Nike Vaporfly 4
Pros
- 13% lighter than the Vaporfly 3
- Awesome for 5K, 10K and 21K races
- Full ZoomX midsole
- Spring-loaded carbon-fiber Flyplate
- Fantastic lockdown with premium laces
- Moderate rocker for a more natural ride
- Improved perforated, removable insole
- Better rubber coverage in the forefoot
- Gets improvements from the Alphafly 3
- Great upper featuring breathability and durability
Cons
- Less ideal for marathon racing
- Still lacks the snappy feel of the Vaporfly 1&2
- Narrow midfoot and heel limit stability
Key Features
- Full-length carbon fiber Flyplate: Offers a higher angle compared to its predecessor, providing a propulsive feel.
- Nike ZoomX foam: Known for its responsiveness, this latest iteration is lighter and provides exceptional energy return.
- Reduced weight: A slight midsole reduction enhances the bouncy, feathery feeling during your runs.
- Engineered mesh construction: Contributes to a lighter shoe while ensuring a more consistent fit throughout your run.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Carbon fiber Flyplate and mesh
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is an excellent choice for competitive female runners seeking a combination of speed, lightness, and comfort. After extensive lab tests and runs, it emerged as a leading contender in racing performance.
This shoe features a stiff and uniquely spoon-shaped carbon FlyPlate, enhancing turnover efficiency for impressive speed. The soft yet responsive ZoomX foam cushioning minimizes muscle strain, providing a comfortable ride with each landing supported by a plush 19.9 HA midsole.
With a weight of only 5.9 oz (166g), the Vaporfly 4 is among the lightest options available, allowing for effortless movement during races. Its breathable upper, which achieved a score of 4/5 in our smoke test, further enhances comfort, reducing the risk of blisters during prolonged runs.
However, rear foot strikers may experience instability due to the narrow heel design of the Vaporfly 4. For those whose biomechanics align with this style, it can be a powerful addition to their racing gear.
Nike Alphafly 3
Pros
- Remarkably lightweight despite its broad size
- Best-in-class breathability
- Excels in the marathon distance
- Repositioned Air Pods offer a better ride than the v2
- ZoomX foam delivers massive energy return
- Aids in forward momentum, especially when legs begin to fatigue
- Better than ever for 5K/10K racing
- Finally smooth transitions!
Cons
- Heel strikers might wear down the outsole quickly
- The arch could still be a challenge for some
- The sock-like tongue might not suit everyone
Key Features
- Air Zoom Units: Two Air Zoom units in the forefoot enhance energy return for increased power with each step.
- Carbon Fibre Plate: A full-length carbon fibre plate enables smooth transitions and stability during runs.
- ZoomX Foam Midsole: Offers exceptional cushioning from heel to toe, ensuring comfort throughout your marathon.
- Lightweight Design: At only 218 g (for men's size 43), it's the lightest Alphafly yet, promoting faster speeds.
- New Atomknit Upper: This innovative upper enhances breathability and multi-directional cushioning.
- Textured Laces: Designed for a reliable grip while being gentle on the foot.
- Padded Tab: Integrated knitted tab reduces pressure from the laces, improving overall comfort.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Nike Materials
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- Weight: 218 g (men's shoe size 43)
- Drop: 8 mm
- Men to Women Sizing: Men Size 8 = Women Size 9.5
The Nike Alphafly 3 is designed for runners who supinate, providing a combination of speed, cushioning, and support that facilitates the pursuit of personal bests. This elite racing shoe features advanced technologies aimed at enhancing performance on race day.
From the initial strides, the Alphafly 3 demonstrates its capabilities. The energy rebound during toe-off is significant, driven by the dynamic FlyPlate and Air Pods within the midsole. Lab tests reveal its stiffness, withstanding a force of 28.4N to bend to 30º, exceeding the average by 89.3%.
Integral to its structure is the superior ZoomX midsole, which boasts a stack height of 38.1/29.6 mm for enhanced comfort. The dual-foam setup includes an impact-absorbing layer with a hardness of 18.1 HA and a firmer layer at 29.3 HA for additional support.
The sleek design of the Alphafly 3 contributes to its lightweight nature, weighing only 7.1 oz (201g), compared to the average racer's weight of 7.7 oz (217g). The unrestricted Atomknit upper enhances breathability, further supporting the overall performance.
However, the retail price of $285 may deter budget-conscious consumers, who might consider alternative options available in the market. Overall, the Nike Alphafly 3 presents a compelling choice for serious racers looking for stability and durability in their running shoes.
