Our verdict
While Nike’s first AlphaFly created controversy and discussion for many reasons, the AlphaFly 3 has shown magic to the modern world. Alphafly 3 took the world by storm when Eliud Kipchoge became the first man to complete 42.2 km in under two hours and won the London Marathon on the legs of Sifan Hassan. We were excited to the Nike Alphafly 3 review. We wanted to see if the Alphafly 3 was back for good?
Pros
Remarkably lightweight despite its massive size.
Good breathability.
Offers a better ride than the Air Pods v2.
ZoomX foam provides extensive energy return.
Helps with forward motion, especially when the legs begin to tire.
Better than ever for 5K/10K racing.
inally smooth transition.
Cons
Heel strikers can wear out the outsole quickly.
Arches can still be a challenge.
A sock-like tongue may not suit everyone.
Audience verdict
Nike alphafly 3 Upper design
Our experts feel that this shoe is lightweight but a little abrasive. Its upper is made of an incredibly lightweight, see-through mesh that spans the entire toe box and stretches along the sides of the shoe. It also features a Flyknit upper for excellent breathability. They admit that Flyknit has some advantages. weight especially if you compare it to its rather large size.
breathability
No worries about your feet overheating or getting blisters during the marathon with this top. The Alphafly 3 upper has the same laces as the previous Alfafly but the fit is completely different and better than ever. The v2 was narrower in the midfoot causing some blistering, the v3 is wider than before so much more comfortable. Other good points are already in v2 So the good points are still there and the flaws have been addressed.
midsole
Like every Nike shoe since the debut of the Vaporfly 4%, Nike is employing a dual-density foam setup, consisting of a plush lower layer and a stiff upper layer, sandwiched between the carbon-fiber Nike Flyplate.
We measured at the lower, softer level, which is slightly softer than the v2.
Outsole
Nike has reinforced much of the midsole with Fast Shot rubber, especially in the forefoot. However, depending on your running form, exposed areas of the midfoot may be more susceptible to wear and tear. Nike has chosen a unique rubber formulation for different parts of the shoe. The heel is a little stiffer, while the forefoot is softer to increase traction.
We also tested the Air Pods’ orange rubber, noting that it looks stiffer than the rest.
Outsole durability
Disappointingly, we discovered a 3.2-mm indentation in the heel area, which is a significant concern for rearfoot strikers.
Outsole thickness
Performance is key in a shoe designed to break world records, and that depends on the thickness of the midsole, so we believe Nike had no choice but to opt for a thinner rubber despite using a less durable compound. We also measured the thickness of the forefoot, which came in at 2.03mm.
grip and traction
The outsole has earned our trust.
The waffled pattern provided an excellent performance, with positive results even when tested in wet conditions. We believe that midfoot and forefoot strikers will especially enjoy the exceptional grip this shoe offers, even more so than heel strikers.
Who should buy
We realized that—for the first time in history—the Nike Alphafly 3 is an excellent choice for a wide range of runners, such as:
Fans of the AlphaFly series have had small arch problems in previous models. Now, the redesigned midfoot has solved the problem that will make their dreams come true, providing improved comfort and durability.
Combining breakthrough stability with surprisingly lightweight, supershoes will provide the return of energy marathoners seek.
Those who were disappointed by the sheer size of the Alphafly 2. The Alphafly 3 finally strikes a perfect balance, providing a light, yet stable ride thanks to its continuous midsole.
Updates to the 3rd edition make it an excellent choice for both short and mid-distance races.
Who should not buy
Alphafly 3 marks a significant improvement, addressing many of the issues found in earlier models. However, the selection of superheroes has grown greatly, providing a variety of options that may be better suited for certain runners, especially those who have experienced arch blisters in previous versions of these shoes.
We found that the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is the best super shoe. A multiple marathon winner, it boasts an exceptional Continental outsole known for its unmatched grip and durability. Adidas is best for those who prioritize outsole durability.
On the other hand, for those whose priority is weight reduction, the Hoka Bondi 8 stands out as the pinnacle of lightweight supershoes, weighing like a feather.