NIKE VAPORFLY 3 REVIEW / Am I the fittest I've been for years or is it the shoe??!

Today we're reviewing the brand new Nike Vaporfly NEXT% 3 in the prototype colour way. Are they the best racing shoe ever made? And how do they compare against the pretty loved version 2? I've been putting it through it's paces this week with a tough speed session and marathon pace long run so follow along to hear my thoughts!
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Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:13 Facts & figures
4:02 What's new
5:32 Session
11:15 Likes & Dislikes
14:37 Summary

[@BenParkes]

Are you excited by the Vaporfly 3? Or are the options from Saucony, Adidas, Mizuno etc more enticing?!

[@markoljustina]

Yes I’m am excited Only AP3 is competitor

[@richardc316]

Look great, but too expensive for me. I'm always looking at the old models to get a bargain! 😂

[@RhysSpencer]

I’ve been really liking Adidas Adizero Pro3. AlphaFly 2 while comfy the 4mm drop makes them dust collectors. Very curious if the vaporfly3 fit true? I had Vaporfly1 that fit 1/2 size small.

[@daddycox82]

Ben, doing your level 5 right now, hell of a training plan. Which of the above shoes would you wear if it was a full marathon I needed a new super shoe race which is mostly downhill course.

[@markoljustina]

@@daddycox82 AP3

[@RoostersEagles]

It’s always a genuine pleasure watching your videos mate.

[@lorenzargymagnaye]

Awesome video Ben! Thank you Sarah for filming! 😊

[@joemag22]

Ran a 5 minute PB using your half marathon plan today 💪🏼 1:39:15

[@diogogoncalves200]

lisbon?

[@joemag22]

@@diogogoncalves200 oh I wish. Hell of a lot closer to Ben, just one that took place in Essex, England.

[@BenParkes]

Brilliant!! Congratulations on the sub 1:40!! Awesome PB 🙌

[@joemag22]

@@BenParkes Gonna scale it down now and aim for 19-20 min 5k 💪🏼

[@daddycox82]

His training plan is the best, doing level 5, My last marathon was a 3:19, just did a half in 1:26 so well on my way to sub 3:05. Ben is the best.

[@TrainWithJEM]

I finally decided to add Vapor Fly Next %2 last year and had the most fun time with them. End up with 3 pairs mix up with 3 pairs of Streakfly

[@mauricepointer9555]

Ben, enjoyed your video. I currently use the model being updated. It's been a good shoe for training and racing. I'm looking to upgrade to the new model once it hits the market across the pond. All the best to you in your running and have a great run in London. Greetings from the United States of America.

[@joelmead]

Honestly i'm loving previous years super shoes on discount. No point paying an extra £100 for the newest, even if the new reviews are exciting. My two super shoes are the Asics metaracer (5k + 10k) and the Puma deviate Elite (Half Marathon). Both under £100.

[@isiah675]

I bought two vp2s for the price of one a couple weeks ago this is the best time of year to stock up on older super shoes 😂

[@ToxicLucidity]

I also got them and your video confirms that I am not the only one who has experienced the same.

[@cchungy]

Great breakdown!

[@MrAldiyar]

In terms of looks and breath ability, the upper of the VPN%3 looks very similar to the New Balance RC Elite V2’s from 2021, a shoe which I’ve ran for 400+ kms. Looking forward to trying the new Nikes new racing shoe.

[@SendingStache]

very cool! content suggestion: would love to see a "training diaries" style video series with sarah and her running goals and training - she's such a big part of the channel and also a runner and it would be fun for an added layer of running content and perspective into the channel!

[@Dannyner6]

now that's how you do a review! fantastic work, ben and sarah :D

[@BenParkes]

Thanks so much!

[@Lee-mx5li]

Great job on video!!

