Vapo-Curious Friend: "I'm tempted by the Vaporflys but they're pretty expensive.
I could wait until the marathon gets closer but then I won't have long to try them out before the marathon. And if I do try them - won't I wear them out?"
Modern shoes don't need a lot of "breaking in". Don't believe the guy in the sports shop. If they are not comfortable on your feet when you leave the shop, they won't magically become so. They're not made of leather anymore which genuinely has a breaking in period.
So that's my first point - try them on in a shop. Within 5 steps you will know whether they suit you.
That said, the Vaporfly does have an impact on your running form more than most shoes as compared to a standard shoe they have quite an aggressive geometry in terms of stack height, an additional rebound due to the proprietary Zoom X Pebax foam and the addition of the carbon plate.
They're also a big investment. Whilst it has been possible to purchase Vaporfly 4%s for a little over £100 through discount codes, we've yet to see a substantial reduction in the Next% and the 4% are back over £150 for the moment.
The Zoom X foam also has a very limited shelf life. The extra rebound starts to disappear after roughly 100 miles (if not sooner). You aren't getting a lot of races out of them.*
The first step before getting the Vaporfly for me is to get a pair of the Zoom Fly. If you are planning to buy a pair of the Next% then get a pair of the Zoom Fly 3. If you are planning to buy a pair of the 4% then get a pair of the Zoom Fly Flyknit (aka - Zoom Fly 2).
The reason for this is that the geometry of the shoe changed quite a lot between the 4% and the Next% and you need to train in what you will be racing in.
By getting a pair of the Zoom Fly you will be getting your feet used to the geometry of the Vaporfly and also the carbon plate. The only "change" between the Vapor and the Zoom is the foam.
By using the React material (read this Material Matters article for a great look at React compared to Boost and some funky graphics as well or here from Sole Review at the very bottom for a detailed look at the chemical composition as best they can work it out), the React foam is a synthetic rubber foam which is cushioned and reactive (although not as much as Zoom X in either category) but far more durable. It's also heavier.
You can get a pair of the Zoom Fly and use them for training runs, tempo runs and long runs over the upcoming months. Whilst not in the same category as the Vaporfly, it isn't a bad alternative and its a quite feasible option to run or race a marathon in.
If you're savvy you can find pairs pretty cheaply.
If you've trained in the Zoom Fly, you'll need no transition time to the Vaporfly beyond a token few miles. Alternatively the Zoom Fly is still a decent marathon shoe for those who prefer more cushioning to less.
* Whilst the rebound effect doesn't last for that long - a Vaporfly with little bounce is still a very lightweight and cushioned shoe that will last a long time as an interval, tempo and long-run shoe. As such, you're investing in two shoes at once. A racing shoe first of all and then a fairly durable trainer after.
Please post any more questions you have in the comments section.
I could wait until the marathon gets closer but then I won't have long to try them out before the marathon. And if I do try them - won't I wear them out?"
Modern shoes don't need a lot of "breaking in". Don't believe the guy in the sports shop. If they are not comfortable on your feet when you leave the shop, they won't magically become so. They're not made of leather anymore which genuinely has a breaking in period.
So that's my first point - try them on in a shop. Within 5 steps you will know whether they suit you.
That said, the Vaporfly does have an impact on your running form more than most shoes as compared to a standard shoe they have quite an aggressive geometry in terms of stack height, an additional rebound due to the proprietary Zoom X Pebax foam and the addition of the carbon plate.
They're also a big investment. Whilst it has been possible to purchase Vaporfly 4%s for a little over £100 through discount codes, we've yet to see a substantial reduction in the Next% and the 4% are back over £150 for the moment.
The Zoom X foam also has a very limited shelf life. The extra rebound starts to disappear after roughly 100 miles (if not sooner). You aren't getting a lot of races out of them.*
The first step before getting the Vaporfly for me is to get a pair of the Zoom Fly. If you are planning to buy a pair of the Next% then get a pair of the Zoom Fly 3. If you are planning to buy a pair of the 4% then get a pair of the Zoom Fly Flyknit (aka - Zoom Fly 2).
The reason for this is that the geometry of the shoe changed quite a lot between the 4% and the Next% and you need to train in what you will be racing in.
By getting a pair of the Zoom Fly you will be getting your feet used to the geometry of the Vaporfly and also the carbon plate. The only "change" between the Vapor and the Zoom is the foam.
By using the React material (read this Material Matters article for a great look at React compared to Boost and some funky graphics as well or here from Sole Review at the very bottom for a detailed look at the chemical composition as best they can work it out), the React foam is a synthetic rubber foam which is cushioned and reactive (although not as much as Zoom X in either category) but far more durable. It's also heavier.
You can get a pair of the Zoom Fly and use them for training runs, tempo runs and long runs over the upcoming months. Whilst not in the same category as the Vaporfly, it isn't a bad alternative and its a quite feasible option to run or race a marathon in.
If you're savvy you can find pairs pretty cheaply.
If you've trained in the Zoom Fly, you'll need no transition time to the Vaporfly beyond a token few miles. Alternatively the Zoom Fly is still a decent marathon shoe for those who prefer more cushioning to less.
* Whilst the rebound effect doesn't last for that long - a Vaporfly with little bounce is still a very lightweight and cushioned shoe that will last a long time as an interval, tempo and long-run shoe. As such, you're investing in two shoes at once. A racing shoe first of all and then a fairly durable trainer after.
Please post any more questions you have in the comments section.
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