Nike Alphafly 4 vs Alphafly 3: what changed?
Quick answer
A refinement, not a reinvention: about 5% lighter, with a new layer of lighter ZoomX LT foam, the first update to its Air Zoom pods, and a wider carbon plate for a more stable landing. Same 8mm drop.
- Weight
Heavier→ About 5% lighter - Drop8mm unchanged
- Foam
ZoomX→ ZoomX + ZoomX LT - Air Zoom pods
Original→ Softer, quieter - Carbon plate
Flyplate→ Wider Flyplate - Price
£284.99→ £254.99
What's new
New, lighter foam
A layer of ZoomX LT, the lightest version of Nike's race foam, now sits over the ZoomX. It's where most of the weight saving comes from.
The first update to the Air pods
The forefoot Air Zoom pods are new for the first time in the Alphafly's history: softer, quieter and with more energy return. The famous Alphafly slap is less of a racket.
A wider, steadier plate
The carbon Flyplate is wider, so the shoe feels more planted when you land, especially late in a marathon when your form starts to go.
Cheaper than the 3 was
It launches at £254.99, £30 less than the Alphafly 3's full price.
Should you upgrade?
Get the Alphafly 4: if the Alphafly 3 felt a little unstable or noisy, or you want the lightest, bounciest version for a marathon PB.
Get the Alphafly 3: The Alphafly 3 is still a superb marathon shoe, and on sale it's much cheaper. If it already suits you, there's no need to switch.
Right now the Alphafly 3 is £199 at Nike, £56 less than the Alphafly 4.
Both versions
- New version£255
Alphafly 4
208g 8mm drop Carbon plate
- Previous version