Comparison Overview
The Nike Vaporfly 3 is the latest evolution of the Vaporfly Next% 2 line. Both versions are excellent choices.
How the Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 and Nike Vaporfly 3 differ
The Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 and the Nike Vaporfly 3 are both racing shoes from Nike, which makes this a classic same-line comparison: same design language, similar fit philosophy, but meaningful changes in feel and intended use.
Where they actually differ: the Nike Vaporfly 3 comes in roughly 0.4 oz lighter (6.9 oz vs 6.5 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; and the Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 is $10 cheaper at MSRP ($250 vs $260).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 | Nike Vaporfly 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Nike | Nike |
| Model | Vaporfly Next% 2 | Vaporfly 3 |
| Category | racing | racing |
| Weight | 6.9 oz | 6.5 oz |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Price | $250 | $260 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is lighter, the Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 or the Nike Vaporfly 3?
- The Nike Vaporfly 3 is the lighter shoe at 6.5 oz versus 6.9 oz.
- Which costs less?
- The Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 is the more affordable option at $250 compared to $260.
- Are these carbon-plated racing shoes?
- Yes — both the Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 and the Nike Vaporfly 3 use a carbon plate, so they're built primarily for race day and key workouts rather than daily mileage.
- Can I rotate both shoes in the same training block?
- Yes — many runners pair complementary shoes like these to spread load across different muscles and tendons. Use our rotation planner to build a mileage split that fits your schedule.
Read the full reviews
- Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Nike Vaporfly 3 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Browse the full running shoe database
- See more shoe comparisons
Not sure which is right for you?
Use our AI-powered shoe finder for personalized recommendations, or build a smart shoe rotation with the rotation planner.