Nike Air Zoom AlphaFly NEXT | Test and review

We don’t have the full review of the Nike AlphaFly NEXT yet. And that’s solely because we at Iloebesko.dk haven’t had the opportunity to buy the shoe for testing yet. But we can still give you lots of cool facts about the shoe. Because it’s probably the most talked about running shoe ever in recent times.
As always, you can look forward to both a large article reviewing the shoe and an honest video review. All of this will be available as soon as we have the shoe in testing.

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Price comparison Nike Air Zoom AlphaFly NEXT

There are currently no prices available – the item is sold out.

The running shoe that brought down the world

At the time of writing, the country is more or less on lockdown due to Covid-19.
But it certainly wasn’t an October day in 2019 in the easternmost city of Vienna. Here the streets were buzzing with anticipation and hope. And a whirlwind blew through the streets of Vienna on this very day. And by whirlwind I don’t mean a light autumn breeze that hits your face. but rather an African whirlwind that brought the world down on this very day.

Eliud Kipchoge set the unofficial world record for the marathon distance on this day. He was the first runner in the world to ever run under 2 hours. An absolutely insane achievement. We can’t promise you a time under 2 hours, but if you’re brave enough to try the marathon distance, we have plenty of gfree running programs for marathon here.

Men hvad tilskuere og andre folk måske ikke lagde mærke til ved første At first glance, it was the media stunt that Nike chose for this particular day. They had equipped Eliud Kipchoge with a prototype of their very latest running shoe. The long-awaited successor to the Nike VaporFly Next% that the world already knew.
When the euphoria surrounding the great time had subsided, experts and other well-wishers began to evaluate this. And what is the runner’s most important tool? Yes, it is probably his running shoes. And here everyone was surprised by what they saw. This is how the Nike AlphaFly NEXT% was born

From here on, the attention surrounding this running shoe would never end. In running circles, it simply brought the Internet down.

It became clear relatively quickly that this particular running shoe from Nike would revolutionize the world of running, not just with physical ability, but also on the desk.

Everyone is talking about the Nike Air Zoom AlphaFly NEXT%

Everyone suddenly started talking about the Nike Air Zoom AlphaFly NEXT%. What kind of running shoe was it and what made it so unique and fast. What kind of shoe is it, what can it do, and who can afford to buy it?

Nike Alphafly NEXT balancing on the illegal

The version Eliud Kipchoge tore up the Austrian asphalt in October 2019 was a Nike prototype. It’s been confirmed. But what’s more exciting is that this very fact created the basis for a change in the law surrounding competitive running shoes..
Among other things, as of 31/1/2020 (when the new rules regarding running shoes were adopted), you may no longer run official competitions in prototypes. This means that an athlete may not experience an advantage over others in this way. The shoe must have been available to everyone for a minimum of 4 months. In addition, rules have been added regarding “auxiliary plates in, for example, carbon” in the sole. There may be a maximum of 1 piece and the midsole may not exceed 40mm. but you can read much more about that in our article about illegal running shoes here.

This is what you should notice about the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT

A June day in 2020. The day I received my copy of the Nike AlphaFly. A truly surreal feeling with this Nike running shoe. Never, in my many years in the bar, have I had a running shoe that has been so hyped. Never has so much been written and talked about a shoe, even before it was launched (in DK)
In this article, we have of course intended to cover every little thing about the shoe, its capabilities and its construction. But there are a few things we would like to highlight.

It comes very naturally to the undersigned to make a comparison against the Alphafly’s predecessor. The Nike Vaporfly NEXT was for me the first eye-opener in relation to the ZoomX midsole, and now the Nike AlphaFly comes and takes over. The Alphafly has a completely different story with it, and has gone through so much more hype before it came out than its predecessor, but that’s a different story.

But if you take a look at the midsole. Then you will definitely notice the most significant difference between the 2 shoes. In the Nike Alphafly, a visible Zoom Air cushion is built into the sole. A structure that is intended to give the user even more responsiveness. And it works. The combination of this new feature and the already confirmed and well-documented ZoomX midsole. So it does something good.

