Nike has always been at the forefront of running shoe innovation, especially when it comes to high-performance racing shoes. The brand created the first carbon plated racing shoe – the Vaporfly – back in 2017. The Alphafly was born a few years later in 2020 as a long-distance alternative.
Since Nike started the craze, nearly every brand has joined in on the speedy fun and created a fast, energetic racing shoe. But even with all the competition, the Nike Alphafly remained a go-to for countless elite athletes. So as expected, there was a lot of hype and excitement surrounding the release of the model’s newest iteration.
Nike has nailed down a winning formula with its competitive racing shoes, and the new version, the Alphafly Next% 4, doesn’t stray too far from what’s worked in the past. However, there are a few key differences in the foam, Air Zoom unit, and upper.
Our review team laced up the newest Alphafly to see how the update holds up and compares to the previous model. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at all the Alphafly’s features and elements. We’ll also dive into our road test results and some comparable running shoes. By the end of this Alphafly 4 review, we hope you’ll have a better idea of whether the shoes are the right fit for you and your next race day.
Features and Specs: A Quick Overview
If you’re looking for an in-depth look at the newest Nike Alphafly, you’re in the right place. But first, here’s a summary of the specs and highlights you can expect from this upgraded model.
- Designed as a high-performance carbon-plated racing shoe
- Stack height: 39 mm in the heel, 31 mm in the toe
- 8 mm heel-to-toe drop
- Weight: 6.6 oz (Men’s 8.5, Women’s 10)
- Midsole made from a dual-layer of ZoomX LT and ZoomX foam for a responsive, well-balanced ride
- Upgraded dual Air Zoom units in the forefoot are softer, lighter, and quieter than those found in the Alphafly 3
- Spoon-shaped carbon fiber Flyplate creates a stable ride while boosting energy return and rebound
- Atomknit upper design uses an open-hole mesh and midfoot cables to enhance breathability and security
- Fast Shot outsole adds traction while keeping the shoe lightweight
- Curved rocker geometry creates a propulsive design
- Price: $280 (down from $295 in the Alphafly 3)
Nike Alphafly 4: The Nitty-Gritty Details
Now, let’s take a look under the hood and see all the features that go into making the Alphafly such a beloved racing model.
Dual-Layer Midsole Design
One of the biggest upgrades from the Alphafly 3 to the Alphafly 4 can be found in the midsole design. While the previous edition had a full-length ZoomX midsole, the shoes now feature a dual-layered midsole designed to make the shoe lighter and springier than ever.
The bottom layer is made up of ZoomX foam. This is Nike’s proprietary racing foam, offering responsiveness and rebound with each landing. Directly underfoot, you’ll find ZoomX LT foam, a lighterweight version of this cushioning. This helps reduce the shoe’s weight while adding cushioning and protection over the course of long distances.
Carbon Fiber Flyplate
In between the midsole foam layers is a carbon fiber Flyplate. This spoon-shaped plate works alongside the responsive midsole foam to roll you forward and promote smooth, efficient transitions during long-distance races.
The plate’s primary function is to increase bounce and energy return. But the unique design also has a range of other benefits that keep you comfortable and protect your feet throughout races.
Nike uses a wide design, which helps disperse pressure more evenly and efficiently absorb impact, from mile 1 to mile 26.2. The wide construction also boosts stability. This stiff Flyplate balances out the high stack height (39/31 mm) with a stable feel for controlled, smooth strides.
Dual Air Zoom Unit
The Air Zoom unit also saw some upgrades from the design in the Alphafly 3. The construction is similar- dual-unit cushioning in the forefoot – but the newest version saw some tweaks and improvements for a better overall running experience.
Along with being softer than before, this springy forefoot cushioning is lighter than ever, with a design that’s 30% lighter than the previous generation of Air Zoom pods.
Nike also addressed one of the biggest complaints about the Alphafly 3 – the noise. In the past, the Air Zoom units have been known to squeak as they compress and decompress, but the newest iteration is made to be quieter for fewer distractions on race day.
Atomknit Upper
When you’re lining up for 26.2 miles, you don’t want to have to worry about any movement, rubbing, or hot spots around the feet. The Atomknit upper construction comes into play here, providing an ultra-light, flexible, and comfortable fit.
The open-hole mesh maximizes breathability, so you’ll be ready to take on your distance race in any season and any weather condition. And while the material itself is soft and flexible, there’s a touch of extra support and security thanks to the midfoot cables.
Value & Durability
A Fast Shot outsole design uses strategically-placed high-traction rubber to improve grip and keep you feeling secure and confident during explosive, propulsive toe-offs. This outsole provides reliable grip while keeping the shoe remarkably lightweight.
There are some downsides here. The minimal outsole leaves some exposed foam, which can lead to early wear. Even so, it does have similar durability and longevity to comparable racing shoes.
And while many shoes are going up in price, Nike did manage to drop the Alphafly’s price from $295 to $280. While this is still more expensive than standard shoes, it’s in line with other carbon plated shoes, and you can enjoy all these innovative features for a lower price than before.
Road Test Results
The Alphafly has gained quite a bit of competition in the running shoe market in recent years. With that, our review team was eager to lace up the 4th iteration and see if this uptempo racing shoe still stacks up.
