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

The Nike Vaporfly 3 is a high-performance marathon shoe designed for serious runners. With its notable features, this shoe is ideal for long-distance athletes who benefit from its 8 mm drop, making it particularly suitable for those seeking efficient pace during marathons.

The exceptional firmness of the midsole, measured at 30.5 HA, translates to a stable platform that enhances overall running efficiency. The combination of a carbon plate and a lightweight construction further supports optimal speed and responsiveness on race day.

While the softer midsole provides a gentler transition, it may be less advantageous for shorter distances like 5K and 10K races compared to earlier versions. Priced at $250, the Nike Vaporfly 3 continues to offer valuable performance enhancements for dedicated runners.


Pros

  • Exceptionally breathable upper
  • Outstanding ZoomX cushioning
  • Superb choice from the mile to the marathon
  • Impressively low weight
  • Enhanced stability
  • Plush, cloud-like foam
  • Upgraded outsole for better grip
  • Surprisingly good grip

Cons

  • Uncomfortably large tongue
  • The heel is still too narrow
  • Lacks shock absorption in the forefoot

Key Features

  • Full-Length Carbon Fiber Flyplate: Provides stiffness and a propulsive feel, enhancing your running efficiency.
  • Light Padding on the Tongue: Helps to reduce lace pressure at the top of your foot for added comfort.
  • Innovative Waffle Outsole Pattern: Offers multi-surface traction with perforations to save weight, making these shoes ideal for various weather conditions.
  • Offset Heel Seam: Reduces friction in the heel area, contributing to a smoother run.
  • Wider Toe Area: Ensures a roomier fit, allowing your toes to splay naturally for better balance and support.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Outer Material: Specifically selected Flyknit yarns and engineered fabric.
  • Inner Material: Flyknit yarns provide a snug fit.

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

Nike Vaporfly 3 Nike Vaporfly 4 Nike Alphafly 3 PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 3
Price $250 $260 $285 $230
Pace Competition Competition Competition Competition
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 6.7 oz / 190g 5.9 oz / 166g 7.1 oz / 201g 7.2 oz / 204g
Lightweight
Drop lab Drop brand 11.1 mm 8.6 mm 8.5 mm 10.6 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Heel Heel
Size True to size True to size Slightly small True to size
Midsole softness Soft Soft Soft Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Normal Small Small Normal
Toebox durability Bad Good Bad Bad
Heel padding durability Good Decent Good Good
Outsole durability Good Bad Bad Decent
Breathability Breathable Moderate Breathable Moderate
Width / fit Medium Narrow Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Narrow
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Flexible Flexible Flexible
Plate Carbon plate Carbon plate Carbon plate Carbon plate
Rocker
Heel lab Heel brand 37.1 mm 34.1 mm 38.1 mm 39.2 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 26.0 mm 25.5 mm 29.6 mm 28.6 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season Summer All seasons Summer All seasons
Removable insole
Ranking Bottom 44% Top 23% Top 34% Top 11%
Popularity Top 10% Top 9% Top 6% Top 14%