I also think you should take a look at the upper. You will quickly discover that there is a big difference in the Nike Alphafly compared to the VaporFly. Nike has launched their Atomknit upper for the Alphafly, and has moved away from the plastic-like VaporWeave upper. Not that VaporWeave was bad if you ask me. But the Atomknit in the AlphaFly is just more like their highly respected Flyknit. In fact, Atomknit is a further development of this. There is Flyknit material that has been given extra treatment, so that it is stretched even more, and it has been steamed. This has been done partly to keep the weight as low as possible, but also to maintain this high breathability, the good fit and ultimately achieve the least possible water/moisture absorption.

Of course, you decide for yourself, but if you read the rest of the article, you will learn everything you can about the Nike AlphaFly.

Facts about the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next

Even though we haven’t yet been lucky enough to have the Nike AlphaFly in our hands and on our feet, there are already a number of facts about the Nike Alphafly that are known. We’ll give you them here:

Unboxing Nike Zoom AlphaFly Next

In the video below you can hear what we thought when, after many months of waiting, we finally got our hands on the Nike AlphaFly for the first time. A running shoe that has been awaited for so long and has received so much publicity.

At first glance and first feel of the shoe, it seems very similar to its predecessor Nike VaporFly NEXT. A very ambivalent feeling to unbox the shoe. It actually looks like a heavy running shoe, but when you grab it, it weighs nothing. Find the weight further down in the article, or in our full video review.

There were of course a few significant changes that had to be checked out first. Among them. the new upper in Atomknit, which replaces VaporWeave. The visibly integrated Zoom Air in the sole. And then I personally looked forward to feeling the hardness of the outsole, as it was probably the lack of durability in the Nike Vaporfly that disappointed me the most.

UN-BOXING NIKE ALPHAFLY VIDEO:

First run in Nike Air AlphaFly NEXT

It took exactly 27 minutes from the time I got home with the shoes until I went for my first run in the Nike AlphaFly. It should be noted that an unboxing video was also shot during those 27 minutes..
But the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly is one of those running shoes that, whether it had snowed, rained, been windy or all 3 at once, I would have put it on and run. I was really excited like a little kid. Also because the Nike VaporFly NEXT had done so much good for me.

This may be a bit embarrassing, but nevertheless you can and should be aware of it. There were just 2 minutes where I thought, no, I will never enjoy this shoe! At the age of 38, I had to have my wife help me put on my Nike Alphafly. A combination of a very narrow instep and some too thick socks, 22 degrees of heat and warm feet that had just been chugging around in football boots for training with a set of U8 boys. It was not a nice combination. I don’t think I’m lying when I write that it took me 3-4 minutes per shoe to get them on, and I had to change socks 3 times. So when and if you buy Nike AlphaFly, you should be ready for the shoe to have a narrow instep. On the other hand, it just sits super well, once you’ve finally got it on your feet.

The first run was planned to be an 8 kilometer trip, from my home and out to the water. Then I would drive home with the family from there. It didn’t quite work out. The mileage almost worked out, but the rest of the plan fell apart. I can’t say if it was the euphoria of finally being able to receive my Nike Alphafly, or if it was actually just the last nudge that supported the training the previous 2 months had done. My first run ended up in the best time in 5 kilometers that I have run in 4 years! Very surprising. Was actually “only” 30 seconds from my all-time PR in 5 kilometers. It was a bit of a crazy experience, because I didn’t have this plan in mind at all, and the first kilometer didn’t indicate that it would succeed at all. But the last 4 kilometers were really fast. The last approx. 2.5 kilometers of today’s run (out to the beach) were spent cooling down. But even there you almost had the feeling that it was going too fast in the Nike AlphaFly.

