The Nike Vaporfly 4 is a lightweight, carbon-plated racer designed for runners chasing fast times from the 5K up to the half-marathon. It sits between the more cushioned, marathon-focused Alphafly 3 and the stripped-down, short-distance Streakfly 2 in Nike's racing lineup. Its low weight, responsive midsole, and firm, snappy forefoot make it quick and efficient at race pace. However, the cushioning is only mediocre for a super shoe, and the narrow, soft heel is unstable, so it can feel harsh and wobbly over a full marathon, and it isn't a practical shoe for easy runs.
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Our Verdict
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is a decent choice for half- and full-marathon racing, thanks to its exceptionally low weight and highly efficient midsole. Its light build makes quick turnover less tiring, while its great energy return helps you maintain race pace efficiently. However, its cushioning is unremarkable and holds up inadequately over longer distances, making the shoe feel increasingly harsh as the miles build. Its sub-par stability also makes it harder to keep your footing as fatigue sets in.
Exceptionally light build makes maintaining quick turnover less tiring.
Great energy return helps you sustain race pace efficiently.
Inadequately cushioned for long distances, so very harsh.
Sub-par stability makes maintaining balance more difficult as you fatigue.
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is an amazing choice for 5K and 10K racing. Its exceptionally low weight makes quick turnover easy at race pace, while its firm forefoot provides a solid base for powerful push-offs. The impressively stiff forefoot also provides plenty of leverage and snap, while its great energy return makes maintaining faster paces highly efficient. However, the forefoot rocker isn't particularly aggressive, and the relatively compliant rocker flattens more easily under load, reducing the assistance you get as you roll onto your toes.
Exceptionally light build makes quick turnover easy at race pace.
Firm, stiff forefoot provides a solid base and plenty of leverage at toe-off.
Great energy return makes maintaining faster paces efficient.
Forefoot rocker provides limited assistance rolling onto your toes.
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is a passable long run shoe, although it's clearly designed for shorter distances. It's lightweight and very efficient at returning energy, so it won't contribute to fatigue, but the mediocre cushioning degrades rapidly the further you go, so it feels harsh over long distances.
Exceptionally low weight keeps the shoe easy to turn over during longer efforts.
Great energy return helps shoe feel efficient on sustained efforts.
Inadequate long-run cushioning makes extended efforts very harsh.
Sub-par stability makes shoe hard to trust when fatigued.
The Nike Vaporfly 4 doesn't work well as a daily trainer. It's too unstable and chaotic for relaxed mileage, and the carbon-plated construction is too harsh for everyday use.
Carbon-plated design is too aggressive for relaxed running.
Sub-par stability makes shoe very unreliable for daily miles.
Changelog
- Updated Oct 26, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.0! This update adds Traction and Outsole Durability verdict scores to the review, making it easier to make a buying decision. Read the changelog for a full list of changes.
- Updated Sep 23, 2026: We've updated this review to Test Bench 0.16, expanding our coverage with new tests for breathability, water absorption, and drying time. For more details, see the changelog.
- Updated Sep 17, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.15, which replaces Responsiveness with three specific performance usages: Bounciness, Snappiness, and Roll. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Aug 27, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.14, which adds new lace-specific results. We've included a close-up photo of the laces, as well as details including lace type, width, thickness, and stretch. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Aug 26, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.13, which identifies the different foams used in the shoe's midsole. We've included a microscopic image of the foam cells to give you an idea of what the microstructure looks like. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Aug 24, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.12, which fixes how we measure firmness, a component of the Stability and 5K/10K Racing usages. There may be inconsistencies between the text and the scores for these usages, but the scores should still be considered valid. We've also brought back the Energy Return score and added two new usages: Daily Training and Long Run. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Aug 24, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.11, adding two new rocker measurements to the Design section, and three new responsiveness tests to the Performance section. The Energy Return usage score has been replaced with Responsiveness. Check out the details in our changelog.
- Updated Mar 25, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.10, adding a new set of fit tests to the Design section and an overall fit performance usage. Check out the details in our changelog.
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Updated Oct 23, 2025:
We updated the review to include text for the Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test, which was recently added to our test bench.
- Updated Oct 23, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.9, which adds a Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test to our performance section. Read more in our changelog.
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Updated Oct 01, 2025:
We updated the Pros & Cons, Cushioning, 5K/10K Racing, Heel Cushioning, Forefoot Cushioning, and Heel Firmness boxes to align with the latest test bench, refreshed the Popular Running Shoe Comparisons section, and revised the side-by-side comparisons to keep the review accurate.
