Marathon racer
Nike Alphafly 3
The shoe most world records have been set in, and the first Alphafly that flows rather than clunks. Air units in the forefoot, ZoomX everywhere else.
NikeThe numbers
- Category
- Raceday
- Stack height
- 40 / 32mm
- Drop
- 8mm
- Weight
- 198g
- Plate
- Carbon (Flyplate)
- Midsole
- ZoomX
- Surface
- Road
- Best for
- Marathon and half marathon race day
- Price
- R6 399
The shoe
Two Air Zoom units sit under the forefoot, surrounded by ZoomX running heel to toe in two densities, firmer above the Flyplate and softer below it. The third version dropped the cutout that split the heel from the forefoot on the first two, which is why it rolls instead of tipping. 40/32mm of stack, an 8mm drop, and 198g in a men's US 9. Nike quotes 218g, but for a UK 9, which is a full size up.
What the foam actually is
2 layers
Upper layer, firmer, under the foot
ZoomX
PEBA, polyether block amide
Lower layer, softer
ZoomX
PEBA, polyether block amide
- Plate
- full-length carbon Flyplate, with two Air Zoom units in the forefoot
- Energy return
- 74.9% heel, 73.9% forefootLab measured by RunRepeat
Both layers are ZoomX, the Pebax-based racing grade, tuned firmer above and softer below. ZoomX is a family of foams rather than one recipe, which is why the same name carries a different polymer elsewhere in this index.
Where to buy
Shop the Nike Alphafly 3 at Bash, opens in a new tab
Shop the Nike Alphafly 3 at Sportsmans Warehouse, opens in a new tab
Shop the Nike Alphafly 3 at Nike, opens in a new tabPrices and stock move around, so check a few before you buy.
Slow Miles review
Coming soon
We only give a shoe a verdict once we have run in it ourselves. The numbers above are the facts. The opinion lands when the miles are done.
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Other shoes to look at
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- Drop
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- Weight
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- Foam
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- Drop
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- Weight
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- Foam
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