Introducing the ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%, Nike's Fastest Ever Running Shoe
Created as part of game-changing , the has since gone on to dominate marathons across the globe. Not resting on their laurels, Beaverton have gathered feedback from the world’s best to create the runner’s next evolution: the ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%.
Where the Vaporfly 4% delivered an average of 4 per cent improved running economy over Nike’s previous fastest marathon shoe, the Nike Zoom Streak 6, the NEXT% takes things up a notch as the brand’s fastest ever shoe.
As Mo Farah recently said, ‘As an athlete, you’re always looking for that next per cent.’
The upper has been improved thanks to feedback given regarding water absorption during a very wet Boston Marathon. The new Vaporweave construction is lighter and more breathable than Flyknit, while absorbing less water from sweat and rain. The re-tooled midsole and redesigned traction pattern will also assist wet-weather performance.
A slightly offset lace placement alleviates pressure along the sensitive part of the foot, as a thin foam pod inside the heel keeps the Achilles cushioned for added comfort. Meanwhile, the Nike ZoomX foam in the midsole has been redistributed to decrease the offset from 11mm to 8mm, providing more stability and energy-return with every stride.
Fans of the Vaporfly 4% will rejoice at the return of the full-length curved carbon-fibre plate, while the weight stays the same — even with 15 per cent more foam. It’s a win-win!
‘This shoe is truly the result of our athletes, sport scientists, engineers and designers closely collaborating throughout the entire process of design, testing and manufacturing,’ says Brett Holts, Nike VP of Running Footwear.
‘We are all so excited to see the NEXT% continue to push the limits of human performance on marathon courses around the world.’
Nike’s elite pavement pounders will put the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% through its paces over the next few months, but you can look forward to your own speed upgrade when they release on July 4 at NDC.