Nike Alphafly 3 v Vaporfly 3: Which should you buy?

[@organiclaughter]

Excellent comparison. Thanks and looking forward to hearing your thoughts after running Boston in the Alphafly 3.

[@OldManRunner]

Thanks! Will make a video and report back…

[@m.ch4rmaland3r10]

I love the AF series. I just find it stable and poppy compared to VF but definitely not nimble in sharp turns compared to VF. I have only used AF1 even though I have four pairs. One pair with over 650km and it is still going strong, not as poppy as new. It has some amazing durability, even good for the compact trails. I feel like skipping AF v2 and go straight to v3.

[@OldManRunner]

Skipping straight from A1 to A3 makes sense to me. Would be great to hear what you make of the AF3...

[@bev9708]

AGREE!!! And sooooo many great deals on the AF1 , I even saw it as low as €80!!😮🤷🏻‍♀️

[@TheHutchRuns]

Loved the VF 1 & 2 but could not get on with the VF3, early days but I really like the AF3. Didn't have the AF2 and enjoyed running in the AF1 but would always take the VF 1 or 2 over it. Now, however, it's the AF3 that floats my boat.

[@OldManRunner]

I never got the VF1 or VF2, but much as I dislike the upper of the VF3 it is a cracking shoe for me to run in. The AF3 seems to tick almost all of my boxes.

[@jacksheehan8014]

Very interested to see how Boston goes in the Alphaflys 👍

[@OldManRunner]

So am I!

[@ThomasLaang]

I recently got the VF3, but to be fair I kind of prefer the VF2. I just stumbled on a pair of AF3 in my size from a retailer, so my reptile brain had to order them... 🙂 It will be interesting to compare to my beloved AF1, and now I basically HAVE to sign up for my first Marathon.

[@jackframe1945]

Thank you. Interesting. One characteristic of the Alphafly 3 v the Vaporfly 3 is that the foam stack in the Alphafly 3 protects the legs. My take is the V3 is preferable for the shorter distances while the A3 is preferable for the longer runs, so that the legs feel less taxed.

[@OldManRunner]

I think that’s Nike’s take on the two shoes. Ran my PB in the VF3. Will be really interested to see how I go and feel in the Dingle Marathon in the AF3 in late summer… and also if the coming Streakfly can see off the VF3.

[@jackframe1945]

STREAKFLY is a solid trainer. Perhaps even my preferred trainer, but it doesnt have the pop or geometry to rival either the A3 or the V3. The only shoe, IMO, to rival those two is the Metaspeed Sky Paris, which has really surprised me with several superb performances. Right now, in my rotation, I alternate the V3 and the Paris for short, fast races. They are expensive and have soles that I think discourage high mileage, so I dont use them to train in. I use the A3 for 10K and above. For short races with hills where a fast time is unlikely, I fall back on my V2s of which I have several pairs.

[@OldManRunner]

@@jackframe1945 The current Streakfly is as you say, but I enjoyed a 10k race in them recently. I think the next version may have a carbon plate…and be lighter than the VF3… hope to test it when it comes out…

[@shanegill5091]

Good Analysis. Alphas for you going by performance. Now it's time to take it to the max.

[@OldManRunner]

I’m definitely going for my 5k and 1k pb in them. Not sure exactly when but I was clipping along way faster than I thought I would in both of these shoes… so maybe soon enough

[@JohnBirtchetSharpe]

I look forward to Boston to see how you get on with the shoes, I will be partaking the following year. In my mind the alphafly is essentially the golf GTI of the running world. An innovative and groundbreaking original shoe which now needs to try and re-invent itself while remaining essentially the same in each iteration.

[@OldManRunner]

Like the GTi analogy. I think like GTi's the increments are small in each new version, but if you go back a few iterations they add up...Then of course there is the Golf R...

[@timtrenholm3698]

My last marathon in Oct 2023 had alot of elevation changes and I felt the airpods in the AF V2 really helped save the quads on the downhills since I did no dedicated hill workouts. I did find them a bit cumbersome on the uphills, but since I run with power as my primary metric, I was holding back on the uphills and pushing the downhills. I suspect the AF V3 will really make uphill running for me much easier while still working very well on the downhills. I am completely in love with the AF V3, and I need to really do more testing since my anecdotal data says the AF V3 results in lower HR for similar workouts vs the AF V1, V2 and Tempo Next%. The combination of weight savings, smooth transition and innate stability make the shoe PERFECT for me, not even mentioning comfort level....which I prefer the feel on my feet over nearly ALL my other shoes (almost Nimbus 25 levels....). Really considering using the shoe for key workouts leading up to my Boston 2025 bib attempt in May 2024, and just getting a new pair in April to wear fresh out of the box on race day. 1st world problems... But considering my AF V1 have 200km and AF V2 have 100km on them....my wife might kill me.

