Nike Zoom Fly 3 Full Review | Vaporweave vs. Flyknit?

[@jackpenfold7067]

Slightly relevent to the question Seth. Mo Farah won the Great North run (a half marathon in the UK) for the 6th time last weekend and he was wearing the Nike Next% with Flyknit upper

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Brilliant info Jack!!! Thank you

[@ShinetsuYuki]

that's because he has achilles issues and the vaporweave upper has a stiff heel counter.

[@stefanjapiilic]

Answer from the future: Kipchoge will run in Atomknit 😂

[@angelorodriguez5985]

That run on the fountain reminds me of kofuzi😁

[@twrandolph2]

angelo rodriguez I had the same thought 🤣

[@EDDBUD]

Flyknit for me Seth. I regret not going for the custom next% a little bit now. Thinking of using the Gyakusou Vaporfly 4% for my sub 1:30 half attempt. Just prefer the feel of the flyknit. Great video buddy. 👍🏼🍞

[@JL-lz7gg]

I was going to do a custom pair of the Next%'s just so I could get the flyknit...and just like that they weren't listed as an option anymore. Ordered the "regular" Next%, but really wishing I would have pulled the trigger a week sooner!

[@EDDBUD]

J L Yep gone in the blink of an eye. I want red flyknit if possible, maybe one day! 👍🏼

[@michaelfgny1664]

EDDBUD I feel the exact opposite. I love the upper on the 4 percent .

[@kkalasnikovs]

@@EDDBUD I was aiming for 1:30:00 in zoom fly 3 las year, but ran under 1:25:00+ I’m 16 and I was wearing them for my second year (around 1000km). So I think that you can reach your goal! Btw did u hit that 1:30?

[@LuisMartinez-ih2oc]

VaporWeave > flyknit. To me the fly knit just feels really unstable compared to the vaporweave .

[@brad2464]

I read that Eliud was one of the people that kind of pioneered the vaporweave because the flyknit retained water when he was pouring it on his head at aid stations. Mo Farah, however has been seen frequently wearing a Next% with the Vaporfly upper.

[@jon-mart]

That footage when you are running around the city, it’s incredible, it would have to be some of the best running shots I’ve seen, what camera are you using, the composure is awesome. You also captured some amazing back drops which made the shots look really cool too. Thanks for a great viewer experience 😃.

[@renaatcasier9011]

JM i totally agree. :) a-m-a-z-i-n-g

[@ChrisLewisjusChris]

So I've ran in both the last year's and this year's Zoom Fly (along with the first generation of Zoom Fly's... I pretty much love this shoe) ... My opinion so far, while I love this shoe, I'm still totally in love with the Zoom Fly FlyKnit. I think you hit the mark by mentioning the upper on the Zoom 3 just seems like it's doing too much. However, the one major plus for the Zoom Fly 3 is the upper (hahaha). The one time this truly became apparent was when I ran this year's Chicago Fall Half Marathon. I was just coming in from Ragnar (where I ran in my older Zoom Fly's) The weather was just nasty and everything was wet. I didn't have time to find my waterproof socks, so I was stuck just wearing my regular running socks. A quick decision needed to be made because I know if I didn't make it to the south side of Lake Shore Drive before 6 AM, it would be closed. I grabbed the Zoom 3's and they came through like a champ for me. Although I didn't get the time I wanted, I was damn close to getting it (I PR'd by only 17 secs hahaha). Every puddle I hit just seemed effortless and I was able to keep the pace I wanted without feeling like the shoes were holding me back. I ran the previous Chicago Fall Half and Chicago Marathon in the Zoom Fly FK's and just loved them. However, when I ran the Carmel Marathon, and the weather was god awful, seems like the FlyKnit weighed me down even with waterproof socks. The experience at the Chicago Fall Half (and I bought another pair for this year's Chicago Marathon), just gave me a new found respect for these shoes. Light enough for me, great trainers and even good enough to race in (just didn't feel like my pace 7'30" - 7'45" warranted me stepping up to the Next %'s). Long winded, but pretty much my thoughts on this shoe.

