Nike Finally Launches VaporFly Elite Flyprint 3D, Restricts Sales to Marathon Runners

The shoe also boasts a jaw-dropping price tag.

Footwear
204,364 Hypes 21 Comments

As recently as October 2018, Nike has hinted at a wider release of its cutting-edge VaporFly Elite Flyprint 3D. The sleek performance shoe captured the imagination of Swoosh fans with its 3D-printed Flyprint upper and road-ready outsole, field tested by pro runner Eliud Kipchoge. The lightweight upper reportedly boosts sweat evaporation and cuts out unnecessary weight, making for a shockingly light and breathable shoe — it weighs a mere 11 grams.

Unfortunately for Western athletes, the latest VaporFly has thus far only received an unexpected release date via Nike Harajuku. In less than a week, the Japanese store will host a unique raffle for the purple-tinged runner, presumably meant to weed out serious runners from sneaker aficionados. If chosen, entrants will be required to demonstrate their running proficiency, merely to have a chance at purchasing the sneaker.

Specifically, Nike Japan’s website asserts that contestants must be able to prove that sometime after March 3, 2017, they’ve run a full marathon (42.195km, or approximately 26 miles) in 3 hours or less. Admittedly, the rules don’t specify how best to corroborate the information, but presumably anything short of verified completion times will be refused. Once the demands are met, the customer’s name will be printed on the box and then they will finally be able to buy the shoe for ¥75,000 yen, approximately $675 USD.

Nike Harajuku will debut the VaporFly Elite Flyprint 3D on March 4 in extremely limited numbers. Below, check out Pro:Direct Running’s closer look at the high-end performance runner from last year.

Meanwhile, What’s Inside recently deconstructed Nike’s self-lacing Adapt BB to see how the technical sneakers function.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Nike Unveils New Speed-Focused Vaporfly 3
Footwear

Nike Unveils New Speed-Focused Vaporfly 3

Launching in the new “Prototype” colorway next month.

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 3 Receives an "Aquatone" Colorway
Footwear

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 3 Receives an "Aquatone" Colorway

Featuring a mix of “White/Deep Jungle/Jade Ice/Clear Jade/Light Ultramarine.”

Nike Celebrates Eliud Kipchoge’s 2003 5K Win in Paris With This Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 3 Colorway
Footwear

Nike Celebrates Eliud Kipchoge’s 2003 5K Win in Paris With This Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 3 Colorway

The event’s date is printed onto the right insole while a quote from the Kenyan athlete adorns the left side.


ASICS ACTIBREEZE 3D Slide Gets Drenched in “Mako Blue”
Footwear

ASICS ACTIBREEZE 3D Slide Gets Drenched in “Mako Blue”

The post-run recovery silhouette receives a brighter presentation that aligns with the seasonal transition.

Gunna Hits the Studio in Style for "Big Shot" Video
Music

Gunna Hits the Studio in Style for "Big Shot" Video

Featuring 3D-effects, floating accessories and more.

Up Close With the 'Pokémon' x 10.Deep Collection
Fashion

Up Close With the 'Pokémon' x 10.Deep Collection

Starring alongside a Nintendo Game Boy Advance.

Nike Adapt BB Sneakers Get Cut Open in This Video
Footwear

Nike Adapt BB Sneakers Get Cut Open in This Video

The charging pad can even be used for cellphones.

atmos Launches Nike Air Max-Worshipping Magazine
Footwear

atmos Launches Nike Air Max-Worshipping Magazine

‘VISIBLE by atmos AIR MAX MAGAZINE’ includes a feature on the collaborative Air Max2 Light.

More Japanese Men's Fashion Magazines You Should Know
Fashion 

More Japanese Men's Fashion Magazines You Should Know

We again round up the best currently-available Eastern publications.


Nike M2K Tekno in "Bone" Colorway Has Hints of Orange
Footwear

Nike M2K Tekno in "Bone" Colorway Has Hints of Orange

Another colorway of the popular dad sneakers.

Sandisk & Micron Reveal World’s First 1TB MicroSD Cards
Tech

Sandisk & Micron Reveal World’s First 1TB MicroSD Cards

1000GBs between your fingers.

Patta Teams up With Benny Sings for Celebratory Capsule
Fashion

Patta Teams up With Benny Sings for Celebratory Capsule

In honor of the Dutch musician’s latest album with Stones Throw.

Supreme Spotlights SS19 Outerwear in Exclusive Editorial
Fashion

Supreme Spotlights SS19 Outerwear in Exclusive Editorial

‘THEM Magazine’ styles the essential gear.

adidas YEEZY BOOST 700 "Inertia" Gets Official Look & Release Date
Footwear

adidas YEEZY BOOST 700 "Inertia" Gets Official Look & Release Date

Dropping this Spring.

More ▾
 
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Gain access to exclusive interviews with industry creatives, think pieces, trend forecasts, guides and more.

By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Looks like you’re using an ad-blocker

We charge advertisers instead of our readers. Support us by whitelisting our site.

Whitelist Us

How to Whitelist Us

screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Under “Pause on this site” click “Always”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock Plus icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Block ads on – This website” switch off the toggle to turn it from blue to gray.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlocker Ultimate icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Switch off the toggle to turn it from “Enabled on this site” to “Disabled on this site”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the Ghostery icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the “Ad-Blocking” button at the bottom. It will turn gray and the text above will go from “ON” to “OFF”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the UBlock Origin icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the large blue power icon at the top.
  3. When it turns gray, click the refresh icon that has appeared next to it or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the icon of the ad-blocker extension installed on your browser.You’ll usually find this icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. You may have more than one ad-blocker installed.
  2. Follow the instructions for disabling the ad blocker on the site you’re viewing.You may have to select a menu option or click a button.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.