Nike have just unveiled an upgrade on their record-breaking Vaporfly 4% silhouette, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%.
Set to be debuted at the London Marathon this weekend, Nike say that the revamped model has made the fastest running shoe in the world even faster. Boasting an increase in Nike's game-changing ZoomX foam, an improved fit and asymmetrical lacing system featuring moisture-wicking, lightweight Vaporweave construction, a seven-layered carbon fibre soleplate and a new custom traction pattern designed specifically for all weather conditions, Nike are calling the silhouette their most technologically-advanced model to date.
The newly fine-tuned specs mean that the shoe’s weight stays the same – even with 15 percent more foam. The NEXT% performs better in wet-weather, with Vaporweave absorbing far less water from sweat or rain. Mo Farah is a fan of the model's improved fit, with the laces slightly offset to alleviate pressure along the sensitive part of the foot. and custom sole plate (ideal for the expected conditions in London this Sunday) and
Speaking about the model, Brett Holts, Nike's vice president of running footwear, was in no doubt about the improvements in the model "The biggest update that I think you're going to experience from where we are in the 4% to the next% is that underfoot there will be 15% more of the ZoomX foam."
The positive response to the new model from Nike's top runners such as Mo Farah, Eliud Kipchoge and Shalane Flanagan has been "unanimous" according to Holts. He's expecting the model's improvements to see runners like Kipchoge – who came within 1 minute 13 seconds away from going under the 2 hour mark in the 4% – achieve more record-breaking results. Check out close up imagery of the model below.
“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.”
You can watch Mo Farah, Eliud Kipchoge and other elites Nike athletes compete in the eye-catching "Phantom Glow" Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% at the London Marathon this Sunday – with the shoe available to purchase from 25th April.
