ON THE RUN
Sidney: It all started at Running Lab, in downtown Brighton. March brought a rush of kids grabbing spikes, but by April, things quieted down—giving me time to test the Alphafly 3 and Vaporfly 4 on the treadmill, searching for the perfect fit. I went with the Alphafly… but couldn’t stop thinking about all the good things the Vaporfly 4 has to offer.
A few days later, like it was meant to be, our Nike rep Grace showed up with a pair of Crimson Vaporflys. That same week, Nike hosted a demo run with Running Lab, so I joined in and laced up my pair to match the crowd.
The route was tight and winding, no shoulder with cars flying by. I charged up a hill, trying to get it over with as soon as possible. I floated up the hill thanks to that ZoomX and carbon plate combo.
To add some fun, Running Lab created a Strava segment challenge for the demo run—the QOM and KOM of the segment would be announced at 7pm. At 6:55, I went for it.
After the run, I checked Strava. QOM. Mine.
What started with curiosity ended with a crown—and a run I’ll never forget.
Shannon: The moment these bad boys showed up at my door, it felt like Christmas morning. I laced them up immediately and headed out for a shakeout run before my 5K the next day. Two miles in, and I was already dreaming about race day.
What impressed me most? I wasn’t even trying to go fast—I just... did. The Flyplate didn’t feel invasive or overly rigid; it just sort of existed to make me quicker, like a good wingman. I wasn’t consciously thinking about my feet, my shoes, or the ground. I was just floating along, feeling fast, light, and ready to crush it.
Joe: The Vaporfly Next% 4 is still the OG of super shoes—smooth, responsive, stable, and fast. From the first few strides, you can tell Nike has fine-tuned something special here. It feels familiar, but also fresh. The ride is confident and composed, with just enough edge to remind you it's built for race day.
To put it another way—my wife and I often debate where to go out for dinner: something new, or the trusted favorite we’ve been going to for years. We try the trendy place, and it’s fine, but we always find ourselves saying, “Yeah, we should’ve just gone to our spot.” That’s the Vaporfly. Nike made some updates in version 4—lighter, lower, a steeper carbon fiber Flyplate—but all in service of refining what already worked.
The feel on the run is energetic without being chaotic. It handles pace changes with ease and feels dialed whether you're hitting 5K effort or grinding out a marathon. I could give you lots of facts on heel-to-toe drops, shoe weight, and durometer testing results, and some of that you’ll find in our team’s review, but the best thing I can say is to get this shoe on your foot if you’re looking to set some PRs in the 5K to the marathon this year! This is the shoe you wear when the goal is simple: go fast, stay fast.
Keith: The moment I slipped into the Vaporfly 4s, my first thought was, “Wait, this doesn’t feel weird!” They felt stable and connected to the ground—not funky and wobbly to stand in. But then, a second thought popped into my head: “Is it still going to perform like crazy if it doesn’t feel crazy?” Well, time to find out!
I kicked things off with some quarter-mile sprints, hoping to get a feel for how they’d react at full speed. My doubts were laid to rest—the shoes were quick and responsive, giving me all the speed I needed. Next up, I went for a 6-mile tempo run, and it honestly felt like I had just installed cruise control—effortless and smooth.
At first glance, the Vaporfly 4 is so lightweight and sleek, I wasn’t sure how much cushioning it would really provide. But the forefoot? It felt just like the previous models—firm and comfy, with that perfect push-off.
Then came race day: the Big House 5K, a charity race with an epic finish line right on the 50-yard line of Michigan Stadium (Go Blue!). I had a unique challenge ahead of me—pushing a racing chariot with our friend Zach for the amazing organization Ainsley’s Angels. Zach isn’t exactly a lightweight, so pushing him through the race was no small feat. A 24-minute finish time was quite the accomplishment! My arms and lungs were taxed, but my feet and legs were pretty darn happy.
The final verdict? The Vaporfly 4s may not be a giant leap forward, but they’re definitely still a solid favorite for any race day starting line. Fast, comfy, and ready for anything—what’s not to love?
THE FIT
Sidney: Soft pillows cradle your ankle and Achilles, providing a secure, plush fit. The thin tongue is perfectly shaped, staying comfortable without digging in.
The Vaporfly 4 has been contoured to wrap around your foot, shedding unnecessary foam to lighten the load. It fits snugly around the midfoot and opens up at the toe for a relaxed yet secure feel.
Shannon: Most of the speedy race shoes that I slipped my foot into tend to run shorter. I find myself feeling like I need to go up another half size to make sure I have enough room to avoid my toes popping through the top. However, in the Vaporfly, I found myself actually sticking true to size.
