Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% Returns in "Valerian Blue"

Breaking records, pushing barriers and garnering the ire of some who claim its advanced tech provides an “unfair advantage,” Nike‘s ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% is one of the most compelling running silhouettes in recent memory, and it’s now surfaced in a “Valerian Blue” colorway.

Although Nike Running is set to enter its next generation at this summer’s as-yet-uncanceled Tokyo Olympic Games with the Air Zoom AlphaFly NEXT% — the ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%’s successor in both tech and spirit — this record-holding shoe still has plenty of life left, and that’s proven by this bold new colorway.

Translucent Vaporweave uppers are dressed in a dark “Valerian Blue” hue and equipped with a geometric grid pattern for a textured look. Black appears on the collar trim and laces, while eyestays take on an iridescent material. As is par for the course on the NEXT%, branding is handled by a duo of Swooshes: one large style that covers the toebox before wrapping all the way around to the medial midfoot; one normal-sized iteration under the lateral collar. Both of these Swooshes feature green trim and their own black grid, offering a potent patterned contrast with the base layer.

Beefy ZoomX midsoles come to a sharp point at the heel, and present a speedy “Vapour Green” shade, accented with iridescent touches towards the forefoot. A snappy, responsive carbon fiber plate is ensconced in these foam folds, providing exemplary energy return and responsiveness. Braggadocios “Verified With Medals and Records” text hits the medial side, and black rubber under the forefoot adds a little extra durability to complete the look.

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% “Valerian Blue” is available now at Nike GB, and retails for $250 USD. A Stateside release has been reported for April 9.

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