Nike introduces Vaporfly NEXT% 2
The next chapter in the era of Nike's carbon-plated shoes has arrived
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Nike
Nike has introduced the ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2, yet another addition to the company’s lineup of carbon-plated shoes. The first of the Next% 2s were released on Sunday, with a white colourway produced in limited quantities for Nike members. An aqua version of the shoe will be available to the public in the coming weeks, and it is reported to be everything its predecessor was, and more.
As Nike notes in its announcement, the original Next% “brought the latest in ZoomX cushioning technology to both elite and recreational runners,” and its carbon plate produced “outstanding energy return.” The Next% 2 also has ZoomX foam and a carbon plate (both of which extend the full length of the shoe for maximal comfort and propulsion), but Nike has added to this iteration.
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Nike highlights the Next% 2’s mesh upper, which is softer and more breathable than the uppers on previous shoes. The company says this mesh will conform to the foot, and its breathability will help keep runners’ feet cool in training and races.
Also added in the comfort department are pockets of padding on the shoe’s tongue. Nike says these pockets will reduce pressure applied by the laces. This might not seem like a huge deal, but for marathon runners who will spend hours at a time in their shoes, any reduction of discomfort is welcome and appreciated. Finally, the company has added “forefoot reinforcement” to the Next% 2, which will help to make it more durable in “high-wear striking areas.”
The ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 will be available to the public on March 25 on the Nike website.
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