Nike Alphafly 3

One of David's two favorite current racing super shoes; shines from 10K down and for faster, more aggressive turnover, but requires some self-discipline to control the bounce.

Best for: Runners who want an aggressive bouncy forefoot toe-off and are racing 10K down to marathon, with enough control to harness the bounce.

Andrea's fast racer of choice from 5K to half marathon; the aggressive forefoot and Air Pod placement reward faster paces more than marathon efforts.

Best for: Lateral midfoot strikers racing 5K through half marathon who can control a very aggressive, bouncy forefoot.

Matt considers it a much more aggressive and faster-feeling Alphafly than prior versions, worth the $275 for runners who will actually race it fast — but a poor choice for easy runs or more moderate paces.

Best for: Faster runners racing or doing fast workouts who want a very aggressive, forward-directed super shoe.

One of Nike's best shoes right now, with reduced weight over v2, excellent cushioning for long-distance racing, and a nearly universally flattering fit; ideal for marathon runners wanting to minimize fatigue.

A slightly better trainer and long-distance marathon option than the Fast-R 3 thanks to its wider platform and heel stability, though it loses to the Puma on outright speed at 5K/10K.

Best for: Marathon distance for runners needing heel stability; tempo after longer distances

EDDBUD raced the Manchester Marathon in the Alphafly 3 to a PB of 3:34:18 and calls it spot on — extremely comfortable, forgiving, with perfect lockdown and minimal wear, his ideal marathon choice.

Best for: Marathon racing where maximum cushion and long-distance leg saving matter more than outright lightness.

Best for: Half marathon and marathon for runners who like the smooth, addictive feel.

A super-forgiving, fun racer that EDDBUD loves, but its astronomical price makes it hard to recommend over the Adios Pro 4 unless you're deeply invested in the sport.

Best for: Marathon racing and long runs with speed intervals, plus everyday use for hardened Nike fans

Ed's #1 shoe of 2024 — bought multiple pairs with his own money; will race Manchester Marathon in them.

Best for: Long runs at uptempo paces and marathon racing.

EDDBUD's narrow pick over the Endorphin Pro 4 for marathon racing — magical on longer runs, wide and stable, but overkill for 5K/10K distances.

Best for: Marathon racing as a single-shoe training-and-racing option; runners who prefer wide, stable, air-unit ride

EDDBUD completely changed his mind after 100 miles — the Alphafly 3 is his favorite super shoe to throw on for anything from recovery to marathon-pace work, with the earlier arch pain gone and a stable, forgiving ride, scoring it 10.9/12.

Best for: Marathon training and racing, and leg-saving long runs, for runners with normal arches.

Between the two Nike racers EDDBUD would pick the Alphafly 3 if limited to one — it's more versatile, more durable than previous versions, and keeps improving with use, making it great even for long Sunday runs.

Best for: Half marathon and marathon distance for runners who want maximum cushion and heel stability.

A big improvement on the Alphafly 2 with a wide, cushioned, marathon-focused ride, but at £285 it's outshone by cheaper, more versatile options like the Endorphin Pro 4 in this showdown.

Best for: Marathon-distance racing and longer training runs.

After initial runs EDDBUD is underwhelmed — too many issues (unpredictable ride, arch rubbing, squeaking, shabby build quality) at a huge £285 price to recommend; tells viewers not to believe the hype and scores it 10.3/12.

Best for: Marathon racing for runners who've done well in previous Alphaflys; not a 5K/10K option and not ideal for heavier or very tall runners.

Still a favourite and very stable due to its wide platform, but feels dated next to the Feidian 6 — 89 quid more expensive, and Air Pod puncture risk makes a foam super shoe the safer choice.

Best for: Marathon racing on good quality road surfaces where puncture risk to the Air Pods is low

Best for: Elites and runners whose footstrike lines up with the airpod placement.

Fast, aggressive and comfortable enough for the marathon — one of the most expensive options, but delivers.

Best for: Marathon racing with leg protection

A versatile carbon race shoe that works well from 5K up to the marathon, with plenty of bounce, cushion, and energy return, and the better all-round pick over the Vaporfly 4 for the reviewer.

Best for: An all-distance carbon racer suited for any race from 5K to marathon

An outstanding all-distance carbon racer with a softer, more accommodating ride and a slight edge in durability and general usability; a very safe marathon pick for most runners.

Best for: All-distance racing from 5K up to marathon, especially for heel strikers and anyone wanting a cushier, more accommodating super shoe

A very fast and accommodating all-distance racer; especially strong at half and marathon distance thanks to its stable, cruiseable ride, though one reviewer felt it lacked the bounce of the original Alphafly.

Best for: All-distance racing with a particular edge for the marathon, and for runners wanting a more stable, accommodating super shoe

A top-tier all-distance super shoe that especially shines for the marathon, with smooth transitions onto punchy forefoot Air Zoom pods making it great for cruising at race pace.

Best for: Marathon racing and cruising at locked-in paces, with enough versatility to run 5K–10K PBs