Product: Nike Alphafly 3 ‘Prototype’
Price: S$399
Release date: January 4
Buy here: Nike.com
Nike has revealed the next generation of their fastest and lightest marathon running shoe. The Alphafly has been updated for 2024 and builds on the technologies that helped Eluid Kipchoge break the 2-hour mark marathon in 2017. The Alphafly 3 utilizes the same set of technologies – double Air Zoom units in the forefoot for propulsion, full-length Zoom X foam for maximum energy return, and a carbon Flyplate for greater stability during runs. The key changes can be found in the overall construction of the sneaker with a focus on the upper.
To improve energy return and propulsion, the Alphafly 3 features an updated continuous midsole that connects both the forefoot and heel for a smoother heel-to-toe transition. This is a major departure from the segregated forefoot and heel design found in the past iterations. Sandwiched in the middle of the midsole is a full-length carbon Flyplate that is now wider to provide a propulsive yet stable ride. With the new midsole comes an updated lightweight Fast Shot outsole that ensures optimal traction and grip.
In terms of comfort and containment, the Alphafly 3 uses a revised Atomknit 3.0 upper that improves lockdown, breathability, and midfoot support whilst keeping the design incredibly lightweight. A newly designed last enhances arch comfort and minimizes friction across the entire foot, while a molded sock liner provides added support for runners with a lower-profile arch. Around the ankles, Nike has added lofted Flyknit heel pods that offer more padding for the heel and lower Achilles. The overall design is completed with a redesigned lacing system that seamlessly integrates the eye stays into the Atomknit upper.
Other noteworthy details include an athlete wear-test number (20820-4) elegantly displayed on the lateral midsole, and the designation “V62” on the Atomknit upper which symbolizes the number of upper iterations undergone in the design evolution.
Though the Alphafly 3 has yet to be released, it has already achieved remarkable feats at the Chicago Marathon 2023. Nike athlete Kelvin Kiptum claimed a new marathon world record with a time of 2:00:35 and Sifan Hassan clocked the second-fastest women’s marathon run of all time, both completed in the Nike Alphafly 3.
If you’re looking for a new pair of race day runners to smash your previous records, get your hands on the Nike Alphafly 3 Proto which drops on January 4 at Nike.com.