[@adamtherunner92]

These look amazing, I have wide feet and struggle for comfort having to wear thinner socks with the 2, I always lean towards New Balance because of the fit, hopefully this will solve my issues

[@GyulaJentetics]

Great review and I can see your new watch 😮😊

[@philschneider1853]

I live in Qingdao, China, running the Qingdao marathon next month, obsessed with Lining (Chinese brand), running them for my whole life now, back in Europe I shipped them all over. Running the Red Rabbit models for training. For the marathon I'll run the 2023 Jueying. The shoe has two carbon plates, so technically illegal by IAAF regulations. But here in China obviously all allowed since Lining also sponsors almost every race.

[@misterbelll]

Great video.. thanks, so nice to see massive parkland in such a densely populated part of the World, Beautiful scenery 😍😍

[@vg9073]

It's a big park but not exactly accessible unless you live nearby. it's the illusion of nature in sprawling city buildings and high pollution. I lived there for 9 years - you only realise how messed up it is once you leave.

[@pbnotj1]

Little bit wider is huge for me. Might really be able to try this one at some point ! Thanks for the fair review . waiting for sale price on these is super smart for most of us non elites , so may not try these for at least a year or two :-)

[@ian757]

What a confidence boost as well.

[@logginsirl]

Great review Ben, I love the Vapor fly2 and nervous about changing 👽 but looks good 👍

[@bh4560]

Been waiting in this one Ben! You looked rapid in them on the strava teaser! Wow!

[@nikp.7823]

Bravo, Sarah - you are the delight of this chanel! Who is Ben Parkes? 😉

[@ian757]

Sarah is absolutely awesome. You simply couldn’t do it without her! 👏👏👏

[@BenParkes]

Absolutely!! She’s the back bone behind everything you see!

[@livegreatalways]

​@@BenParkespls marry her NOW 🎉❤!

[@jonl2938]

Great video, thanks for the review. I don’t know that is Canadians would consider that “braving the cold”. One of our Park Runs this winter was in -25 degree weather… at least the snow covered trail was hard!

[@Curly4000]

I’m a Canadian too. The coldest I ran in was -29°C

[@steverobinson6405]

Deffo mate …..all that time ,effort ,discipline and determination you’ve put in over the years…..it’s got to be the new shoes ..😅😅

[@amarikrm]

Vicky Park! Love running in that park!

[@HoreanAir]

Love your review as a larger runner

[@jonahthewhale]

I love the vaporfly 3. Was so happy when it wasnt sold out in my country on the nike app.

[@runnerdan785]

Good weekend when another video drops!!

[@ronniegreenfield8333]

Hade a bash in mine at the weekend loved every min in it

[@Formerly-known-as-Steve]

I totally agree with everything you said. I ran my goal race half today and they did great. More stable than v2. Not a leap forward but as a slightly wider footed runner I like the new fit.

[@Phenomenon5002]

Where did you buy them from?

[@Formerly-known-as-Steve]

@@Phenomenon5002 from Nike on the launch day.

[@Phenomenon5002]

@@Formerly-known-as-Steve it says coming soon still?

[@Formerly-known-as-Steve]

@@Phenomenon5002 I’m in England

[@Phenomenon5002]

@@Formerly-known-as-Steve do you have any idea when they will be available in the U.S

[@pedrob8787]

Love these videos! Keep up the awesome content! P.s - Sarah rocks! 🤙👌

[@jlelelr]

love this shoes so much

[@aubreypule5303]

Another great one

[@MrAllanAhmet]

Thanks for all your INXS reactions ❤ Its time for a live performance! I would highly recommend Wembley stadium in 1991 , What You Need!!❤

[@stuartcampbell2107]

My main issue with the 2s was their durability, not put more than 300 miles on them and they're already looking very well worn!

[@collinfay6779]

I think the 3s will hold up way better, a lot more padding to eat through before they break down

[@MrBrownie77]

Been waiting for this review. Thanks a lot! My V2s have about 200k in them and I’m on the fence whether to upgrade to V3s in time for Boston. If I can find some that is.

[@junglisttt]

You should at least get a new pair of V2s if your going all out in Boston. Best of luck on your race 💥👊😀

[@alexm1841]

Still not out in USA. Waiting patiently. Although the 2s dropped up to 40% depending on the color.

