Sagasu RunningVideo · Mar 21, 2026INFERRED
A highly capable and versatile racing flat that feels special, light, and durable, inspiring confidence for aggressive running.
Nike
Vaporfly 4
Race shoe · Neutral · 185 g · 6 mm drop · MSRP $260
BuildPlated
$65.99 at The Car Rent Company$26075% off today
Critic consensus
from 10 reviewsThe Nike Vaporfly 4 shifts toward an aggressive, featherlight racer with a lower stack height and a firmer, snappier underfoot feel. While its agile profile makes it exceptionally fast for 5K to half marathon distances, the reduced cushioning and narrow platform make it less forgiving over 26.2 miles. It best suits neutral runners seeking maximum speed and direct road feel for short- to mid-distance races.
Reviewers agree
Exceptionally lightweight build that feels fast and agile9/10
Snappy and responsive ride with more direct ground feel8/10
Optimal performance focused on 5K to half marathon races7/10
Exposed midsole foam prone to abrasion and catching stones5/10
Reviewers disagree
Suitability for the full marathon distance4 vs 6
Heel hold and rearfoot lockdown security6 vs 4
What reviewers use it for
Race10 of 10
Tempo6 of 10
Easy1 of 10
Long run1 of 10
A shoe earns a tag as soon as one reviewer recommends it for that kind of run; the count shows how many agree. Mentions include synonyms, so “recovery”, “zone 2” and “conversational” all count toward Easy.
Critic reviews
10 reviews · 9 scores inferredSagasu RunningVideo · Mar 21, 2026INFERRED
The Vaporfly 4 finally brings the Vaporfly back up to the spec that it should have been all along.
Doctors of RunningVideo · Mar 21, 2026INFERRED
A high-performing, light, and responsive shoe ideal for tempo runs and races at faster speeds.
The Run TestersVideo · Mar 21, 2026INFERRED
A smart move by Nike, bringing the Vaporfly back to a more minimalist, speed-focused profile that distinguishes it from the more cushioned Alphafly.
Ben ParkesVideo · Mar 21, 2026INFERRED
The Vaporfly 4 is a real winner and as fast as ever, but it represents a significant shift from previous versions.
RaceWatch review
Fordy RunsVideo · Mar 21, 2026INFERRED
A hardcore racing shoe designed for speed, with a return to a more racy feel reminiscent of earlier Vaporfly versions.
Believe in the RunVideo · Mar 18, 2026
The shoe successfully delivers on its promise of being a lightweight, fast, and comfortable racer, despite minor fit and stability considerations.
Ben Is RunningVideo · Mar 21, 2026INFERRED
It remains a high-performance carbon racing shoe: super lightweight, direct, and snappy underfoot, ideal for shorter, faster races.
RaceWatch review