The original, and now the most versatile super shoe on the streets, the Nike Women’s ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 4 in Violet Mist/Purple Dynasty/Persina Violet/Hot Lava/Brt Violet/Mineral Slate is built to give you the edge over anything from 10k to the marathon.
The full-length carbon fibre Flyplate on the Nike Women’s ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 4 has been created with a higher angle than the previous version, which combines with a lowered heel drop to give a super propulsive feel letting you make the most of race day.A brand-new engineered mesh upper combines improved comfort with a lightness that feels like it disappears on your foot. Designed for a consistent fit, reduced heel and tongues help save even more weight.Bulges in the midsole shape help provide the stability you need, with no additional weight, and even the outsole has seen weight saving, with a thinner rubber giving the same traction and reliability, but less to hold you back.
Vaporfly
Carbon Plate
They create the firmer feel that fast racers are looking for and help to guide the foot through your stride, providing a touch of extra support. They can also help create a rocker feel, with the stiffness allowing the shoe to pivot – as the toe goes down, the heel must come up, easing you into your next stride.
Although stiff, they do flex, providing an energised pop of forward momentum as the plate fights to retain its shape.
Each brand, and almost every shoe, uses a plate differently. Different shapes, thicknesses, and designs are used to prioritise a different aspect of performance. Some aim exclusively to guide the stride, while others focus solely on propulsion.