Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 | FULL REVIEW | Featherweight Fighter

Thomas and Meaghan (and Robbe) review the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3, the latest update to the shoe that started it all. Now even lighter and featuring more ZoomX thanks to a slightly thinner rubber outsole. Incredibly breathable Atomknit upper, still fast as hell with the carbon fiber Flyplate. Available April 1 for $250.
SHOP THE SHOE
Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 (Men) ➡ bit.ly/SHOP-NIKE-VAPORFLY-3-MEN
Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 (Women) ➡ bit.ly/SHOP-NIKE-VAPORFLY-3-W...
INDEX
INTRO (00:00)
UPPER (1:10)
MIDSOLE (3:30)
OUTSOLE (4:54)
WEIGHT (4:30)
DROP (11:15)
RED OR GREEN LIGHT? (7:30)
Believe in the Run does make a small commission from any affiliate links, so if you pick up one of the shoes, please use the shop links below to help us out!
Shop Believe in the Run apparel ➡ shop.believeintherun.com
Read the review ➡
Subscribe to The Drop weekly email💧 ➡ bit.ly/THEDROP
Listen to The Drop weekly podcast, wherever you get your podcasts, or here ➡ bit.ly/THE-DROP-PODCAST
Follow Us!
➡ FACEBOOK: / bintherun
➡ INSTAGRAM: / believeintherun
➡ STRAVA: bit.ly/BITR-STRAVA
➡ TWITTER: / bintherun
➡ WEBSITE: BelieveintheRun.com
Shop Running Warehouse (free shipping on EVERYTHING and 90-day no question returns):
Running Warehouse US ➡ bit.ly/RUNNING-WAREHOUSE
Running Warehouse EU ➡ bit.ly/RUNNING-WAREHOUSE-EU
We run legit miles in our shoes and provide honest, no BS reviews of running shoes, running gear, and running races.

[@christiankeil7845]

The weight is insane

[@manuel_877]

Hi for all the runners from 🇪🇸. Thanks for this new information about vaporfly3. Like to Meaghan and Thomas. A nice saturday for everyone.

[@ohminsun]

Thanks for this review; I got one of the invitations from Running Warehouse to get the prototype colorway of the Next%3 and was/am super torn between that and the HOKA Rocket X 2. Decision to be made soon!

[@Lee-mx5li]

Great job on video

[@Believeintherun]

Thanks!

[@Justplainoljeff]

New subscriber here. Good job on the videos! Keep it up! I picked up a pair of Alphafly V1’s at a Nike outlet nearby for $50 that are awesome but now I want to find a decent daily trainer. VF are probably not the way to go huh?

[@pwherjanata]

I saw a video cutting the vaporfly 3 and the carbon plate its not full length 🤔

[@steveflor9942]

My VaporFly 2's really do gape around the opening on the medial side. That fix alone....👍👍👍

[@stephanvonwolf5666]

He said "Gape"... lol!

[@PAPAIANIRBAN]

With regards to wide feet, I have a wide toe area, which means I need a wider toe box. I recently tried it out at a store near me. It fits me perfecrly. I am size UK 10. Not only that, I use a silicon insole for medical reasons and with that the shoe toebox was comfortable. The same comfort I get while using Pegasus 39 with regards to toe-box area.

[@cuthomas4664]

Nike is a beast in terms of premium athlete shoes makers. The most of performance, the most of trend, the most of desier. Here and there, you might hear of another brand is better in some respects, but at the end, it's always Nike to consider

[@leonardoa8686]

I have the V2, but this year will try the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro!

[@Believeintherun]

Fun shoe

[@davidalvarez5813]

It would be of great help if you guys talked about what kind of people can use it, I am 6.3 I am very tall and weigh 195 pounds not all shoes work for me

[@lincolnbroke]

Guys what about sizing? Same with peg 40??

[@corbinmiller5121]

Just got these for 90 dollars

[@elgreaco7986]

You what i got them for 185 2 days ago 😢

[@michaeldominic2070]

I loved v1, v2 was firmer and didn't have the same magic. If v3 is closer to v1 then I may consider picking these up.

[@stansyt3943]

how v2 could be firmer if the midsole is same?

[@cg5380]

​@Stan Sytnyk they can have different stack heights in the fore and Backfoot, different platform sizes underfoot, and they can stiffen parts on the inside of shoe resulting in wildly different feels underfoot.