[@TimGrose]

I have got the Next%, Peg Turbo 2, Terra Kiger 5 so thought would essentially complete the set and get the Zoom Fly 3 and even attempted to do a little first impressions review myself. After a few runs in it I am struggling to see the point of the shoe. Main reason is that in my rather long, but relatively narrow, feet (US14/UK13) the Zoom Fly 3 weighs heaviest of the lot at 364g in my size so a road "racer" (supposedly) is actually fraction heavier than a trail shoe with all that heavy reinforced sole and which, as you have remarked, is hardly light for their "racy" shoe in the trail lineup. Turbos are about 80g lighter for me and Next% 30g lighter still. To me it felt more like I was wearing boots not running shoes! Comfortable yes but did not make me feel fast at all and for that extra weight felt no more cushioned than the Turbos or even the Next%. Also, unlike the Next%, I found the Zoom Fly 3 rather wide and even before my first run had the tongues virtually touching. Be interested to hear how you get on in your long tempo but, to me, racing in a shoe that is over 100g heavier than a "proper" racer is hardly likely to see your best day. I am thinking more of a recovery day shoe from about 20 miles in it thus far.

[@benanastasoff8980]

Vapor Weave hands down. I have two shoes with a Vapor Weave upper (Next% and Victory Waffle 5) and they are the best fitting shoes that I have ever worn. The VW upper has fantastic lockdown, is super breathable, and simply just looks good. When I wore the ZF FK, I often had problems with heat which I’ve heard is a common issue.

[@kkalasnikovs]

Thanks for this! I’m not a proffesional runner, but last year (at age of 16) i ran my second half marathon in these shoes. I did 1:24:36 in them. But I’m using them for my third year. (Have ran around 1400km in them and they are still at very good condition). This year I will use them only for my training, because I bought vaporfly next% 2. Usually I was using them on roads and running stadium, but this year I will try more trail running in them. Everyboady keep training! Stay active!

[@Bushtuckerman_]

I love the vapourweave! But unfortunately I went the other way to you when getting these and went the half size down... 10mile into Sydney marathon I started to get a blister on my little toe...by the end it was agony. My normal size initially felt way to big but looking back it was the better option 😑

[@sfak5]

Great review! I 've just finished Athens Marathon in the flyknits 2018..Really satisfied..

[@andrewlevesque7965]

you should make your own company for running stuff. i think recovery stuff could be a good business because you know a lot about that. i would consider buying foam rollers, calf sleeves, etc. from you

[@davidwhite6479]

Love my ZoomFly 3s, on my second pair after almost 700 miles in the first pair. I'm going to treat myself to some Vaporflys for a HM race in April (hopefully). Am expecting to feel a big difference between the 2 shoes.

[@malloryvalentine4032]

I personally prefer flyknit over vaporweave. I made that decision because I like how the flyknit feels more flexible and roomy I also think it is more breathable. But that’s my opinion , I love you videos keep working hard your really helping me with my running career!

[@ZimJoggerDownUnder]

Seth, these are really beautiful visuals especially when running through the water features, but I can't help but wonder how you shoot yourself when you run. Does someone assist you with shots?

[@mdheijer]

I was wondering the exact same thing. Beautiful shots 👌

[@DanRuns]

Looking at the shadows at 9:04 it's a camera on a stick. I know Seth mentioned before setting up cam's and filming himself. I agree that some footage from this vid appears to be from the hands of another camera operator!

[@brandonb.5304]

Just bought a pair of Fly 3s. I'll see how they feel before making a final decision, but I think they'll be my racing shoe for the Los Angeles Marathon in March. I really like the react foam and dealing with tired legs is my biggest issue marathon racing, and I expect the carbon plate to give me enough juice for it to be a racing shoe.

[@hajrudinnukic8613]

Brandon B. And? How do they feel? Was thinking about buying them but I mostly run 5/10k runs (3-6miles). They are 30% off on Nike site right now so idk

[@brandonb.5304]

@@hajrudinnukic8613 Haven't been able to run in them yet. The weather where I live has been cold and wet the past few weeks, so I've been wearing my Nike Pegasus 36 Sheilds to keep my feet dry and warm. I've gone to the gym to run on the treadmill a few times when the weather was just downright nasty, but wearing a shoe with a carbon fiber plate on a treadmill seems pointless, so I didn't wear them then either. As soon as I do, I'll update.