[@OldManRunner]

Good luck in May. I’m going to run Boston using Stryd power in them in April. Starting hill training in them in a few weeks. So far a very impressive shoe…Will make a video report after Boston…

[@timtrenholm3698]

@@OldManRunner A very reputable youtuber (Ben Johnson) from the US says he just rolled 500 miles on his pair of AF V3 during the Houston Marathon! I got 1000km on my first pair of Tempo Next% before I retired them, and thought that was amazing. If I can get 500km out of a pair of AF VX I'd be a happy man. Can't wait to see your Boston run with the Stryd pod and AF V3 and how your race plan handles the hills. Good-luck!

[@BearIT-sw5uo]

I noticed that in the in the 5k treshold run you average heart rate was 142 with Vapors and 152 with Alphas. Maybe that explains the diffrence in pace as well? 👀

[@tylerfinn3081]

Similar to another comment here, I think the Alphafly works well on hills, particularly the downhills. I’ve done Boston in the Vaporfly (V2) and Alphafly (V1) and prefer the Alphafly. Pretty frustrated with the US release so close to Boston! Great video comparison!

[@OldManRunner]

Thanks for the heads up on the hills. Very surprised how long it is before the AF3 goes on widespread sale in the US. And even then it might be limited release. Could be that the shipments are delayed or lost due to conflicts. They have definitely postponed the launch of the Mizuno Rebellion Pro 2 in Europe

[@Chris_Baily]

Great comparison video Barry! I know it's only 1 minute of data per pair of shoes, but I was interested in your power on your faster treadmill section. If the data isn't too noisy (I know how stryd power charts can look!), it would suggest that you needed 353W in the AF3s to maintain pace, but 362W in the VF3s. So you use shout 2.5% less power in the AF3s to run the same pace. Is that a true energy saving? Is it due to energy return from the air pods?... The caveat is that it's just 1 minute of data. So, I'd be interested in longer sets of treadmill data at around marathon pace, as that's what the shoe is aimed at.

[@OldManRunner]

Chris. I wondered about all of this. Should I have run for longer? I did think a lot about the power but the extra stride in the Vaporfly kind of confused the data for me. And I think the bounce on the treadmill may have complicated the issue. Will be testing and testing until I can get what I think is a definitive answer…!

[@thamwisai1]

I’m in shock that Kevin is no longer with us 😢

[@stealtherider3008]

Good video!

[@TolunayOrkun]

If I remember correctly, Kiptum actually ran London marathon in VF2 instead of VF3. At the time I don't think he had finalized his contract with Nike. In fact, he had apparently signed up with a Chinese brand but reneged on that contract and disappeared from Kenya only to run London in VF2. That said VF2 is a pretty good shoe. I just ran a PB in Houston HM (1:47:39) in VF2. However, my ankles were roughed up due to narrow heel. I will probably going use my AF1 for my marathon on March 2. I have about 100 miles in AF1 and they still feel great. I will buy AF3 sometime in the future.

[@OldManRunner]

I tried to find what shoe Kiptum was wearing in Valencia but could not, I know he ran the VF2 in London so was wondering if it was even the same pair! Well done on the PB...if you like the AF1 you should get some pairs before the last of them disappear... I saw Nike selling them still in some markets...and no doubt they are on discount in lots of places...

[@TolunayOrkun]

@@OldManRunner In the US, Nike has probably released their last batch of AF1 during the holiday season and they sold out fast! BTW, I had bought a second AF1 at some point which I ran another marathon in them but zoomx in that pair had developed a vertical crack near the middle of the shoe and I returned the pair to Nike for a refund (it had only 50 miles in total including the marathon race)

[@OldManRunner]

@@TolunayOrkun I had a look around and the price of any remaining Alphafly 1’s does seem to be rising!

[@rajkumarraosinhji1397]

Super Fantastic Review. The. Best. AF vs VF video on YT. Want Nike to see it. Best of Lucks in using AF3 in Boston. Can’t wait for kit, race, and travel videos. Speaking for myself, Will buy VF3. Am heavy-set so want light-weight based on your research. Thanks!!!!

[@OldManRunner]

Glad you enjoyed it Rajkumar. The VF3 is a wonderful shoe and I am going to be doing some more tests and videos. I have just finalised the nutrition and as with New York I am making a Boston video as I go along…

[@rajkumarraosinhji1397]

@@OldManRunnerBest of Lucks in Travel to/from Dublin and Boston. Can’t wait for nutrition video. Suitcase video from a while ago was truly enjoying. Thanks!!! NB: Just order VF3 based on your research/video!!!

