M9 pair
- Drop (Stack Height): 6mm drop (35 mm heel, 29 mm forefoot)
- Upper: Engineered mesh (lighter than V3, reduced tongue and heel bulk)
- Midsole: Nike ZoomX foam with a full-length carbon fiber Flyplate (slightly trimmed to shave weight)
- Outsole: Thinner rubber with a wavy waffle pattern on the forefoot and small heel rubber patches
- Extra Attributes: Higher plate angle for improved propulsion, midsole bulge at the heel to reduce internal weight, lighter overall construction (upper, midsole, and outsole)
Sizing and fit
The Vaporfly 4 fits a touch more generously than the Vaporfly 3, especially around the midfoot and forefoot, thanks to the new engineered mesh and shoe last.
It still skews toward a snug, performance-oriented fit, so if your feet are on the wider side, expect too much of a “hug” around and under your foot—though it’s a major improvement over the Vaporfly 3.
Heel lockdown has improved now that the asymmetrical lacing is gone, but if you don’t keep your laces very snug, your heel can still shift slightly.
Performance review
The moment you pick up the Vaporfly 4, you notice how featherlight it feels.
Alastair Dixon
It's honestly quite incredible and no other super shoe that I have tested comes close in weight.
Nike trimmed weight not just from the ZoomX foam but also from the outsole and upper mesh, delivering a barely-there feel that translates to long runs where you genuinely forget you’re wearing carbon plated racing shoes.
That lighter midsole and improved geometry makes running from heel to toe feel exceptionally snappy, and more stable than the previous version which could be a little sketchy at time for average runners (non-elites).
When I kick up the pace for interval sessions or tempo efforts, the ZoomX foam and full-length carbon Flyplate work together to create a very propulsive pop—your splits pick up without that “marshmallow” softness some race day super shoes give you.
The slightly lower stack on this version gives a ever so slightly firmer, more “sports car” sensation underfoot, meaning quick transitions off my toes, a more stable ride, and more confidence in each stride.
One of the biggest changes from the Vaporfly 3 is that it sits closer to the ground.
That lower profile stack has improved stability, especially when hitting turns at speed.
Alastair Dixon
I find myself carving corners a bit more aggressively than I would in the Alphafly or even the V3, though I still approach very sharp bends with a bit of caution in the wet, because the outsole traction isn't great in rainy conditions.
This midsole has enough response to handle quick adjustments, and I'm not feeling the instability that used to plague me in the V3, even when I increase my strides at faster tempos.
Breathability is still excellent; Nike’s engineered mesh wicks away heat and fits almost like a second skin.
Heel lockdown is a solid improvement now that the asymmetrical lacing system is gone but there's still room for improvement.
The thicker tongue padding and internal heel pads help keep things secure, though if I let my laces loosen, I can feel some shifting.
It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does mean you need to really do them up tight and keep them secure, or use the racer's loop heel lock lacing method.
Traction is a mixed bag for me too, the new wavy waffle outsole pattern grips fine on dry pavement, and the thinner rubber outsole is surprisingly durable.
Wear matches what I remembered from the early Vaporflys but on damp or wet roads, I did notice a few slips.
If rain is in your local forecast, you might want to take corners at a more conservative angle or consider other carbon racing shoes with better traction.
For most race-day conditions, though, it holds up well. For me it's when I hit intervals, tempo runs, or anything up to a half-marathon that the shoe truly shines.
I know some runners out there who are used to the likes of the Alphafly 3 or Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 may feel there's not enough cushion in the midsole for them over marathon distances.
Alastair Dixon
For most runners, the Vaporfly 4 will feel better in shorter, faster workouts where you want that “rocket underfoot” sensation without sacrificing comfort.
Is the new version better?
Compared directly to the Vaporfly 3, the Vaporfly 4 addresses nearly every gripe I had.
The underfoot platform is broader and more stable at the heel, so us average runners will be able to relax into slower paces if we experience fatigue toward the end of a long race.
The new engineered mesh eliminates that midfoot tightness, and the asymmetrical lacing is gone in favor of a more traditional setup that locks down my foot far better (but still not perfectly).
Shedding nearly half an ounce from the V3’s 6.5 oz (184 g) to 5.9 oz (167 g) is nothing to scoff at either—it makes a noticeable difference, especially over longer efforts.
That said, the outsole traction on wet roads still lags behind some competitors, and with less ZoomX foam in the midsole, you’re trading a touch of softness for speed.
So if you loved how springy the V3 felt but hated the fit, the Vaporfly 4 is a clear upgrade. If you prioritize maximum ZoomX cushion or more grippy traction in all conditions, you might want to explore other race-day options.
My verdict
The Vaporfly 4 is hands-down a big step up from the Vaporfly 3, it fixes the narrow fit, stabilizes the platform, and ditches the funky lacing for a more reliable fit.
At 5.9 oz (167 g), it’s incredibly lightweight, and when you stride into the midsole and Flyplate, you instantly feel that propulsive “bounce.”
It’s best suited for intervals, tempo runs, and half-marathons, but if you're used to more responsive racing shoes like this and not a fan of the high stack bouncy racing shoes, you're going to love them for marathons too.
