Whats the deal with the next gen vaporflys? Should I just pick up 4% flyknits for a fall marathon and not worry about it?

Differences are major. Look at the massive PRs the crew using the prototypes got. 2:23 to 2:17 for at least one guy. Yeah, they trained a bit more, but the 5% looks significantly better since 2017 had better conditions... Think about it. They have to release them in time for Kipchoge to use them without violating rule 143. By London or Berlin?

What's the deal with Nike employees using the MB to avoid paying for ad space?

The so-called 5% are the same shoe as the 4% except for a few things. These things might be big or small. What we know, more zoomx foam. Lighter upper. Overall shoe weight remains about the same. Plate changes TBD.

"These things might be big or small. "

2:23 to 2:17 by a guy who already maxed out his mileage and had plateau'd at 2:23 for 2 years.

Wait until Kipchoge breaks his own record with these new insignificantly improved shoes, IMO. End thread.

bump

how fast do u think Kipchoge could run at monza with the 5%s

I'd pull the trigger on the FK 4%s right now and bank on them for your fall race.

If the release of the next-gen is anything like the 4% release, they will be nearly impossible to cop when they first drop and you'll have to wait until the next run, which can be highly variable based on Nike's marketing and logistics chain.

Unless you know a guy who knows a guy who can secure you a pair on their initial run, I wouldn't plan on wearing the newer generation until Q4 of '19.

Watcher of California I.M. wrote:

Differences are major. Look at the massive PRs the crew using the prototypes got. 2:23 to 2:17 for at least one guy. Yeah, they trained a bit more, but the 5% looks significantly better since 2017 had better conditions... Think about it. They have to release them in time for Kipchoge to use them without violating rule 143. By London or Berlin?

Those weren't the 5%- they are a different shoe altogether.

Major differences with the new generation:

The upper is a translucent type material akin to the Fly SP, but softer. The midsole is the same material as that of the Vaporfly Elite.

New generation releases june 1 to the public. Kipchoge will be wearing them in London for the unveiling.

Supah wrote:

Watcher of California I.M. wrote:

Differences are major. Look at the massive PRs the crew using the prototypes got. 2:23 to 2:17 for at least one guy. Yeah, they trained a bit more, but the 5% looks significantly better since 2017 had better conditions... Think about it. They have to release them in time for Kipchoge to use them without violating rule 143. By London or Berlin?

Those weren't the 5%- they are a different shoe altogether.

WTH are they? Are they better or worse than the 5%?

Daydream in Middletown wrote:

Supah wrote:

Those weren't the 5%- they are a different shoe altogether.

WTH are they? Are they better or worse than the 5%?

Just an early prototype of something currently being developed. Comparison is not applicable- like carrots to watermelons. Totally different shoe.

As someone who made some massive PRs in original 4%s I say don't put too much thought in the shoe. If you have $250 to spare, get flyknits while they are so widely available, if not, run in original ones for your fall marathon. It's your training that matters and the psychological boost you get from using hi-tech gear. Of course there are also tangible benefits but they are not THAT game-changing compared to other competent racing shoes, at least not enough to go 'latest version or bust'

Hobbyjogger53 wrote:

As someone who made some massive PRs in original 4%s

Hobbyjogger53 wrote:

they are not THAT game-changing compared to other competent racing shoes

Quality.

Hobbyjogger53 wrote:

As someone who made some massive PRs in original 4%s I say don't put too much thought in the shoe. If you have $250 to spare, get flyknits while they are so widely available, if not, run in original ones for your fall marathon. It's your training that matters and the psychological boost you get from using hi-tech gear. Of course there are also tangible benefits but they are not THAT game-changing compared to other competent racing shoes, at least not enough to go 'latest version or bust'

I agree... I’m not prepared to put my significant PBs down to shoes either haha.