This shoe runs true to size, although runners familiar with the previous model should note that it's a tiny bit roomier than previous models (which ran a bit small). Runners who are entirely new to this particular shoe will want to go for a short test run before their race, not because they require a break-in, but because it feels different from anything else they will have run in before.



The unique lacing system also creates a great overall fit. The laces are fascinating. Nike has tried several different styles of laces in their previous iterations of this shoe, and this style is by far the best. The laces are lined with ridges that fit together like teeth, making it incredibly difficult for them to come untied on their own. I didn't have any sizing issues, but I trusted these laces a ton.

I would primarily recommend this shoe as a road racing shoe for distances ranging from the 5k to the Marathon. I've gone on a total of 3 runs: an easy break-in run, the NYC Marathon, and a 4-Mile race. The exposed midsole foam has been worn down a bit, but the shoe's overall performance is still there.

The shoe has a unique feeling due to the carbon fiber plate, but it doesn't irritate the arch. It seems to encourage more pronation than usual, so there probably isn't much arch support in the shoe itself, but that's not the point of the shoe anyway.



I found that this shoe fits great on the upper with no rubbing or hot spots even as I broke them in, and the midsole is lightweight and insanely responsive. The only real downside of this shoe is the limited durability on the outsole- but more on that a little later.

Some pretty significant improvements have been made to the upper of the Nike Vaporfly Next%2. This update does see notable improvements over the previous version. The Atomknit upper provides a smooth hug around the top of the foot that the previous Vaporweave upper did not (the Vaporweave was baggy and had a tendency to scrunch up).



Additionally, the upper provides far better ventilation and breathability. The tongue has a thin layer of padding that protects the top of the foot from lace-related discomfort. And although the strip of padding along the heel counter was there before, it feels more seamless this time around. Looking even further back at the original Vaporfly 4%, which was not the most comfortable racing shoe, this feels luxurious by comparison.



Overall, it's snug enough to make you feel like you won't be sliding but not overly tight.

The midsole of the Nike Vaporfly Next%2 hosts a carbon plate baked between two layers of Nike's React foam cushioning. This midsole provides an insanely responsive ride that is great for speed and setting new PRs.

Nowadays, there are many carbon-fiber racing shoes out there. Even though Nike can no longer boast the only carbon fiber racer in town, Nike's Vaporfly will always be known as the trailblazer who started the renaissance–and they're the best they've ever been.

For the competitive (or competitive-at-heart), this shoe will give you that extra dose of energy return. They're enjoyable to run in, and their supreme cushioning will keep your legs feeling happy the day after your race. I choose to race in them, and I would highly recommend giving them a try.

There is a lot of exposed EVA foam found on the outsole of this shoe, which means two things: low weight and low durability. The lightweight design of the outsole helped to keep my pace quick. During the Gordon 4-Mile here in Brooklyn, and I hit my PR of 22:12, feeling great.



This shoe performs exceptionally well on roads and smooth dirt paths only. With plenty of exposed midsole foam, anything rocky or scratchy will demolish the shoes quickly. I suggest sticking to smooth, paved surfaces while running in this shoe.

As impressive as they are–probably still the best racing shoes on the market–they're not durable enough to train in and should only be used for races. I also noted that they have decent traction on wet spots.

My only issue with this incredible running shoe lies in the durability and that pretty steep price point.

If only they could figure out how to make the shoe more durable or more affordable, these shoes would be more attainable for the average person. Because they're only at their best for a handful of efforts, most runners on a budget would probably be better served to buy a more durable, affordable trainer, such as the Saucony Endorphin Speed.

If an experienced runner is looking for that competitive edge and has already invested a lot of time and effort into their quest to run a PR, it can be well worth the investment.

Having raced in similar models of this shoe, I can confidently say that Nike hit it out of the park in terms of comfort and performance. Sure, it comes in at a steep price, and some competitors are offering similar technology for less, but it's still worth it if you're serious about your finishing time.