[@rikhartman7476]

Would love to hear your comparison with the Turbo 2 and the Zoom fly 3. What’s your favorite and would you see the Turbo 2 as a marathon option as well? Looking forward to the upcoming reviews!

[@jasonvennard4550]

I run in the zoomfly flyknits and the zoomfly 3s, I prefer the 3’s, the flyknit is just a little too tight if a feel on my feet, while the 3 still retains a little bit of a sock like fit without feeling as tight.

[@danielgutowski3807]

Couple other points to consider about this shoe is that it is incredibly stiff which can lead to foot soreness but it is probably a good thing for fast tempo runs. I know a few “big guy” runners who love this shoe because the foam doesn’t break down nearly as fast as a soft shoe like the peg turbo. Nike rated this for 600 miles so you get your money’s worth from the durability. Not my choice for a daily trainer but definitely a great shoe for tempo

[@tsubakichan]

Fantastic running montage, and really well edited too! Fancy visuals are not why I watch the channel, but did want to tip my hat to your hard work!

[@joshuamarshall8643]

Thanks for clarifying the full thumbswidth in the front of the shoe. As a new runner I was definitely buying shoes too small and eventually I slowly went up from a 10 to a 10.5 to 11 and finally I think I settled on my shoe size at 11.5 which feels the best on my foot overall I was just a little worried maybe it's too big but this video helped me realize I'm normal as I also seem to have similar space in the toe of my zoom fly 3 as well. Thanks!

[@chrisgould9404]

Cheers for the review. I am normally a year late on the latest shoes, just Picked up the peg 35 turbo for $100, will keep in mind for spring 2020.

[@jonahs697]

For anyone interested - these are not worth $160 in my opinion. However, they are good shoes. I do a lot of road and track workouts in them. I would recommend something lighter for racing (which is why I purchased the 4% flynits). There is usually at least 1 colorway of these that are on sale on the Nike website. I got mine for under $100.

[@gavinmaboeta6401]

Thanks. Running a marathon in a weeks time. Planning on running in the zoom fly 3's rather that the Pegasus 36.

[@NupeDaddy]

ZF3 was heavy and clunky for me. I went back to the Saucony Kinvara instead which is lighter and springy-er in my opinion

[@343gabe]

I know they're not super new anymore, but I just bought a pair at a nine outlet for $100. I love them!

[@johy2007]

Thank you, Seth. I am glad you went true to size. I tried half a size small, and it was way too narrow. With true to size, there is a bit more than a thumb's width, and it feels good. I also used it on a hilly half marathon course and established a new PR! And yes it was raining 😅

[@BirdfluDracula]

Breaking the fourth wall there with the stack height correction 🤯

[@johy2007]

QD: Prefer the flyknit..It has a better fit. However, it is terrible in wet conditions, where I would prefer Vaporweave. ZF3 is more stable too.

[@TheFODRunner]

Haven’t tried flynit so can’t answer the QOTD but I’ve got to say, the zoom fly 3 for me is a step down from the older versions, weight distribution is poor, too heavy in the forefoot.... but very comfortable.... it’s a bit of a mish mash of good and bad

[@JoshNishitani]

The FOD Runner how can you say it’s a step down if you haven’t tried the previous version??

[@TheFODRunner]

Joshua Nishitani sorry, I have the original version ie v1, I missed the second version so my comment refers to it being a step down from the first version 👌

[@GinetteSear]

Just bought a pair very cheaply from Keller Sports (Germany). Bought true to size and feel incredibly comfortable. Rest day tomorrow, but chomping at the bit to go training in them on Sunday :-)

[@deepakkt08]

Love the running clips. I bought a pair of Zoom Fly 3 yesterday; looks like made a right decision:)-

[@TimGrose]

Flyknit or Vaporweave? Not sure am that fussed as long as the shoe fits. Now that I managed to get a US14/UK13 in a Next% when previously Vaporflys only went to US13/UK12 I have a bit of wiggle room up top although have tried wearing the US13/UK12 sockless in the Next% that I bought before spotted the bigger size! Getting expensive so thought need to at least get some use out of them :) For me the design of the Next% just allows a better lock down than the Vaporfly Flyknit which is rather minimal on the lacing. So kind of Vaporweave wins by default for me.

