THE SURPRISING TRUTH - Nike Alphafly 3 After 200 Miles Review

[@steveellefsen5662]

Just ran a marathon this weekend and I can hear these damn shoes like a Clydesdale galloping behind me

[@50Something]

I noticed the same thing, I'd never be able to get past the noise these make. It's bloody awful!

[@karlbratby4349]

agree, much prefer the stealthy almost silent adios pro 3.

[@Amtcboy]

I read some owners use DW40.

[@craigbrown7256]

I did a marathon recently and was passed by a wearer - they were a really slightly built and short individual but they sounded like a monster behind me!

[@tombola4046]

@@steveellefsen5662 much prefer the silent, just as fast and more comfortable Puma DNE 3 😄

[@ClubmanGT1971]

Love my brilliant AF3’s. I agree with everything you’ve said. I had a brand new pair for Melbourne Marathon but can’t tell the difference with my older pair with 150km on them. So comfortable for my 52 year old legs. Love the footage in Melbourne as well! Thanks Ben. It was brilliant to have you down here.

[@RealFrenchWill]

Please please wake up. Stop drinking the cool aid. Shoes should be designed to last 1000miles +. Do you realise how insane it sounds that people say their shoes are still in one piece after 150-200miles..?!!! Of course they are. Anything less is criminal. Utter rip off. Disgustingly unnecessary. The amount of carbon/energy that goes into making this shoe is significant. Please dont discard after 200 miles. Please.

[@Nodde1991]

Nice review Ben! If you get your hands on the new zoom fly 6 I'd be very interested to see that review!

[@NikolaiRomanov94]

During the Melbourne Marathon all I could hear was the airpods in the AF3 squeaking all around me it was maddening

[@offthemeynroad4054]

Same!!

[@thejeffinvade]

1:03 I always worry about your shoe on handrails falling into Thames river.

[@tombola4046]

VF3 caused me arch issues, Invincible 3 had an awful lock down and heel slip! Wasted so much money on both shoes that I’ll be avoiding Nike for a while

[@philipmartin9739]

Totally agree Inv 3s

[@DeeKay1911]

Actually been pretty happy with both

[@Ingrimmsch91]

@@DeeKay1911im too 🫣not a problem

[@tombola4046]

@@DeeKay1911 good for you 😂

[@colinking5742]

VF3 are my 5k shoes but I feel like they really bottom out otherwise…. Invincible 3s are so bad haha.

[@knutbk]

How much do you weigh? Knowing what a shoe looks like after X miles and what type of foot strike you employ is helpful, but not entirely relevant without the weight they carry for those miles. Maybe also your regular cadence for those miles? Love that you put this out even without that data, as the comparisons and pairings with other shoes was also quite helpful. Perhaps regular subscribers have this committed to memory from other content you’ve published. but I would suggest including as much of your stats in anything where we’re ingesting anecdotal evidence and hearing an analysis with an N of 1.

[@jarsa81]

Ben Johnson say he did 500miles with AF 3 and even 2:38 marathon with just reached 500 miles 😅 not bad 👌

[@palmyarmyswim]

*He endorses Nike and unless he's changed in the last 6 months doesn't give any negatives(if he does now I apologise) or criticism.

[@BenZamzow]

I set my marathon PR in the AF3 2 weeks ago. I also appreciate the wide plate & base you mentioned, this was helpful cornering on wet pavement. The big downside for me was a massive arch blister starting at mile 5. But well worth it (first time sub-3).

[@XFL33]

As a slower marathoner (3h10-ish), I don't dislike the the AF3, but I find them too demanding for the 26.2. When you attack them perfectly on the airpods, they reward you with an amazing energy return, but when you don't, they feel quite ordinary. And it's impossible for me to stay that focused for a whole marathon. And yet I'm a natural forefoot runner, so I shouldn't have to try so hard... On the other hand, I find the AF1 very simple to run fast with, I don't have to force my gait, they feel amazing whatever the pace (of course, the more you put into it, the more you get back), even when the going gets tough at the end of the marathon. To me, the AF1 is still the best shoe ever (with the first vaporfly Next% a close second). (The AF2 was a dud, not worth mentionning).

[@LKeet6]

what are your current favourite shoe(s)?

[@XFL33]

@@LKeet6 It's still the AF1 (I've got a lot of backup pairs). If I have to choose a current model, I'd take the Vaporfly 3. I'm still to find a superfoam I like as much as ZoomX (I'd like to try the Adios Pro 4 though).

