Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT

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Price comparison Nike Vaporfly NEXT

Reseller	Leveringstid	Country	Total price	Read more
	2-5 dage		2,062 DKK	Til butik
	5-7 dage		2,207 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		2,221 DKK	Til butik
	2-4 dage		2,250 DKK	Til butik

Unboxing Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%

When a running shoe of that caliber announces its arrival, you get, to put it bluntly, a bit of butterflies in your stomach. You’re looking forward to seeing what kind of running shoe it is that arrives. In this case, it’s the Nike Vaporfly NEXT shoe that we’ve been waiting for. The model that was supposed to be better and faster than the insanely hyped Nike Vaporfly 4%, which, as you know, was the shoe that a certain gentleman ran a marathon in in just 2:00:25. So it had a bit to live up to. When you watch our unboxing video, you’ll quickly realize that we’re dealing with a very light running shoe. But what you don’t see in that video (but will find in the review video) is that we sat down and talked a bit about the Nike Vaporfly NEXT afterwards. And it may actually seem a bit plastic-like and cheap when you first get your hands on it. But all that has a point. Of course, that’s what you’re tempted to say. As always, Nike knows what they’re doing.

What you should notice about the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT

There are all sorts of things you should notice about the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT. But we have highlighted below the ones we think are the most important. Because it goes without saying that when Nike proclaims that they make the world’s fastest running shoe, and it’s better than the super-crazy-hyped Nike Vaporfly 4%, there’s a lot to write about and highlight. The weight must be the absolute first thing we need to address. Everything today comes down to weight and comfort. There are several elements in a running shoe that create the low weight. And we have highlighted other sub-elements below. But overall, the weight of a running shoe is so important for the individual runner that we have to highlight this as something you should notice. A measly 197 grams in a size 43 is what it could have been. And then when you get a little further down and read about our runs and general opinion of the Nike Vaporfly NEXT, you will be a little more surprised. Because it’s a bit crazy what they’ve stuffed into the shoe, and only made it weigh 197 grams. The upper is one of the sub-elements that we wrote about above. But the upper is one of 2 major sub-elements in the shoe that allows you to keep the shoe at such a low weight. But it’s not just the weight that you should notice in the upper. You should also take a look at the fact that Nike on their most hyped running shoe to date has moved away from using their own popular Flyknit material. There’s a very specific reason for that. You can read a lot about it further down in the technical analysis of the shoe. But in short, it’s all about weight again. VaporWeave is much lighter than Flyknit as a starting point. And perhaps even more importantly, VaporWeave doesn’t absorb water and sweat in the same way. That way you have a light upper during the entire run. The midsole and outsole are also worth noting. And perhaps most of all the midsole. The whole heart of a running shoe. In the midsole there is a carbon fiber plate for stability, propulsion and more stiffness. But it is the ZoomX material itself that you will come to love and adore. A fantastically responsive material that provides so much return energy and bounce with every step you take. And it is precisely the ZoomX foam that has been added to the Nike Vaporfly NEXT. 1mm more foam has been added to the heel and 4mm more foam in the forefoot. You land on the forefoot, and that is the primary reason why Nike has added more foam, and thereby more return energy from the forefoot. It usually happens that the things we recommend you notice in the vast majority of cases are positive. And the price can easily be that, if a running shoe is cheap. But unfortunately that is not the case in this case. The shoe is a beast, and in our eyes probably too expensive. We have no idea what it costs to produce such a class of running shoe, but we can relate to the fact that 2,250,- is far too much money for a running shoe. In any case, we are far above that magical limit of 1,000 or 1,200,- when we talk about running shoes for exercisers. There are some shoes you just have to try and own, and that was the reason we invested in the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT. And of course the fact that as one of the largest running shoe sites in Denmark, we naturally have to review and test such a shoe. But if I had taken off our company glasses and instead put on my personal economics hat, I’m sure I would have concluded that 2,250,- was allllllttttt too much money. You can read further down in the review whether I think the shoe is worth the money? The last thing we would like to highlight is more on the odd side. Nike launched the Nike Vaporfly NEXT based on a slogan. A slogan that reads as follows: The next generation of f#%king fast. It is a slogan that is understandable. When you do so, you also know that you have a fast running shoe. A running shoe that is, at the time of writing, the fastest in the world. Not on my feet, but on the feet of the world’s elite runners.

