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Nike's Latest Racing Model: "Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next％ 4" is Amazing
In 2017, Nike unveiled a thick-soled running shoe equipped with a carbon plate. Nike overturned the conventional wisdom that top athletes wear thin and lightweight shoes, bringing about a true innovation.
Since then, Nike has continued to lead the running scene, unveiling a new racing model: "Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next％ 4."
Despite the forefoot being 2mm thicker, it has achieved the lightest weight in the series' history. It is said that the shape of the fly plate has also been revised. What kind of shoe is "Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next％ 4" (hereafter referred to as VAPORFLY 4)?
A Shoe that Has Pioneered a New Era in Running Shoes
In 2017, at the Monza Circuit in Italy, during the event "Breaking2," athlete Eliud Kipchoge, equipped with Nike's thick-soled shoes, marked a time of 2 hours, 0 minutes, and 25 seconds, surpassing the then-unofficial world record for men's marathon.This prompted long-distance running shoes with carbon plates to become mainstream, led by the original model "Vaporfly," which was released in July 2017.
About two years after the previous model "Nike Vaporfly 3" was introduced, we want to delve into how "Vaporfly 4" has evolved.
"Vaporfly was first unveiled to the world when Eliud Kipchoge attempted to break the 2-hour barrier for the marathon during Breaking2. This marked the beginning of a new history for Nike's speed system. Using a super lightweight and highly responsive ZoomX foam and a carbon fly plate, with some products featuring an Air Zoom unit, many athletes have set various new records.
"Vaporfly is the original super shoe, and its technological innovations have accelerated the evolution of all shoes. In developing Vaporfly 4, we listened to many athletes' feedback and optimized every detail to provide the highest level of performance for all runners," says Elliott Heath, Nike Global Running Footwear Product Manager.
The Shape of the Plate Has Been Revised, Increasing Propulsion
The significant update this time focuses on the improvements to the shoe's engine component, the speed system."Previous models of Vaporfly were equipped with fly plates of the same shape, but for the first time, we revisited the shape. The angle of the curve has been slightly increased to 20 degrees, and this update supports a more natural and efficient propulsion, allowing runners to feel as if they are being propelled forward.
"Additionally, the midsole has a 2mm increase in thickness at the forefoot, and the offset (the height difference between the forefoot and heel) has been reduced from 8mm to 6mm. The thicker ZoomX foam at the forefoot has enhanced energy return."
Despite the 2mm increase in forefoot thickness, the Vaporfly 4 has become the lightest shoe in the series' history. Weight reduction is indeed a significant upgrade point.
"The weight of the Vaporfly 4 is 169g (men's size 26.5cm). It is approximately 10% lighter than the previous model and 20g lighter than the original Vaporfly."
With the advent of thick-soled shoes featuring carbon plates, the World Athletics established rules regarding shoes in 2020. For road racing shoes (which differ from those for track), regulations state that the sole thickness must be below 40mm, and only one plate is allowed.
While it may seem quite challenging to significantly evolve shoes and differentiate them from competitors under these rules, how has the Vaporfly managed to evolve?
"It’s true that innovating within the rules is difficult, but small improvements can lead to very large changes. We have a long history and accumulation when it comes to making super shoes. When developing new shoes, we listen to athlete feedback and utilize past data obtained by the NSRL (Nike Sports Research Lab).
"We also consider improvements based on all the super shoes we've made so far. This time, we changed the angle of the plate by about 3 degrees, which resulted in a completely new sensation. The Vaporfly 3 was one of the fastest shoes, but the Vaporfly 4 has become lighter and offers greater energy return."
Lightweight, Highly Responsive, & Easy-to-maintain Foot Rotation
Upon trying them on, the first thing you notice is the high level of fit. The upper design has been updated, giving an impression that conforms even better to the foot compared to previous models.
Although I can't fully unleash the shoe's potential with my running ability, it feels more manageable than the previous model. This effect seems to be due to the change in the fly plate angle, making it easier to fold the leg when pushing off, and there’s a sensation of being able to maintain a high cadence. For runners with core strength and endurance to maintain form, I believe this shoe allows for a good rhythm in running continuously.
There have already been athletes who set record times wearing the Vaporfly 4 during the New Year Ekiden, and it seems likely that more athletes will achieve great results with the Vaporfly 4 in the future.
PROFILE
Elliott Heath
Nike Global Running Footwear Product Manager
A senior product expert in Nike Running Footwear, overseeing Nike's racing portfolio which includes track, field, and road models. Before joining Nike Footwear, they were a long-distance runner for the NCAA national team and a professional Nike Running athlete. They reside in Portland, Oregon, and also coach the Bowerman Track Club, Nike’s elite running team.
Text by Fumihito Kouzu
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