I think that your sizing can depend on how long you are planning to run in this shoe, but the ideal distance for this shoe to reap the benefits will be a 5k - half marathon. You can push to a marathon distance in this shoe, and if that's the case then you may want to go that extra half size.
I found myself feeling a little crammed in the toe box, but that is more of the idea for this shoe to fit like a glove on your foot and stay attached. The heel cup felt a little too big on my feet, but that could also be because I was in a men's 9.5 so it's designed to be a little wider.
Overall? Lightweight, secure, and it disappears on your foot in the best way. Like the ninja of running shoes—quiet, fast, and surprisingly supportive.
Joe: The fit on the Vaporfly Next% 4 is a noticeable improvement—at least for me. I didn’t have to mess with heel-lock lacing, no midfoot pressure, no toe crowding (all things I had to do with my Vaporfly Next% 2). It’s the best-fitting version of the Vaporfly that I’ve put on my feet, hands down.
The upper is a lightweight mesh that holds its shape well without feeling stiff. It disappears on the foot in the best way, offering a race-ready fit that doesn't sacrifice comfort. The heel cup feels more secure than in past versions, and the toebox is just roomy enough to allow natural toe splay without feeling sloppy.
Keith: The upper fit is the greatest improvement to the new Vaporfly 4. It goes on effortlessly and with a simple tug of the laces, locks in for takeoff! They still feel very snug and narrow around and under the midfoot and arch, but I only noticed it when I was standing around waiting to get moving. The toebox is roomy and the upper is thin and stretchy, so I didn’t feel any restriction at the front of the shoe. The heel fit and lockdown of the laces is definitely better than any previous iteration of the Vaporfly. The new upper goes in the win column for Nike and fits true to size in comparison to previous versions.
THE FEEL
Sidney: In a world where bigger is better and everyone's chasing max cushioning, it is surprising that Nike chose to cut down the stack height in this shoe. A bold move that ultimately paid off. The reduced stack height offers a more grounded feeling, something you don't typically get with that squishy ZoomX bounce beneath your feet.
Shannon: The mission of this shoe is clear: go fast, feel nothing (in a good way). The carbon fiber Fly Plate gives you that turbo-boost “Zoom zoom” effect, while the ZoomX foam delivers the kind of plush bounce that makes it feel like you're running on memory foam mattresses… only they’re made of clouds and your PR Goals.
In the 2025 era of max-cushion everything, this shoe might not have the marshmallow vibes of the Glycerin Max or Alpha Fly, but it still holds its own in the “ooey-gooey-but-still-speedy” category. It’s like having a race car with shock absorbers—you still feel the power, just with a soft landing.
The only time I questioned my life choices was running the Big House 5K—not because of the shoe, but because Michigan roads apparently moonlight as the American Ninja Warrior course. Some heel slippage popped up mid-run, and I definitely had to dodge potholes like I was in a video game. But hey, can't blame the Vaporfly for local infrastructure.
Joe: This update dials things in without losing what made the Vaporfly a go-to for so many runners. The full-length ZoomX midsole still brings that signature bounce, but with the trimmed-down stack height and lighter weight, you feel more connected to the ground without sacrificing propulsion.
The carbon fiber Flyplate has a steeper angle than before, and you notice it right away—especially during toe-off. It’s a snappier ride that encourages turnover and rewards quick cadence. The reduced drop (6mm now vs. 8mm in the previous model) and stack height (35mm now vs. 38mm then) shifts you slightly more forward and gives the shoe less of a floating sensation and more of a forward-driving one. You’re not bouncing so much as you are slingshotting forward.
Keith: They could have called this shoe the Vaporfly Light—and honestly, it would’ve made perfect sense. Not just because it weighs about as much as a pair of scissors and two ink pens (yes, I actually tested this at Running Lab), but because it barely feels like a shoe at all. Maybe it's the drop getting trimmed from 8mm to 6mm, or maybe it's the fact that there’s less going on around the heel. Who knows? All I know is, when I put it on, it felt like I was wearing… well, nothing. But the moment I started moving —really moving—I was reminded of exactly what this thing is made for. Going fast!
THE NITTY GRITTY
Sidney: Now, we have to talk about the most important updates. Starting with the midsole, the Vaporfly just got even more streamlined. They’ve cut out excess foam in all the right places almost like a track spike resulting in less weight and more efficiency. The carbon fiber Flyplate has been curved to give you even more power on your toe-off. The amount of ZoomX foam and the plate are truly a chef’s kiss pairing. As advertised, it’s perfect to use as your 5k to half marathon shoe.
