Vaporfly 4
Today's tracked prices
- 01Runlimited44d ago£110.25£260.00−58%
- 02SportsdirectDEAL6d ago£119.00£260.00−54%
- 03Alpine Trek15d ago£222.95£260.00−14%
- 04Snowleader.co.uk15d ago£226.10£260.00−13%
- 05Progress Running Club27d ago£239.99£260.00−8%
Prices and sizes can change, so always check the latest availability at the retailer. Some links earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Price history
Our verdict
The fourth Vaporfly is a shorter-race shoe now, whatever its marathon reputation says. Nike took it lower and firmer, and at 190g it's a very light carbon racing shoe to wear. Reviewers mostly agree the slimmer midsole suits 5k to half marathon better than 26.2. The Run Testers rated it best around the half and thought it short of cushioning for a full marathon unless you like a lower shoe. Believe in the Run graded its performance an A and its design a C, which is a fair summary: quick, but the heel fit lets it down. If you race shorter distances and found the v3 too soft, this is the better Vaporfly for you. If the marathon is your main event, the Alphafly 3 gives you more underfoot for the back half. The RRP is £260, and the price table below shows what UK retailers are asking now.
Key features
- Carbon plateStiffens the forefoot so you get a quick, snappy toe-off when you're running at race pace.
- Lower stack than the v3Puts you closer to the road for a more direct, connected feel, at the cost of some protection over a full marathon.
- 6mm dropSits lower than many trainers, and one midfoot-striking reviewer found it more natural for their stride.
- Very light buildMeans there's little on your foot to carry, which is why reviewers rated it for fast, shorter races.
- More forefoot rubberGives you grip where you push off, though durability reports are mixed.
Who it suits
Who should buy it
- Runners racing 5k to half marathon who want a light, snappy carbon shoe
- Vaporfly 3 owners who found that version too soft and mushy
- Efficient runners who prefer a lower, more connected racer to a tall super shoe
- Midfoot strikers who get on with a lower drop
Who should not buy it
- You want maximum cushioning for the last 10k of a marathon
- You have wide feet, as the upper and toe box run narrow
- You need stability or land heavily on your heel when tired
- You've struggled with heel slip in race shoes before
Best uses
Extra information
Fit & sizing
Most reviewers found it true to size, but not all. One review found it runs short, and one of its testers went up half a size to give their toes room. The toe box tapers and the upper is low volume, so wide feet will struggle. The heel is the bigger problem. Nearly every review mentions some slip, ranging from mild on one foot to one tester who never got a fit they were happy with. Extra lacing helped some testers and not others. Try it on well before race week if you can, and if you're between sizes the half size up is the safer bet.
Performance breakdown
Ride & feel
It's firmer and more direct than the Vaporfly 3. Reviewers who found the v3 too soft liked the change, and one pair of UK testers saw it as a return to the character of the earlier Vaporflys. It's at its best when you're running quickly, in intervals and races, where the plate and the low weight feel snappy. At easy pace it has less to offer. Transitions are smooth rather than mechanical, and one review found it a more natural ride than the Alphafly. Late in a marathon it gives you less protection than the taller super shoes.
Cushioning
There's enough underfoot for a hard 10k or half, and not a lot spare. With 35mm at the heel and 29mm at the forefoot it sits lower than most current marathon racers, and reviewers noticed. Two of the reviews we read pointed marathon runners towards more cushioned super shoes. The foam still compresses and springs back well at speed, so the ride isn't harsh, only thinner than its rivals.
Stability
A neutral racer with a narrow heel. One review was blunt that it isn't built for runners who need stability, while another found it better than expected, including downhill. The stiff plate helps keep the midfoot in line, but if you roll in or land heavily on your heel late in a race, a wider-based shoe will serve you better.
Upper & comfort
The upper is thin and wraps close to the foot, which is part of how the weight stays down. Most feet get on with it, though one tester had rubbing over a toe from the tapered shape. Outsole durability is where opinions split: one UK review found it held up far better than the v3's, while another saw exposed foam and early wear, plus small stones catching in the grooves.
Reviews
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FAQ
Specifications
| Category | Race |
| Surface | Road |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Heel Stack | 35mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 29mm |
| Weight | 190g |
| Carbon Plated | Yes |
| Stability | No |
