Nike Pushes the Boundaries of Running Innovation with the Vaporfly 4 and Streakfly 2

Nike is inviting runners to experience the latest in racing innovation with new iterations of two industry-defining silhouettes: the Vaporfly 4 and Streakfly 2.

Both styles are powered by Nike’s legendary system of speed: a proprietary combination of ZoomX foam and a carbon fiber Flyplate that distinguishes runners from the rest of the pack, helping them reach their potential. The refined system helps both models push the limits of sport while reflecting Nike’s racing heritage and five-decade commitment to making the best running footwear for elite athletes and newer runners alike.

The Vaporfly 4 is the lightest model in the franchise’s storied history, using new athlete insights and Nike’s unparalleled standard of precise design to level up the silhouette that started the super shoe revolution eight years ago, furthering Nike’s position at the leading edge of racing innovation.

Built for all runners and inspired by the best athletes — including Joshua Cheptegei and Mohammed Ahmed, who tested the shoe throughout production — the new Vaporfly is the most versatile Nike racing model on the market, setting the standard for distances ranging from the 5K to the marathon. The silhouette blends the stability of the Vaporfly 3 and the softness of its veritable predecessor, introducing a finely tuned balance of support and propulsion that serves runners of all abilities and intensities.

That propulsion is born from an updated Nike Flyplate curvature, which helps unlock leverage from the foot and ankle, as well as the energy return generated by ZoomX foam, Nike’s lightest and most resilient midsole compound.

It’s also boosted by the silhouette’s featherweight design, which is roughly 10% lighter than the Vaporfly 3 and 20 grams lighter than the original Vaporfly (2017). The latest model’s midsole design saves weight by eliminating foam where it isn’t needed, while a new upper increases comfort and fit consistency while contributing to the overall weight savings of the shoe.

“The Vaporfly 4 is the ideal Vaporfly. Nike nailed it,” says Mohammed, a Nike athlete and Canadian long-distance runner. “There are so many aspects I love about this shoe: It’s lighter than its previous iteration, more responsive, gives a comfortable ride, has a stable feel, and offers a great fit. Simply put, it’s the perfect combination of carbon to foam in this shoe to date. I love running fast in this shoe.”

The Vaporfly’s DNA also extends throughout the Nike Racing line, serving the needs of runners at shorter and longer distances with groundbreaking running innovation and technology that enable peak performance for all athletes. That influence takes form in the new Streakfly 2, a specialized racing innovation designed to help runners deliver top performances in shorter races, such as the road mile, 5K or 10K, as well as fast intervals and tempo training sessions.

Each element of the Streakfly 2 is purpose-built to deliver raw speed and ultra-responsive cushioning, with a full-length Flyplate and aggressive new shape in an incredibly lightweight package designed with input from everyday athletes and Nike distance runners.

“Usually, I would need to switch from sneakers to spikes during interval training to condition my muscles and avoid injury,” says Nike athlete Jessica Hull, an Australian middle- and long-distance runner. “But the responsive, supportive design of the Streakfly 2 allows me to run all of my fastest reps without having to change into spikes, helping my feet and legs feel fresher the next day.” 

The Streakfly 2 is built on the last of a track spike, giving the silhouette a decidedly aggressive stance with a 4mm heel-to-toe offset, allowing athletes to more easily run on their forefoot. The full-length Flyplate is a first in the Streakfly line and similar to that of the Vaporfly 4, providing unmatched propulsion that helps runners push boundaries and shatter their personal bests. ZoomX midsole foam delivers a standard-setting combination of flexibility and durability, further enhancing the silhouette’s energy return, while an upgraded outsole pattern and rubber deliver precise traction with every stride.

A redesigned, centered lace system and slight elasticity in the new laces allows athletes to dial in a more custom fit, and a new engineered mesh upper increases comfort, breathability and fit consistency while cutting down on weight.

The overall weight of the shoe pushes the boundary of lightness: The silhouette tips the scales at just 126 grams, which is roughly 40 grams lighter than the original Streakfly and similar models on the market.

“The Streakfly 2 is a renaissance for racing,” says Nike athlete Cooper Teare, an American middle- and long-distance runner. “They level up from the previous model with improved performance, thanks to the new components like ZoomX foam and the full-length carbon fiber Flyplate. Nike even updated the lacing system, so the fit is better. They really thought through all the details. I can run fast 200s or a smooth 5K pace in the new Streakfly.”

The new Vaporfly and Streakfly models join a Nike Racing lineup of performance footwear that includes the Alphafly 3 marathon shoe and Zoom Fly 6 super trainer. The racing silhouettes also pair with Nike’s new Aeroswift Race Day apparel, which is built with Dri-FIT technology and is precisely engineered for optimal airflow, fit and movement — offering all runners the same level of innovation as Nike’s elite track & field athletes.

This industry-leading lineup of performance footwear and apparel equips runners of all levels with the features they need to train and compete at their peak, reflecting Nike’s unmatched commitment to championing runners and the running community.

Further, Nike’s racing shoes and Race Day collections are built by runners, for runners, with learnings from throughout the innovation and design process informing the development of performance footwear and apparel across the brand’s running portfolio.

The Vaporfly 4 and Streakfly 2 will be available globally at nike.com and select retailers starting in March. The Aeroswift Race Day men’s and women’s apparel collections are available now.