Believe in the RunVideo · Apr 15, 2026INFERRED
The best Alphafly yet and a fun shoe that will be hard to beat.
Nike
Alphafly 3
Race shoe · Stable Neutral · 269 g · 8 mm drop · MSRP $275
BuildPlated
$70 at squarespace.com$27575% off today
Critic consensus
from 9 reviewsReviewers widely praise the Nike Alphafly 3 for delivering exceptional energy return, a lighter build, and a much smoother transition than its predecessors. The redesigned upper resolves prior arch irritation and improves lock, though opinions differ on whether the aggressive ride tolerates slower paces. It remains best suited for marathon racers seeking top-tier propulsion on race day.
Reviewers agree
Updated upper eliminates previous arch irritation and hot spots7/9
Noticeably lighter build enhances cadence and responsiveness6/9
Continuous midsole creates a noticeably smoother transition5/9
Wider carbon plate base provides increased running stability5/9
Reviewers disagree
Performance and comfort at slower training paces3 vs 3
What reviewers use it for
Race9 of 9
Tempo7 of 9
Long run2 of 9
Easy1 of 9
A shoe earns a tag as soon as one reviewer recommends it for that kind of run; the count shows how many agree. Mentions include synonyms, so “recovery”, “zone 2” and “conversational” all count toward Easy.
Critic reviews
9 reviews · 9 scores inferredSagasu RunningVideo · Apr 15, 2026INFERRED
The Nike Alphafly 3 is Nike's marquee marathon racer and a truly remarkable shoe, offering a natural, smooth, and confident running experience.
Ben Is RunningVideo · Apr 15, 2026INFERRED
Could possibly be the best carbon racing shoe from Nike and possibly on the market.
The Run TestersVideo · Apr 15, 2026INFERRED
An outstanding racing shoe, likely the best for most runners, offering a fast, smooth, and bouncy ride.
RaceWatch review
Ben ParkesVideo · Apr 15, 2026INFERRED
A fantastic, versatile shoe that has improved significantly from its predecessors, offering comfort, stability, and surprising durability.
Marathon HandbookVideo · Apr 15, 2026INFERRED
The Alphafly 3 is the best Alphafly yet, effectively merging high performance and durability.
RaceWatch review
RadDadBodTVVideo · Apr 15, 2026INFERRED
Nike knocked it out of the park with the Alphafly 3, a winner for those who seek maximum propulsion for faster paces.
Fresh Brew Run ClubVideo · Apr 15, 2026INFERRED
A pretty good shoe with comfort improvements over its predecessor, but requires good form to truly benefit from its design.