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
Pros
- Softer, bouncier Lightstrike Pro foam
- Maintains the same price
- No more heel slippage
- Versatile from 5K to marathon distances
- Durable outsole with outstanding grip
- Fantastic for midfoot and forefoot strikers
- Improved for faster runners
- Comfortable, gusseted tongue
- Lighter than Adios Pro 3
Cons
- Unstable for every heel striker
- Narrow, tapered toebox
- Upper lacks breathability
- Midsole loses bounce quicker than AP3
Key Features
- Breathable Outer Material: Made from high-quality polyester that enhances ventilation, keeping your feet cool during intense runs.
- Responsive Cushioning: The shoe features state-of-the-art cushioning technology that provides excellent energy return, making each stride feel effortless.
- Lace-Up Closure: A traditional lace-up system offers a secure fit, allowing you to customize the tightness for optimal support.
- Durable Rubber Sole: The rubber sole is designed for superior traction and durability, ensuring longevity even under heavy use.
- Made in the USA or Imported: This product reflects Adidas' commitment to quality craftsmanship and performance.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Polyester
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is a running shoe designed for individuals focused on achieving optimal performance in 5K and 10K races. Its notable energy return and lightweight construction make it particularly suitable for runners looking to enhance their speed and efficiency.
Our tests highlight that the Adizero Adios Pro 4 delivers significant energy return, with recorded scores of 80.4% in the heel and 80.3% in the forefoot, far exceeding the average scores of 58.3% and 60.5%. This impressive performance translates into a powerful sensation with every stride, supported by the shoe’s dynamic midsole.
Examining the shoe's construction reveals Energy Rods 2.0, which simulate the natural structure of foot bones. With only 51.3% increased stiffness compared to an average running shoe, the Adizero Adios Pro 4 stands out for its comfort and flexibility, contrasting with the rigidity commonly found in carbon-plated models.
Weighing just 7.1 oz (200g), this shoe offers a lightweight design that facilitates an effortless running experience, allowing users to easily accelerate. In comparison, the average running shoe weighs 9.3 oz (265g), emphasizing the Adios Pro 4's focus on weight savings.
However, it is important to note that the heel of the Adizero Adios Pro 4 has a narrow fit, which may lead to discomfort or instability for rear strikers. This model is best suited for those who strike with their forefoot or midfoot.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
Pros
- Durable upper and outsole
- Spacious upper fit
- Enhanced midsole comfort
- Great value at $225 for a supershoe
- Versatile across all paces
- Ideal for heel strikers
- More stable than ever
Cons
- Slightly heavier than v3
- Less suited for forefoot strikers
- Competitors may feel quicker
Key Features
- Maximum Race-Day Speed: The integration of SPEEDROLL technology and a full-length carbon fiber plate provides powerful propulsion and a smoother forward motion during runs.
- Super Responsive Dual-Foam Cushioning: The sneaker features the advanced PWRRUN HG + PWRRUN PB midsole, ensuring exceptional energy return and ultra-light cushioning for long-distance comfort.
- Lightweight & Breathable Design: An engineered mesh upper offers a secure, breathable fit that keeps your feet cool and supported even during intense workouts.
- Enhanced Stability: Optimized geometry improves balance, stride efficiency, and overall running economy, helping to reduce fatigue over extended distances.
- Durable Outsole: The high-grip rubber outsole ensures reliable traction and durability on both roads and tracks, making it ideal for competitive runners.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Inner Material: Nylon
The Endorphin Pro 4 is best suited for runners with a heel strike pattern who prioritize comfort and speed in their footwear.
In our test runs, the shoe features a plush midsole complemented by the carbon plate’s Speedroll technology, which delivers a smooth and energetic ride. With a weight of only 7.8 oz (220g), this light supershoe provides significant energy return thanks to its S-shaped carbon plate that creates an ultra-stiff core.
The lively midsole promotes effortless transitions while maintaining comfort. Its 38.1 mm heel is designed to absorb impact with a 9.5 mm drop that supports heel-striker strides, and it retains stability through a firmer 22.0 HA foam layer beneath the softer 18.5 HA top layer.
The durable outsole contributes to the shoe's longevity, able to withstand repetitive impacts in the rear area. Our durometer testing shows that the 2.1 mm thick XT-900 rubber has a hardness rating of 85.3 HC, indicating notable durability, and it surpasses average performance in our rigorous Dremel test.
However, it is worth noting that some elite racers may find other options more suited to achieving peak performance, as the EP4 emphasizes comfort over sheer speed.