Adidas Pro 3 vs Nike Vaporfly 3 Shoes

When it comes to running shoes, two names that stand out are the Adidas Pro 3 and the Nike Vaporfly 3. These high-performance running shoes are favorites for competitive runners and athletes looking for speed, comfort, and durability. But how do they really compare? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about both models, focusing on their comfort, style and design, sizing consistency, brand reputation, and much more. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to decide which shoe is the best fit for you.

Adidas Pro 3 vs Nike Vaporfly 3

Feature	Adidas Pro 3	Nike Vaporfly 3
Comfort	Balanced cushioning with Lightstrike Pro foam.	Soft and bouncy with ZoomX foam for energy return.
Weight	Slightly heavier but still light for running.	Ultra-light, designed specifically for speed.
Durability	Durable enough for daily runs and training.	Less durable, best for race days.
Sizing	True to size but slightly narrow in the toe box.	True to size but fits snug, may feel tight.
Brand Reputation	Known for durability and reliability.	Famous for innovation and breaking race records.
Breathability	Excellent breathability with mesh upper.	Breathable and water-resistant Vaporweave.
Fit and Support	Good arch support and stability for long runs.	Snug, race-day fit with excellent foot lockdown.
Pricing	Slightly more affordable compared to Vaporfly.	Typically more expensive due to advanced features.
Customer Feedback	Praised for comfort and versatility.	Highly regarded for race performance and speed.

Comfort

Adidas Pro 3:

The Adidas Pro 3 is known for offering a snug yet flexible fit. The shoe has Lightstrike Pro foam that provides excellent cushioning while maintaining responsiveness. Runners report that the shoes feel comfortable even during long-distance runs, and the midsole foam gives you a sense of energy return with each step.

Nike Vaporfly 3:

The Nike Vaporfly 3 is engineered for speed and comfort, featuring Nike’s ZoomX foam, which is extremely lightweight and bouncy. It’s one of the most cushioned racing shoes on the market, giving runners a “springy” feel while still being comfortable for long distances. The Vaporfly 3 is particularly famous for reducing the impact on joints, helping prevent fatigue during longer races.

Verdict on Comfort:

Both shoes excel in comfort, but the Vaporfly 3 offers a softer, more cushioned feel, while the Adidas Pro 3 provides a more balanced mix of cushioning and responsiveness.

Style and Design

Adidas Pro 3:

The Pro 3 has a sleek and minimalistic design, often featuring bright, modern colors. The upper is made of lightweight, breathable mesh material, designed to keep your feet cool and dry. The shoe looks fast, and its low profile gives it a dynamic, athletic vibe.

Nike Vaporfly 3:

The Vaporfly 3 also comes with a futuristic design, emphasizing speed and performance. Nike’s design features often include bold, eye-catching colors, with a streamlined silhouette. The upper of the Vaporfly 3 is made from Vaporweave material, which is lightweight and water-resistant, providing a modern look without compromising functionality.

Verdict on Style and Design:

Both shoes are stylish and modern. The Pro 3 offers a more classic, minimalistic style, while the Vaporfly 3 focuses on a futuristic, high-tech appearance.

Differences Between Adidas Pro 3 and Nike Vaporfly 3

While both shoes are designed for competitive running, several key differences set them apart.

Feature	Adidas Pro 3	Nike Vaporfly 3
Cushioning	Lightstrike Pro foam for balanced comfort	ZoomX foam for maximum bounce and softness
Upper Material	Breathable mesh	Lightweight Vaporweave
Weight	Slightly heavier than Vaporfly 3	Lighter due to advanced foam and upper design
Focus	Balance between speed and comfort	Prioritizes speed and energy return
Best For	Versatile for various race distances	Ideal for marathons and long-distance races

These differences make each shoe unique depending on your running goals. If you need a more versatile shoe for different types of races, the Adidas Pro 3 might be better. If your main focus is marathon speed, the Nike Vaporfly 3 could be the top choice.

Sizing Consistency

Adidas Pro 3:

Adidas Pro 3 is known for being true to size, but some runners with wider feet may find the toe box a bit narrow. It’s recommended to stick with your usual running shoe size, but if you have wide feet, you might want to try a half-size up.

