Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2

There are running shoes that you want to test and certainly this Nike Alphafly Next% 2 is one of them. And not only for the story behind a model that led nothing more and nothing less than Eliud Kipchoge to lower the 2 hours in the marathon distance. We are talking about a fast running shoe that, in addition to a particularly striking aesthetic, provokes unique sensations in the race.

This second edition arrives without major changes at the aesthetic level, although there are small variations in terms of geometry and new materials that do not change one iota the objective for which they have been designed: to beat your personal best in middle and long distance events such as the marathon.

And before we go on to talk about the type of runner they are aimed at, an answer to a frequently asked question. The main difference between the Nike Vaporfly 2 and the Nike Alphafly 2 is that the latter are certainly more stable, more secure in running, especially if you are going to run for a longer time with them, for example for a marathon. The Vaporfly is a livelier, more agile model with which you can get more performance in events such as a 10k or a half marathon. But this is just the theory... Let's see what happens when we go running with them.

What kind of runners are the Nike Alphafly% 2 suitable for?

The answer to this question is simple in this case. It's a fast, flying shoe for running a marathon at your personal best. For runners who can run under 3 hours, or for those who want to look for unique running sensations and run in 3 hours, 3 hours 15 minutes.

Can you use them to run a marathon in 4 hours? Of course, but you're not going to get the most out of them and you're going to spend more than 250€ on them. But if you can afford it and you feel like trying something different, the sensation of running with them will be totally different from anything you have ever tried.

As for the type of runner, besides being fast, it is essential to be under 80 kg and with good running technique. Its drop is 8 mm but it encourages you to land mid-foot and then take advantage of the inertia caused by the carbon plate. This plate called Flyplate is integrated between its ZoomX foam (the most reactive foam of the brand) and the great innovation of the American company under the metatarsals, the 2 Air Pods units that will help you in the momentum and takeoff of the stride, making it a little easier every step you take.

In short, these running shoes are aimed at runners with good running technique, who run fast and are used to running with different sensations, albeit landing on the midfoot.

What we liked the most

Nike makes it very easy for us on this occasion. A very striking aesthetic, very racing with an arrow-shaped heel and a wider last both in the heel and in the forefoot area. Therefore it is now a more stable and comfortable shoe compared to the first edition.

It incorporates some padded areas, especially in the heel area to offer some support and comfort in a delicate area for all runners.

The new one-piece upper with the tongue attached to the upper itself and as a fact to take into account it is difficult to put on the shoe due to the little space available to insert the foot. The material with which this upper is made is semi-transparent so you can see your foot inside the shoe perfectly. Nike calls it Atomkit.

The 2 Air Pods continue to offer unique running sensations. Nothing you've ever tried is going to feel like running in this Nike 2 (unless you've tried the first version).

The profile of the shoe is still very high, around the legal limit of 40 mm and its drop is 8 mm. Lots of cushioning and softness in running with a weight around 255 grams in a size 9.5 USA (43 European).

Now the outsole has better grip. We found a new design of the structure that protects the Air Pods capsules that provide better grip in a fundamental area for the proper functioning of Nike's air chambers.

Possible points of improvement for the Nike Alphafly% 3

Mainly the points of improvement are two. On the one hand, its durability. It is a shoe that we recommend you only use for competition. Its ZoomX foam is spectacular but it degrades easily.

The efficiency of the Air Pods capsules in our case, in the previous model worked perfectly up to 400km approximately. It is a shoe for special occasions, and its starting pvp is 300 (but you know that before buying you should compare price in RUNNEA). So they are almost a luxury item on your feet to use only those days marked on the calendar in red.

Secondly, it is a complicated shoe to put on. As its upper is made in one piece, it is difficult to insert the foot into the model. On the other hand, when you get it, you will have an excellent fit, since its laces, with a curly texture, do not come loose and wrap the foot perfectly.

The rivals of the Nike Alphafly% 2

The first rival of the 2 we have discussed in this review, and it is at home, it is another Nike, the Vaporfly% 2 But there is life beyond the Sword brand. Let's meet their main rivals.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3

ASICS METASPEED Edge +

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Racer

HOKA Carbon X 3