[@stansyt3943]

@@cg5380 vf1 and vf2 is the same except the different upper, vf2 is more breathable

[@cg5380]

@@stansyt3943 idk about that I have yet to wear a road racing shoe I've only raced in spikes. I was just giving examples of how something could be different with the same midsole foam. I think op was referring to the alphafly because some complain about the two being different.

[@runstreetwise]

The V1s were something special.

[@jimoconnor8597]

Finally ran in mine. These feel far more stable (even cornering) and seem to have a more subtle toe off for me than Next%2. This upgrade is is significant for me and I'd pay the extra $$$ for the new version and its fit. I have a wider forefoot and these had plenty of room. Excited to see what new colors are to come. CIM in the fall! And Robbe...c'mon. Rocket X 2 🙃

[@richardallen2782]

Ko

[@jules4927]

it's seem that this version is better for wider feet, but not as good for narrow feet...

[@jimoconnor8597]

@@jules4927 The heel and midfoot are probably the same for narrow feet, the forefoot is maybe a couple mms wider. I think it is the volume above the toes in the forefoot that is a bit much. I have a slightly wider forefoot but smaller feet. I was able to get a great lockdown and ran a 17' marathon PR (3:08:22) out of the box. No hot spots or issues at all. Shoes just disappear on your feet they are so light.

[@missbutts85]

Had these in my shopping cart but found the 2s for $99 at the Nike clearance store in white marsh. I’ve never worn carbon shoes before so I wanna try them out with less cost commitment first. Looking forward to speed training and racing in them

[@Destroyer-Grizzly-BIH]

I stopped buying Nike years ago but I have to say that these are nice.

[@Marc-dk8vw]

Great review, particularly regarding the milage.

[@Believeintherun]

Glad you liked it

[@chrisvarelabenitez4690]

Sticking to the Alphafly V1 until further notice

[@ChristianRunsNY]

I feel the same

[@stephanvonwolf5666]

I have a 10.5 pristine v1 I could sell ya?

[@chrisvarelabenitez4690]

@@stephanvonwolf5666 i already have two pairs, thanks

[@maximilianklein2062]

Problem is... they won't make new ones and the zoom X will stop working in 2-3 years regardless of whether you wear them or not... but I'm with you... the Aphafly 1 was the best supershoe so far

[@jimoconnor8597]

Was a AF V1 fan but I'm a convert to the Next%3. Just better all the way around after lots of testing...

[@runfrankfurt]

The question I have is: if you had to pick the Next% V2, the Alphafly V1/V2 or the Vaporfly 3, which one would be the first pick for (Marathon / Half Marathon) raceday and why? Could you please do a comparison video between the Nike super shoes, that would be awesome. 👌✌🏼

[@Believeintherun]

AlphaFLY v1, then Vaporfly 3

[@Sh0n0]

@@Believeintherun why alphafly v1 over v2?

[@Dannyrunsphilly]

I had some Achilles issues with AF2. I still have them, but, I just ordered these. I’m very excited. I loved the VF1.

[@junglisttt]

@@Sh0n0 Yes, smoother and bouncier ☺️

[@jimoconnor8597]

Might even want to wait for the AF 3. For me, the Next%3 just overtook the AF V1 (and I've run all my marathons in the AF1). I can really lock in fast paces with lower power numbers.

[@damodaraomalley3974]

These, or adios pro 3?

[@VangRyanVang]

I’m 5’5 180lbs and I train in the Novablast 4s. I got to try this Nike at my local running store on the treadmill and it felt damn good for a quarter mile. Slow, easy and fast strides. I don’t have long strides. I run with a low stride with avg 135-140 easy cadence. Yes, the heels do feel like they’re slipping out but it won’t (phantom slip). Also it didn’t bother me while running . You won’t feel the slipping. It actually felt “relieving” in a way. But you’ll feel the “heel slipping” when you’re walking. It just sucks that in summer of 2024 the shoe is still 260$!!! 😢 I also ran in the ASICS sky edge. Very Nice shoe. But I’m too slow and heavy for that shoe. That’s why I prefer the Nike vaporfly 3. Heavy ppl friendly 😂. I’m a midfoot striker as well. Hopefully this 2024 review helps.

[@hiratiomasterson4009]

Id like to see Nike do an Asics NovaBlast 3 TR on these - simply give a version with a thicker outsole for training days, with the standard version for serious work.

