Nike Alphafly 4 Overview & First Run Review
Below we are breaking down the specs of the Nike Alphafly 4, comparing it to the Alphafly 3, and giving you our thoughts on how it performs and whether it is a competitive race shoe option.
The Nike Alphafly 4 is finally here. With a revised ZoomX formulation and a new Air unit design, Nike says this updated model keeps its focus on marathon speed while aiming to deliver a more comfortable and stable ride for all runners across all pace ranges.
Specs of the Nike Alphafly 4
Stack Height: 39mm in the heel with an 8mm drop
Weight: 6.9 ounces or 200 grams in a Men's US sample size 9
Midsole Construction: New ZoomX LT foam on the top, a wider carbon fiber plate, traditional ZoomX race foam on the bottom and two newly constructed Air Zoom units in the forefoot
Price: $280
Nike Alphafly Next% 4
Comparing the Nike Alphafly 4 to the Alphafly 3
Marketing Brief:
The Alphafly 3 is a legendary marathon race shoe known for its iconic forefoot pod, which offers a distinct mechanical ride. It features a less pronounced rocker and a slightly heavier feel than the newest iteration. The Alphafly 4 is a refined iteration of the Alphafly that features a new formulation of ZoomX above and below the flyplate. It promises to offer enhanced energy return and a lighter feel on foot.
Midsole Foam:
The Alphafly 3 and its predecessors only had one type of foam in the midsole, ZoomX race foam. In the Alphafly 4, Nike has introduced a lighter version of ZoomX race foam that they are calling ZoomX LT. It is used as the top layer of foam, while below the plate you still get traditional ZoomX race foam.
The Platform:
The Alphafly 3 had a slightly more narrow platform, while the Alphafly 4 has a wider overall base with a more significant forefoot launch pad, providing more stability and comfort.
Summary:
The formula stays largely intact with a few minor changes that drop the weight by 5% while, according to Nike's own testing, improving energy return and running economy. While the 3 used thermo air, the 4 uses RF Zoom Air, using frequency and vibration in the manufacturing process to do the same job heat was doing in the past, resulting in a forefoot pod that saves weight and is softer; the Air pod itself is 30% lighter than the previous generation. The carbon plate also has a wider base and the rocker geometry is now more aggressive.
According to Nike's design team, the brief was to "create a ride that felt softer and quieter underfoot, smoother through transitions, more stable and more supportive for a range of athlete body types... [We wanted it to be] fast and efficient for a range of marathon paces [with] improved running economy." Nike also disclosed that they accelerated launch plans and are releasing it to the public now so that their athletes are allowed to wear the shoe in this weekend's road running championships in Copenhagen.
Only the miles will tell how these changes translate to the on-road experience. Is this a big enough update to get you excited about the Alphafly, or were runners expecting more after 3 years of development?
Yowana's First Run Review
On foot, the Alphafly 4 has a softer feel than its predecessor, although it’s still not what we would consider a particularly soft shoe. The fit is also more refined and dialed in than the Alphafly 3, with a familiar Atomknit upper. Once we got moving, though, the first thing that stood out was the noise. The Air Zoom units produce a surprisingly loud squeak that is quite different from the mechanical popping sound of the Alphafly 3. It’s definitely noticeable and takes some getting used to. Once we stopped focusing on the noise, the familiar Alphafly ride started to shine.
The Air Zoom units provide that distinctive forefoot bounce that helps you settle into a smooth, efficient rhythm. Compared to the previous version, the Alphafly 4 feels more planted and stable, with a broader platform and plenty of protection underfoot. The overall ride is smoother, too, making it easier to move through the stride regardless of where you land on the platform. While this is a clear improvement, the 211 gram weight in our men's US size 10.5 keeps it from feeling like a true pinnacle racing shoe. Overall, the Alphafly 4 is a solid evolution of a familiar favorite. Runners who enjoyed the Alphafly 3 will likely appreciate the updates, particularly the improved stability, smoother transitions, and more secure fit. It’s a fun and comfortable option for workouts and race day, provided you can live with the squeaky Air Zoom units and a little extra weight.
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