[@nefitru]

Dope music on the first run! Cumbia

[@matej6949]

Hello Ben ! First of all Thank you for your inspiring videos. I love watching your youtube chanel and your videos. As I am preparing for my first Marathon I decided to buy your Marathon plan. My goal is to run my first Marathon sub 4 hours. That being said I first want to tell you some infos. Last year (start of 2022) I could barely run for 10 km. My 10 km PB in February was 1:09:06. Bad. Found your channel and things started to improve. My first race was 2nd October. 10 km - 57:49. Now I can run 10 km in 52 minutes, I can run long runs such as 25-30 km. No problem. Problem is my heart rate. I did MAX HR test with running and my max Hr was 193 bpm. To mention, I am 29 years old, 185 cm, muscular 98 kg. So. Following your plan my easy pace should be app 6:45 min/km. I can run at this pace easily, but not in Zone 2. My zone 2 is from 135 - 151 bpm. And running at this pace my average HR is 153-154 bpm. So my question is : WHAT IS BETTER / MORE IMPORTANT ? To run at your planned pace for easy runs - or to run in my easy HR ZONE ( zone 2 ) ? To reach my ZONE 2 hr, I must run at app 7:16-7:20 min/ km to star under 151 average HR. Btw, my rest HR is 46 (Garmin average last 3 months data). Thank you in advance.

[@user-hs1uq2do1k]

happy to hear that toe box of V3 is wider than that of V2

[@annekafrench7120]

It definitely is less snug fitter it’s a lot nicer

[@user-co4pi7nj4i]

good speed, Ben

[@jb4326]

These seem to be great, I’ve always had Pegasus’s and recently got the 40s that are spot on but once there run out ( no pun intended) I’ll give these a run 👍

[@kevineggs2641]

i love the vaporfly 3 best shoes ever

[@borkarms]

Grear first review.....Was waiting for the Vaporfly 3 review....

[@joshkneller]

Did my first run in the VF3 yesterday and loved it. Felt similar to the 2, but maybe slightly more comfy for longer distances which certainly isn’t a bad thing!

[@junglisttt]

How is sizing compared to v2?

[@joshkneller]

@@junglisttt very similar. Toe box has a little more height, but overall I’d stick with the same size.

[@massi888]

thank you for the review, i was waiting for your thoughts, lots of not-so-fast-youtuber tested the shoes, but it is not really meaningful if you are not running at certain speed in my opinion. i was lucky to get the proto version a couple of days ago, but it is raining here all the week and i did not have the courage to run in the wet. About the mizuno wave rebellion pro, yes an interesting new shoes, but i am not going to use them for my race day, i find them unstable, when i am tired they are not working anymore for me

[@BenParkes]

Hope you enjoy your first few runs when the weather improves!! Have fun!!

[@AlistairEldred]

Pink is already available in Australia

[@sirus312]

we are now getting heals in athletics. Amazing

[@twalton]

Since they don't make the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro in your size, it would be entertaining to see Sarah do that review with you on the bike.

[@timeonfeet]

Picked up the 2 with 40% off recently but still haven't yet taken it out, saving it for some road races later in the year! Good to know what the 3 is like, price at the moment is crazy though

[@mattb6873]

Crazy to see how many are spending so much on the 3s already!

[@pandasontheroad]

I did the same :D I think there is not much difference between 2 or 3 so I picked up 2 pairs of the version 2 , one to be used a daily trainer and second one as half marathon shoe.

[@kinghassan3122]

Wow I love your kit is there shorts I did not see in your website?

[@BenParkes]

They are from Soar

[@bab1374]

They look way much better than the 2 . I like to toe box.. Will try these!❤❤

[@alienlovetunes]

Hi from London!

[@knutbk]

Great review, I'd just add that for anyone that hasn't used these shoes, the sole wears out quickly for such a steep shoe investment. Ben says here they reduced the outsole by additional 2mm. That's a ton when it's only a few mm to begin with. Suggest buying their sister training shoes so you're used to the dimensions and then, a week or two out, start breaking these in and race in them.

[@BenParkes]

Yes was disappointed in the rate the outsole was wearing. Good advice Brent!