Shannon: Weight? Super lightweight – think "your foot is wearing a whisper." Cushion? Balanced – plush enough for comfort, firm enough for speed. Fit? True to size for short to mid-distance, consider half-size up for marathons. What is this shoe best for? 5Ks to Half Marathons, but can go the distance if you can. Heel Slippage? Slightly (especially for narrow heels—double knot it or use heel lock lacing) Style points? Sleek and futuristic—will 100% make you look faster than you are. Break-In Period? Practically none – race ready out of the box
Joe: This is a race day shoe—full stop. You wouldn’t take your dad’s Ferrari out for trip to Dollar General, and you don’t take the Vaporfly out for a casual stroll around the neighborhood. This shoe is made for racing and racing alone. It’s not built for easy runs, and it doesn’t pretend to be. From 5Ks to marathons (personally, I’d probably max the distance out at 25K), the Vaporfly Next% 4 is your shoe for 2025.
For some fun, I ran a controlled test—same workout, same day, same legs—first in the Vaporfly Next% 2, then in the Vaporfly Next% 4. The difference was immediate. The 4 felt more fluid and planted, and I ran the second half of my workout faster, finishing with a negative split to close an 800m in a time that I hadn’t seen in a while.
Competition: Endorphin Pro 4, Hyperion Max 2, Asics Metaspeed Edge
Keith: I've put plenty of miles on the Vaporfly 2—several marathons, in fact—and while it served me well, the latest version feels like it’s found its sweet spot in the half marathon. Maybe it's just that I’ve crossed into my fourth decade on this spinning rock, and it's time to admit I need a little extra cushion to go the full 26.2.
That said, if you're into lower-profile race shoes, don’t worry—this one still has the chops to carry you through a marathon.
One thing to note: the Vaporfly 4 loves a forefoot strike. The energy return under the ball of your foot is wild. But if you're a heavy heel striker, this might not be your sole-mate!
THE RUNDOWN
Sidney: If you’re having a hard time picking the right racing shoe for your race day lineup, I’d recommend giving the Vaporfly a try. It offers a closer-to-the-ground feel without losing that springy pop. Compared to the Alphafly, it’s a bit more stable and makes for a great entry point into the Nike super shoe world—especially if you’re not quite used to the wild bounce and instability other super shoes can bring.
Bigger is not always better is this case.
Shannon: If you're looking for a shoe that makes you feel like a rocket with legs, the Nike Vaporfly is it. It’s the kind of shoe that doesn’t just help you run faster—it convinces you that you were always this fast. From short bursts to longer races, it delivers snap, bounce, and just enough cushion to make each mile feel like the first. Not perfect for rugged terrain or questionable roads, but on a clean race course? It’s showtime.
Joe: Nike made a bold move here—lowering the stack and shedding weight in a world where most brands are still building taller and softer. But the changes work. The Vaporfly Next% 4 feels like a more mature, more efficient version of itself.
The energy return is still there. The speed is still there. But it’s more refined, less chaotic, and more stable through the whole stride.
If you’re chasing PRs this year from 5K up through the 25K range, this should be at the top of your list. Nike took what worked, trimmed the excess, and produced a racer that’s lighter, faster, and more dialed in than ever. No gimmicks—just results.
Keith: Okay, let’s be honest, runners and running shoe geeks (yes, I’m including myself) can be a bit dramatic sometimes. A new Vaporfly drops and we’re already lacing up with sky-high expectations, waiting for our minds to be blown into another dimension. And when it doesn’t reinvent the laws of physics? Cue the disappointment.
But hang on, let’s pump the brakes for a sec and appreciate the subtle brilliance of the Vaporfly 4.
First off, when a shoe’s already flirting with perfection, you can’t expect every version to come with pyrotechnics and theme music. That said, there are some legit upgrades here worth celebrating.
The drop shifting from 8mm to 6mm is a small tweak with a big feel! It’s more natural, more connected, and quicker off the ground. Your stride feels snappy, your form feels clean, and transitions are oh so smooth!
Here’s another thing. Making one of the lightest shoes in the game even lighter without turning it into a plank is wizardry. Nike, you earned a slow clap for that one.
Now let’s talk fit, because wow! This lacing system is dialed. I’m talking zero-fuss, no-re-lacing-mid-run, Goldilocks-level snug.
So yeah, the critics might say, “They didn’t change enough!” But you know what else won’t change? That familiar sight of Vaporflys breaking the tape and owning podiums. Keep an eye out—you’ll keep seeing them. And maybe now, you’ll appreciate the quiet upgrades doing the real work.