- Updated Oct 01, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.2, which updates our methodology for the impact force range used in our compression tests to improve their accuracy. This also affects all usage and performance usage boxes using those compression tests as score components.
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Updated Sep 03, 2025:
In the Popular Running Shoe Comparisons section, we've added a comparison to the recently reviewed Brooks Hyperion Elite 5.
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Updated Jul 30, 2025:
We revised the phrasing in the Lateral Stability, Cushioning, Marathon Racing, and Forefoot Cushioning boxes and the side-by-side comparison with the Nike Alphafly 3 to better align with the latest test bench scores.
- Updated Jul 30, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.1, which mainly updates the score components for the Marathon Racing and Lateral Stability usage boxes to improve accuracy.
- Updated Apr 18, 2025: Review published.
- Updated Apr 14, 2025: Early access published.
- Updated Apr 07, 2025: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Apr 04, 2025: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
We've bought and tested more than 300 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
Test Results
Design
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is one of the lightest super shoes. It's also nearly 30 grams lighter than the Nike Vaporfly 3, offering a nimbler, more efficient experience. This weight reduction enhances turnover and makes it easier to maintain high speeds.
Like most super shoes, this model maintains a narrow performance-oriented fit. However, there's slightly more room in the toe box and a bit more length compared to the Nike Vaporfly 3. That said, it's still a snug-fitting shoe, so runners with wider feet or those tackling longer distances should keep that in mind when choosing a size.
The ZoomX foam in this iteration of the shoe is full PEBA and gives the shoe its energetic character.
Although the laces have some texture, they're not quite as grippy as the sawtooth laces on the Nike Alphafly 3. Still, we found them grippy enough to keep a secure lockdown during testing.
Energy Return
The Nike Vaporfly 4 has impressive energy return overall. Its forefoot provides great rebound when pushing off, helping you maintain faster paces efficiently. The heel returns an excellent amount of energy after landing, making rearfoot transitions particularly efficient.
Forefoot rebound is impressive.
Heel rebound is excellent.
Forefoot energy return is great overall. The forefoot foam decompresses dynamically for a smooth, propulsive toe-off. Runners who strike farther forward will appreciate the responsiveness, though it's not quite as bouncy as some of the most spring-loaded models on the market, such as the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4.
The heel offers strong rebound, with the foam compressing and decompressing efficiently to provide a lively, dynamic feel. While the shoe's geometry means it's best suited for midfoot and forefoot strikers, the rearfoot pop can still help heel strikers transition smoothly through their stride.
Stability
The Nike Vaporfly 4 has sub-par stability overall. Though its firm forefoot provides a solid base for pushing off, and the firm heel should provide a planted base, much like the arch, it's incredibly narrow, so landings and transitions are very dicey. The lack of a gusseted tongue also makes it harder to keep your foot securely in place.
Firm forefoot provides a stable base for pushing off.
Incredibly narrow heel makes rearfoot landings unsteady.
Narrow arch makes transitions and cornering less secure.
Non-gusseted tongue makes it harder to get a secure lockdown.
The forefoot is notably firmer than the heel. This facilitates quick transitions and ensures the plate engages effectively at toe-off. It gives the shoe a precise, race-ready feel that's especially appreciated for shorter events up to the half-marathon. Go beyond that, and unless you run like an elite marathoner with perfect form, it'll be quite harsh, and your feet might start filing complaints.
The heel foam is quite firm, particularly at higher forces, such as when picking up the pace. This can help with stability, especially for heavier runners or heel strikers. It's firmer than the Nike Vaporfly 3 in this area.
This shoe introduces a redesigned carbon plate with a steeper angle that sits closer to the rear of the shoe, making it feel more aggressive than the Nike Vaporfly 3.
Cushioning
The Nike Vaporfly 4 has passable cushioning overall. Its heel and forefoot provide acceptable protection from road impact during shorter efforts. However, its cushioning holds up inadequately over longer distances, so you'll feel considerably more of the road beneath you when running beyond 10 km.
Acceptable impact protection for shorter races.
Shoe is very harsh for anything beyond 10 km.
Heel cushioning becomes less protective under heavier impacts.
The forefoot offers acceptable cushioning for a short-distance racing shoe, but it's slightly less cushioned than the heel. This contributes to a snappy toe-off while still effectively absorbing some of the impact. While not as plush as super shoes optimized for longer distances, like the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, the cushioning here strikes a balance that provides good comfort for moderate-length efforts.
The heel cushioning isn't bad. It offers enough impact protection for shorter races while keeping the weight low. The foam compresses well at lower impacts and feels compliant during easy running. Under higher forces, though, it offers less protection and can bottom out, so powerful runners may notice a harsher ride. Some super shoes, like the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2, offer more cushioning in the heel.
The Nike Vaporfly 4 performs as expected for a lightweight, short- to mid-distance racing shoe, offering limited cushioning over the course of a long run. There's no abrupt loss of protection, but overall energy absorption is quite low and decreases throughout, making it feel less forgiving than high-stack marathon racers like the Nike Alphafly 3. The foam itself is high-quality, yet the lower stack design naturally limits how much impact it can absorb, making this shoe better suited for faster efforts than extended long runs.
Traction
The Nike Vaporfly 4 has poor traction overall. It provides acceptable grip on dry concrete, but its poor grip on wet concrete makes pushing off less secure around aid stations or during rainy races. Its grip on wet aluminum is also poor, so you'll need to be careful on drain covers and wet road markings. It performs terribly on gravel and is sub-par on mud, making it a poor choice for races with unpaved sections or trails.
Acceptable grip for dry road racing.
Poor performance for wet road racing.
Wet drain covers and road markings require extra care.
Not suitable for unpaved paths or trails.
Outsole Durability
The Nike Vaporfly 4 has decent outsole durability overall. Its forefoot has remarkable abrasion resistance and is completely covered by rubber, so it holds up exceptionally well against repeated push-offs. However, the heel has mediocre abrasion resistance and a considerable amount of exposed foam, making it more vulnerable to wear and damage from repeated rearfoot landings.
Forefoot resists wear exceptionally well during repeated push-offs.
Fully covered forefoot keeps the foam protected from road contact.
Heel rubber wears down more easily with repeated landings.
Exposed heel foam is particularly vulnerable to damage.
The Nike Vaporfly 4 has good abrasion resistance overall, though there's a considerable difference between the heel and forefoot. The forefoot rubber has remarkable wear resistance, so it holds up exceptionally well to repeated push-offs. However, the heel has mediocre abrasion resistance, meaning heel strikers will wear through the rubber more quickly. We found no issues with the heel rubber lifting during our testing.
The Nike Vaporfly 4 has decent outsole coverage overall. The forefoot is completely covered by rubber, protecting the foam from direct road contact during push-offs. However, a considerable amount of foam is exposed beneath the heel, making it more vulnerable to damage if you land farther back.
Wet & Warm Weather
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is excellent for wet and warm weather. It absorbs very little water, helping keep added weight down during rainy races, and dries exceptionally quickly afterward. The good ventilation also helps release heat during hard efforts in warm conditions.
Dries in less than half a day.
Good breathability helps prevent your feet from overheating during hot races.
Absorbs remarkably little water, so rainy conditions add very little extra weight.
The breathability of this shoe is good, and it's typical of other performance shoes from the brand, like the Nike Alphafly 3. The upper allows air to pass through readily enough to help release heat during hard efforts, making it a suitable option for warm-weather racing.
Bounciness
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is reasonably bouncy but doesn't feel as springy as its high energy return score might suggest. This is because the midsole resists compression, so your foot doesn't sink into the foam before rebounding.
Great forefoot rebound returns plenty of energy during push-offs.
Excellent heel rebound gives plenty of energy back after landing.
Shallow forefoot compression limits how springy toe-off feels.
Heel doesn't compress particularly deeply, limiting bounce during rearfoot landings.
Snappiness
The Nike Vaporfly 4 has impressive snappiness. Its amazingly stiff forefoot takes a great deal of force to bend, providing plenty of leverage for powerful push-offs. It also returns an excellent amount of energy when it springs back, adding plenty of efficiency at toe-off. The very firm forefoot provides a solid base to push against, though the relatively shallow rocker angle limits how quickly you can roll off your toes.
Very stiff forefoot provides plenty of leverage during push-offs.
Springs back very efficiently, making racing less tiring.
Shallow forefoot rocker limits speedy roll off your toes.
The forefoot of the Nike Vaporfly 4 is very stiff, helping provide snap through your stride. It takes a lot of force to bend, delivering an impressive amount of leverage at toe-off.
Roll
The Nike Vaporfly 4 has a decent rolling sensation, although the rocker is not its primary means of propulsion. The forefoot rocker starts very early and isn't particularly steep, so you won't necessarily feel it pushing you forward onto your toes, but it still helps maintain quick turnover.
Heel rocker does a good job of moving you into midstance.
Shallow forefoot rocker provides limited assistance rolling forward through toe-off.