[@TrueFilter]

What’s the training shoe equivalents alpha fly?

[@leones0051]

what's the sister training shoes then ?

[@knutbk]

@@leones0051 The Alphafly Shamelessly ripped from ChatGPT's results: "When it comes to choosing between the **Nike Vaporfly** and the **Nike Alphafly**, serious runners find themselves at a crossroads. These two shoes are like star athletes in the world of performance racers. Let's lace up and dive into the details: 1. **Nike Vaporfly**: - Developed as part of "Project Breaking2" with the ambitious goal of helping runners break the 2-hour marathon mark. - **Lighter** than the Alphafly. - Designed for **speed** and aggressive racing. - Offers less cushioning but is incredibly responsive. - Perfect for those aiming to set personal records or conquer shorter distances. 2. **Nike Alphafly**: - Considered the "little sister" of the Vaporfly. - **Stable** due to its width, making it better for cornering. - Provides **ample cushioning** for comfort during longer runs. - Great for marathon distances and serious distance runners. In summary, if you're chasing a half marathon PR, most would recommend the **Alphafly**. But if you're eyeing that elusive 10K record or want to feel the wind at your back during a 5K, the **Vaporfly** might be your go-to shoe. Either way, you're in elite company with these top-tier racers! 🏃‍♀🏃‍♂ Remember, both shoes are like finely tuned instruments, so choose the one that resonates with your running goals! 🏅 Source: Conversation with Bing, 11/30/2023 (1) Nike Alphafly 2 Vs Vaporfly 2 Guide | What Is The Difference?. running.reviews/blogs/shoes/alphafly-2-vs-vaporfly-2. (2) . bing.com/search?q=vaporfly+vs+al. (3) Vaporfly vs Alphafly [2023] - Best Nike Racing Shoes - UpbeatRun. upbeatrun.com/vaporfly-vs-alphafly/. (4) Nike Alphafly Vs Vaporfly: Which Is The Best For You?. www.choozeshoes.com/nike-alphafly-vs-vaporfly-which-is-the-best-for-you/. (5) Nike Vaporfly vs. Nike Alphafly: Uncovering the Ultimate Running Shoe. www.debatepeer.com/article/Nike-Vaporfly-vs-Nike-Alphafly. (6) Nike Vaporfly 2 vs. Alphafly: Which One? (2022 Comparison) - Runner's Lab. runnerslab.com/comparisons/nike-vaporfly-vs-alphafly/. (7) undefined. www.runtothefinish.com/nike-alphafly-vs-vaporfly/. (8) undefined. www.tomsguide.com/face-off/nike-alphafly-vs-nike-vaporfly-next-2. (9) undefined. running.reviews/blogs/shoes/alphafly-2-vs-vaporfly-3.

[@jamesshelley6478]

Love the video. As an overpronator, stability shoe wearer what advice would you give on trying to wear a faster shoe? Or an tips for overpronating.

[@paulwatson7885]

Hi James, try strengthening the muscles from your knee downwards, this will help your stability.

[@paulwatson7885]

Vaporfly's very hard to get at the moment, had to buy a pair of Saucony Pro 3. Maybe the change will be a blessing as we get tied to certain brands and fear change!

[@markoljustina]

Try AP3

[@AmritpalGhatora]

I love them

[@GoProRiot23]

Would you recommend these for an indoor track run?

[@joewillburn]

I wish they had retained the classic midsole profile.

[@steveh8758]

Is was so happy they didn’t mess up the vaporfly 3 like they did the invincible run 3 Only one long run in them so far but it went well I’m not sure it’s much better then the 2 but I will be able to tell a bit better with some speed work

[@damnnitsdantee737]

For sizing if I wear a 8 in adidas nmd what would be a good size for the VF3?? I prefer them to hug my feet and be more stable

[@DeeKay1911]

“Are you happy with that?” With a stone face: “Ecstatic Sara!” 😂

[@tayoidowu11]

Sarah is the glue and heart of this. U have it easy just running lol

[@chris.schmied]

Great review! Wish I could get it…but saving for the carbon plated trail shoe from NIKE :))

[@BenParkes]

Yes.. excited to try that one too!