Nike VaporFly NEXT vs. Nike VaporFly 4%

We will not give a long explanation about the 2 shoes. But since everywhere the 2 shoes are evaluated against each other, we will also highlight the most important differences here. And of course things you should notice. The first observation is that the Nike Vaporfly NEXT has more “foam” in the midsole. It has become a little higher and has got more ZoomX foam. If you have been used to running in the Vaporfly 4%, you will feel this difference. If you are a heel-lander, you will certainly be able to feel this “improvement”. Next, it is important for us to mention that we have gone from a 10mm drop in the Vaporfly 4% to a only 8mm drop in the Nike Vaporfly NEXT. That is a drop of 2mm. Both shoes were and are made for speed. But both shoes can be used by all types of runners. It is clear that when the shoe is made for speed, and that is with tips from the elite runner, the shoe will also be like that. When you are an elite runner and you run fast, you know that you achieve the highest speed by forefoot running or at least you are trained to land correctly on the forefoot. So that is where the shoe works best and gives the best bounce. But that does not mean that others cannot use it. It is just our assessment that then you may not be utilizing the shoe’s potential 100% but only 90%. Because if you are a typical heel-lander, like me, you will still experience enormous bounce and softness, but you still do not unleash the shoe’s full potential.

The story behind the name NEXT%

Where in the Nike Vaporfly 4% they went out and proclaimed that you could be 4% faster with that shoe. Then in the new Nike Vaporfly NEXT% they haven’t put a specific percentage on it. Rumor has it that it’s because the shoe lands somewhere between 4% and 5% and so they had to find an alternative name. And what better fit than NEXT%. We think it makes sense that way.

Cool facts about the shoe

*You could easily be tempted to say that the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT is a competition or tempo running shoe with its low weight and with its upper construction. But the unique ZoomX midsole actually makes it an all-round running shoe. You can use it for competition, intervals, long runs, short runs, yes, there are really no limits.

First run in Nike Vaporfly NEXT

As you probably already understood, my expectations for the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT are/were sky-high. When the world’s largest sports brand goes out and proclaims that they have made the world’s fastest running shoe. And the fact that it is priced at 2,250,- in recommended price. It creates some expectations beyond normal. The first run in the Nike Vaporfly NEXT fit so perfectly into my running program that I am/was doing, so that it was a recovery run with easy running. So there was plenty of time and ample opportunity to stop along the way and take some mental notes. As you may have already read in “this is what you should notice about the Nike Vaporfly NEXT”, those were of course also some of the things that I noticed on my first run. I would like to start by saying that before the first run, I do what I always do. I check the shoe for details and other things. And I must honestly admit that I had my doubts, or doubt is perhaps the wrong word to use, but I was a bit skeptical in a good way about the special upper used on the Nike Vaporfly NEXT. This at first glance, plastic-like upper that weighs nothing. It is of course not plastic in that sense, but the lightness is completely true. A less than flattering experience in my review was that even before I had run 1 meter in the shoe, it seems that elements in the midsole have come off a little in the glue. Now I have let the doubt benefit the shoe and Nike, because it is not something that has an impact on the running experience itself (yet). But to be honest, I think it is bad that a running shoe for 2,250, – contains “faults” even before it has been used. Now we have to see if it gets worse. The first trip was a short trip of 5.5 kilometers at a recovery pace of about 5:00 per kilometer. But these trips are exactly the perfect ones for testing and observing shoes. When I started, I had no doubt at all that this shoe was special – and perhaps the most special one I have ever worn. When I finally got the shoe on my feet and got the slightly lively and annoying tongue correctly positioned, I was off. But hold on for the experience. At the time of writing, I have only had this one trip in the shoe (you can read more further down in the review about more trips) but I am completely in line with Nike when they claim that they have created a unique shock absorption and midsole. It actually took me the first 500-600 meters to get used to the feeling. Because it is significantly different from the “regular classic” running shoe. Hold on for a bounce effect. It actually reminds me a lot of the experience you get when running in Hoka One One running shoes. It’s like running on a squeaky foam (which it actually is). But the difference between regular foam and this ZoomX used in the Nike Vaporfly NEXT is that you can almost feel the return energy that you get back with every step. I imagine that I can feel the fiber plate that is also located in the midsole. Not that I can physically feel it, but that it has a really nice effect. It creates stiffness and stability, and helps with propulsion. But that could also be nerdy and because I know it is located in the midsole. I must also (unfortunately) confirm that the first run in the Nike Vaporfly NEXT gave me a little bit of concern in the long term. But the next longer runs in the shoe will decide that. But I think when I looked down, I could see a tendency towards an upper that could not hold my foot in place. I will hasten to say that per definition is a pronation runner, so it may not be 100% fair to hold the Nike Vaporfly NEXT up to that assessment since it is a neutral running shoe. But still, I think it is appropriate to mention it. And I would be happy to be able to refute it, but I may have a concern about how it looks when I get over 10-12 kilometers in the shoe, and my feet get tired and have a greater tendency to “roll inward”. Another and significantly more positive thing to say about the upper is its airy effect and expression. First of all, you hardly notice that you are wearing the shoe because the upper is so thin and surprisingly comfortable to wear. But you can really feel how breathable the upper is. This woven VaporWeave material can do something special in that direction. I am looking forward to testing Nike’s claim in the rain. The thing about it not absorbing water in the same way as the Flyknit upper. At first glance, I think they are absolutely right. Because where Flyknit is this “classic” knitted upper, VaporWeaver is more smooth and “plastic-like” and it is clear from afar that it is not particularly susceptible to moisture (water and sweat). Although it is not all idyll, I must say that overall my first run in the Nike Vaporfly NEXT was a positive experience. I am already looking forward to more.