[@sambudnick6541]

So Thomas and Megan do you guys prefer the vaporfly 3 over the alphafly 1 for race day

[@Believeintherun]

Still a no for Meg. Thomas is trying to move into the future, so possibly.

[@thetonitone]

If you never had VaporFly how is the sizing on this shoe. I’m usually US Size 9. What size would I be in this VaporFly??? Thanks for the great review

[@Believeintherun]

True to size

[@RunWithCT9]

This is the only shoe that I truly like from Nike , I love the design and how it feels but at the same time I don't think its the best shoe, the Saucony endorphin elite and por 3's are still better. I have flat and wide and the Saucony is better fit for my feet and more fun

[@krmon1992]

How's the fit?

[@nddomer99]

Next%!

[@bobsong2990]

I pick up v2 for a good price. Now I'm so regret. I should wait for v3😂

[@abdullahayaz1644]

Wow 😳

[@stephanvonwolf5666]

Robin, sorry, Robbie, cute hat! Really brings that Peter Pan boyish charm! ;-)

[@mmmpowr]

“Unheard of, insane”, it’s literally the same weight as the previous versions! If you want to feel light, my size 10 Vaporfly Elite Flyprint weights only 6oz😆

[@chelseat1814]

I've read alot of comments that say this is not made for marathon training, but just for race day. so how does that work? I've never not worn a pair through training and only on race day so wondering how you break these in?

[@Believeintherun]

Never heard that statement. We’d recommend at least one speed work and one long run with MP added in before any Marathon.

[@bluesque9687]

Nike vaporfly is the original 🤴

[@rudyau1775]

Does the v3 mid foot area any narrower than the v2?

[@Believeintherun]

Bout the same

[@antonioromulodelcarmen283]

Dang Nike! Just when I thought I’d move on from the swoosh already and try other brands…🤦🏻‍♂️🥴

[@Dannyrunsphilly]

I know… I’ve been ASICS only for months and months. I had to order these

[@paulmulks]

I swear they deliberately make at least one thing wrong when they design these shoes, that way they have something to say they've changed on the next model 😂 So the tongue is the bit on this version that is silly, v4 it will be changed for the better but they'll mess with the upper or something 😂 I know the looks don't have anything to do with performance but I do think the v2 looked nicer. I'm not keen on the square looking bit of foam around the heel. I will however pick up a pair as I love Nike's racing offerings 👌🏻 Cheers BITR team, big luv from the UK 🇬🇧

[@blakedavis749]

A super shoe makes you run more in your fore foot? Odd @8:50

[@MichaelLoweAttorney]

I’m with Robbe. It’s still too unstable to take the distance. Not sure about the Joka tho.

[@RaiderNationxBeast]

Would these be ideal for people with flat feet?

[@Believeintherun]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@lauchongkiat52]

How this compare to saucony pro 3

[@Believeintherun]

Lighter and a little more nimble

[@cubebeast6479]

I think we can say Nike is back on track. After no good shoe last year.

[@Beralinond]

Yeah but their dailies still suck

[@cubebeast6479]

@@Beralinond that is true.

[@Tr1Dylan]

@@Beralinond saying the Peg39 sucks is insane.

[@Beralinond]

@@Tr1Dylan I own them. They suck. They are entry level. They gave me ball of foot injury.

[@alexjimenez135]

@@Beralinond i know nikes daily are garbage i daily alpha flys and vaporflys idc if people say they’re racing shoes only im going to use them how i like

[@yakiweiss546]

Ruby is the only one unaffected by Nike's hype, if another company was make such minor changes to their flagship shoe after 3 years! I don't think they would have received such a positive review from you..

[@Believeintherun]

Ruby can’t be 😵‍💫

[@stephanvonwolf5666]

Follow the money

[@ethanwood2606]

Are they still unisex width?

[@Believeintherun]

Still unisex

[@alexandrubaginean7369]

I would bever buy this after finding out they only have 100 mile life in them..what am I paying 240 euros for?

