A lot of people who run at your pace or slower use super shoes as well. A big part of running a race is the mental aspect. If they feel faster and run their "faster" for longer, you are worthy. I just got into running distances myself (always been more of a sprinter) and I can tell you I can pick up the pace in Vaporflys like you just can't in other shoes that aren't made for racing. Not to mention it feels like it takes significantly less effort to get up to those speeds and maintain it for what you can.
Good honest Review! I just snagged a pair for my wife and her 5k aspirations....they had the Pink and Orange colorway for $85 at a Nike Clearance Store, I figure I can't go wrong.
I bought my first Vaporfly 3 this April and I got my 10K PB, Half marathon PB, and Full marathon PB with it. I was able to keep 7 mph pace for half marathon and Vaporfly 3 was so much fun to run with. However, it was a different story for 26.2 race for my level. normally I struggle after 19-20 miles and become slow...then the magic of Vaporfly 3 is gone and feels very unstable. Also, I had pain on top of my right foot (Never experienced before).Anyway, I am waiting for Dallas marathon and thinking of trying Endorphin pro 3 or give Vaporfly 3 another chance. Regardless I believe Vaporfly 3 is the best race shoes for fast runners!
Also as a running coach looking at your run form with these shoes, your heel striking and not using the carbon plate in the shoe as its designed to help and since the heel is so cushioned, it will actually slow you down.
Yeah, lots of the clips used in the video were at slow easy paces, you can definitely see the angle and wobble under my feet. This shoe is really only for those faster speeds and longer strides.
Great video Chris. I appreciate your balanced perspective about not being at “those” paces yet, but continuing to build the base. Inspirational to keep pushing.
I'm glad you posted this. I thought it was me. My story. I'm 45 and over 200+lbs. I've been running seriously for over a year now. I recently PB'd a 5k at 31:24 three weeks ago in the Asics Novablast. So yesterday I ran a company sponsored 5k in these shoes(Nike next%3) for the 1st time. In my mind I just knew I was gonna hit another PB for this 5k...but no, i timed in at 33.30. Now the race course was over 50% hills. I have narrow flat feet. I felt pretty meh about the outcome. My last run before yesterday's race was Sunday on the treadmill 30min with 1.0 elevation (pace 10:30) and another 30 mins no elevation, (same pace more or less) all running no stopping. Now i will say last year when I ran this race, I ran it at 37:12, but the race course had much less hills then. I do agree, its quite difficult to get alot of support in the heel of the shoe. Same as you, IDK if this shoe is for me just yet. I'll see after a few more races and perhaps loosing a few more lbs.
Keep pushing! You're still building your new base. You've obviously already improved so much in just this last year. The sky's the limit, man. I do think these shoes are meant for those who have an above average marathon pace and fantastic form (not me). But, when you force yourself into those higher speeds, the shoe will reward you. It just takes time to get there. Can't wait to hear about your next PB!
YESIRRR!!!!!!!! WIth that kipchoge colorway whooo!!! I think it's one of the most versitle supershoes for marathon, everybody can use it compare to the 2s! Although that does mean it's less elite for the elites. Overall a great review man, I see you taking inspirations from Kofuzi's videos that's awesome!!!
I’m very impressed with this model. So much of running is mental. This offers nice performance and give you the confidence for a long run and a quick run. Or a casual run if you like.
New subscriber here! So interesting I am in such a similar situation as you, except my VF3 are all white. I can really fly in them if my form is perfect and my cadence is fast I can even hear it in the sound they make, but I can’t keep up that pace up for a marathon. I am saving mine for race day shoes and using ASICS Superblast and Saucony ES 3 for my daily runs. I am progressing and can maintain VF3 speed for 4K now and I am slowly improving each week with my training. Oh I am 58 but have never felt faster.
Great video Chris. I bought my Vaporfly Next% last year and I felt like a complete fraud as I'm a below average runner. But they made a big different to my running and recovery.
I just watched a bit of this video. And just want to write to you. Huge respect for you mentioning you are not able to run at that speed to utilize the full potential of the shoe 👍 Us ordinary runners just have to remember 🤔 that these shoes are made for the elite 🏃
They are here to stay and there will be more that follows. Taking a step back running shoes are already expensive ... and it's the start of becoming a bit like cycling, where the tech becomes important rather than who is the best athlete. That being said I am a modest time runner and if I improve (back running from a lengthy break), maybe I'll buy a pair 😄 Cheers for the review!
Great video, Chris! Glad I found your channel, instant sub. Sounds like you and I are in a similar place fitness-wise/race-wise. Also running the Endorphin Pro 3’s this year -next up is Des Moines marathon in a couple weeks. I’ve never been a Nike “lover”, but with my narrow-er feet I may try them -one day. 😃 Anyway, thanks again!
I'm still wearing my vapotfly one's until I lose enough weight to run further and make better use of my vapotfly 3 when that happens I'll be using the vapotfly 1.
I really would recommend the Endorphin Pro 3 for anyone looking to try out their first super shoe. It can handle many paces and keep your legs fresh and comfy at the same time. Comfortable upper, squishy midsole, carbon and great grip. I've done 5K, Half-Marathons and Boston in them, all of which were so much fun!
Great question! I think the Takumi Sen is a great 5K 10K shoe, and I can maintain the speeds it requires at about those distances. I think for a Marathon distance, at my current marathon pace, the Adios Pro 3 might be a bit unstable, especially for a heal striker like myself. One day I'll be faster, and I'll be able to take advantage of the tech in all of the best shoes. One day at a time! :)
Thank you for your reply, Chris. You’re quite right, of course. These shoes are designed for elite runners and it’s all too easy to get a bit carried away. Good luck at the Chicago marathon!
Invisible 3 for beginners These Vaporfly 3's are too narrow in the heel and unstable for sure....especially on any uneven surface or slightly off road (gravel, dirt) or even corners really
Planning my 1st ever marathon next October at Long Beach. Right now I’m 12 min mile pace over a half marathon so not super fast. I like saucony shoes so far
Thank you! If you're looking for a super shoe that has more room, I think I can comfortably recommend the Saucony Endorphin 3 and Endorphin Elite as an option.
See you in Chicago. I am wearing the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3. They are a little rocky but very light. It was recommended to me not to wear them on short runs and really only for marathon day, but of course I needed to try them and see about blisters etc before the marathon. No blisters at all. More calf tightness though. Anyway, good luck in Chicago. Only 10 more days!! :)