The Nike Vaporfly, a pioneer in the realm of super shoes, has earned its reputation as a favourite among long-distance runners. This is attributed to a number of factors: its affordability, widespread availability, and the remarkable speed assistance it offers. Throughout its lifespan, the Vaporfly has undergone a series of notable updates, culminating in the latest iteration, Version 4.

Version 4 of the Vaporfly boasts a comprehensive overhaul, featuring redesigned elements in its upper, midsole, and outsole. This comparison will tell you which version is better for you.

The Vaporfly 4 has a full ZoomX midsole (made of PEBA) which provides excellent energy return. It has a relatively low heel stack height for a marathon racer at only 35 mm but it still feels very well cushioned.

The Vaporfly 3 also has a full ZoomX midsole which is very energetic. V3 has a thicker midsole which measures 40 mm in the heel so it has deeper cushioning than v4. This makes V3 better for long-distance runs than V4.

The carbon plates inside the 2 versions differ. Version 4 has a steeper plate which is designed to unlock more leverage from the foot and the ankle. This means that V4 has more powerful toe-offs and it feels faster.

V4 has a lighter build than V3. This makes it feel more nimble and more agile. V4 is better for short and fast runs such as 5K and 10K races compared to V3 which is better for the longer distances such as half and full marathons.

When it comes to stability, V4 is more stable. This is mainly because it has a thinner midsole so your feet sit closer to the ground and there’s less lean bias. V4 is better for runners who overpronate.

Version 4 has a more durable outsole. This is because it has a flatter design so it doesn’t catch on the ground like the outsole of V3 that has a ridge design on its midfoot. V4 has softer, thinner rubber than V3 but it is still more durable thank to its flatter design. Both versions have very good traction on wet surfaces.

The Vaporfly 4 has a better upper than the Vaporfly 3. It has a more dialed in fit that provides better foot lockdown than V3. Version 3 however, has a more breathable upper material with large ventilation holes on the top of the toe-box. The other big difference is the tongue. V4 has a shorter tongue which is more comfortable. V3 has a long tongue which some runners found digs into their ankles.

When it comes to fit, both of them are true to size. Version 3 has a much more spacious upper which is better suited to high-volume feet. Version 3 is also suitable for wide feet. Version 4 has a much narrower fit which is not suitable for wide feet.

If you’re looking for a lighter, faster racer for 5K or 10K races, the Vaporfly 4 is the better choice. It has a lower stack height which makes it feel nimbler and faster. It also has a more aggressive carbon plate setup. The Vaporfly 4 is better for you if you have narrow, low-volume feet. It’s also more stable than the Vaporfly 3.

If you’re looking for a softer, more cushioned racer for half or full marathons, the Vaporfly 3 is the better choice. It has a thicker midsole with deeper cushioning. If you have wide feet or high volume feet, you’ll find the Vaporfly 3 upper more comfortable. If breathability is an important factor then the Vaporfly 3 is better thanks to its large ventilation holes.