[@SlowandFat]

The vaporweave with less layers means the zoom fly sp, which is the best upper Nike has introduce for its race shoes.

[@stefanwagner1841]

Psyche! I can't find any information on the shoe. I'm guessing it will be vaporweave, but his shoes are always so custom. Going back to the trails today since February after my road marathon block. Pumped! Have a good one Seth!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Thanks Stefan! We shall see on Kipchoge, exciting times.

[@speedycs2085]

I definitely prefer the zoom fly flyknit just because they feel a lot more comfortable in the upper and the foam just feels softer

[@TheFossburger]

Definitely a big Flyknit fan... currently run in the Zoom Fly Flyknits and have owned 3 pairs of Flyknit football boots

[@erikswensen1701]

Love the running clips! Very cool

[@mbjz]

You should always test the room in the toe box when your evenly weighting both feet. In the video you are putting your shoe on a bench and that will shorten your foot by taking the weight off and thus giving you more room. In this case you have plenty of room, but depending on how much your foot collapses upon being weighted, it could mean that you are getting an unrealistic estimation of how much room you really have in front of your toes.

[@LukeKiziah]

It would be never helpful if you made a video comparison between the New Balance Fuel Cell Rebel and the Zoom Fly 3, for a more of the budget side shoe for the 5k through marathon shoe, since the rebel cost 130 and zoom fly 3 160, is their any reason to choose the 3 over the rebel because the rebel weighs less, for myself I will be using it from 5k to half marathon

[@theeaglerunner4737]

Retaining water (or preferably not retaining) of shoes is good information to know when running/racing in wet conditions. I just tested different Hoka trail shoes dry & wet weights in my channel to know exactly this when choosing shoes to wear.

[@katomiler843]

Flyknit for easy days. Vaporweave for time trial/racing. Vaporweave when it's time to get serious, no screwing around. Great review, btw.

[@4321beatles]

QotD: Prefer Vaporweave for the Vaporfly, but prefer flyknit on the Zoom Fly (and everything about the Zoom Fly Flyknit compared to the Zoom Fly 3).

[@antondcmd]

QD: Flyknit for me... for now. The inside booty in the ZF3 feels funny that I had to return them. Wish Nike would have a FK version of the ZF3 as midsole/outsole was a definite improvement from the previous model.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

I think we're on the same track Antonio with the upper of the Vaporweave. Thanks for the comment.

[@Bubinga2098]

You can customize the ZF3 on the Nike website. You can select 3 uppers and one is Flyknit. You can also get a waffle outsole instead of the new outsole pattern. I think it's $190 though.

[@antondcmd]

Thanks for the headsup! Might check out Nike.ca for this custom.👍🏻🙏🏻

[@Bubinga2098]

@@antondcmd Yeah the custom ZF3 is 255 CAD. Luckily I was able to get some Zoom Fly FKs at a local outlet for 65% off. I'm not sure how I would like the new upper.

[@sethhershey6471]

I got a pair of these thinking they would be better then the zoom fly 1s and I was very disappointed. I can feel the react which is pretty nice and could feel the plate propulsion but only when going fast like 800 type fast. The real issue I had with it was the lockdown in the heal was garbage which basically ruined the whole shoe for me

[@angelorodriguez5985]

QD: I dont have the zoom fly 3 but I have both 4% flyknit and next%. I prefer the vaporweave. Its light and I tested it in wet condition. It held up pretty well. It doesn't retain 95+% off the water which I really appreciate.

[@domzam3275]

Just picked these up for $107 on running warehouse! A steal of a deal

[@XxCrazyKamikazexX]

Picked these up for $50. Check your Nike outlets!

[@joseramonmaurelomccormick5444]

I prefer the flyknit because I practice triathlon and is much faster for transition. However I took them once cross contry and I thougth I was break my ankle more than once.

