Vaporfly 3

For most runners, yes. It fits close and true to your usual running shoe size with a snug, race-day feel. The forefoot runs narrow, so if you have wide or high-volume feet you may want to size up half a size, since the thin upper does not stretch much. Try them on later in the day with thin racing socks to judge the real fit.

Yes, it is one of the most proven marathon shoes on the road. The carbon plate and bouncy foam keep your legs fresher over 26.2 miles and the light 194g build helps you hold pace late on. It is at its best when you are running a hard, committed effort. If you plan to walk-run or slow right down, the ride loses some of its bounce.

It is not the ideal first running shoe. The Vaporfly 3 is a stripped-back racer with a soft, tall, neutral platform that can feel tippy at slow paces, and the firm ride only rewards quick turnover. New runners are better served by a cushioned daily trainer first, then adding a carbon racer like this once they are chasing race times.

The Vaporfly 4 is the newer model and refines the fit and ride, so it is the pick if you want the latest version. But the Vaporfly 3 is still a serious race shoe, and once it drops below its high RRP it often offers better value. If price matters more than having the newest plate, the 3 is a smart buy.

Like most carbon racers, it has a shorter lifespan than a daily trainer. Expect the foam to lose its best pop somewhere around 250 to 300 miles, though it stays runnable beyond that. To get the most from it, save it for races and key workouts rather than logging easy miles, which keeps the bounce fresh for the days that matter.

At the full £265 RRP it is a big outlay, in line with rival carbon super-shoes. The value case gets much stronger on discount, which is where we would buy it. You are paying for proven race-day speed and energy return, not everyday versatility, so it makes most sense as a second shoe alongside a daily trainer rather than your only pair.