| Nike Alphafly Next% 2 | Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite |
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| Buy From Nike | Buy From Pro:Direct Sport |
PLEASE NOTE: Whilst I paid for the Nike Alphafly 2 trainers myself, I was gifted the Flow Velociti Elite trainers by Under Armour to give a honest review. This page contains affiliate links. Making a purchase via our affiliate link means we may receive a small share of the sale.
In this comparison guide, we take a look at the Nike Alphafly 2 vs Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite trainers to see which super shoes provide the ultimate racer’s experience.
They’re both great options, no matter what your preferences are. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some notable differences between the two of them. You could end up preferring one over the other for various reasons.
How can you come to a decision between them, though?
Let’s compare how both of them measure up to each other, as well as which one is our prefrence.
What Is The Difference Between The Nike Alphafly 2 and Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite?
The Heel Difference
Both the Nike Alphafly 2 and Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite feature relatively similar heels, though the Under Armours look a little thinner with less padding around the ankles and heel.
The Alphafly 2 is a little harder to get on but gives you a more secure lockdown. This does loosen a little over time which makes it easier to get on and it does have a loop on the heel to help you.
A notable difference is how the foam at the back is designed. The Nike Alphafly 2 has more of a squared-off protruding foam at the back of the heel than the Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite.
Uppers Difference
While the uppers have been made from different fabrics, both are really breathable. The Nikes are made from AtomKnit 2.0 and Under Armour Warp™ 2.0.
The Alphafly 2's have a tougher upper around the toe area to stop your toes from coming through the mesh and more padding under the tongue.
Neither felt like they were going to rip and both felt tough and durable in the uppers.
Outsole Difference
There’s quite a noticeable difference between the Nike Alphafly 2 and the Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite.
You’ll see that the Alphafly 2 has exposed foam on the outsole and this is prone to wearing.
The Flow Velociti Elite sole is made from what Under Armour calls Flow. This is both the midsole and the outsole of the shoe, eliminating the need for rubber.
Considering the shoe has no rubber on the outsole the foam feels grippy considering that it works as both your cushioning and sole.
I did not have a problem with grip on either trainer but the Flow Velociti Elite outsole durability is a lot better.
The Midsole Difference
Both super shoes offer excellent foam cushioning and a full length carbon plate so you can have a more reactive run, but there are noticeable differences between them.
The Nike Alphafly 2 includes ZoomX foam, which has won several industry awards but the Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite Flow technology is also a really good foam. Although the stack height is the same, there is more foam in the Alphafly 2's making you feel taller in them and whilst it feels slightly firmer it also feels more reactive.
There’s also the noticeable fact the Alphafly 2’s have two visible airpods, while the Under Armours do not.
Your legs will absorb less of an impact in the Nikes than they would with the Under Armours.
I think the Alphafly 2's have the better midsole but only just.
The Weight Difference
While both Nike and Under Armour have kept both of their running shoes as lightweight as possible, there’s a noticeable difference between them.
An average pair of Nike Alphafly 2’s come in at 251 grams, while a pair of the Under Armour Flow Velociti Elites weigh 212 grams.
The extra weight is likely due the Alphafly 2's having more foam and 2 air bubbles, which give it a better midsole but compromises it with extra weight.
Like a few other areas, this all comes down to personal preferences. Personally 40g is minimal and you cannot feel the difference.
The Stack Difference
There isn’t a stack difference between the Nike Alphafly 2 and the Under Armour Flow Velocity Elite.
They both come in with an 8mm stack height.
| Nike Alphafly Next% 2 | Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite |
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| Buy From Nike | Buy From Under Armour |
How Long Do They Last?
The durability of the Flow Velociti Elite is exceptional and thanks to its Flow technology that combines as midsole and outsole will last a lot longer when compared to most super shoes.
The exposed foam on the outsole does leave the Alphafly 2's open to breaking down but that said I think the Alphafly 2's get a bit of a bad rep and people use them for more than what they are intended for and that is racing.
Are They Difficult To Get On?
The Alphafly 2 got a bit of bad rep when it was first launched for being hard to get on, but once you have worn them a few times they are easy to get on.
There are no problems getting the Flow Velociti Elite trainers on.
Is The Price Worth It?
A standard Nike Alphafly 2 comes in at £279.95, but the Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite only sets you back £225.
Although the Flow Velociti Elite have been worn by athletes winning some races like the New York City marathon in 2022, the Alphafly 2's have been worn by multiple athletes winning major marathons including London, Berlin and Chicago.
Your paying a premium for Nike's roster of athletes who have won multiple races and set world records in them.
Conclusion
- The Alphafly 2 feels like the more stable option, as it’s the wider of the two racing shoes although less effective when it comes to turning. The Flow Velociti Elite might be better for that.
- While the Flow Velociti Elite offers a decent bit of cushioning, the Alphafly 2 offers much more. It’s the more reactive of the two of them.
- You’ll naturally want your running shoes to last a while, as you’ll put them through their paces. The Flow Velociti Elite is the more durable here, making them the more long-lasting option. It’s definitely worth the long-term investment.
- Weight-wise, the Flow Velociti Elite is the better option. While there’s a relatively minimal difference between the two super shoes, there’s still a difference. If this matters to you, then the Under Armour option might be the better option for you.
Both the Nike Alphafly 2 and Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite offer more than a few benefits. They can be a decent investment, no matter what. The choice between them mainly comes down to what your personal preferences are.
I prefer the Alphafly 2 because I think it’s the more comfortable of the two, even if that means making a few compromises. They’re also the more responsive of the super shoes, and I can recover much better after wearing them.
That doesn’t mean you should only consider the Nike option, though.
The Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite boasts more than a few benefits in itself. It offers a speedier nature, so it could be the better option if you’re mainly focused on speed. You also should have a better time taking turns with them, especially considering they have a more streamlined design.
Personally, my calfs feel a little tighter after using them. Not everyone might feel that way, though, and it could come down to personal preference.
The Flow Velociti Elites do offer better value though and will last you a lot longer than your Alphafly 2's thanks to there durability of the combine midsole and outsole.
Where To Buy
You can buy both of these shoes from the manufacturer’s official websites, which is how I usually prefer buying them. You should also be able to find them in various running websites.
There are also plenty of online stores that offer them, but I think you’re better off going to the official websites.
| Nike Alphafly Next% 2 | Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite |
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| Buy From Nike | Buy From Pro:Direct Sport |
Questions
If you have any questions you would like to ask about the Nike Alphafly 2 or Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite, please ask below in the comments.
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