[@thepsychologist8159]

@@LKeet6 I recently bought myself a pair of Endorphin Pro 4 as a daily runner and so far I can't fault them. Just so comfortable and great for minimizing leg fatigue. They don't have as much 'pop' as the Alphafly, but I find with the energy return they really do allow you to keep pushing well beyond 20km.

[@LKeet6]

@@thepsychologist8159 thanks. I'm coming from a "minimalist" running perspective, and have been using altras. I bought my first supershoe a few months ago, the metaspeed edge. They're really fun to run in, but started getting uncomfortable after around 15km. I think it's a fit thing (I have one foot that's half a size bigger than the other!) I've just bought the topo spectre 2s, but haven't used them yet. They're supposed to be a good compromise between minimalist and supershoe. I would love to find a supershoe that fits perfectly. I've heard the endorphins age good 👍

[@mdekool]

These don't work as well for everyone. I had very significant wear on the outsole heel after just 50 miles, those tiny patches really don't hold up very well. And I do not really enjoy these while running, it feels like I am fighting them. I abolutely loved the Alphafly 1.

[@davidtaylor3]

The Alphafly 3’s are a relative bargain here in Australia. At AU$370 this translates to £190 / €229 / US$247 / CA$342 at today’s exchange rates. It’s not often that Australia is the cheapest! I should probably buy a pair before Nike realises and jacks the price up!

[@thepsychologist8159]

Yes, true. I bought a pair of Endorphin Pro 4 recently and they were $340. However, Nike have always been quite sharp with their pricing on the Alphaflys, so let's hope they keep them in this price range.

[@DannyWyattTV]

They feel amazing and I used them in Berlin to get a new PB too. But, after only 62 miles the rubber bits at the back have started to peel away. I too was concerned about how long they'd last, not sure if I'm going to get to 200 miles plus, which my VaporFly 3s manage fine before they're done. And, for the price, I am literally saving them for races only! Great review as always Ben, keep up the good work!

[@YeeCChan]

I love the AF3 it's such a fun and comfy shoe to run in and I feel I benefit from it even as a slow runner. As someone with a narrow heel the narrowness also is good for me. Not the biggest fan of the price though, I got mine with a decent discount so it was worth it for me but not so sure I'd be willing to pay full price.

[@joshuagifford5616]

Ran my first ever marathon at the weekend in York, couldn't have done it without your plan, Ben. Just wanted to say a massive thanks for all you do!

[@Robzabest25]

should tape the colours and then do the running tests like blindfolded and u will see the results, having it on right and left foot almost not enough to tell since ur leg imbalances already

[@RE71476AD]

Some great muscle definition on those legs, Ben (I swear your shorts are getting shorter...or you are getting taller!) As you increase your running volume again, and reduce gym time, it does not take much to maintain the muscle you have. As little as once a week (ideally two) and no need to go too hard at it.

[@luciannealbrecht190]

Like the snappier video format Ben - all the necessary data and practical feedback and more time for running 😂 you bring us all up to speed with shoe retail and I have never tried tried Nike ( I know a bit tight with my earth credits ! ) but I think next year I’ll hunt for a second hand pair as I like the sound of the ‘fun’ experience rather than performance driven. Cheers 😊

[@m3passion295]

Will run the Frankfurt Marathon in AF3. Did 2 shorter runs in it, but it feels great. Very comfortable and stable, despite goving you back that energy with every stride. Impressive to say the least.

[@BenParkes]

Good luck in Frankfurt!

[@m3passion295]

@@BenParkes Hey Ben Parkes , you wishing me good luck brought me luck, did the Frankfurt Marathon in 3:29:09, 50 Minutes faster than my first ever Marathon at 49 years old back in May (Luxembourg, ING Night Marathon). Next week I start working with your 17-20 5k programm (goal under 19). I want to build up speed, after that I‘ll gp for your sub 40 10k, goal is a sub 3 Marathon next year. 👍

[@TheHutchRuns]

Hi Ben, great video, with regard to grip in the wet, I ran a half in the pouring rain and found the grip very good indeed, my favourite race shoe

[@tompatrick795]

Thanks Ben. I’ve been seeing that mine are holding up really well so I want to train in them more before Valencia so that I’m more used to it because it’s a little different than regular shoes.

[@bpg201]

Have never tried any of the Nike super shoes. Mildly curious....though in general Nikes have never fit my feet all that well, and I'm not a huge fan of the company overall. But it's nice to see they hold up well after all those miles, after paying so much for them!

[@runnin3216]

That has been my issue with them historically. The original Alphafly does have a more accommodating toebox. Vaporfly 3 and Pegasus Plus also fit well when I tried them. The Invincible was still too cramped though.