[@S.F.Martin100]

Looks super creased already. Will it burn out fast? $$$$

[@Believeintherun]

Typical Vaporfly life

[@michaelvrbanac6923]

This shoe looks like the perfect race shoe for me. I am a mid-foot to fore-foot striker. I have previous versions of the vaporfly and the alphafly, and I loved both versions. The alphafly is noisy, but I found it to be the ultimate marathon shoe. I like the vaporfly for half marathons on down. I will be getting the vaporfly version 3. Hoka? seriously? Quality has degraded to the point that I stopped buying them. Is this dude sponsored by Hoka? I haven't met one person that likes the Hoka carbon shoes, including my wife, who disliked the shoe so much that she stopped using it after only a few runs.

[@OneTouch1980]

$250 seems insane for one shoe, but Nike is great at setting the market price and watching everyone follow. I'll stick with nb rebel v3 & v2 for all my running needs for now. That colorway is very nice though, reminded me of the all white Asics that Thomas colored, which looks better than the Nike.

[@Believeintherun]

You actually get two shoes, so $75 a piece 😏

[@SkiingIsBelieving859]

@@Believeintherun $125 each actually…

[@OneTouch1980]

@@SkiingIsBelieving859 which makes it even that more crazy. Thanks for the maths lesson

[@victorc2520]

I had 2 pairs of rebel v2 and the upper got ripped on both pairs after less than 50 miles…

[@runeveryday1069]

How do you maintain a five-day look stubble beard ?

[@Believeintherun]

That’s as long as it grows 🫠

[@stephanvonwolf5666]

Lmao

[@yomannyboi]

What race day shoe would you guys recommend for wider feet?

[@junglisttt]

Altra vanish carbon. Watch kofuzis review. I love it and you can get in on a good deal now

[@yomannyboi]

@@junglisttt Will do, thank you so much 😁

[@WippSheridan]

Me likee the Nikee

[@bubbie23jw]

What’s the light blue and white next to the pink and orange behind Robbie?

[@jp05598]

Alphafly 2 coconut milk colorway

[@samanthajenkins2399]

If you weigh less do people find their shoes last longer?

[@vika0194]

The lighter you are, the less impact per step. If you would run exactly the same but weigh for example 20 lbs more then the shoe would wear off a bit more.

[@samanthajenkins2399]

@@vika0194 Yes, that does reflect my experience of myself and my husband with the same model of nike alpha fly.

[@carrotsoup7264]

200 miles out of a shoe? That is ridiculously low. We non professionals need to consume less.

[@stephanvonwolf5666]

100

[@seanmac80]

A sponsored guy I know has just gone past 500km (300mi) in the Hoka Rocket X 2 and it's still pretty much mint. Some midsole compression, but still bouncy af and excellent to run long in. That's the kind of intel that interests me.

[@mo_b.]

they should just make a shoe that look like sandals with a cushioned back

[@mo_b.]

and with the same bottom

[@ndk4]

200 grams for men us 10.5 holy sht

[@michaeldickran7242]

Don't love the pink color. Let's see what other colors they come out with.

[@steveflor9942]

Yup. Seem to recall a blue and gold colorway on prototypes

[@henryharmon5935]

People that do videos on this shoe always promote it being only a race shoe. That’s not true. I wear mine almost every day for daily activities and have no wear now for almost three months. I do run in them but not marathons, just like most people don’t.

[@bigdog88ish]

Would you recommend this shoe for a Nurse who stands on his feet for 12 hour shifts?

[@stephanvonwolf5666]

Absolutely not!

[@stephanvonwolf5666]

New balance more v4 or Hoka Bondi 8s

[@stephanvonwolf5666]

The Bondi series from Hoka is the number one preferred shoe amongst Healthcare professionals across the United States. Also recommended by the American podiatrist Society

[@andrewjknoxuk]

Good grief, absolutely not! 😧

[@bailey9838]

nope the altra torins are better

[@chriscoop6852]

Not wide enough. Can’t get half my mid-foot in any Nike it’s like fat guy in a little coat

[@MatthewMoscotto]

Haha

[@j.k.cascade2057]

yeah, Ive just given up on nike because of that.

[@ronmadrid6605]

Same :( @Chris Coop any alternatives for a wide carbon plated shoe?

[@vika0194]

Terrible to only offer this color for men. Should be at least 3 colors to choose from. I would never wear these.

[@AMANI_I_3I_6969]

you have cute wife

[@deannorman1349]

They dropped Next% from the name. It's just the Vaporfly 3 now.

[@Believeintherun]

www.nike.com/t/vaporfly-next-3-mens-road-racing-shoes-xn446v

[@stephanvonwolf5666]

Yes, everybody knows that. But thank you.