[@diktromdefilm]

Man, You are fast!

[@willbutcher9712]

Great review, awesome splits….. what’s with the numbers on the heal end of the sole? Couldn’t work it out from the website…. Like a tread gauge for a tire?

[@BenParkes]

I’ve never really known. It’s just speculation.. something to do with the number of k’s they’ve tested them before production maybe. The final colourways won’t have those markings on!

[@macariocarido5954]

nice shoes!

[@dennisjordan8300]

Its supposed to hit USA on April 1st I have been running in Saucony I think I will switch over to this shoes now. Thanks for the amazing videos. What socks do you run in, Do you recommend any socks that you like?

[@rairaiken33]

I'm choosing between this and the Vomero 17 for my race shoe, I'm using a Winflo 10 as my training shoe. My concerns for the Vaporfly 3 are durability and price.

[@louismurphy1403]

Great review Ben, as always. I have the Alphfly but never tried the VF, what would you say are the main differences are and which is a better overall show for speed?

[@MR-wh5wp]

The alphas have basically no support. The VF have more support. And the VF are lighter weight.

[@thewingitrunner]

Will you ever try the Asics Metaspeed Sky to compare against the vaporfly?

[@annekafrench7120]

I did 14 miles in these yesterday and I think they’re the best version so far, the upper is better for a start. V2 were rubbish! 1’s were great.. and to top it off I got mine with 10% off from Pro Direct 😁

[@partyguinness]

I loved the 1s…the 2s were not the same and too stiff but still way better than the Alphaflys which I hate.

[@zacsborntorunrunningadvent3441]

​@@partyguinness I also loved the v1 the v2 I found significantly stiffer...yet many seem to think the v2 midsole does feel the same. Hopefully the v3 feels softer and springy like the v1.

[@pedroazevedo2067]

Have you noticed any considerable wear in them, by now?

[@annekafrench7120]

@@pedroazevedo2067 Not yet but I don’t think they’ll last that long.. just limiting how much I use them

[@pedroazevedo2067]

@@annekafrench7120 from my understanding the Zoom ones last longer, but I am reluctant about buying shoes that I may feel the need to bin after 6 months or so. It’s a tough one…

[@delroydemontagnac5242]

Hi Ben, you said that there is a bit of stability. Which stability shoe would you say it was closer to?

[@rizontherun9684]

Whats your 5km 10km and half marathon pace?

[@Ammerstol]

Well, I hope it's your training that's really paying of now :D It's funny, you mention the word "support" a lot, but they looks really very flimsy. But you never know until you try them on. Nice vid Ben.

[@BenParkes]

Supportive for a lightweight race shoe! 🙂

[@hahaheslop]

I sold my Vaporfly's and Alphafly's just couldn't get on with them, too aggressive for me, wasnt good for my dodgy knees. Gonna go with my Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 for London Marathon 👍

[@annekafrench7120]

I love the Pro 3!!

[@BenParkes]

A great shoe. Good luck!!

[@hahaheslop]

@@BenParkes thanks! 🙂

[@sousa9991]

Which shoe I should buy Vapourfly 2 or 3 which one is the best all around are these shoes true to size? Here in Canada weather has been pretty cold ice has ben building up and danger to run outside, I am hoping to run this weekend which will be my first run of 2023.

[@frankterry8896]

You’re making me want to pick up a pair but I’m skint

[@JF-qe7pk]

Would these benefit a slower runner for a first time marathon?

[@timothyfranklin4808]

What are the actual differences between men's and women's running shoes???

[@Mickeeey18]

I just bought a pair with 25% discount on the nike site 💪🏽

[@StuartOnYT]

Quick Question if anyone can help out, I have 2E width feet and want to buy my first pair of carbon shoes. Which company would people suggest I look at first? I've see these shoes can be wide but is there other options?

[@mrnewman2025]

Really good insight and review. Out of curiosity what do you do with the old shoes you take out the rotation? Asking as a size 12 runner 😉

[@BenParkes]

They usually end up on eBay to try and get some of the expense back.. to reinvest for future shoe review videos!