Nike AlphaFly Next is hard to describe. You had to get used to the very high midsole on your first run, just like the first one. If you’re from the nineties, you know the buffalo boot. I can imagine it’s a bit different from the feeling I had (I’ve never owned a pair of buffalo boots, after all))
JI also discovered very quickly that the new upper was really nice. It fits well, it allows the feet to work, and it has super good ventilation. Right on my first run it was absolutely perfect, I gave it gas, and it was hot.

Running in the Nike Alphafly is incredibly spectacular. There is so much momentum in that running shoe that you can easily imagine how Eliud Kipchoge set his phantom time in Vienna in October. Not that I am in any way comparable to that caliber. But I just have a hard time explaining the feeling the shoe gives when you run. I get so much return energy + momentum that the shoe almost runs by itself. So I can safely conclude that my first run in the Nike Alphafly Next was an experience, maybe an experience of a lifetime. Who knows, maybe there will never be anything like this?

BOUNCE-EFFEKT I NIKE ALPHAFLY VIDEO:

Durability of Nike Zoom AlphaFly

A point that at the time of writing has a position. It may be that there will be a new one. Because I haven’t run 5-600 kilometers in the shoe when the review was made, I can’t actually fully assess the real durability of the Nike AlphaFly NEXT at that time. If there is something to report, find updates further down in this section.

But the reason I still include the point. It’s because its predecessor Nike VaporFly NEXT had an issue with durability if you ask me. You can find a link to the review of the shoe in this article. But in short, it’s about the fact that after about 400 kilometers in the shoe, I’ve pretty much already worn through the outsole.? And it must be said that it’s only when running on recommended surfaces. So let me say it again. Nike Vaporfly, and Nike AlphaFly NEXT, it’s only a running shoe you use for competitions and for your tempo training sessions.
But let’s play with the idea that I had run about 420 kilometers in the shoe when the sole broke. That’s equivalent to 10x marathon distances. The price of the Nike VaporFly NEXT is 2,249,- So, by using it exclusively for my 10 marathons, I would expect an extra expense per run of 225,-

Choosing a size in Nike AlphaFly

If I could, I would have bought my usual size. But now the situation is that there was so much wear and tear on the shoes that I had to accept going up a size. So I actually wear size 44 in my Nike Alphafly NEXT, which corresponds to 28cm. Normally I wear size 43, which corresponds to 27.5 centimetres. When I look at my shoes in size 44, I could have worn size 43, which for me means that the size is regular in NIke AlphaFly.
But I would also like to add a comment. Maybe you have already seen my video where I mention it. And I don’t really know if there is a difference in that part of the shoe in relation to size. But if the instep had been smaller in 43, then I am glad that I got a size 44. Because as I said, it takes patience when you have to wear your Nike AlphaFly NEXT on your feet. You have to be prepared for that.

You are also very welcome to use our size guide

Advantages and disadvantages

We have listed the pros and cons of the Nike Alphafly. The list is by no means exhaustive, but I have only included the ones I think were most obvious.

Nike AlphaFly NEXT is made for records

If you ask me, I’d say this running shoe is made for records. Not just for Eliud Kipchoge, who famously set an unofficial world record in the shoe. No, I mean if you’re working hard to improve your own PR at the 5-10 or half marathon distance, then the Nike Alphafly NEXT is the shoe you need for the attempt..
As I mentioned before, I set my best time in 4 years on my 5km, and it was without it being a planned attempt. But beyond that, there is just more speed in these running shoes than there is in any other running shoes. For a regular run of 6-7 or 10 kilometers, which I would normally do with a kilometer time of 4:30 per kilometer. In the Nike AlphaFly NEXT we are down to times between 4:15 and 4:20 per kilometer. Of course, without me feeling like I am doing anything myself to run faster.

NIKE ALPHAFLY | THE WORLD’S FASTEST RUNNING SHOES VIDEO:

Nike Alphafly Next% vs. Nike Vaporfly NEXT%

There are some similarities between the 2 shoes, and then there are some pretty significant differences. We haven’t gone into the details here, but have simply highlighted the most visible and useful ones.

The upper part:
There is a pretty big difference between the uppers of the two shoes. Gone is the “plastic-like” upper that you know from the VaporFly NEXT (called VaporWeave). Not that it was a bad upper, quite the opposite. I’ll be the first to admit that I was wrong about it, and labeled it as plastic-like. but I was wrong. Read more about it in our review of Nike VaporFly NEXT here.
The upper in the Nike AlphaFly is a bit different. Can you call it a Flyknit upper on steroids? Hardly, but I do. Actually, that’s a bit wrong, because the upper hasn’t gotten any fuller or stronger. But the AtomKnit upper is an extension of the well-known Flyknit upper. AtomKnit is just stretched further and steamed. It’s an improvement in breathability in particular, but also in its ability to reduce fluid absorption.

The midsole:
Where the midsole of the Nike Vaporfly Next consisted of ZoomX foam only, and then a built-in carbon fiber plate, you will find that the midsole of the Nike AlphaFly is different. There is still plenty of ZoomX foam in the midsole and the carbon fiber plate (with updates – read more further down) is still there. In fact, the AlphaFly contains more ZoomX than the Vaporfly had in it, but the real fun happens in the two Zoom Air capsules that are in the forefoot of the shoe. They assist the primary difference in the midsole of the two shoes.

The carbon fiber plate:
There is an update in terms of the carbon or carbon fiber plate used in the shoe. In the Nike VaporFly, the same carbon plate was used regardless of the size of the shoe..
I Nike Alphafly is the approach that each size has its own unique carbon plate. This makes the shoe more individual, and you achieve a more individual performance. This gives a more flexible sole in the smaller sizes, and a more rigid sole in the larger sizes.

Analysis Part 1: Who should run in the Nike Alphafly Next

My analysis part number 1 is based on who can and who should run in the Nike AlphaFly NEXT. I evaluate the running shoe based on various parameters, and give my opinion on what the shoe contains.

Which running style

From my perspective, you can easily talk about running style if you want. But in shoes like Nike Alphafly and Nike Vaporfly NEXT, I honestly don’t think it makes sense. Nike Alphafly NEXT is basically a running shoe for the neutral runner, as by definition there is no specific pronation wedge in the shoe. But with pronation wedges or not. It’s not a dying breed, but it’s a bit “last year”. There are still loads of runners who use and get the most out of running in shoes with pronation wedges, because they’ve been doing that for many years. But in the newer designs and newer running shoes, they’ve become better at building support into the shoe, and otherwise you leave the shoes up to the body to regulate itself. You’ve probably heard of Natural Running.
Another point of view that you might want to consider is whether it is really important to pay attention to your running style when it comes to a competition running shoe.

Having said all that, I don’t think I notice any problems with support in the shoe at all. And it must be said that I myself move somewhere between moderate and severe overpronation, if we are going to talk about it. So I don’t think it is an issue for the vast majority of runners. The ZoomX foam and the construction of the sole are made in such a way that there is plenty of support for the foot/lower leg.

Fit

How can you describe a fit if you don’t feel like you’re wearing the shoe? No kidding, but that’s how I think. You almost don’t feel like you’re wearing the Nike AlphaFly NEXT on your feet. This is of course due to the low weight, but also the very flexible and light Atomknit in the upper. We’ve mentioned before that it’s hard to get into. So the instep on the shoe is small, and you have to be prepared to struggle a bit to get into the shoe. When I put on my AlphaFly, I can feel that the shoe is narrow in the midfoot, and I can actually feel the edge of the insole. But funnily enough, there’s nothing to feel when I run..
The heel is firm and has a tight fit. It is more or less a must that the heel is firm. Especially when you consider how little firmness there is in the rest of the upper.

• Size: Regular
• Heel: Tight fit
• Midfoot: Narrow
• Forefoot: Regular fit
• Toe: Spacious
• Arch structure: low

Surfaces and conditions

You should, to the best of my knowledge, stick to hard surfaces. In fact, I would normally also call a forest path as you know it in a regular forest approved. But with the Nike AlphaFly NEXT, I would be careful. At the time of writing, I haven’t heard of it yet, but the Air Zoom cushion that is located in the forefoot. I think it looks fragile in relation to meeting sharp stones or other objects.
The shoe is made not to absorb very much water. The thin Atomknit upper does not absorb very much moisture. So they can of course run in water and rainwater. However, I personally think that the outsole becomes a bit smoother in wet conditions (on smooth surfaces – not ordinary rough asphalt).

Price level

An insane price level. Even more insane if the Nike AlphaFly NEXT is only going to be used for competitions. I don’t think many runners can say, without laughing, that the Nike Alphafly NEXT is cheap. It’s not. It’s a pig-sized running shoe. Suggested retail price of 2,449,-
But nevertheless, when the Nike Alphafly was launched in Europe, it was nowhere to be found. It was sold out everywhere. So yes, it’s expensive, but it’s also interesting. And Nike is just one of the best in the world at creating hype about their products.

Price is still relative. The individual buyer must keep his benefit up to his expense. Personally, I think 2500,- is a lot of money. But I also think it’s a great feeling to run in Nike Alphafly NEXT. And when you, like the undersigned, are a competitive person, it’s great to know that the equipment can’t be to blame for the lack of improvements.

How much does the Nike Pegasus Turbo weigh?

The Nike Air Zoom AlphaFly NEXT weighs approximately 231 grams in size 44. So it shouldn’t be the weight that weighs you down..
As I mentioned in our unboxing video, I think the Nike Alphafly looks really heavy when I unpack it. But it’s the polar opposite. Ultra light. There’s an incredible amount of sole on the shoe. And that just proves how revolutionary the ZoomX material is. So much material, with so little weight. It’s quite unique.

Pleje og vedligeholdelse

I usually recommend that it is ALWAYS a good idea to take the insole out of the shoe after each run. In order to let the shoe air out and minimize the risk of bacteria accumulating inside the shoe (which is what causes the bad smell). But it is just a bit difficult when you don’t have the option to take the insole out on the Nike Alpha NEXT. I don’t know what the reason for this is. But you can still let your shoes air out naturally after each run, in order to keep them fresh all the time. One thing you should NEVER do is throw them in the washing machine..
You can read our guide to washing and maintaining running shoes here.

Drop height

The Nike AlphaFly NEXT has a drop height of 4mm. So it’s actually a relatively low drop height in the shoe. Personally, I don’t think you notice it when you run in the shoe.

Drop heights:
Forefoot height: 35mm
Heel height: 39mm

Analysis Part 2: Technical Review of the Nike Alphafly NEXT

In analysis part 2, I try to answer all the technical specifications of the shoe. I try to explain as close to ordinary Danish as possible.

The outsole

The outsole of the Nike AlphaFly NEXt, like its predecessor, is designed to provide the most grip in the right places on the sole. But like its predecessor, the outsole/shoe sole seems very soft. This is natural when you look at the shoe as a whole, but in my world it also gives somewhat less durability. If I start from my Nike Vaporfly, I only walked 400km, then the outsole was worn through on the forefoot, and I can feel the carbon fiber plate in the shoe with my fingers. I am “afraid” that it is the same on the Alphafly.

Midsole

The midsole of the Nike AlphaFly NEXT is the heart of the entire shoe. The sole is built on the revolutionary ZoomX foam. A material that is super light, but at the same time massively shock-absorbing. But perhaps even more importantly, this unique material manages to create a huge portion of return energy for you. It is part of the propulsion you get in the shoe.

