Whether you are an elite runner chasing world records, or an amateur chasing your personal best, every runner wants to be faster than their last marathon. Apart from training hard and being consistent with your workouts as a run-up to your big race day, there is always a desire to own a pair of fast running shoes that will help you get to your race day goals.
Over the past few years, carbon-plated ‘super shoes’ have dominated the running shoe market and every day newer players are getting into the ‘super shoe race.’ They all hold the promise of faster times and bouncier rides. But one player that you can easily call an ‘OG’ in this race is Nike.
And now this ‘OG’ has dropped a new shoe that promises future records in months to come on marathon courses around the world. They are calling it ‘Nike Alphafly 3.’ In fact, during development, itself the Nike Alphafly 3 helped Nike athlete Kelvin Kiptum claim a new marathon world record with a time of 2:00:35 at the recently-held Chicago Marathon in October 2023.
Now I’m no Kiptum, just an amateur runner. I have finished 27 full marathons so far and after years of training I manage full marathons in a decent time of sub-four hours. I have been trying these world record-breaking shoes for the past couple of week. I have taken then out on several runs including one interval, one short tempo and a long one too.
Nike Alphafly: What is it made of?
First, a backgrounder. in September 2019, the sport of marathon racing changed forever when Nike’s athlete Eliud Kipchoge broke the previously elusive two-hour marathon barrier with a revolutionary footwear innovation. The footwear he used to crossed the sub-two hour mark was the prototype of the very first Nike Alphafly NEXT%.
The engine of the new Alphafly remains the same as the original one. It has an Air Zoom unit, a carbon flyplate and ZoomX foam — but there are some improvements to the overall benefit to the athlete. Key updates include one continuous bottom for smoother heel-to-toe transition, a wider full-length carbon fibre flyplate for a propulsive run, new Fast Shot outsole for good grip and a new Atomknit 3.0 upper for improved breathability and midfoot support.
Look and design
The Alphafly 3 is white in colour, accented by subtle orange, black, and grey tones on the upper. The sole is in cream. This is the ‘prototype’ colorway of Nike Alphafly 3. The ‘prototype’ colorway of the Nike Alphafly 3 is available beginning January 4, 2024, at nike.com, on the Nike app and at select running specialty stores. More colorways will follow.
The sole looks very chunky in appearance. When you lift the shoe, it feels light and the upper is almost see-through.
On the feet
The shoes feel comfortable as soon as you wear them, which was not the case with Alphafly 2. That one got time to get used to.
But having said, Nike Alphafly 3 features the same high-stack ZoomX foam midsole. From the outside, it feels tall, once you wear them. The ZoomX foam does make the shoe lightweight in terms of cushioning and you start enjoying the run mile after mile.
Further, for the first time, the Alphafly 3 connects the heel and forefoot with one continuous bottom, offering varying foot-strike patterns and a smoother heel-to-toe transition regardless of the runner’s pace. Compared to previous iterations of this shoe this is one of the first things that you will notice about the Alphafly 3 and love it instantly, especially when you are doing fast and slow runs!
Hence, the shoes are both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to run in.
Lighter ride
Nike claims that the shoe is 15% lighter than the Alphafly 2 and the brand has mainly done this by tweaking the upper and the outsole of the shoe. The upper features a new Atomkit 3.0, which is more breathable and lightweight. It looks similar to what’s used in the Vaporfly 3. The Atomkit upper is ideal for hot and humid runs. Further, a new lightweight Fast Shot outsole ensures optimal traction and grip. The brand has also redesigned the lacing system that helps create a softer fit on the top of the feet.
Stable run
Let’s get it straight — stable runs are hard to find in high-stacked, carbon-plated shoes. But with this one, Nike has at least attempted to increase the stability of the Alphafly 3 by making the carbon fibre plate wider.
Alphafly 3 might have the high stack of ZoomX midsole foam and the Zoom Air pods under the ball of the foot to launch you into your next step — but the Zoom Air units have been adjusted slightly, both horizontally and vertically, to increase the energy return. The runs do feel nice and bouncy when you are running fast. But the minute I go slow — after a fast session — I crave for a little more stability for my tired feet. That’s the trade-off when you go for carbon-plated.
In conclusion
It is not a shoe for everyone — don’t waste them on Sunday long runs. They are special. The Alphafly 3 will definitely help you run faster when you want that extra push and will give you that desired bounce, whether you are an elite chasing a new record or an amateur shaving off a few minutes from your full marathon personal best.
Like the best of the carbon fibre running shoes, the Nike Alphafly 3 will not come cheap. Just keep that in mind before getting too excited. Of course, prices for India are yet to be released!