[@i.p2088]

How many km in the Vaporfly before you feel they loose the magic ❓

[@OldManRunner]

I don't know. I don't think they have gone off yet. But they won't be factory fresh. I have two options, buy another new pair and compare or finally buy a Durometer. Think the latter but it is difficult to know exactly which one to buy...

[@i.p2088]

Great review, both same length? I feel like Alphafly V1 is shorter than the Vaporfly... ❓

[@OldManRunner]

The Vaporfly 3 is 3-5mm longer. Identical length to the heel of the upper. The foam projects slightly further back

[@i.p2088]

@@OldManRunner Thanks. You think if Alphafly is TTS to go to down half a size in the Vaporfly?

[@OldManRunner]

@@i.p2088 No. They are the same size internally. At least on my UK Size 12 wide foot…

[@i.p2088]

@@OldManRunner I understand. I want to get the Air Pods more backwards so I was thinking going half a size down in the Alphafly.. If I do that I have about 7mm free in the front.. It's my second toe which is the longest.

[@bev9708]

VERY curious how you get on with it at Boston!!!! AND which one Kiptum goes for at Rotterdam!!

[@OldManRunner]

I am wondering about Boston. I am also going to test it against the A1 and A2 over shorter distances. That way I can get some comparative data on my relative fitness and the shoes that I know about, particularly the Alphafly 1. I will be glued to Rotterdam. I would love if Sifan Hassan entered as she is such a fantastic runner to watch and listen to, and she would have a real shot at breaking the World Record, in her home nation marathon. The cheering would be mad!

[@bev9708]

@@OldManRunner HA!!! THAT's for sure!!!!! A LOT of people will be glued to Rotterdam this year!!!! Btw, just wondering, are you planning to go all out at Boston, or to stop and buy a sandwich along the way??😂😆 That still cracks me up every time I think of it!!

[@OldManRunner]

My plan for Boston is to run well, but not try for a PB. I did love stopping for my sandwich in New York and it makes me laugh, but don't want to do that every marathon....tempting as it is. Having said that I have a plan to do another long leisurely run, with regular stops and lots of filming, eating and maybe some swimming and definitely a little drinking. Hope to get "A day on the bay" done this summer...

[@brianolson5185]

I had problems with the arch in the Vaporfly Next%2. Is that corrected in the 3 or is it safer to go with the AF3?

[@OldManRunner]

I have not run in the VF2. The arch in the AF2 is pronounced, but I can run in it without discomfort. The AF3 and VF3 feel totally normal to me.

[@yuree08]

would you describe yourself as either a stride or cadence runner, and which one would be you? Which of these shoes is better for stride do you feel?

[@OldManRunner]

I am a Stride Style runner as defined by ASICS. I am not 100% convinced that the Style v Cadence runner argument is the most important. I typically midfoot strike in a marathon. My preference is for a light shoe.i set my PB in the VF3. Having said that the AF3 is quite light. If I was a forefoot striker I would pick the AF3 for a PB run.I think there may be added energy return from the footpods that compensate for the additional weight. If not a forefoot striker I would pick the VF3

[@yuree08]

@@OldManRunner another question if you dont mind, which has longer ground contact time, vanish carbon or vaporfly3?

[@OldManRunner]

@@yuree08 I don’t know off hand. I am away at the moment so I don’t have access to them. Back in a few days and will check then…

[@yuree08]

@@OldManRunner that'd be very much appreciated, thanks

[@mister.myoung8601]

Question not related to the VF vs AF. How come you wear AW Ultra and another running watch? Currently have Garmin and AW Ultra 2 and trying to decide which to keep

[@OldManRunner]

Very loosely. I use the Ultra for socialising and the Garmin for running...except that I get my Stryd data on the Ultra...love them both...

[@mister.myoung8601]

@@OldManRunner thanks, Stryd is very good on Apple. Enjoying the new Garmin data field though as well. It’s a tough call

[@OldManRunner]

Apple Pay works so seamlessly as do the text messages and yes Stryd, so going to keep going even though Garmin are making great progress

[@mister.myoung8601]

@@OldManRunner I’ve just setup Garmin pay to try out and can tell it will be more clicks to proceed. Apple Pay on the watch is great.

[@deception5124]

did you go for tts for both of the shoes?

[@OldManRunner]

Yes.

[@deception5124]

@@OldManRunner i sized a half size up in the invincible 3. should I do the same for the vapor and alphafly 3 ?

[@OldManRunner]

All my Nike shoes are the same size. I don't have any sizing issues. I get them all in the same size and buy online and have not had an issue so far.

[@cooldada]

Why are you wearing 2 watches?

[@OldManRunner]

Typically I use the Garmin for running (Metrics and data) and the Apple Watch Ultra for socialising (text messages, Apple Pay etc.)

[@startsted]

Thanks