Nike Vaporfly 4

Vaporfly 4

In 2017, Nike changed long-distance running forever with the introduction of the first ‘super shoe’. With its max-height midsole, it began to dominate the marathon and other races, forcing other brands to create similar footwear. In 2025, Nike broke new ground on the Vaporfly 4 – a precisely crafted silhouette designed using cutting-edge data from elite athletes.

The Nike Vaporfly 4 features a high-tech sole unit fuelled by the so-called ‘system of speed’. This consists of lightweight, responsive ZoomX foam and a stiff, propulsive carbon fibre Flyplate which together offer the best combination of stability, cushioning and speed. The shape of the Flyplate is key, and Nike steepened the angle at which it curves to allow more harmonious movement of the foot and ankle, thus enhancing running efficiency. Its location is indicated in the contours of the midsole where the top and bottom layers of ZoomX foam meet, the lower one scooping upwards from the midfoot to form a tapered wedge at the heel. The stack height and heel-to-toe drop have both been lowered to improve road feel while still providing ample support, and other excess foam has been trimmed away to leave exactly the amount of cushioning required and no more. This has reduced the weight of the Vaporfly 4 by 10% over its predecessor, making it the lightest shoe in the series to date.

The outsole has also been modified, with a thin yet durable layer of rubber formed into grippy Waffle-inspired pads that span the entire forefoot. Two pads appear on either side of the heel, and more unnecessary material has been removed to reveal the Flyplate through the centre. Meanwhile, the Nike Vaporfly 4’s featherweight engineered mesh upper is breathable, flexible and delivers an incredibly comfortable fit. Its new last shape offers a little more space and forms better to the wearer’s foot, while the ridged laces, which are held in place by minimal TPU eyelets, remain secure through even the most vigorous movements.

Aesthetically, the Vaporfly 4 is sleek and stylish. The upper is streaked with dynamic lines that give the impression of motion alongside a bold lateral Swoosh striking dramatically downwards over the midsole and classy branding across the tongue. Midsole text on the special ‘Proto’ colourway, which launched the silhouette in March 2025, celebrates the intricate design process behind the Nike Vaporfly 4, while the elegant ‘White Obsidian Mist’ and vibrant ‘Bright Crimson’ designs released in April both display the words “Road Racing VF 2025-04”.

The Vaporfly 4 continues the groundbreaking tradition of Nike’s super shoes, bravely bucking the trend of maximising the midsole to produce a model that is lightweight, propulsive and quick. With its innovatively reshaped carbon fibre plate, streamlined construction and captivating upper, it is built to help all runners push their boundaries and reach unprecedented levels of success.