More rides in the Nike Vaporfly NEXT gave more answers

I think I’ll start by admitting that the support and stability in the upper – it hasn’t happened yet. So maybe there’s enough support in the Nike Vaporfly NEXT for me to use it too. At least there’s still hope. The experience with the shoe is actually the same as after the first run. But still, several runs in the Nike Vaporfly NEXT have confirmed a few things for me. This is this all-round running shoe, which I can use for pretty much all the different training sessions that I practice. I’ve run recovery runs in them, I’ve run tempo runs in them and I’ve also run straight intervals in them. The experience is the same. A completely unique and soft experience every time. The only thing I have to think about a bit, and a terrain they obviously can’t be used on. That’s in trail-like conditions. The outsole is not made for that kind of surface, and the upper is NOT AT ALL. And then there’s just momentum in that shoe, there’s nothing else to say. My first tempo run experience in the shoe was a positive one. I know that the shoe shouldn’t be blamed for everything in that equation, but the shape probably also plays a role. But if I compare my 3x 2.5km with and without the Nike Vaporfly NEXT, there is an average of 15 seconds difference per kilometer (in the positive direction). A couple of times on the extra trips I have now run in the shoe, I have experienced a bit of grip in the outsole. I have points on my normal routes that are actually nice asphalt paths, but which have trees hanging over them, so it is almost constantly damp on the ground. I know that it is not only the moisture/water that creates the challenges I experience, but also all the pollen, leaves and other fallout from the trees. But you can really feel that the grip is greatly reduced. Not that you are about to slip, but you can certainly sense what Nike has struggled with in terms of getting proper grip on several surfaces.

Choosing a size in Nike Vaporfly NEXT%

As always, follow the centimeter measurement on your shoes, and you won’t go wrong. Some running shoes can be advantageously sized up half a size to get a little more room for wide feet. In the Nike Vaporfly NEXT the size is true. I use a normal 43 = 27.5cm, and that is also the size I have chosen here. The upper of the shoe is also so incredibly light and soft, so it can hardly cause problems with chafing in some places. You are also very welcome to use our size guide

Advantages and disadvantages

Durability of Nike Vaporfly NEXT

Added 9/2-2020 – A lot has been written about the durability of this running shoe. What can it last for and how many kilometers are in the shoe. Watch the video and get the answer to our own big test.