[@zeniktorres4320]

I've gone with Hoka as they have low heel toe drop of 4-5mm which is the number one factor for me.

[@thepsychologist8159]

I recently bought a pair of Saucony Endorphin Pro 4. I definitely recommend these for anyone who wants a broader more supportive/stable base.

[@thejeffinvade]

I put 900Km to my original adidas prime X, I can finally say the foam is dead. So super shoes do last a long time, It all depends on how picky you are.

[@eamon1648]

And independent lab tested several a few years ago and they found that there is no measurable difference for at least 300km of use, after that they are slightly worse but only slightly. They certainly all last longer than old school racing flats did.

[@gkott78]

I've been saving my AF3 for going after PB's. I really enjoy them, but was concerned about durability so I have a slew of trainers that I just beat up instead. I did a 10k today my vaporfly 3 and quickly realized I absolutely prefer the feel of the AF3. They are loud though!

[@PERFECTWORKOUT]

🎉 Excellent video and great shoe and I just ran with AF3 Proto 2:56:44 in Chicago. Anyway, can you recommend any shops that sell Alphafly 2 in size UK 9 ?❤

[@vinnicentow]

I like to pair the Alphafly with the Vomero 17 and the Zoom Fly 5 for speedwork, I like the fact that the Zoom Fly is heavier so you train harder. I actually cant wait for the Zoom Fly 6 to come out!

[@dorins3787]

I call the zoomfly 5 "nike coffin 5". Leg killer with zero pop and snap

[@vinnicentow]

@@dorins3787 I don't have this feeling when I pick the speed up, guess I like this type of shoe.

[@BenParkes]

I've just ordered the zoom fly 6, so that review will drop in a few weeks!

[@vinnicentow]

@@BenParkes I just ordered them too and I wonder what you will think about the shoe! Love your content by the way, had my first Marathon a week ago. Thank you for the motivation 💪

[@richarddavidson5089]

I find them easy to run at a consistent pace with. I'd say I find it easier to run quicker in the AF1, but the AF3 doesn't beat me up as much from HM upwards. Less said about the AF2 the better.

[@georgesoto5436]

Thanks for the video, is the Alphafly more suited for half marathons or shorter races vs the Vapofly best suited for marathons? Would love your opinion

[@JamesBrown-hh4ek]

Juat did Amsterdam (in vaporfly v2), i could hear the alphaflys clip-clopping like plastic hooves around me. Not sure i could tolerate the noise on my own feet (i love the vaporflys)

[@evs251]

Hey Ben! Would be interesting to know what kind of exercises you do during winter when there's so much snow you can't run but you want to maintain running form. I know treadmill is an option, but anything else besides that? Where I live, next week we will have a bunch of snow coming in so I wonder if you've ever tried cross country skiing or anything similar to keep the aerobic levels good for running? I'm thinking at first I'll try running as this is the first year I have properly ran as a hobby. Fingers crossed it won't become too unbearable to run through the sleet lol

[@munny_78]

Hey Ben.. I haven’t owned any Nike products previously and have mild stability needs. Would the AF be any good? If it’s that narrow in the arch, I’m thinking not?!

[@MedicineRunner]

Ben you’re a baller man. This is a great video and I’m sure, in high demand. Just dropping my comment for support brother.

[@BenParkes]

I appreciate that! Thank you!

[@thesecretperk]

Would the running community look down upon a newbie wearing these? For example, if you’re fast and saw a slow runner with these on would you judge?

[@raymondmorrow7926]

Dude I love seeing people wearing all types of shoes. These videos are fun but I like to talk to others about shoes for opinions.

[@dontbelievethehype777]

If you're not fast enough, chances are you don't need them and they could do you more harm than good actually. I would recommend that first you do a running technique check with a specialist (which costs a small fraction of these shoes price) and then once you worked on it a little bit, try some supershoes.

[@eamon1648]

Might have an internal chuckle but wouldn't judge, whatever it takes to get someone out running is worth it. If you want them, get them, you'll enjoy it

[@nvan78]

@@dontbelievethehype777 intuitively makes sense that these shoes would benefit elite efficient runners who would get far more benefit from the carbon plate than the avg. runner. I suspect most avg. runners would get minimal benefit and could buy a couple of pairs of decent trainers for the same price.

[@mrz_88]

Dude, i achieved my Personal Best / Personal Record with these shoes and i’m a newbie and a slow runner. The best part is the energy return of these shoes that helps to make you go faster even if youre a newbie and a slow runner

[@Amtcboy]

I still got some redness, later chafing on the left arch, addressed by applying tape on my arch. Compared to A2’s real blisters and pounding on both arches. Never had these on A1s.

