When it comes to marathon racing shoes, few names are as iconic as the Nike Vaporfly. With the launch of the Vaporfly 4, runners are naturally wondering how it stacks up next to its predecessor, the Vaporfly 3.
At The Running Company, we’re committed to helping every runner find the right shoe for their goals, gait, and preferences. So, rather than picking a winner, we’re diving deep into the differences between these two flagship race-day shoes to help you understand how they perform, feel, and fit.
Table of Contents
- Upper Construction & Fit
- Midsole Geometry & Ride
- Carbon Plate Feel
- Outsole Traction & Durability
- Weight & Stack Height
- Performance on the Road
- Design Updates & Aesthetic
- Availability at The Running Company
- Final Thoughts
1. Upper Construction & Fit
Vaporfly 3
- Lightweight Flyknit upper with breathable mesh zones
- Flexible feel, especially in the forefoot
- Minimal but comfortable heel padding
Vaporfly 4
- Atomknit 3.0 upper offers more structure and support
- Snug midfoot fit with enhanced lockdown
- Improved heel security during toe-off
Comparison: Vaporfly 3 feels more breathable and forgiving, while Vaporfly 4 offers a snug, race-ready fit.
2. Midsole Geometry & Ride
Vaporfly 3
- ZoomX foam midsole with a soft, cushioned ride
- Smooth rocker geometry ideal for marathons
Vaporfly 4
- Same ZoomX foam, re-engineered for quicker transitions
- Firmer toe-off with enhanced propulsion
Comparison: Both deliver energy return, but Vaporfly 4 feels more responsive, while Vaporfly 3 emphasizes comfort.
3. Carbon Plate Feel
Both shoes use a full-length carbon fibre plate, but:
- Vaporfly 3: Plate blends smoothly with the midsole for a balanced ride
- Vaporfly 4: Plate geometry is tuned for more aggressive toe-off power
4. Outsole Traction & Durability
Vaporfly 3
- Lightweight rubber with targeted coverage
- Performs well in dry conditions
Vaporfly 4
- New outsole pattern for improved traction
- Better grip in wet conditions and more durability
Comparison: Vaporfly 4 offers more confident grip, especially in variable weather.
5. Weight & Stack Height
| Feature | Vaporfly 3 | Vaporfly 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (Men’s US 9) | ~198g | ~185g |
| Stack Height | ~40mm / 32mm | Similar (World Athletics legal) |
6. Performance on the Road
Vaporfly 3
- Comfortable over long distances
- Best for marathon pacing and efficient strides
Vaporfly 4
- More responsive at faster paces
- Great for 10K to marathon distances
Comparison: Vaporfly 3 is smooth and steady, Vaporfly 4 is tuned for speed and responsiveness.
7. Design Updates & Aesthetic
- Vaporfly 3 has a relaxed, functional design
- Vaporfly 4 features a sleeker look with updated race-day colourways
Comparison: Both look fast, but the Vaporfly 4 feels more future-forward in design.
8. Availability at The Running Company
We stock both the Nike Vaporfly 3 and Vaporfly 4 in select stores and online.
Visit us in-store for expert fitting and gait analysis, or reach out online for product advice from real runners who know their gear.
9. Final Thoughts
| Category | Vaporfly 3 | Vaporfly 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Upper | Breathable Flyknit | Structured Atomknit 3.0 |
| Midsole | Softer ZoomX, smooth rocker | Firmer ZoomX, quicker toe-off |
| Carbon Plate | Smooth propulsion | Snappy and responsive |
| Outsole | Basic grip | Improved grip and traction |
| Fit | Roomier forefoot | Snug midfoot and heel |
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Trying both on is the best way to decide what suits your stride, pace, and racing goals.
Have More Questions?
Chat with a team member or visit us in-store for personal advice and try them on a treadmill.
Your perfect race-day shoe might just be one stride away.
