isn't just any shoe release. When we see something new from , we typically mark our calendars, as it always brings a lot of hype and interest. It certainly didn't hurt the hype that Kelvin Kiptum (RIP) set the marathon world record with a time of 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon on October 8, 2023 – leaving the rest of us just waiting for this shoe to land in our hands. Fortunately, it did, and let's just say, the hype is real.
When the original hit the market, it left runners worldwide amazed. At that time, we had never felt anything like it; it almost felt like cheating, without delving too deep into that debate. Alphafly 2, on the other hand, was divisive; some found it slightly clunky, with issues in the midsole design causing arch pain. Yet, there were certainly runners who still considered Alphafly the best. Now we have the Nike Alphafly 3 in our hands, and there's no reason to drag it out; it's good, really, really good.
Before we take Alphafly 3 apart and send it skyward as with the original Alphafly, here are the cold hard facts about this running shoe wonder:
Type: Race, neutral
Weight: 168g (US 7.5), 204g (US 9)
Drop: 8mm
Midsole: ZoomX, Air Zoom Units
Upper: AtomKnit 3.0
For the keen observer, you'll notice from these specs that Alphafly 3 is the lightest version in the Alphafly series. Not a bad thing when you need to move fast. And that's exactly what Alphafly is made for – to run as fast as you can. We're primarily talking distances from 5 km to marathon. I personally find that Alphafly 3 has broader appeal than its predecessor, both in terms of which type of runner can use it and for which distances. While Alphafly 1 and 2 mostly catered to half and full marathons, I think Alphafly 3 can easily be used for 5 and 10 km distances as well.
Nike Alphafly 3 - Upper: AtomKnit 3.0
Now, it's not all about 'the good old days,' or maybe it is, at least briefly. For those who've tried both Alphafly 1 and 2, you know you had to allocate the first 5-10 minutes of your run just to get your shoe on. That 'problem' is fixed now. AtomKnit 3.0 is still this type of one-piece upper that fits like a glove in an ultra-thin woven material. But it's now easier to put on than before, without compromising the stability of the upper in any way. I think the upper has become slightly wider than before, meaning the shoe appeals to more runners, while still having the very adaptive design with AtomKnit 3.0. It's also the lightest upper of all Alphafly models, so overall, I really think Nike has done a great job with this upper.
Nike Alphafly 3 - Midsole: Running on air
Looking at the , it still looks wild, yes. But it has a different expression from its predecessors; the midsole is now one piece, without the characteristic division of the midsole and these Air Zoom Units. The midsole being a single piece is not just an aesthetic change, but it has quite a big impact on the overall feel of running in Alphafly 3. The midsole still consists of the fantastic ZoomX midsole material that continues to surprise me! When you take your first steps in Alphafly 3, you really get that aha moment. The midsole of Alphafly 3 is made slightly wider, especially in the forefoot, than its predecessor, and the same goes for the carbon plate inside – this makes the shoe a bit more stable at that point, without directly targeting runners with a high need for stability, but nevertheless, a change that makes the shoe a bit more widely usable.
The new midsole geometry calls for a word, 'smooth.' Nike has succeeded in making a shoe that not only has the characteristic bounce but now in a much more efficient way. Alphafly 3 doesn't just want you upwards; it really wants you forward. It's unlike anything else I've experienced in that regard.
Although Nike Alphafly 3 has a broader appeal than before, I still think it's a shoe that performs supremely best when you're up to speed – when you come forward and land mid-forefoot. This is partly because you'll find these Air Zoom Units at the front of the shoe, and to get the most out of them, they need to be activated by landing in the area around them. The response they give, I don't recall finding much else on the market.
On the outsole, you'll find one of Nike's trademarks, their waffle-designed outsoles. On Alphafly 3, it's primarily at the front of the foot, while under the two Air Zoom Units, there's a reinforced rubber material. In the middle and back of the shoe, there's less of the reinforced rubber, naturally to keep the weight down, but it also shows where Nike clearly expects you'll put the most stress on the shoe.
Nike Alphafly 3: "The Sound"
If you've run any race, I think by now, we've all noticed a very distinct sound in the race field. If you don't know where that sound comes from, I'll tell you here: it's the unique Alphafly sound. Thump-thump-thump. Initially, I found it quite annoying, but over time, that sound has developed into something I associate with high speed, almost like watching Formula 1. The sound is still there, and yes, you either like it or you don't.
Nike Alphafly 3 - Conclusion: Looking for your next PR?
Nike Alphafly 3 is the shoe you pull out of the closet when you're aiming for a PR, whether it's 5 km or marathon. It's the shoe with that exact X-factor that makes race pace feel a tad easier than usual.
Didn't find a favorite?
See the entire selection of running shoes here:
