The Nike Vapor Lite 3 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Nike Vapor Lite 3 is a budget-friendly tennis shoe that provides reliable performance and comfort. Ideal for recreational players seeking an affordable option, this shoe delivers consistent support throughout a match.

Lab tests indicate no significant weaknesses, confirming its solid construction and durability. With its straightforward design, the Nike Vapor Lite 3 stands out as one of the top choices under $100, offering a balanced approach for those entering the game or playing casually.


Pros

  • Excellent value for money
  • Durable upper and outsole for the price
  • Impressively responsive and dynamic
  • Lighter than average
  • Great side-to-side stability for beginners
  • Reliable impact protection
  • Well-padded shoe interiors
  • Good grip on hard court
  • Highly breathable upper

Cons

  • Not lighter than v2 (as promised)
  • Not for wide feet

Key Features

  • Style#: FZ2156-100
  • Durable Rubber Toe Tip: Constructed from a new compound that improves longevity in high-wear areas.
  • Engineered Mesh Upper: More robust than conventional mesh, offering both comfort and breathability during intense matches.
  • Designed for Hard Courts: Optimized specifically for performance on hard surfaces, ensuring stability and support.
  • Soft Foam Midsole: Provides necessary cushioning while maintaining support for your feet during play.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Outer Material: Engineered mesh, Rubber toe
  • Closure Type: Lace-Up

Nike Vapor Lite 3 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Nike Vapor Lite 3 Adidas Defiant Speed 2 NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 ASICS Solution Swift FF 2
Price $90 $120 $85 $110
Shoe type Hard Court All Court Hard Court Hard Court
Construction - Speed Speed Speed
Breathability Breathable Moderate Breathable Moderate
Weight lab 12 oz / 340g 12.2 oz / 347g 11.9 oz / 336g 10.7 oz / 302g
Lightweight
Drop lab 11.3 mm 11.8 mm 11.5 mm 10.9 mm
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Medium
Size Slightly large True to size Slightly small -
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Balanced Balanced
Stiffness Moderate Flexible Moderate Moderate
Torsional rigidity Stiff Moderate Moderate Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Moderate Flexible Stiff
Midsole width - forefoot Average Average Average Average
Midsole width - heel Narrow Average Narrow Narrow
Outsole durability Good Good Good Decent
Heel padding durability Decent Good Bad Decent
Heel stack lab 29.7 mm 28.8 mm 30.7 mm 30.2 mm
Forefoot 18.4 mm 17.0 mm 19.2 mm 19.3 mm
Insole thickness Thin Thick Average Average
Removable insole
Heel tab None Extended heel collar None None
Toebox durability Decent Good Decent Decent
Outsole hardness - Average Hard -
Outsole thickness Average Thin Average Average
Ranking Bottom 12% Top 44% Bottom 10% Bottom 20%
Popularity Bottom 48% Bottom 46% Bottom 25% Bottom 23%