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Buyer's Guide

Nike Vaporfly NEXT% Review & Sizing Guide

Published Updated

The Vaporfly NEXT% is still a meaningful super-shoe buy for racers who want the original ZoomX and carbon-plate feel, not daily comfort or hype alone.

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Key facts

Popularity
Foundational modern marathon super shoe with lasting runner interest
Comfort
Very soft ZoomX at speed, less natural for slow walking or casual use
Fit
Race fit; improved forefoot stability over earlier Vaporfly versions
Value
Best below original retail because newer Vaporfly generations now exist
Use case
Road racing, tempo runs, and fast long runs only

Full breakdown

Vaporfly NEXT% is the shoe that made the super-shoe ordinary. Where the limited Vaporfly 4% was a prototype carried by elites, the 2019 NEXT% was the version regular marathoners could actually buy and stack into their racing rotations, swapping the earlier Flymesh upper for VaporWeave. It set the template every brand spent the next years copying.

FAQ

Is the Nike Vaporfly NEXT% still worth buying?

Yes, if you are buying it for racing and the pair is priced well. Nike described the model as a Vaporfly system update built with ZoomX, VaporWeave, and a carbon plate for race-day speed, and reviewer testing still points to a responsive shoe that works best when you are pushing pace. Skip it for daily training or casual wear.

How does the Vaporfly NEXT% fit?

Expect a performance fit rather than a relaxed lifestyle fit. Doctors of Running noted a wider forefoot base and stronger lockdown than prior Vaporfly versions. If you have wide feet, buy from a store with returns or compare against Vaporfly 3 before going final sale.

Is the Vaporfly NEXT% good for marathons?

That is its core lane, so choose it for half-marathon to full-marathon racing. Doctors of Running found it strongest from half marathon to full marathon pace, with enough ZoomX cushioning for long fast efforts and workouts. It can handle shorter races, but runners who want the newest lighter geometry should compare the Vaporfly 4.

What are the main Vaporfly NEXT% drawbacks?

The biggest drawbacks are race-only versatility, outsole lifespan, and upper lockdown depending on the version. Believe in the Run praised the NEXT% 2 ride but still called out heel and collar fit complaints around lockdown. Treat it as a performance tool, not a durable trainer.

Should I buy Vaporfly NEXT%, Vaporfly 3, or Vaporfly 4?

Buy NEXT% when the price is clearly better and you like the original lively Vaporfly feel. Buy Vaporfly 3 for a more forgiving upper and longer-race cushion, or Vaporfly 4 if you want the lighter, lower, more refined current platform Nike introduced in 2025.