Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% Appears in Sleek "Sail/Black"

Nike Running‘s record-breaking ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% has arrived in a sleek “Sail/Black” makeup, a follow up to its exclusive “Ekiden” colorway. One of the most-discussed performance shoes of 2019, the Vaporfly NEXT% has been worn by the world’s finest marathoners: Brigid Kosgei set the women’s world record in a pair, and the great Eliud Kipchoge ran the first ever sub-2 hour marathon in a modified style dubbed the Alpha Fly. It’s also been the subject of fierce debate, with the IAAF — a global sport governing body — investigating claims by other professional runners that it provides an unfair advantage with its carbon fiber plate.

However, amid all the clamor and commotion the ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% continues to combine a striking look with powerful performance, and the “Sail/Black” makeup just might be the cleanest style yet. Offering shades of the popular “Be True” edition that released exclusively in Europe this summer, the design’s sail-colored TPE upper offers a translucent forefoot, showing off the insole which itself boasts a yellow-to-orange gradient fade. Regular-sized black Swooshes appear around the lateral collar, and the shoe’s signature giant black Swoosh graphic wraps around the toebox before climbing all the way to the medial heel.

Down below, the substantial sail midsole offers a sculpted look that comes to a sharp point at the heel, giving off an air of speed even when it’s not in motion. Packed full of ZoomX cushioning and featuring the aforementioned carbon fiber plate, it provides race-ready tech that matches its speed-geared style. Final embellishments and contrasting tones are provided by printed technical specs and a black stripe.

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% “Sail/Black” is available at overseas Nike sites like Nike Sweden, though sizes are beginning to sell out. Retail is set at $250 USD. A stateside release has not been announced, but stay tuned for more info as it’s available.

Elsewhere in the world of Nike, take a look at the colorful Nike Dunk Low “Viotech” before its re-release later this month.