The rocker is quite compliant and flattens relatively easily under load, limiting how much assistance it provides as you move through your stride.
True To Size
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is close to true to size, but if you're normally between two sizes, we recommend going with the larger size, as this model runs a bit short. It's a racing shoe, so the fit is quite snug all around.
Roomy forefoot gives your toes enough space to spread naturally.
Generous toe box height prevents rubbing against the tops of your toes.
Runs short.
Narrow arch can feel restrictive for runners with wider feet.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is one of the lightest super shoes on the market: lighter than nearly all its competitors except the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1. This low weight plays a key role in helping runners stay efficient through race efforts. It's also less stable than alternative super shoes such as the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 or Brooks Hyperion Elite 5. With this latest iteration, the Vaporfly further solidifies its position as a middle-ground option in Nike's racing lineup: not as high-stacked and marathon-focused as the Nike Alphafly 4, and not as stripped-down and short-distance-oriented as the Nike Streakfly 2. Instead, it hits a sweet spot that makes it especially well-suited for half-marathon runners who want a great balance of responsiveness and protection without added bulk.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes.
The Nike Alphafly 3 is a better racer than the Nike Vaporfly 4 for the marathon. It's more stable and more protective over longer distances. The Vaporfly 4 is lighter, making it the better pick for 5K through half-marathon racing.
The Nike Zoom Fly 6 and Nike Vaporfly 4 may share some DNA, but they're best suited to different running. The Vaporfly 4 is a lighter, more nimble super shoe and, with its PEBA-based foam and carbon plate, thrives on race day, making it great for runners hunting PRs over distances from 5K to the half-marathon. The Zoom Fly 6, on the other hand, is the more versatile, training-oriented option. Think of it as a more approachable alternative to a race-day super shoe: it still has a carbon plate, but it's sandwiched between a layer of PEBA-based foam on top, and an EVA-based foam beneath, offering more support but less pop than the Vaporfly 4 over short distances. That said, it's still plenty efficient and excels at tempo runs and intervals, and can even hold its own in half- to full-marathon racing. If the Vaporfly is the dedicated, short-distance, speed-focused super shoe, then the Zoom Fly 6 is the more versatile super trainer.
The Nike Streakfly 2 and the Nike Vaporfly 4 are both lightweight racing shoes from the Oregon-based brand, but they're tuned for very different purposes. The Streakfly 2 is lighter and lower to the ground, designed for all-out efforts over shorter distances, such as the 5K or 10K. It delivers a firmer, more direct feel underfoot, with a sharp forefoot rocker that rewards fast turnover but offers limited protection for longer efforts. The Vaporfly 4, by contrast, is more versatile and better suited to mid-distance racing from 10K up to the half-marathon. It carries more stack height, providing greater cushioning and protection while still maintaining a snappy, efficient ride, with a carbon plate that's stiffer than the Streakfly's thin, flexible plate.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is a better choice than the Nike Vaporfly 4 for long-distance racing. Its very bouncy, plush ride stays efficient and protective as fatigue builds. The Nike is lighter and lower to the ground, with a quicker, more responsive feel, making it better for 5K and 10K races, though it can stretch to the half-marathon.
The PUMA Deviate NITRO Elite 4 and Nike Vaporfly 4 are two very light super shoes, but they feel optimized for different racing needs. The Nike is lower-stacked and lighter, with a firmer forefoot that creates a more classic, snappy racing feel and better ground connection, making it better suited to shorter, faster efforts than long-distance protection. The PUMA is still very light, but its foam feels more forgiving and protective, giving it a more comfortable ride across a wider range of race distances.
The Nike Vaporfly 4 and the Nike Vaporfly 3 are both elite-level racing shoes, but they deliver noticeably different experiences. The Vaporfly 4 is almost 30 grams lighter, features a somewhat softer, more cushioned midsole, and offers a slightly more accommodating fit, making it better suited for longer efforts, particularly the half-marathon. In contrast, the Vaporfly 3 delivers a snappier ride, making it a more aggressive option best suited for shorter distances.
The Nike Vaporfly 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 are both carbon-plated super shoes built for race day, but they offer different strengths. The Nike is significantly lighter and geared toward runners prioritizing absolute performance and efficiency, especially over half-marathon distances. The Saucony, while heavier, provides more stability, and it has a firmer forefoot that delivers a snappier toe-off.
The Nike Vaporfly 4 and the PUMA Deviate NITRO Elite 3 are both super shoes optimized for events like a half-marathon, offering lightweight builds and responsive rides. The Nike shoe is significantly lighter, which can translate to better running economy and overall efficiency on race day. Meanwhile, the PUMA features a roomier toe box, making it more accommodating and more comfortable for longer distances, like the full marathon. Both shoes have limited stability, but the Nike is slightly better in that aspect.