[@Apotato84]

And I find the most breathable upper to be the Pegasus Turbo.

[@MOOVEndurance]

Drew Braden looking forward to Seth’s review on the Turbo2

[@flick.youtube]

Would u say these shoes are better for people with wider feet?

[@teddyjordan8266]

Seth, it's 11 mm drop! It's on Nike's website 👍

[@nickshaw1014]

Not sure about Kipchoge but Mo Farah went for the flyknit upper in the great north run

[@neiswestnij]

I also wear size 10,5.. when received it was s little bit shocked how much space was left to my toes. But decided to keep them and not to go half size down

[@michaelodonnell4964]

Lacing garage is much better in the 3. I like Flyknit, but I felt like I was going to pull the laces right out of the Flyknit system.

[@phl0w666]

I also like at least a thumb nail's width in front of my big toe, some say that's too much but I like the wiggle room. Problem with Nike is that their last is narrow and the forefoot quite long. Unless you have really long toes this leads to your widest part of your feet (i.e. ball) not lining up with the widest part of the shoes. Therefore the usually raised (and firmer) midfoot walls of the midsole dig into the ball of your foot leading to hotspots or pain over long distances. Since the Nike Free 4.0 Flyknit, it's Flyknit for me, Seth. Vaporweave is amazing new tech but I prefer traditional textile, like Knit or cloth like materials.

[@ashwinidagar7898]

Very nice shoes very comfortable cushioning is good also to get fast pace very easy

[@rakesh1988]

Greetings from New Zealand. Great channel and great content. Quick question on the zoom fly 3s. I am considering buying these as a training shoe (currently have vaporfly next and 4s) however I am unsure on the sizing. If you were to purchase again would you go 0.5 smaller? I would go in store and try it on but difficult to find here in NZ. Cheers :)

[@logansalisbury8356]

QD: I prefer vaporweave. I run in a bunch of water and it just annoys me when I have to dry it

[@KhoiBoa]

I still got my Flynit Racer Oreo 2.0. The OG.

[@hyrumjohnson2162]

Wow amazing shots great vid!

[@brunocassettari]

Great review. Curious to hear how you compare the ZF3 with the Rebels...

[@drtimoneill]

Vaporweave hands down. Flyknit gets too heavy when wet and also is much tighter on your foot so it gets hotter. I have / had issues with extensor tendonitis with flyknits.

[@lucasxliu]

Hey Seth to answer your question although I'm almost a month late, he was wearing a shoe with AtomKnit

[@thedolenorway]

The cinematography on the running footage on this one is just stunning Seth! I don't know if I have ever ran in a Nike shoe, if I did it was about 25 years ago so I don't really have much to bring to the table about flyknit and vaporweave I'm afraid... ;)

[@dalecorbett8910]

Seth on the topic of Eliud Kipchoges shoes for the 1:59 attempt the rumor is he is going to use a flyprint upper similar to the one he wore in London last year and it will be a shoe with zoom X foam and Nike air cushioning integrated into the sole in the fore foot. These are what is rumoured and what he has been seen wearing in training whether he sticks with this for the actual attempt is his choice

[@danieltsuedo334]

I am not elite enough for this shoe..., but appreciate the in depth review.., great stuff

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

thanks Daniel!

[@slodogg]

daniel tsuedo sure you are, it’s just a shoe 👍🏻 you may be surprised at how the design of certain shoes can adapt your running and take you to new paces, form and more. Give em (or any shoe you’re interested in) a try! Happy running! 👍🏻😄

[@Wizardscobra]

Seth how many miles do you expect to get from both your Zoom Fly FlyNit and Zoom Fly 3? You probably have a better idea how long your older shoes will last.

[@michaelodonnell4964]

You are the best Vlog. Plus you are Elite...

[@lachlanmclane2149]

can we appreciate that when he jumped over that little wall, he didn’t have any impact.