Analysis Part 1: Who can run in the Nike Vaporfly NEXT?

In this section, we take as our starting point who can and should run in this shoe. Because even though the shoe was created by, and perhaps also for, the elite, the Nike Vaporfly NEXT contains much more. Everyone can run in it and have a great experience. It’s just that not everyone can utilize its full potential.

Which running style

Nike Vaporfly NEXT is basically a neutral running shoe. There are no supportive wedges or anything on the inside of the shoe. And as you may have already read, I have also expressed my concern about this. Is the otherwise nice and smart upper stable enough to keep your feet in place. If you are a neutral runner, there are no problems at all. If you are a slight pronator, I don’t think you will run into any problems either. If you have over-pronation, I think you may experience a little lack of support in the Nike Vaporfly NEXT.

Fit

It’s actually a bit of a mixed bag to describe. Because basically, the Nike Vaporfly NEXT has almost a tight fit, you might be tempted to say. That’s often the case with these lightning-fast running shoes. And that’s actually the case with the Nike Vaporfly NEXT in some of the shoe. But in the forefoot, I was actually a bit surprised that there was so much (and good) room for my toes. I like tight-fitting running shoes, but I hate my toes being squeezed. So initially this is a fantastic combination for me.

Surfaces and conditions

Nike Vaporfly NEXT is made for primarily hard surfaces. You can easily take a walk on a reasonable gravel path as well, but as a rule the outsole is optimized for hard regular surfaces. You should also remember to note that on the Nike Vaporfly NEXT the outsole in the forefoot is made more robust, and so that it grips the surface better. Read more about that further down.

Price level

It’s a dog’s errand. Quality costs money. But a price of 2,250,- is a lot of money. I had to buy this shoe myself (well, on company terms) but I think it really bugged me a bit when I had to swipe my credit card. 2,250,- for a running shoe. Not everyone has that kind of budget. In fact, that price might cover the running shoe costs for 2 years for most people (if you wear one pair a year). But Nike knows what they’re doing and how to hype a shoe, so I wonder if it won’t sell anyway.

What does the Nike Vaporfly NEXT weigh?

My Nike Vaporfly NEXT in size 43 weighs no more than 197 grams per shoe. So at least it’s not the weight that’s going to weigh you down.

Drop height in the Nike Vaporfly NEXT

The shoe has a drop height of 8mm. So it’s actually a relatively “normal” drop height. You might be tempted to think that since the Nike Vaporfly NEXT is so minimalist in materials and lightness, it would have a lower drop, but it doesn’t. It has, however, become lower than its direct comparison. The Nike Vaporfly 4% had a drop of 10mm.

Analysis Part 2: Technical Review of the Nike Vaporfly NEXT

In the second part of the analysis, we go for a little more details and different features. Therefore, a simple technical term may also fall out once in a while. Nike Vaporfly NEXT is an expensive shoe, we have stated that. So you would also think that it consisted of lots of elements, but that is actually not the case. There are few but really good elements in the shoe.

The outsole

There is not much to say, and yet quite a lot. Because the outsole itself on the Nike Vaporfly NEXT is very plain and straight. It has reinforcements in the forefoot for better grip on various, and especially wet surfaces. But if you now hold it up to the Nike Vaporfly 4%, there is a little more to say. Because the Vaporfly NEXT is the direct heir, so it had to be optimized in the outsole. The Vaporfly 4% had various weaknesses. Among other things, the grip was not optimal in wet conditions, so that has been corrected. In addition, the Vaporfly 4% had a crack in the foam on the heel, on the 2 extreme points (typically one is where the heel lands). On the previous model, the foam tended to crumble a bit. This has been corrected in the Nike Vaporfly NEXT, as reinforcements have been added to these points.

