Products
Tested using Methodology v0.9
Updated Mar 31, 2026 06:48 PM
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Amazon.com
Tested using Methodology v0.10
Updated Mar 09, 2026 03:38 PM
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Nike.com
Weight
188.0 g (6.63 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.2 mm
Plate
Carbon Fiber
Weight
160.5 g (5.66 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.8 mm
Plate
Carbon Fiber
Our Verdict
Nike Vaporfly 3
Nike Vaporfly 4
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.
Variants
- Vaporfly 3 (Black/Black/Oatmeal/Metallic Gold Grain - (Women - US 7))
- Vaporfly 3 (Black/Olive Aura/Metallic Medium Ash - (Men - US 9))
- Vaporfly 4 (Bright Crimson/Mint Foam/Cave Purple/Lime Blast - (Men - US 9))
- Vaporfly 4 (Bright Crimson/Mint Foam/Cave Purple/Lime Blast - (Women - US 7))
Main Differences for
Marathon Racing
Marathon Racing
Threshold
Marathon Racing
8.2
7.4
Forefoot Stack Height
29.4 mm
26.4 mm
Heel Stack Height
37.6 mm
35.1 mm
Weight
8.5
9.1
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
8.5
9.1
Right Shoe Weight Photo
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Left Shoe Weight Photo
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Weight
188.0 g (6.63 oz)
160.5 g (5.66 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
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Heel Stack Height
37.6 mm
35.1 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
29.4 mm
26.4 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.2 mm
8.8 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.0 mm
6.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Outsole Heel Width
74 mm (2.9")
75 mm (3.0")
Outsole Arch Width
52 mm (2.0")
50 mm (2.0")
Outsole Forefoot Width
107 mm (4.2")
108 mm (4.3")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
1.97
2.13
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.64
3.84
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Internal Length
267 mm (10.5")
271 mm (10.7")
Internal Heel Width
55 mm (2.2")
60 mm (2.4")
Internal Forefoot Width
91 mm (3.6")
92 mm (3.6")
Wide Sizing Available
No
No
Forefoot Fit: Width
8.6
Forefoot Width Photo
Ball-Of-Foot TTS Deviation
-3.4 mm (-0.134")
Toe TTS Deviation
0.8 mm (0.032")
Forefoot Fit: Height
9.7
Forefoot Height Photo
Toe TTS Deviation
-0.8 mm (-0.032")
Arch Fit: Width
6.7
Arch Fit Photo
Arch Width TTS Deviation
-5.0 mm (-0.196")
Length Fit
7.0
Toe Clearance Photo
Other Features
Other Features Photo
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Tongue Gusset Type
Non-gusseted
Non-gusseted
Plate
Carbon Fiber
Carbon Fiber
Performance
Heel Energy Return
8.5
8.6
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Heel Energy Return
84.0%
84.4%
Forefoot Energy Return
8.4
8.3
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Forefoot Energy Return
83.1%
82.6%
Heel Cushioning
6.2
6.4
Heel Cushioning Picture
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Heel Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 550N
3.26 J
3.64 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
7.72 J
8.00 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
12.53 J
12.32 J
Forefoot Cushioning
6.0
6.2
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
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Forefoot Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 800N
3.82 J
4.09 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
6.44 J
6.59 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
9.39 J
9.46 J
Heel Firmness
7.3
7.3
Heel Firmness
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 550N
66.4 N/mm
59.3 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
152.2 N/mm
167.7 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
348.2 N/mm
383.4 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
8.9
9.0
Forefoot Firmness
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 800N
136.9 N/mm
141.4 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
280.4 N/mm
293.3 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
556.8 N/mm
555.3 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
5.5
5.8
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 10km
6.02 J
6.30 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
5.87 J
6.19 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
5.77 J
6.11 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
5.69 J
6.06 J
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Nike Vaporfly 3
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Nike Vaporfly 3 vs Nike Vaporfly 4: Main Discussion
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