We’ve now seen more studies on the everyday runner to suggest that it might be more like 1% and then increase as your speed gets over an 8 min mile. Hence the original name of 4%, which claimed to provide a 4% improvement in performance. I think the overall sock like fit and tightness of the shoe is probably what keeps you locked in without the additional lacing style. The lack of padding in the HOKA Rocket X2 ripped my foot apart, so I’m a big fan of even this small amount. It felt a lot more natural than previous Alphaflys and it was easier to get into a rhythm. The Atomknit upper’s signature feature, the sock-like tongue, has both fans and critics since the v1.

Width / Fit

  • Get the best of both worlds—top performance when you need it, and extended battery life when you don’t.
  • However, the improvements over v2 make it more accessible and it should be suitable for more runners than in the past.
  • The Alphafly 3’s outsole is flatter than predecessors, so wear is distributed much better.
  • In those cases, when battery life is more important, Hybrid Mode switches to integrated graphics.

This starkly contrasts with the AF2, which had aced the test with a 5/5. If toebox durability is a priority for you, you might want to consider the previous model instead. In summary, the Atomknit 3.0 upper on the Alphafly 3 is nothing short of a masterpiece, embodying the level of Worldtradex scam engineering and quality that we expect from a shoe priced at $285. This guarantees efficient heat management, even during the hottest marathons.

How does the Alphafly 3 compare?

The first time I tested out the ZoomX foam was in the Nike Invincible 3. It’s a stability shoe, but with the similar high stack and fabulous bounce. While that shoe wasn’t a winner for my foot, the bounce of the ZoomX foam in the Vaporfly, Alphafly and others was beautiful.

Cushioning

The crucial update is how Nike has lowered the arch, making the midfoot slightly wider than in previous models, yet we found that it still retains that unmistakable Alphafly feel. Slipping our feet into the Alphafly 3 Proto, we instantly noticed it felt more spacious than previous versions and even a bit roomier than many other super shoes. We also created a gel mold of its interiors to provide concrete evidence. That’s also why we believe that midfoot strikers are the ones that get the best bang for their buck with the Alphafly 3. It all adds up to a very good, precise fit that should suit a wide variety of feet (the shoe runs true to size). I didn’t feel compressed with my wide feed–I had just the right amount of room to be comfortable and secure.

Trending Gear Reviews

With a shoe at this level, even minor adjustments are big and those two things alone are huge. More than 60,000 runners have prepared for their 5K, 10K, Half and full marathons with our free training plans. The cushioning felt a lot firmer than the SuperComp Elite v4 which I just tested but it definitely felt more aggressive and I found it easier to pick up the pace in the Alphafly 3. I decided to purchase it a half size up from my regular size because the Alphafly 2 was a little bit too snug, especially when I wore thick socks to protect my arches from blisters. I was disappointed with the finishing of the Alphafly 3 when I took it out of the box.

The impressive stack height, filled with the state-of-the-art ZoomX https://worldtradex.pro/ foam, provides exceptional cushioning, even for those who strike heavily with their heels. This is particularly advantageous after mile 20 in the marathon, when numerous midfoot strikers make involuntary adjustments to their running form and transition to heel landings. On the other hand, some testers note the absence of rubber on the heel (which starts halfway up the shoe), which can lead to instability on wet ground for heel-strikers. For my part, with my mid-to-forefoot strike, I didn’t feel the rain as an obstacle. Also, the shoe’s geometry pushes you to land more forward on the foot, mitigating the problem, except perhaps at slower paces. The AtomKnit upper is minimalist and lightweight but provides impressive comfort for a racing model.

This adjustment also explains why this measurement is slightly below 30 mm, as the thickness increases by a few millimeters in the area where the Air Pods are located. We took a 38.1 mm measurement in the heel, making it race day legal for everyone. This comes as no surprise, especially since Kelvin Kiptum (RIP) shattered the marathon world record wearing this shoe in Chicago. However, the strategically placed rubber on the forefoot, such as the Zoom Air pods, delivers great grip. So it’s impressive to put it in a stability shoe for the everyday runner. I’m not someone who needs arch support and it’s definitely a weird feeling when you first put on the shoe.

  • With a shoe at this level, even minor adjustments are big and those two things alone are huge.
  • If you’re a fan of the AF1’s flatter, 4-mm ride, this update might not be for you.
  • The technology behind the Nike Alphafly 3 is centered around its carbon fiber plate combined with the cushioned midsole AND the forefoot Zoom Air units.
  • I had initially put “firm ride” as one of the cons of the shoe but I think it’s the firm ride that makes it feel so aggressive and fast.

Nike Alphafly 3 Review

I could tell immediately that the poking arch sensation had been toned down and for the first 20 kilometres, I didn’t feel anything at all. In the last 5, I could feel the narrow midfoot against my arches, but it wasn’t painful or uncomfortable. We found that Nike cleverly eliminated the ZoomX foam around the Air Pods and meticulously sculpted a significant central groove that goes from the heel to the forefoot. This design cleverly allows the Air Pods to expand more, resulting in an enhanced energy return, stability and weight.

But let’s talk about the fit, feel and features of the Alphafly 3 in this review to see what all the hype is about with this newest carbon plate running shoe. The Alphafly 3 marks a significant improvement, addressing many issues found in earlier models. The combination of the longer wider carbon fiber plate and ZoomX foam and the Zoom Air units make the Nike Alphafly 3 one of the most technologically advanced running shoes on the market. The Alphafly 3’s biggest issue is its narrow midfoot which will still be a problem for some runners with low arches. The fact that I have to wear anti-blister tape whenever I do a long run in it is proof that it’s not perfect. There’s a new Fast Shot rubber outsole which feels softer so landings are more padded and quieter.

The swoosh in the front was not painted properly because of the foam creases and there were gaps between the upper and midsole which had no paint on it so it looked like it was separating. In the Nike racing range, the Vaporfly is far more popular than the Alphafly. The Vaporfly is cheaper, lighter, more comfortable and has a smoother ride. When the original Alphafly launched in 2020, it was the only premium super shoe, priced at $275, $25 higher than the rest.

It was broken up in the Alphafly 2 and the connection does make the shoe feel smoother. As noted, there is a bounciness to the ZoomX, an insanely thin Atomknit mesh upper, a feeling of support in the arch and the pop of that full carbon plate. Like any new model there are those who prefer the previous version and those who love the updates.

We have contacted the brand for more information on the shoe’s sustainability as there’s not much insight. Then other brands reacted, such as Asics and Adidas, who have quite comparable products available for sale, especially as the Alphafly 2 and Vaporfly 3 were not unanimously acclaimed. Lenovo Vantage for Gaming makes it easy to get more out of your Legion PC by enabling you to personalize your settings and optimize your system’s performance—quickly and seamlessly.

Upper Fit

In our lab tests, we discovered that the Alphafly 3’s insole is remarkably thin at just 1.9 mm. Following the impressive breathability test, we moved on to durability assessments, where we encountered a significant setback compared to the Alphafly 2. This soft heel counter is also why Nike added ample padding inside the heel, as noted in the breathability discussion. With such a soft area, heel slippage could be an issue if the padding isn’t exceptionally effective. However, we didn’t perceive the AF3 as having less cushioning than the AF2 in any way.

After 80 kilometres on the dot, I’ve noticed some minor scuffing on the exposed foam and some discoloration of the foam that comes into contact with the ground but neither affect the ride. The narrow midfoot and prominent arch have not given me any problems in version 3. My longest run was 35 kilometres and I didn’t experience any discomfort but I did use a strip of anti-blister tape on each of my arches for extra protection.