[@borkarms]

Nice, very well reviewed.

[@Neilly671]

Should I go with my alphaflys or switch to my new Asics metaspeed Sky?

[@PVCanciu]

I don’t know how heel strikers can use this shoe. I tried it in the shop and it felt like there is nothing back there with that sharp cut. (I have a midfoot strike and I’m used to the Boston 12 and Adios Pro 3).

[@jamesotto7884]

Im a forefoot striker and after less than 100 miles the foam around the AirPod started to split on both shoes and as I use them more small chunks of foam and being eroded from the area.

[@RaffaRuns]

Just FYI Ben... It's pronounced Mel-burn, not Mel-bourne haha. Great seeing you here, managed to spot you twice! (Last time I've seen you was in Milton Keynes on a 20miler race back in 2021!!!)

[@alangray8952]

Had a pair arrive today from Nike, but think I'll be sending them back. Don't have wide feet but felt my the inside if my foot to be hanging over. Would like to run in them to see if they're OK, but worried I won't get a refund

[@yomchadash]

Have original alphafly, arch bump means only short slow runs for these, lucky i got them on sale

[@Chris-dw3xl]

285 too expensive maybe 180 I’ll buy

[@Amtcboy]

I’ve seen some pictures of A3s’ soles getting torn off, and not even more than 100kms.

[@user-vi9wl4fh6l]

Thanks for the great review. It answered a lot of my questions related to my shoe dilemma going into the NYC Marathon on Nov 3. After much debate. I just purchased a pair of the AF3’s instead of the ASICS MetaSpeed Sky. Im going to take them for a 10k tempo run 1 week before the NYC Marathon. Do you think that is sufficient to allow me to get comfortable with the shoe and break it in before November 3rd. Thanks. Will

[@CallFazal]

Great review. Thank you

[@Leeroy49]

It was so funny in Berlin. All the party and really many feet strolling along but still you could always here when somebodey in Alpha Flys came close^^ It made me laugh :).

[@louislouis4936]

Hi Ben what are your thoughts on the ASICS cumulus 26?

[@danielmacleod6485]

Hi Ben! Do you have a recommendation on a place to buy good sale price vaporfly 2s?!

[@levilei1887]

Hey ben! I just got a pair of alphafly 3's as well but they get so dirty so easily. I was wondering how you clean your alphaflys. I can clean the midsole realtively easily but the upper is just a pain in the but.

[@offthemeynroad4054]

I ran Melbourne and heard every single person coming behind me that was wearing Alphaflys! And there was a lot!!

[@Chungdol]

Noisy...try some chinese brands with CPU outsole... they hear you kilometers away :D Amazing video, thank you a lot! What do you think about the durabilty as a trainer? Possible to get 400 training miles out of it overall (like after the first 150 racing miles)?

[@mrstagore]

Do these shoes work well for over pronators? I tend to wear kayano 30s for easy runs and did my last marathon in the superblast 2

[@jn5152]

Ben... how many miles do you recommend changing supershoes? I have done 120 miles / 200k in my Adios pro 3 and although probably still good to train in ...for races i cant tell if they have lost that POP! Or if because I'm not at peak fitness atm they just feel slower 😂

[@mrz_88]

The best shoes for PBs, the energy return is just phenomenal

[@pauljohnston-s3x]

Could you recommend a good training shoe. I use the saucony endorphin pro as race shoe but need new training shoe now

[@adewb]

I wish they would release a black colourway

[@ShaneClarke95]

My foam split just behind the air pod after about 40km in training currently being sent back for a refund 😔

[@flick-andro5697]

When are you going to review the nike zoom fly 6

[@porschelar]

Tried loving these, but they bothered my arches. Same with the Vaporfly.

[@chucky1golf]

Crazy money even with Klarna helping £95 x 3 😅. Might get invincible4 if reviews are decent.

[@henya2409]

The durability and general quality of the Nike Alphafly 3 is extremely poor. The midsole started to fall apart after my first run. Same issues in my running community all over the place.

[@MegaShonix]

Are you going to try out the zoom fly6 ben?

[@thejeffinvade]

My favorite supershoe with an arch problem.

[@Kaisersozze]

I hope you review the Adidas Evo SL and the Adios Pro 4. If I remember correctly you hated the Pro 2 so much so that you didn't even review the Pro 3.

[@Wildbrooker4304]

How’d you clean it up?

[@donaldwang7538]

AF1 holds up surprisingly well.

