Nike Zoom Vaporfly 4%

Just wore these for the first time for a 7 mile marathon pace run, averaging 6:10 pace. Had high expectations for these shoes, based on friends who have already worn theirs. I was not disappointed. Within the first 10 yards of my run, these shoes felt exceptional. The first mile was downhill, and I could feel a lot of cushioning and springiness for each step. These shoes are fast, and it was hard to dial the goal pace in because they want to go so fast. I was very impressed with how each footstrike was cushioned, yet also provided a nice push off from my toe-off. I could see how these shoes could save your quads during a long downhill race like Boston. And perhaps also allow for faster recovery after tough tempo runs.

Although the shoes don't look or feel stable when walking in them, they are very stable for me when running at race pace. When your foot plants, it seems to sink in a bit into the cushioning, where it finds a stable position. Then the cushioning does spring your foot back at the right time at toe-off. I had trouble wiping the smile off my face for the first two miles of this run. I was that impressed -- more so than I've ever been for a running shoe.

After my run, I took the shoes off and put on my Zantes for a cooldown. The Zantes are my former favorite shoe, but the contrast was huge. I took a few steps and it was like I was suddenly running barefoot on concrete. Not at all comfortable compared to the shoes I just had on.

These shoes make me want to buy a second pair so I can do my faster workouts in one and then race in the other. Although I've only run 8.5 miles total in them, they already are showing some wear towards the outside and back of the soles. Mostly cosmetic at this point, like some paint rubbing off, but I'd be surprised if I can get 200 miles out of these before they lose their new shoe magic. But if you can afford them and need a little help getting that PR, these are totally worth it.

I normally wear 10s, but ordered a pair of 10s that were a bit too tight on my pinky toes. These are a little on the narrow side. So I sized up to 10.5 with another order and these fit just fine now. My feet are probably a tiny bit wider at the toes than average.