Eliud Kipchoge needs no introduction to runners. The Kenyan is a legend. Period. The greatest marathon runner in history is the current world record-holder in a men's marathon (two hours, one minute and nine seconds) and reigning Olympic marathon gold medallist. But 2023 is a special year for the Kenyan, who celebrates the 20th anniversary of his 5,000-metre World Championship gold in 2003 when he clocked 12 minutes and 52.79 seconds He was just 18 years old.
To commemorate that, Nike released a series of special running shoes, including my review pair — the Vaporfly 3 — under the limited edited EK series. Before I get to the shoes themselves, let me talk about the accoutrements — the package came with a flag-slash-cape with white and red. Emblazoned on it is Kipchoge's catchphrase — "No human is limited."
I'll be honest, I wore the flag like a cape for a long while before even turning my attention to the shoes. Sure, I looked silly, but felt special. Also included is a fabric belt in Kenyan red.
As for the shoes themselves, they are unlike any other I've ever tried. Firstly, they're ridiculously light, with a wafer-thin mesh upper that provides plenty of breathability, and soft, foam midsole. Within the sole is a full-length carbon-fibre "flyplate", which is aimed at giving runners that extra zing, that extra burst of propulsion with each step.
Wearing the shoes was a unique experience for me, and it was clear from the outset that these were proper, long-distance running shoes. For one, they don't have any midsole support towards the inside of the sole — usually, there is a block of foam to add stability. But the Vaporfly 3 EK are not meant for stability. They are designed for speed and so, are not meant to stay on the ground for too long when you land. So if you are an overpronator, these are not for you.
The aesthetics
Unlike the blinding neon aesthetics many brands favour, the Vaporfly 3 EK are pleasantly bland. They are almost completely white, with a dash of red to celebrate Kipchoge's Kenyan heritage. One side of the heel sports a printed autograph of the great man, while the other side, his signature slogan.
The left insole of this shoe features a special "Kipchoge-ism" — "I believe in a philosophy whereby you are climbing a tree and reaching for the next branch. Let us forget our successes of the past and focus all our efforts on the future."
The right insole showcases the location and record time of his groundbreaking achievement in Paris in 2003.
The heel of the shoe is very narrow, widening towards the toe. The EK edition of the sole comprises a black, white, and red matrix with the red forming the signature Nike swoosh, keeping in line with the shoe's overall design ethos.
Performance
If you're looking for shoes for a casual stroll or a taxing run/jog, then you're better off picking either the Adidas Ultraboost Light, Adidas SWITCH FWD, or, if you're more serious, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 30, because the Vaporfly 3 are not for the faint of heart, only the fleet of foot.
The design of the sole ensures that your foot naturally lands on the heel and rolls forward onto the toe while the carbon-fibre flyplate propels you to your next step. If you've got a need for speed, these shoes are for you. They are engineered for performance and comfort across various long-race distances, from 10K to marathon.
The bottom of the shoe is made of Nike ZoomX, a type of foam that supposedly delivers an improved energy return compared to its predecessors. ZoomX spans from the heel to the toe, offering a springy and propulsive feel through the run.
I would be remiss if I did not talk about the upper — made from special yarn and riddled with perforations, it is extremely breathable.
The only thing I found offputting about these shoes were the fishtail-shaped tongues, which took a little getting used to. But once you've figured out how to pull the tongue in place, then you're good to go, literally. One good thing about this plasticky tongue is the thin layer of padding, which reduces lace pressure, making for an overall comfortable experience.
In conclusion
The Nike Vaporfly 3 is a versatile running shoe that combines fresh technology with a design inspired by the achievements of Eliud Kipchoge. Whether you're an elite runner or simply aiming for personal bests, this shoe promises to deliver.
While I may not be physically up to matching the feats of the great man, I will, however, sign off by saying this one thing.
I ran a mile in Eliud Kipchoge's shoes.
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