| Nike Alphafly 3 |
 |
| £284.99 |
| BUY NOW FROM NIKE |
PLEASE NOTE: I paid for the Nike Alphafly 3 trainers myself and was not gifted these trainers or paid by Nike to give a honest review. This page contains affiliate links. Making a purchase via our affiliate link means I may receive a small share of the sale.
The Nike Alphafly 3 is the next evolution in the world of elite racing shoes.
Building upon the success of its predecessors, this latest iteration offers improved comfort, stability, and performance but is it better?
Read on to find out.
STATS
| Weight | 218g |
| Carbon plate | full length carbon plate |
| Midsole | FoamX |
| Drop | 8mm |
THE HEEL
The heel of the Alphafly 3 has seen some improvements. Nike has increased the padding around the heel collar, providing enhanced comfort for the Achilles area.
This additional cushioning not only improves the overall fit but also helps prevent blistering during long-distance runs. The foot opening is easier to get on, whilst still keeping the foot securely in place.
THE UPPERS
The upper of the Alphafly 3 is a marvel of engineering.
It features a breathable, sock-like construction that provides a snug yet comfortable fit. The lockdown is near-perfect, with no slipping or sliding even at high speeds.
The lacing system, complete with notched laces allows for easy adjustments.
While the toe box durability has not changed much compared to the previous model, the overall comfort and fit of the upper have significantly improved.
THE OUTSOLE
Nike has put considerable thought into the outsole design of the Alphafly 3. The Fast Shot rubber covers much of the midsole, particularly in the forefoot area, enhancing durability.
Interestingly, Nike has used different rubber formulations for various parts of the shoe.
I found the waffled pattern on the outsole has delivers fantastic performance, even in wet conditions.
THE MIDSOLE
The midsole is where the Alphafly 3 truly shines. Nike has made a crucial change by introducing a continuous midsole, replacing the decoupled design of its predecessor.
This modification results in a smoother, more natural transition and improved stability. The signature ZoomX foam and Air Zoom pods in the forefoot continue to provide exceptional energy return and propulsion.
The ride feels more aggressive and responsive compared to the Alphafly 2, with a noticeable 'tippy' sensation that adds to the shoe's liveliness, similar to the Vaporfly 3.
IS IT A FULL CARBON PLATE?
Yes, the Nike Alphafly 3 features a full-length carbon fiber plate. This carbon plate, called the Flyplate by Nike, extends throughout the entire length of the shoe and is a key component of its design and performance.
The carbon fiber plate in the Alphafly 3 has been modified from previous versions. It now has a more pronounced incline in the midfoot area, which is intended to provide additional support during the later stages of a marathon when fatigue sets in.
HOW MUCH DO THEY WEIGH?
My size 9 shoes weigh 220g.
HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
The Nike Alphafly 3 shoes retail at £284.95.
CONCLUSION
The Nike Alphafly 3 is Nike's top-tier racing shoe. It offers a more accommodating fit, improved stability, and an even more responsive ride than its predecessors.
The continuous midsole design and enhanced comfort make it suitable for a wider range of runners, from elite athletes to ambitious amateurs.
While the shoe excels in many areas, it's worth noting that it is a slightly firmer ride than previous versions and is much more aggressive, like the Nike Vaporfly 3.
Its blend of comfort, responsiveness, and energy return makes it a top contender in the world of elite racing shoes. For runners looking to shave seconds off their personal bests, the Nike Alphafly 3 certainly deserves serious consideration.
WOULD I RECOMMEND THEM?
Yes! A definite purchase if you can afford them but keep them just for race day.
At the moment I lean towards the Nike Alphafly 2 being the better version out of the Alphafly trainers.
However, I think this is purely because I was running much better when version 2 came out and I was smashing PB's left right and center so I am probably slightly biased towards them.
I still think the Nike Alphafly 3 are the best race day shoes on the market at the moment but is really just for race days, where as the Nike Alphafly 2 I would in train in and race in.
WHERE TO BUY
You can buy Nike Alphafly shoes direct from the Nike website.
| Nike Alphafly 3 |
|
|
| £284.99 |
| BUY NOW FROM NIKE |
If you have any questions you would like to ask about the Nike Alphafly 3, please ask below in the comments.
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NIKE TRAINER COMPARISONS
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