The Nike Vaporfly 4 and Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 almost feel like long-lost cousins that might share a common ancestor in the early Vaporflys. In some ways, the Brooks feels closer to those early Vaporflys, with its snug, sock-like fit, while the Nike shoe's upper has undergone a significant makeover since the Nike Vaporfly 3. The more streamlined design and significantly lower weight also make this shoe seem like the more highly evolved super shoe. In its quest for greater efficiency, the Nike shoe has arguably become more specialized, but less versatile. It's a standout choice for shorter races, but it's less optimal for marathons. The Brooks might be a step behind the Nike in a 10K to half-marathon, but thanks to better stability and cushioning, the Brooks shoe could overtake the Nike one in the marathon.
The Nike Alphafly 4 is a better choice for longer races than the Nike Vaporfly 4, which is better suited to shorter distances. The Alphafly offers substantially more protection and a softer, deeper bounce, helping keep your feet comfortable late in a marathon. The trade-off is extra weight and a less immediate response when you push off. The Vaporfly feels lighter, firmer, and quicker underfoot, making it the stronger option for fast 5K and 10K races.
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is the torchbearer for the oldest super shoe lineage, while the Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure is a relative newcomer to the game. The Nike feels about as old-school as a modern super shoe can, with a steeper heel-to-toe drop and a ZoomX midsole that stands out for its firmness in this era of superfoams. That rigidity, plus the full-length carbon plate, does give the Nike shoe a lot of snap, although that can start to feel more like bite over long distances. The Mizuno, despite being lower stacked, has better cushioning throughout, and its carbon plate ends just before the toes, leaving a noticeably soft spot in the midsole. Both shoes feel optimized for distances from 5K to 10K, but could go up to a half-marathon. The Nike shoe has a much narrower platform, so runners who are concerned about lateral stability would feel more sure-footed in the Mizuno.
The Nike Vaporfly 4 and the ASICS METASPEED EDGE PARIS are both lightweight carbon-plated racers built for performance, but they deliver different sensations underfoot. The Nike is noticeably lighter, giving it an edge in terms of efficiency at race pace. The Nike shoe has a lower stack height, so it feels closer to the ground. Also, the Nike model's forefoot is firmer, providing a crisp, direct toe-off that some runners find more responsive. The ASICS, by contrast, offers a slightly softer and more balanced feel overall, with a smoother rocker and a more stable platform.
The Nike Vaporfly 4 and Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 are two super shoes that have different optimal distances for racing. The Nike, with its ultra-lightweight build and lower stack height, is best suited to racing distances from the 5K up to the half-marathon; beyond that, the exceptionally firm forefoot starts to feel harsh and the cushioning inadequate. The Brooks is a better choice for longer distances, up to the marathon, thanks to a taller stack of softer, bouncier foam.
The adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 11 and Nike Vaporfly 4 are both snappy racers built for shorter-distance speed, but they deliver that speed with a different feel underfoot. The Nike comes in lighter while still keeping a moderate stack, giving it a very quick, responsive sensation that works especially well for 5K and 10K efforts when you want a fast turnover without feeling overly tall. The adidas sits even closer to the ground and uses rods instead of a plate. Both feel very snappy, but the adidas tends to feel more stable and slightly more energetic in how it returns effort.
The ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS and the Nike Vaporfly 4 are both elite-level racing shoes built for efficiency and speed, but they deliver their performance in slightly different ways. The Nike shoe is lighter, which can offer an edge in running economy. Both shoes have a snug, race-ready fit, but the Nike has a more standard length, whereas the ASICS runs a bit short. Underfoot, the Nike uses a sharply angled carbon plate embedded deep within the foam for a bouncy, rolling transition. In contrast, the ASICS shoe positions its plate closer to the foot and more parallel through the midsole, resulting in a snappy toe-off.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the Nike Vaporfly 4 in men's US size 9, as indicated on the label of our unit. The colorway shown here is Sail/Total Orange/White/Black, first released under the "Proto" label, though it's identical to general release versions aside from color. Additional colorways include Glacier Blue/Blue Tint/Amethyst Tint/Gridiron and Bright Crimson/Mint Foam/Cave Purple/Lime Blast. There's also a Light Trails colorway, inspired by streaks of moving lights, that glows in the dark. Wide versions are not currently available for this model. Most of our review results are valid for all variants, but the design section applies only to the model we tested. We expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
