Shoe Review: Nike Air Zoom Vapor 12

Nike Air Zoom Vapor 12

• Price: $170
• Weight: 14.6 oz. (men’s 10.5); 11.9 oz. (women’s 8.5)
• Size Run: 6-13, 14, 15 (men); 5-12 (women)

What’s New

What’s old is new with the Nike Air Zoom Vapor 12. The shoe brings back the adaptive lacing system that was a popular and effective feature of past models. Additionally, the midfoot plastic shank returns to give the shoe stability while lowering the weight. A reworked mesh upper and new rubber compound on the outsole also make the shoe lighter and more responsive without sacrificing durability. All the callbacks and additions are designed to rediscover more of the quickness and explosiveness the franchise is known for.

What Works

If a shoe is called the Vapor, it should conjure feelings of speed and fast footwork. And that’s primarily what this Nike line has established, and why it has been attractive to serious competitors. However, the outgoing Vapor 11 bucked that trend. It featured greater sturdiness and support, but was more truck than racecar. Its heavy-handed performance was a departure from the shoe’s past formula and it brought mixed results.

The new Vapor 12 taps back into the franchise’s core principles. It’s lighter, sleeker and more aerodynamic than the outgoing model. The profile and features are very much in step with past favorites such as the Vapor 9/9.5 and Vapor X. Fans of those and other speed shoes will be pleased that this one recaptures the traditional Vapor vibe.

Its upper is comprised of engineered woven mesh to reduce weight and increase ventilation. The medial side is covered with stripes of fairly thick protective and supportive polyurethane rather than complete coverage to promote the breathability. The plastic curls around the toe cap and is bolstered in certain high wear areas, enhancing durability for sliders.

The shoe has a pretty standard and seamless entry. The width and length are also just about down the middle and should suit a large array of foot types. Its tongue is gusseted about halfway into the shoe which helps it remain centered during play. It’s also nicely padded and sufficiently long so you can use all the lacing loops and not experience any undue pressure on the top of the foot.

Which is good because you can really cinch up the laces for a lockdown fit. One of the smarter updates is the return of the adaptive lacing system. There aren’t many shoes that are smoother to tighten. The loops are integrated into the upper and allow for easy sliding and a secure squeeze. It helps that the laces are thick, too, so they have good command over the upper.

What’s also nice is this works both ways. When you lace some shoes tightly, it can take a hostage negotiator to get them off. Instead of tight eyelets, the wide loops of the Vapor 12 allow for a quick and painless exit. It’s not a major benefit to performance, but after a long match it’s much appreciated.

The new Vapor 12 taps back into the franchise’s core principles. It’s lighter, sleeker and more aerodynamic than the outgoing model.

On the lateral side of the shoe is a TPU foot frame that stretches back and encapsulates the heel. This gives the shoe some security and substance on aggressive stops in the corners and little boost in the opposite direction. The piece was stiffer and more pronounced on the outgoing 11; this removes some weight and makes it more comfortable.

Additional stabilization is provided by another returning feature of Vapors past—the midfoot plastic shank. This helps prevent the shoe from twisting during harder lateral cuts. It also removes rubber from the midfoot, which is another weight-saver.

Cushioning is classic Nike with a Zoom Air unit in the rearfoot. It’s more firm than bouncy and does a respectable job of soaking up shock on harsh landings. The stack of Phylon foam forefoot is on the modest side, giving you good court connection. It’s built to stay low to the ground for maximum responsiveness.

The outsole is a two-piece design split by the midfoot shank, with a modified herringbone pattern. It’s made of a new compound that is designed to be lighter than previous models. It provides a secure grip on a hard court when those squeaky little adjustment steps. They may require a little longer break-in before the shoes have enough give for aggressive sliding.

What Needs Work

The Vapors favor function over friendliness. They can be a little firm to start—especially around the reinforced toe box—but eventually settle in to a softer, workable feel. The best way to describe the ride is just comfortable enough. The forefoot is the area where this compromise is most apparent. When you scramble forward and slam on the brakes on a firm hard court, there are occasions when more and plusher cushioning would be useful.

The all-court outsole is probably best left to hard surfaces. The channels on the tread are rather narrow, and there’s little room for clay to slide through. It’s difficult to dig into the court, and footing can get slippery. Even if you’re just a part-time clay player, opt for the model with the one-piece, full herringbone outsole designed specifically for the surface.

Bottom Line

The Vapor 12 doesn’t break any new ground, but manages to restore much of the performance prized by its fans. It’s a solid choice for a speedy and responsive game day shoe.