Upon first impression, the answer was a resounding yes. Sliding on the Alphafly 4 for the first time, it delivered the familiar immediate comfort and bounce we’ve come to expect from Nike’s racing shoes. The updated Atomknit felt flexible and soft around the foot, and the secure, race-ready fit kept us locked in and secure while preparing to pick up the pace.
While many athletes will appreciate the snug performance fit, those with wider feet may find it a bit too narrow in the toe box. The length fits true-to-size, but those who prefer a roomier fit or know their feet swell during long-distance runs may want to consider sizing up.
While the Alphafly works best as a race day shoe, our review team laced them up for speed workouts, daily miles, and long runs for a complete picture of how the shoes perform. And no matter where our runs took us, these shoes provided us with maximum energy return and a fun, dynamic ride.
One of the biggest standouts throughout our runs – especially compared to the Alphafly 3 – was the midsole redesign. The new ZoomX LT foam directly underfoot felt lightweight and springy, delivering more energy return through every step. You could truly feel the layered midsole and softer Air Zoom unit working together to propel you forward.
And even with the high stack and bounciness, the Alphafly 4 didn’t feel overly wobbly or unstable, even during the later miles of long runs. The wide carbon Flyplate boosted this stability. This plate helps evenly disperse pressure, drive powerful toe-offs, and keep each step steady and secure, and it delivered in each one of these areas.
As you might expect from a race shoe, the Alphafly Next% 4 thrives at fast speeds. The midsole construction and rocker geometry guide you forward for fast, effortless strides. That’s not to say the shoes were uncomfortable during slower efforts, but they did feel as though they were pushing us to move faster.
With that in mind, we would suggest keeping the Alphafly as a dedicated racing or uptempo shoe. The exposed foam also contributes to earlier wear than standard daily trainers, so you may want to limit the shoe’s usage for everyday workouts and miles.
While this doesn’t impact functionality, we would also be remiss if we didn’t mention one of the biggest complaints we’ve heard about the Alphafly series: the squeak. The Air Zoom units are known to make noise when they compress and decompress, and previous iterations of the shoe have been distractingly noisy. The Alphafly 4 still makes a bit of noise with each stride, but the quieter, softer Air Zoom pods are certainly a step in the right direction.
Ultimately, the noise doesn’t take away from everything the Alphafly 4 does right. If you’re prepping for a half or full marathon and want a long-distance racing shoe that will help you feel and perform your best, the Alphafly is a fantastic option.
Nike Alphafly 4 Pros and Cons
As you can see from our road test results, there was a lot to love about the Alphafly 4. But if you’re wondering if this Nike running shoe is right for you, there are also a couple of downsides to keep in mind.
Pros
- New midsole construction incorporates a dual-layer design with ZoomX LT and ZoomX midsole foam, creating a lightweight, springy, and responsive ride
- Atomknit upper is exceptionally breathable and flexible around the foot, with secure midfoot cables and a performance-focused fit to reduce any distracting movement or rubbing
- Carbon fiber Flyplate continues to set the industry standard. It’s propulsive and energetic, with a wide design for maximum stability
- Air Zoom units in the forefoot have been redesigned to be softer and quieter, creating more comfort and spring as you toe-off
- Nike reduced the price from $295 to $280, offering a more affordable race day option
Cons
- Quieter than before, but the Air Zoom unit still makes noise as you run
- Strategically placed outsole adds grip while keeping the shoe lightweight, but leaves plenty of exposed foam that may result in early wear
Alphafly vs the Competition: How Does Nike’s Flagship Racing Shoe Compare?
As we mentioned before, more and more brands have been joining in the carbon plated racing shoe trend. Today, there are more options than ever for runners looking to push the pace and reach a new PR at their next race.
First, let’s take a look at Nike’s other iconic racing shoe, the Vaporfly. These are two of the most renowned models of Nike running shoes. Both are light, fast, and great for racing, although the Vaporfly is more geared towards shorter distances, while the Alphafly has a more stable feel for long distances. You can learn more about these two models in our complete Vaporfly vs. Alphafly comparison.
And while Nike was first on the carbon plated scene, adidas has been giving the brand a run for its money in recent years with fast, energetic, record-breaking racing shoes. Like the Alphafly, the Adios Pro 5 is a new light and propulsive shoe, perfect for long-distance races.
The Adios Pro uses a different propulsion system, with a unique carbon fiber-infused rim for uninterrupted momentum. Throughout our testing, we did find the upper a bit less accommodating than the Alphafly 4, so try out both options before buying to see what feels best for your foot shape and size.
The shoes listed above all have lots of cushion, but are all relatively firm and stable. If you want a blend of softness and speed on race day, check out the Asics Metaspeed Ray. The Metaspeed Ray incorporates FF Leap foam in the midsole, delivering plush, luxurious landings. You’ll sink into the foam as you run, making it less stable than the Alphafly, but you’ll get more all-around protection and comfort underfoot over long distances.
Final Thoughts: Try the Alphafly 4 at Marathon Sports
At Marathon Sports, we’re always excited to see brands innovate and step up their game with each new running shoe update. And while the Alphafly 4 may look similar to its predecessor, the upgrades truly take it to the next level in terms of bounce, comfort, and speed.
Ready to find your next race day shoe and start breaking PRs? Stop by your nearest Marathon Sports. We have the Alphafly 4, other carbon plated running shoes, and all the other gear and resources you need to make it to the finish line.
