is not just any shoe release. When we see something new from launching, we typically mark our calendars because there’s always a lot of hype and interest. Kelvin Kiptum (RIP) setting a marathon world record at 2:00:35 during the Chicago Marathon on October 8, 2023, certainly fueled the hype as we eagerly waited for this shoe to land in our hands. Thankfully, it did, and let's just say, the hype is real.
When the original hit the market, it left runners worldwide in awe. At that time, we had never felt anything like it; it felt almost like cheating without diving too deep into that discussion. However, Alphafly 2 divided opinions; some found it a bit clunky, with issues in the midsole design causing arch pain. Yet, there were runners who still believed Alphafly was top-notch. Now, holding the Nike Alphafly 3, there's no need to drag things out; it's good, really, really good.
Before we dissect Alphafly 3 and send it sky-high compared to the original Alphafly, here are the cold facts about this running shoe marvel:
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 see from these specs that Alphafly 3 is the lightest of the Alphafly series. Not bad when you need to move fast. That's precisely what Alphafly is designed for – to help you run as fast as you can. Primarily suited for distances from 5 km to marathon. Personally, I think Alphafly 3 has broader appeal than its predecessor, both in terms of which type of runner can use it and the distances it's suited for. While Alphafly 1 and 2 were mostly aimed at half and full marathons, I find Alphafly 3 can also handle 5 and 10 km distances just as well.
Nike Alphafly 3 - Upper: AtomKnit 3.0
We won't dwell too much on 'the good old days', or maybe we will, just briefly. For those who tried both Alphafly 1 and 2, you know you had to spend the first 5-10 minutes of your run just getting your shoe on. That 'problem' is fixed now. AtomKnit 3.0 remains a one-piece upper that fits smoothly on the foot with ultra-thin woven material. It's easier to put on now, without compromising the stability in the upper. I think the upper has become slightly wider than before, which means the shoe appeals to more runners since it still has the very adaptive AtomKnit 3.0 design. It's also the lightest upper among all Alphafly models, so overall, I think Nike has done a great job with this upper.
Nike Alphafly 3 - Midsole: Running on air
When you look at , it still looks wild, yes. But it has a different expression than its predecessors; the midsole is now one piece, without the characteristic split in the midsole and Air Zoom Units. This is not just an aesthetic change; it significantly impacts the overall running feel in Alphafly 3. The midsole still consists of the fantastic ZoomX material that continues to amaze me! When you take your first steps in Alphafly 3, you truly get that aha moment. The midsole in Alphafly 3 is slightly wider, especially in the forefoot, compared to its predecessor, and so is the carbon plate within – meaning the shoe has become slightly more stable without directly catering to the runner with a high need for stability, but still a change that makes the shoe more broadly usable.
The new midsole geometry calls for one word, 'smooth'. Nike has succeeded in creating a shoe that not only has the characteristic bounce but now in a much more efficient way. Alphafly 3 wants not only to lift you but also to propel you forward. It’s unlike anything else I’ve experienced in that regard.
Although Nike Alphafly 3 has broader appeal than before, I still think it performs best at high speeds – when you land mid-forefoot. This is partly because you will find the 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 their vicinity. The response they give is something I haven't found much of elsewhere in the market.
On the outsole, you'll find one of Nike's trademarks, their waffle-designed outsoles. On Alphafly 3, it primarily covers the forefoot, while under the two Air Zoom Units, there is reinforced rubber material. The mid and rear sections of the shoe have less reinforced rubber, naturally to keep the weight down, but it also shows where Nike anticipates the most pressure should be placed on the shoe.
Nike Alphafly 3: "The Sound"
If you’ve run any race, I think we’ve all noticed a particular sound in the race field. If you don’t know where the sound originates, I’ll tell you: it’s the unique Alphafly sound. Clunk-clunk-clunk. Initially, I found it quite annoying, but over time, the sound has become something I associate with high speed, almost like watching Formula 1. The sound is still there, and yes, you either like it or not.
Nike Alphafly 3 - Conclusion: Looking for your next PR?<
Nike Alphafly 3 is the shoe you pull from the closet when aiming for your PR, whether it's 5 km or a marathon. It’s the shoe with that x-factor that makes race pace feel slightly easier than usual.
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