Midsole

A completely simple midsole if you have to explain it. There are no more elements in the sole or anything else. The most spectacular thing is the fiber plate inside the midsole, which helps you with propulsion, and at the same time provides lots of stability. But the reason we call the midsole in the Nike Vaporfly NEXT simple is because it only consists of ZoomX foam. But it is also a quite fantastic material. Perhaps one of the best on the market when it comes to bounce effect and return energy. A responsive material that just works, and which gives you the feeling of running on a bouncy cushion (figuratively speaking). If we are to draw a comparison to the predecessor Vaporfly 4%, then the Nike Vaporfly NEXT has more foam in both the forefoot and heel. 3mm more foam in the forefoot and 1mm more foam in and around the heel, respectively.

Heel

The heel is nice and stable on the Nike Vaporfly NEXT. When the rest of the upper is so light and elastic, you can easily fear the heel’s ability to provide stability and support. But I think Nike has solved that really well. In terms of comfort, there is a foam edge/cushion inside the heel that surrounds your heel and provides optimal comfort.

Shock absorption

Really a hard point to explain. And that’s because it’s so unique. The cushioning comes from the ZoomX midsole, that’s understandable. But if you haven’t tried wearing the shoe, it’s harder to understand. But you really feel like you’re standing on a mini trampoline or a bouncy castle (don’t know how to explain it better) There’s so much bounce in this ZoomX midsole. If you’ve tried running in Hoka One One running shoes, the feeling is a bit the same.

Forefoot

There I will again give a thumbs up for the good space in the forefoot of the Nike Vaporfly NEXT. It was really a surprise that I had so much room for my toes. I know that the shoe is of course helped by the very flexible material that the upper is made of. It follows the foot uniquely, and therefore will not “press” in some places.

Upper part

Honestly!! So my very first thought (you can also read further up in the review) was that it was a plastic-like upper. And that’s what it actually looks like. But as with everything else at Nike, there is of course a reason for the madness. You could have chosen, as in the latest Vaporfly 4%, to put the very popular Flyknit upper on this shoe. It is soft and very comfortable, but unfortunately also a bit susceptible to moisture ala rain and sweat, and then the material becomes heavier. That’s why Nike has created their VaporWeave upper, which is this plastic-like upper. An almost transparent upper adorns the Nike Vaporfly NEXT. It weighs nothing, and it is 10 times better than Flyknit at resisting moisture. And not only that, it is also quick-drying like crazy… I have previously expressed my concerns about the durability. I can’t write much about that right now, but time will tell.

Comparisons to Nike Vaporfly NEXT

There aren’t many direct comparisons other than its predecessor, the Nike Vaporfly 4%. The 2 shoes are very similar to each other with a few differences (which we have highlighted above). If we were to find another alternative to the Nike Vaporfly NEXT, we could start withNike Zoom Fly. We have a bit of the same principles there. Not the same materials, but the same sole construction. The uppers are similar in design, and the feeling when running can be compared to a certain extent.

Price comparison Nike Vaporfly 4%

Reseller	Leveringstid	Country	Total price	Read more
	5-7 dage		1,192 DKK	Til butik
	1-2 dage		1,199 DKK	Til butik
	1-2 dage		2,050 DKK	Til butik

Summary

I don’t think it will be a running shoe that Nike will splash out on like they do with, for example, the Nike Air Pegasus. Because the shoe is simply too special and not least too expensive. But again, I think Nike has managed to create something unique. They are excellent at that, and they will probably also be successful with the Nike Vaporfly NEXT. It is an absolutely perfect shoe for him or her who just wants to wring the last out of the times. Because the shoe weighs minimally, and its ability to return energy and bounce I have not seen before. So the question is whether the person who wants it can also afford it :-) The Nike Vaporfly NEXT is created for the elite and by the elite. But I actually think Nike has managed to make it unique for everyone, after all. I don’t run elite, not even close, but I think I got a unique feeling when I ran in the shoe. Knowing that I didn’t exploit its potential. (I am a heavy heel striker and tend to pronate)

Price comparison on Nike Vaporfly NEXT

Below you can find the best prices from our partners. We constantly monitor the price of Nike Vaporfly NEXT for you.

Reseller	Leveringstid	Country	Total price	Read more
	2-5 dage		2,062 DKK	Til butik
	5-7 dage		2,207 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		2,221 DKK	Til butik
	2-4 dage		2,250 DKK	Til butik