[@veganaus]

You should be comparing it to v1 which is more similar

[@MrFrescocotone]

Why Nike can't make a drop 6 shoe I wonder

[@tkoppis]

2:35 - There are no differences betweens mens and womens fits, they are all the same for Nike's racing shoes.

[@hansnothanz]

Need help with running shoes, just started running and recently bought the arahi 7 in mens size 11 2E after having them do a volumental scan but im noticing towards the end of my runs on my right foot my arch kinda hurts and im not sure its because of the shoe width (I heard that hoka's tend to run narrow) or because in the foot scan my right foot was assessed as a medium arch and my left foot a low arch so I need arch support. Scan details Left foot: US 10.5 E Right foot: US 9.9 2E And both with narrow heels And any shoes I should try out? I wanna get a 2nd pair this december. Thanks for the help

[@leehavison5618]

7:17 thought he was pulling on a vape at first 😂

[@TheNigrou]

Hi Ben, 1/ can you realize videos about trail shoes specially ALTRA ? 2/ same about barefoot shoes. Thanks 🙏 lot.

[@ednul]

You should compare AF v1 and v3.. v2 is not even close to as good as AF v1...

[@RichardHitchcock-ig4lj]

Oh, no! I have a feeling £285 is about to “disappear” from my bank account shortly!!🤣

[@sor609]

Nike shoes are hit and miss. I'll never buy them again after my vaporfly next% fell apart after only 56kms. Foam on one of the shoes literally disintegrated into chunks. Pegasus used to be a great trainer and then come 35, they completely ruined it. I had foot pain after wearing them. Zoom fly 1 were not that great but then flyknit were the best shoes they ever made. Then they created ZF3 which were about as good as 1 (not very). With Adidas, it's generally a slight evolution with every subsequent release, they don't screw up so often and they last much longer. If I were to discard my adidas shoes, it'd be because I got sick of looking at them, not because they went bad :)

[@terrymaycbc]

What name brand are those brown shorts? Love those! Thanks 😊

[@MicheleIacobelli]

It's his own brand. Don't know if those are made in collaboration with Soar though

[@terrymaycbc]

@@MicheleIacobelli Thank You!

[@hongkamle]

that is a lot of wear for just 200miles. People cover such distance in a month.

[@lewickerman]

You posted that they were 9.5oz and "nice and light" lol

[@Zelenskyyyyyyyyy]

I’ll stick with my ASICS Paris

[@trimad6128]

Can’t justify that on trainers it’s just ridiculous!Im a 3.15 runner so these are just all the gear…..

[@kevdabarber9387]

just got a pair for $139

[@celestesalvana8160]

Can I have ur vaporfly man, I started running already 6 months

[@victormiguelantoniovergara85]

Here in Philippines it’s only 201 pounds if you convert it in pounds 😅

[@martinweston8147]

£1/mile defo not a commuting shoe to save money then ;=)

[@TonyCarrolls]

Who the hell is paying £280 for running shoes? Pros and elites who benefit from marginal gains don't pay so that just leaves mugs with all the gear and no idea. Hmmmm, maybe a Christmas present to self 😅

[@hahaheslop]

Absolutely hate the sound of these shoes.

[@MKay-u7z]

$300 to be a Nike guinea pig? The only word that comes to me is "schmuck"

[@Nyelands]

It's a certain type of people who wear AF3, that is why I don't like them.

[@Sarvolos1]

Society: barefoot, hardsole, softsole, superthick softsole, hardsole, barefoot...

[@emanuelsantos5585]

Nike rules and are marathon world records

[@torgeiraleti]

You need to work on your pronunciation of Melbourne.

[@benjamin.kelley]

These "super shoes" are not super at all. For $250, they should hold up way better than they do. My shoes are $150, and they last 700 miles. Also the Alpha Fly 3 is insanely ANNOYING to hear while racing - the shoes are so loud, and make running beside someone wearing them unbearable. My last point is that Nike makes shoes that are made for feet that don't exist - they are way too narrow for everyone and have a non-foot-shaped toe box.

[@oscarbrown6032]

Hey Ben, please pronounce ‘Melbourne’ as Mel-bun. Sincerely, a very sensitive Australian

[@basengelblik5199]

Km?

[@michaelr.8402]

google

[@MrJermson]

320+

[@RJ-hi5pw]

multiply by 1.6 = 320km

[@DonGivani]

7 marathons for 300 plus euros

[@a2dazgod539]

This shoe is overrated, sitting on the shelf after two runs

[@jonathanfletcher7332]

Awful shoe

[@PK-gs3xo]

This shoes Made in China

[@denaeb5897]

i'm antinike so will never buy that

[@ucatani]

Wow, you're so in! Super cool! What a great reason to live!