Nike Vaporfly 3:

The Vaporfly 3 also runs true to size for most people, but its snug fit is more noticeable. Many runners appreciate the tight fit for its race-day performance, but some with wider feet might feel uncomfortable. As with the Pro 3, trying a half-size larger could be helpful if you have a wider foot.

Verdict on Sizing Consistency:

Both shoes are generally true to size, but runners with wider feet may need to adjust by going a half-size up.

Brand Reputation

Adidas:

Adidas is one of the most respected names in athletic footwear, known for its innovation, quality, and consistent performance. The Adidas Pro 3 is part of the Adizero family, which has been highly regarded among competitive runners. Adidas is often associated with long-lasting durability and excellent craftsmanship.

Nike:

Nike’s Vaporfly line has revolutionized running shoes, especially in the world of marathons. The Vaporfly 3 continues to build on that legacy. Nike is often seen as the leader in innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what athletic footwear can do. The Vaporfly 3 is a result of years of research and development aimed at helping runners break records.

Verdict on Brand Reputation:

Both Adidas and Nike are industry leaders with strong reputations. Adidas is known for balanced performance and durability, while Nike is recognized for innovation and pushing the limits of speed.

Breathability

Adidas Pro 3:

The breathable mesh upper of the Pro 3 ensures good airflow, keeping your feet cool during intense runs. The material also helps wick away moisture, preventing blisters and discomfort.

Nike Vaporfly 3:

The Vaporfly 3 features Vaporweave, a unique material that is not only breathable but also water-resistant. This helps keep your feet dry and cool, even in hot or wet conditions. The Vaporweave is extremely lightweight and adds to the overall comfort of the shoe.

Verdict on Breathability:

Both shoes offer excellent breathability, but the Vaporfly 3’s Vaporweave material provides an extra layer of water resistance, making it slightly better in wet conditions.

Durability

Adidas Pro 3:

The Pro 3 is built to last. The outsole features durable rubber that provides good grip on various surfaces, making it ideal for long-distance runs. The upper mesh material is also strong and resistant to wear and tear.

Nike Vaporfly 3:

While the Vaporfly 3 is designed for speed, its durability might not match that of the Pro 3. The ZoomX foam, while incredibly cushioned, tends to wear down faster, especially for runners using the shoes on a regular basis. The shoe is best suited for race day rather than daily training.

Verdict on Durability:

The Adidas Pro 3 edges out the Vaporfly 3 in terms of durability, especially for long-term use.

Fit and Support

Adidas Pro 3:

The Pro 3 offers a snug fit with excellent arch support. The Lightstrike Pro foam provides enough cushioning to support your feet during long runs without feeling too soft. The heel counter also helps lock your foot in place, providing stability during fast-paced runs.

Nike Vaporfly 3:

The Vaporfly 3 is designed for a more streamlined, performance-driven fit. The ZoomX foam, combined with the carbon fiber plate, gives runners an almost propulsive feel, helping them achieve faster speeds. While it may feel less structured than the Pro 3, the Vaporfly 3 provides excellent energy return and lightweight support.

Verdict on Fit and Support:

For runners looking for a more supportive shoe, the Adidas Pro 3 may be the better option. If speed and a lightweight feel are your priorities, the Vaporfly 3 is the clear winner.

Pricing

Shoe	Price Range (USD)
Adidas Pro 3	$220 – $250
Nike Vaporfly 3	$250 – $275

Verdict on Pricing:

Both shoes are premium products with price tags to match. The Vaporfly 3 is typically a bit more expensive than the Adidas Pro 3, but both are considered top-tier running shoes for serious athletes.

Customer Reviews

Adidas Pro 3:

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Pros: Comfortable, durable, good for long runs.
• Cons: Slightly narrow for some users with wide feet.

Nike Vaporfly 3:

• Rating: 4.8/5
• Pros: Lightweight, fast, extremely cushioned.
• Cons: Expensive, not as durable for daily use.

Conclusion

Both the Adidas Pro 3 and Nike Vaporfly 3 are exceptional running shoes, each with its own strengths. If you’re looking for a more versatile shoe that offers durability and comfort, the Adidas Pro 3 might be your best option. However, if speed and lightweight performance are your top priorities, the Nike Vaporfly 3 is hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions