Nike Alphafly 1
Price$275
Weight7.4oz / 210g
Drop4mm
TypeRacing
Stack height40mm / 32mm
Pros & cons
✓ What testers liked
- +Plush Comfort & ZoomX Cushioning (23.8%): Ultra-plush ZoomX foam absorbing heavy road impact and providing soft underfoot cushioning over marathon distances (especially women's).
- +Performance (21.1%): Aggressive forward propulsion driven by the full-length carbon plate and forefoot rocker geometry, helping runners achieve fast times and personal bests (especially women's).
- +Aesthetics (14.5%): Highly distinctive, futuristic silhouette and iconic launch colorways (especially women's).
- +Breathability (14.0%): Ultra-lightweight AtomKnit upper providing exceptional ventilation and a sock-like fit (especially women's).
- +Bounce, Energy Return & Air Pods (12.8%): Trampoline-like bounce and lively pop off the dual forefoot Zoom Air pods (especially women's).
- +Lightweight Construction (12.6%): Extremely light racing weight relative to its high stack height, making turnover feel weightless (especially women's).
- +Joint Relief & Fatigue Reduction (6.0%): High impact dampening that protects legs, knees, and ankles from post-run muscular soreness (especially women's).
- +Platform Stability & Support (5.8%): Decent forward-going support when running at fast race paces (especially women's).
✕ Where it falls short
- –Durability (18.6%): High rates of forefoot rubber pad detachment, rear foam tearing, and sole disintegration within early mileage (especially women's).
- –Sizing & Fit: Runs Small / Narrow (7.0%): Tight toe box and narrow midfoot prompting runners to size up by half a size (especially women's).
- –Value (6.3%): Premium retail price ($275) coupled with short sole lifespan making the cost-per-mile hard to justify.
- –Severe Midfoot Arch Digging & Pain (5.1%): Narrow carbon plate waist and rigid midfoot cutout digging sharply into low or flat arches (especially women's).
- –Difficulty Putting On & Tight Entry (3.7%): Non-adjustable AtomKnit collar making step-in entry difficult, requiring significant effort or a shoe horn (especially women's).
- –Ankle Instability & Wobble (2.2%): Narrow midfoot and ultra-soft stack creating instability on sharp turns or uneven surfaces (especially women's).
- –Noise (0.8%): Noticeable acoustic pop or squeaking sound when striking pavement.
Community reviews
5.0
Love2 reviews
2
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0Anonymous
May 19, 2023
May 19, 2023Alphafly lives up to billing. Nothing else is close.
Rob CMay 13, 2023
May 13, 2023First pair were the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2’s. Loved the responsiveness. Then got the Alfafly’s but found the high instep harsh on really long efforts (what they’re designed for!). Finally got the Vaporfly 2’s which are just amazing. Great blend of comfort and responsiveness.