Mellemsål – Flyplate

The second part of the midsole in the Nike AlphaFly NEXT is the carbon fiber plate. The one that has been talked about so much. It is the second part of the great propulsion that you get in the shoe. With every step you are launched via this plate. The update in the Nike Alphafly compared to the Vaporfly NEXT is that this plate is now adjusted for sizes. So it is not the same in all sizes anymore. The larger the size, the stiffer your carbon fiber plate is. This provides a better individual adjustment to the individual runner.
The carbon fiber plate in the Nike Alphafly is called “FLYPLATE”. A cool name if I may say so. Because you really feel like you’re flying in this running shoe.

Heel

The heel is nothing, and yet I think it is everything. It doesn’t show much. But in its own simple way, Nike manages to create a heel section that creates good stability for the entire shoe. And you have to take into account that the rest of the upper, forward in the shoe, is not much help in that direction.

Shock absorption

Is the same as the midsole + one single element. The ZoomX material provides the unique shock absorption. See our video about the bounce effect in the shoe – found earlier in the article..
But you definitely shouldn’t underestimate the effect of the 2x Air Zoom cushions added to the Nike Alphafly NEXT. They play uniquely with the rest of the midsole, creating even more softness.

Forefoot

It’s all really simple when I think about it. A lot of what I’m describing in this section, it reflects on either the ZoomX or the Flyplate. And so it is with the forefoot. The carbon fiber plate in particular is a fantastic part of the forefoot of the shoe. You get an insane flex, and you’re shot off on the next step.
The fit in the forefoot is surprisingly loose once you get into the shoe. I actually don’t think the Atomknit upper is as tight as you might have expected.

Upper part

Nike Flyknit is a luxury upper. Nike Atomknit is a refined version of this. It is still this knitted upper, which weighs nothing and which sits really nicely on the foot. Atomknit is, compared to Flyknit, stretched out more, so it becomes thinner, it becomes more airy and so it absorbs significantly less moisture. The disadvantage of Atomknit is definitely its durability. It is a relatively fragile upper.

Comparisons to Nike Alphafly NEXT

The easiest point for me. Because there is only one shoe I can write as a similar model. Its predecessor Nike VaporFly NEXT. And otherwise there are no alternatives of the same caliber on the market yet.
Given that several of the other running brands are currently working on their versions of “carbon plate running shoes”, I’m personally very excited to see what it ends up being. Are there any that can become a real challenger to Nike? And isn’t Nike just starting out with something new when the others get there?

Summary

This section could be a long one, or relatively short. I’ll stick to the short version. If you’ve been following along, and maybe you’ve read this entire review and our entire VaporFly review. Then you probably have no doubt that I’m happy with the shoes and their concept. Not so happy with their durability, but love their effect.
So a short summary is that I am satisfied. Very satisfied. And I can’t see who is going to knock Nike off this throne for now!

Price comparison on Nike AlphaFly NEXT

Which of our partners (webshops) currently has the best price on the shoe? We keep an eye on the prices for you.

The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT has started a family

The Nike AlphaFly NEXT is the mothership. But after the mothership come other family members. For good reason, these are also running shoes that we have not yet had the pleasure of feeling or running in.

Nike Tempo NEXT%
Is the one of the two running shoes that is most similar in appearance.

Nike Tempo NEXT% Flyease
It has a slightly strange structure when you look at it from the outside.

What both of these “take downs” have in common is that neither of them has a built-in carbon fiber plate in the sole.

Nike is the market leader in competitive running shoes.

Like it or not, Nike is the current leader in competitive running shoes. There are some pretty crazy pictures and statistics showing how many people actually competed in competitions around the world in 2019 wearing the Nike VaporFly NEXT. So right now they are at least one step ahead of everyone else, if not three steps..
But don’t think that all the other brands will just give up. That’s why it will be exciting to see what they come up with. In any case, you can’t say anything other than that they have had ample opportunity to investigate what they are up against and what they have to beat. There is a long way to the top of the ladder for the other brands, but competition is healthy, and it only makes everyone better. And in the end, it benefits the runners, and it is a nice development.