[@NicBen]

Hi Ben, excellent video. Really helps our decision in whether to buy them or not. Do you think you'll wear these for the London marathon!? Thanks :)

[@BenParkes]

If the marathon was tomorrow I’d be wearing these. But actually managed to find a rebellion pro in my size late last night, so will be trying that very soon!

[@NicBen]

@@BenParkes Brill !! Thanks for the reply. Ps Sarah is amazing with her filming and editing skills 💥

[@russellgray1917]

I've heard that a US release is possibly around April 5th.

[@tagoresanketh5938]

Hi Ben !!! I'm a huge fan of your videos. I see that you prefer the alphafly 2 for your races. Would you prefer this over alphafly 2 ???

[@BenParkes]

Yes!

[@gordonmcdonald2357]

The sign of a good runner is making fast running look effortless 💪 Surely you want to use the extra loop hole at the top to cut the length of those laces? Must be worth 1 second/mile 🤔😂

[@RunAllTheMiles]

Hi Ben, you said you couldn't get a pair of mizuno rebellion Pro in your size, I could be wrong but im pretty sure I remember that your the same size as me (uk 12) if so there's a pair on sports shoes at that size, there on start fitness aswell.

[@BenParkes]

Thank you. Yes, they must have released them in a 12 suddenly. About a month after launch. I got a pair last night after some DM’s. Thank you!

[@arnzfit]

Thanks for the review Ben - in terms of sizing, would you recommend half size up? I did that for my Vapor 2's, but curious if that would be the same case for these 3's.

[@BenParkes]

I think true to size for these

[@arnzfit]

@@BenParkes Thanks Ben 👊

[@Richard_Johnson69]

The Nike Zoom foam for me atleast is very squishy and unstable- returned the Streakfly straight away so not gonna bother with anything else regardless of what anyone says

[@MoayedJA]

what’s the difference between the men’s and women’s versions?

[@TimGrose]

Good sessions and encouraging about the shoes too. Somewhat annoying my pair have been stuck "Awaiting Shipment" for almost a week now. I am pretty sure the Mizuno one does come in a UK 12. Indeed I see Start Fitness have one in the black & white colourway. It definitely does not come in my UK 13 though so good for me that Nike cater for us larger footed runners. Otherwise it is very hit and miss. ASICS complete blank for one.

[@BenParkes]

I actually managed to get a 12 after some DM’s after this video. Odd how they only released a 12 about a month after all the others. Confusing! Sorry to hear you’re are stuck.. look forward to your review when you get them. Awesome job in Seville too Tim, great to see!!

[@TimGrose]

@@BenParkes Thanks! Maybe Mizuno will stretch it out one more size :) The 4% only went to a 12 and, in a similar theme, the 13 in the OG NEXT% came out later as I squeezed into a 12 for a bit but am done with spending that much on shoes that don't really fit.

[@georgesoto5436]

How many miles have you taken on the 2? I have ran two marathons and they don’t last very long. So, curios on your prediction for average miles I can get from either 2 or 3. Great review by the way!

[@lincolnbroke]

Hi i wear 43 for peg 40 and 44 for Tempo. Which one should i go for vaporfly?

[@jimclawley9117]

Just an observation but if you worked on core strength and hip mobility you could run a lot faster. You’ve got pretty nice cadence but your stride length looks restricted somewhat. Not a criticism but just think if you open up that stride length a foot you’d cruise along at faster paces more easily

[@NameLikeTheAudi]

Great video, which running watch is that with such a bright screen?

[@BenParkes]

Garmin Epix 2

[@bommeyyofficial]

whats the difference between the 3% and the normal 3?

[@alangar4184]

Ben, if people are using these for marathons etc. how do we know if they're legal? They're not listed on the World Athletics approved shoe list by name; there are two "development" shoes listed there for Nike, how do we know that this is one of them? Thanks

[@lunarsabbatical7906]

I improved my 5k with the vapor fly from 18:30 to 14:12 so it really does work