Nike ZoomX
Nike ZoomX VaporFly Next% 3 ‘Black Metallic Gold Grain’ Review: Luxury Meets Race-Day Speed
Introduction
The Nike ZoomX VaporFly Next% 3 ‘Black Metallic Gold Grain’ brings marathon-dominating performance to the streets with a luxurious edge. A sleek black base, golden detailing, and ultra-lightweight build make this a standout shoe both on the track and in your collection. If you’re chasing personal records or simply craving fashionable sneakers that scream sophistication, this colorway was made for you.
Blending the third generation of Nike’s fastest racing silhouette with a premium aesthetic, this release continues the VaporFly legacy with a flair for elite style.
Design: Refined Power in Black and Gold
Visually, this version of the VaporFly Next% 3 is all about understated elegance and focused aggression. It takes performance tech and wraps it in one of the most regal palettes in footwear: black and metallic gold.
Design Details:
- Lightweight engineered mesh upper in matte black
- Metallic gold Swoosh and sole highlights for luxury appeal
- Streamlined silhouette with improved aerodynamics
- Reflective details for visibility during low-light runs
- Minimal overlays and exposed stitching for a race-day look
It’s stealthy, fast, and unapologetically premium—making it one of the most stylish sneakers in the VaporFly lineup.
Performance: Third-Gen Speed Enhancements
The VaporFly Next% 3 is the gold standard for elite racing shoes, favored by world-class athletes for its combination of bounce, energy return, and lightweight design. This model carries over the best features from previous iterations and improves upon them for a smoother, more stable ride.
Key Performance Features:
- ZoomX foam midsole provides maximum energy return and comfort
- Updated midsole geometry for better stability and smoother transitions
- Full-length carbon fiber Flyplate gives spring-like propulsion at toe-off
- Lighter and more breathable mesh upper for race-day ventilation
- Wider forefoot base for a more balanced feel under pressure
Every element has been tuned to help you run faster, longer, and smarter.
Comfort & Fit
For all its elite performance, the VaporFly 3 maintains comfort throughout long-distance events—even over marathon mileage.
Fit & Comfort Notes:
- True to size, though narrow-footed runners will feel the best lockdown
- Engineered upper provides a sock-like fit with minimal break-in time
- Light padding around the collar ensures no irritation over time
- Midsole softness balances ground feel with propulsion
- Designed for neutral runners with efficient mechanics
If you’re upgrading from the Next% 2, expect better heel-to-toe smoothness and improved fit through the midfoot.
Ideal For
This premium version of the VaporFly Next% 3 is perfect for:
- Marathoners and long-distance competitors seeking every edge
- Athletes looking for authentic Nike shoes that combine function and form
- Sneaker fans drawn to the black-and-gold aesthetic
- Performance-focused runners who value lightweight racing builds
- Runners chasing PRs or entering elite competitions
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ZoomX and Flyplate combo provides elite propulsion | Premium pricing, especially for casual users |
| Lightweight and breathable upper | Narrow forefoot may not suit all runners |
| Sleek and luxurious black/gold design | Durability best suited for racing, not daily use |
| Improved stability and smoother transitions | Best reserved for race days due to wear optimization |
Style & Versatility
While made for speed, the ‘Black Metallic Gold Grain’ edition brings undeniable style—on and off the track.
Styling Tips:
- Pair with a performance black race kit for a stealthy look
- Use as your statement shoe at expos, shakeouts, or training events
- Makes a perfect complement to gold-accented running gear
- Display-worthy for sneaker collectors and elite runners alike
This colorway bridges track performance with street-level swagger.
Where to Buy
This special edition is available at select retailers and trusted sneaker platforms:
- TheenStyle – Curated selection of Nike racing sneakers and limited editions
- StockX – Verified resale market for rare and elite running shoes
- GOAT – Another go-to for both new and gently used pairs in various sizes
Availability is limited, so act fast if you’re serious about performance and style.
Final Verdict
The Nike ZoomX VaporFly Next% 3 ‘Black Metallic Gold Grain’ is for runners who want to move fast and look elite doing it. With marathon-winning technology and a rich, high-impact design, it’s a race-day weapon wrapped in luxury.
If you’re building a rotation of fashionable sneakers that also deliver real speed, this shoe is an essential addition. Whether for the finish line or the front row, it makes an impression.