[@nate3143]

What has better value for the price? Zoom fly 3 or nine next %

[@catchdisl2558]

Nate Eagles if you look at the price it’s definitely the zoomfly but I personally love my turbos probably one of the best shoes I’ve ran in

[@Ptrmndza]

I found the Flynit more comfortable and it's lighter too, but what I do like about the Zoomfly 3 is that it's softer than the Flynit (for me at least)

[@rezaplw4048]

the midsole ZF3 more softer than ZF FK?

[@Ptrmndza]

For me, yes but I weigh 200 lbs

[@bassistman41]

Help me with this... Would you buy this fly 3 for 100 nowadays or would you buy another?

[@TheGreekSneak]

"Shoedio" is what made me like this vid immediately 👍👟

[@2plus2equalsLOL]

Hey Seth, I have both the zoom fly 3 and the zoom fly Flyknit right now and a marathon next week. Which one is the marathon shoe?

[@fernandorivera2730]

I’m running in Rincon right now, zoom fly 3 from next % which one? And what would be the best cushioned shoe for a recovery run? Thank you!

[@jakebencentcornito838]

Hi seth, could you make on how do you clean our maintan your shoes?thank you

[@eddiecruz9139]

Never get to use flyknit one but at least i like the Vaporweave feel

[@trainwellracewell]

I used to love the old Nike Lunarfly racing flat. Wore it in anything from road 5k races to the Pikes Peak Ascent

[@carlosblank6629]

I watched a video with one of the Nike next % designers and he stated that kipchoge wasn't a fan of the Flyknit upper

[@runnerup9786]

I was out running this morning in the UK, had my Zoom Fly FK's on- was a cool morning but my foot was wet with sweat, which is so strange. Not tried the ZF3's but I imagine that they breathe better.

[@erikarimes]

Vapourweave over flyknit - flynit does not feel secure enough around my ankles, shame as I only use them in training because of that.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Great intel Erika! Thanks for the comment and chiming into the QD.

[@erikarimes]

@@SethJamesDeMoor thanks! Just started following your videos! My husband & I are runners & love your reviews and insights all things running! Im an avid road runner, but you my have started my interest in trail running!

[@Carlosediaz543]

6mm drop and this shoe would have the shoe of the year!!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

😁👍🏻

[@slodogg]

How did you not get the green ones tho?!?!

[@Godsathlete901]

Zoom fly 3 all the way upper is better and the drop is right on

[@Carlosediaz543]

How does this compare to the fuel cell? I can see that the midsole/ foam kinda looks the same and has a similar shape.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

A little more cushion in ZF3 through the foot strike

[@Chongyy]

@Seth James DeMoor I have seen some footage from The Great North Run with the Next% Flyknit version, for both English and African, Nike sponsored athletes

[@lukasmcwilliams2065]

He will use vaporweave because he didn’t like how the flyknit held in sweat. He kinda was the one to help make vaporweave a thing

[@ChrisfromDevelopment]

QD: Flyknit > allows for a more snug fit.

[@A.Nesmith]

1:55 Hi! Your Shoe Size is7.5 men's US sizing, but what size of your foot is? It looks like there at list 2 cm of free space to the toe.

[@rhysowen1951]

What sort of miles did you get out of your zoom fly 2? Mine are dead after 100 miles, just wondering if this is normal?

[@akshaygajjar213]

@sethjamesdemoor i have a wide feet. Can i use them as a daily wear shoes???

[@wrxzboost]

i'm already seeing this shoe for $130-140 - prefer the Hoka's regardless

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

nice! good research

[@Jon-nk5rv]

Any news on the next version of the Zoom fly or Peg Turbo?

[@benreams9748]

Seth, so I currently have the zoom fly sp, is the vapor weave and sp upper similar?

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

I would say kind of, similar feel but the Vaporweave is definitely higher build quality, good question

[@Nick-ui6ge]

I also live in Denver Co, I was wandering what looked so familiar

[@pighole9985]

Which is lighter the zoom fly 3 or zoom fly 2?

[@jasonaroutsidis6161]

PIGHOLE 99 zoom fly 2

[@enzosmit1885]

Are they overpronate running shoes

[@colelewis2250]

I’d assume he’s wearing the next % with the vapor weave because that’s what he’s been training in