The Nike Alphafly 3 in the prototype colourway didn’t take long to sell out, but the official “mass launch” is coming! If you’re looking for an unsponsored Alphafly 3 review before getting a pair, here’s everything you need to know and my honest first impressions.

This review is completely unsponsored, I bought the shoes myself.

Nike Alphafly 3 - characteristics

The Alphafly 3 built up a lot of hype prior to its release, with several Nike Athletes accomplishing incredible performances in these shoes, such as Kelvin Kiptum breaking the Marathon World Record in Chicago and Sifan Hassan winning the London Marathon with an impressive sprint finish in 2023.

If you didn’t manage to grab a pair of the limited-edition prototype colourway, the official colourway will be available in much larger quantities and is due to launch in Spring 2024.

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What are the main differences vs the previous versions?

The lightest Alphafly to date presents a revisited design to make it lighter and improve both speed and stability.

• This V3 looks like a whole piece, compared to the previous versions that almost looked deconstructed. There is still a big cut out to take some weight off, but it’s now underneath the shoe and visually less obvious.

• We still get to enjoy the legendary ZoomX foam made from Pebax, which it is now fully connected, providing a smoother transition. Combined with the two Air Pods, the propulsive feel goes up a level.

• The full-length carbon plate is now slightly wider, providing improved stability.

• The arch inside is nowhere near as pronounced as the V1, which many will find more comfortable.

• The integrated knit tongue with lofted padding helps relieve pressure from the laces, again for more comfort in the long run.

• The brand new AtomKnit upper is designed to be ultra breathable, with added padding around the collar for less friction.

• The outsole rubber has been improved for better traction, but it doesn’t go up as high as the previous versions at the front.

• The heel to toe drop is 8mm, similar to the V2.

How light is the Alphafly 3?

The Alphafly 3 weighs 174g for a Women's size UK 5.5 and 218g for Men's size UK 9 (the V2 is about 30g heavier).

For comparison, I got the shoe in size UK 4 and it weighs 158g, vs 172g for my On Cloudboom Echo 3.

How much does the Alphafly 3 cost?

The Alphafly 3 retails at £284.99. Needless to say, it’s a premium race shoe with a premium price tag!

Is the Alphafly 3 true to size?

In my experience and going by other reviews I’ve seen, it runs true to size. I am usually a UK 4 and it fits perfectly.

Nike Alphafly 3: honest first impressions

After running in them for the first time, three things particularly stood out to me.

Comfort

My first test of the Alphafly 3 was a completely different experience compared to the OG version, which took me a good few months to get used to and race in.

The arch felt painful and I would always get blisters in that area. I felt comfortable in the V3 from the get go, mostly due to the the arch being significantly less noticeable.

I also find the upper more accommodating, and I was able to tie my laces really tight as I would on race day without feeling pressure on the upper foot.

Stability

I do feel more stable with this widened plate and more confident taking corners. The new shape of the shoe, with the foam fully connected, also plays a part in this, in my opinion. When the tarmac is uneven and my foot lands a bit outwards, I feel more in control with the V3 than I was with my old Alphaflys.

A snappy shoe

“This feels snappy” was the first thought that came to my mind as I did my first strides. The Alphafly 3 feels incredibly responsive and the smoother transition only adds to the propulsive feel.

I’m not sure whether the airpods have changed but it seems as though you’re really maximising the energy return.

Any downsides?

The durability is a question mark, as I’ve not done a lot in these shoes so far.

For the price you’d hope to wear them for more than a couple races! I got a lot out of my old Alphaflys and still use them for sessions, so I really hope that the Alphafly 3 will be as durable.

Is the Nike Alphafly 3 a marathon-only shoe?

With enhanced comfort and stellar marathon performances in 2023 by the likes Kiptum and Hassan, the Alphafly 3 is predominantly positioned as a marathon shoe.

But in my opinion, the shoe's “snappiness”, coupled with its feather-light design, makes it a top pick for shorter distances.

Spring 2024 Edit: I have now raced a half marathon, a 10k and a couple 5ks in the Alphafly 3. I personally loved how they felt for the 5k and 10k and I’ll wear them again for these distances.

Unfortunately when I wore them for the half marathon, I started to feel discomfort around my big toes after 14km. I think I might stick to my Cloudboom Echo 3 for the longer distances.

Should you get the Nike Alphafly 3?

From the OG version launched in Summer 2020 to this third, fine-tuned iteration, the Nike Alphafly has evolved a lot, bringing the possibilities of road racing to new heights.

If you enjoyed the previous Alphafly versions but would have liked them a little more stable and comfortable then there is no doubt that you’ll love the Alphafly 3. Personally, the V3 solved the details I wasn’t too keen about with the OG, but kept that responsive, “ready to race” feel that I get when I wear Alphaflys.

Those who are going to need a new pair of super shoes soon (and can fit the expense in their budget), it’s worth waiting for the Alphafly 3 to launch in the official colourway very soon.

Shop the Nike Alphafly 3 here.

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