Nike Alphafly 3 running shoes "White & Hyper Turquoise"

Even before its 2020 release, the Nike Alphafly had a significant impact on distance running as legendary athlete Eliud Kipchoge wore the debut model to run the first sub-2-hour marathon in 2019. Emerging from the brand’s groundbreaking maximalist racing shoes of the mid-2010s, the Alphafly series is built upon a unique ‘system of speed’ that combines Zoom Air and ZoomX foam cushioning with a carbon-fibre Flyplate to offer serious power over long miles of running. This unrivalled design has seen the Alphafly break multiple world records, and the shoe continues to transform the landscape of marathon running with each new iteration.

ZoomX foam: Latest formulation of Nike’s premier midsole foam is lightweight and high in energy return. Here, it comes in two different densities, offering excellent shock absorption and plush comfort while reducing leg fatigue over long distances.

Zoom Air: Low-profile, lightweight pods filled with pressurised air and tensile fibres that collect and store energy as they compress and return it to the runner as they spring back to their original shape, providing a snappy, responsive underfoot sensation that propels the runner forwards.

Carbon-fibre Flyplate: Stiff carbon-fibre midsole plate with carefully tuned geometry that curves dramatically through the midfoot and widens into the forefoot to stabilise the soft foam and add a propulsive effect that powerfully drives each step.

Ultra-thin AtomKnit 3.0 mesh upper is incredibly breathable and lightweight.

Mesh is woven from soft yarns for seamless comfort and incorporates thicker areas around the heel and eyestay for durability and structure.

New last shape is more accommodating for toes to splay through the forefoot, with a lower, wider arch that is more comfortable and reduces the chance of blisters.

Fully integrated yet stretchy tongue with minimal lofted padding ensures secure, comfortable, sock-like fit without adding much weight.

Slightly curved layout of the lacing system enhances comfort and security.

Eyelets are woven directly into the upper for a seamless, lightweight feel.

Notched laces stay tied throughout long races.

Slim internal toe reinforcement improves durability.

Carefully placed Flyknit heel pods offer padding around the back of the foot and ankle, delivering lightweight comfort and holding the heel in place to prevent foot slippage.

Internal heel counter is not too stiff or structured so as to support the foot without increasing weight for a top-tier raceday experience.

Large pull tab at the heel makes it easier to get the shoe on.

Sprayed-on branding keeps weight to a minimum while also delivering an eye-catching look.

Full-length, dual-density ZoomX foam is soft, lightweight and highly responsive, offering outstanding comfort and springy responsiveness while also contributing to the shoe’s unrivalled lightweight feel, which allows the wearer to achieve high speeds over prolonged periods.

Midsole foam is fully connected along its entire length for the first time in an Alphafly. This makes for a much more structured and connected underfoot experience, producing smoother, more energetic transitions and allowing faster paces.

Tall heel stack and 8mm heel-to-toe drop makes cushioning more versatile and delivers excellent shock absorption for a range of foot strikers, keeping legs fresh so that runners can maintain a strong pace late into the marathon.

Firm layer of foam directly below the foot improves stability as the softer layer underneath adds responsive bounce.

Midsole flares around the heel, increasing the size of the foundation for the foot to land upon, leading to smooth, stable transitions.

Significant forefoot rocker and slight heel curve enhance natural stride and optimise running efficiency of forefoot and midfoot strikers while still offering a touch of forward-rolling encouragement for rearfoot strikers.

Two circular Zoom Air pods sit beneath the ball of the foot, offering outstanding energy return and working with the ZoomX foam to powerfully propel the runner forwards.

Thin layer of ZoomX foam appears directly under the Zoom Air units, adding durability, increasing responsiveness and smoothing out landings.

Midsole foam has been removed from around the Zoom Air pods, thus allowing more room for them to expand and produce maximum energy return.

Zoom Air units bulge out a little from the sole to ensure immediate ground contact with each stride and therefore optimise propulsion.

Zoom Air pods are positioned slightly further back than before to benefit a wider range of runners, including forefoot and midfoot strikers.

Full-length carbon-fibre Flyplate stiffens the soft midsole foam for enhanced stability and propulsion on both straights and corners.

Flyplate is positioned closer to the foot than Nike’s other racing shoes to optimise stability and increase running economy by stopping the foot from pressing too far into the foam.

Carefully tuned Flyplate geometry features a curved toe, flat sections through the forefoot and heel, and a dramatic incline through the midfoot. This specialised shape maximises support, helping runners to stay strong in the latter stages of a race.

Flyplate widens out through the forefoot to create a broad base of support for the foot, thus delivering outstanding stability.

Two large cutout sections through the centre of the sole dramatically reduce weight, making the Alphafly one of the lightest and quickest road-running shoes around.

Thin, lightweight Fast Shot rubber outsole covers only the necessary areas to minimise weight.

Large piece of forefoot rubber features Waffle-style lugs for reliable multi-directional traction on roads and similar surfaces.

Two circular pads of high-abrasion rubber have been added directly beneath each Zoom Air pod for increased protection and durability.

Two small yet hard-wearing rubber grip pads appear on either side of the heel, with the lateral-side one being more substantial. This provides much-needed support and traction as the heels begin to drop in the latter stages of a race while also protecting the midsole foam.

Thin, moulded sockliner is glued in for security and helps maximise the effects of the high-tech midsole foam to increase comfort without compromising energy return.

Although non-removable, at just a couple of millimetres thick, the insole leaves enough room for runners to insert custom orthotics over the top if necessary.