Nike Alphafly 3
Nike's marathon weapon: two Zoom Air pods, a huge ZoomX stack and a wide platform that holds form late in a race.
Typical price
$285
MSRP
Weight
218 g
Drop
8 mm
Stack
40/32
Scale illustration – not a photograph
Role suitability
How well this shoe covers each job in a rotation, judged editorially against the rest of the catalogue.
DAILY
Covers the bulk of easy and steady miles.
RECOVERY
Holds up on the slowest, most protective days.
LONG RUN
Built for long, steady efforts.
TEMPO
Works at faster, controlled paces.
RACE
The marathon specialist: air pods and a wide platform keep legs fresher for longer.
Ride and notes
Heavier than the Vaporfly but far more protective over 42 km. Best for half marathon and marathon distance; shorter races favour lighter shoes.
Who it suits
Marathoners and half-marathoners who value leg protection over minimum weight.
Worth comparing with
The Adios Pro 4 is more stable; the Vaporfly 4 is lighter for shorter races.
Fit
True to size with a secure midfoot. The AtomKnit upper is not for very wide feet.
Specifications
- Weight
- 218 g
- Heel drop
- 8 mm
- Stack
- 40 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot
- Category
- Race shoe
- Stability
- Neutral
- Ride
- Plush
- Plate
- Carbon plate
- Rocker
- pronounced rocker
- Upper fit
- Standard
- Toe box
- Standard
- Foam
- ZoomX
- Grip
- 4/5 dry · 4/5 wet
- Expected life
- 200–320 km
- Model year
- 2025
- MSRP
- $285
Specs reviewed Sep 30, 2026. Measurements are manufacturer figures rounded; where sources disagree we state the rounded figure and lower our internal confidence.
Retailers
Running Warehouse
US · MSRP · widths: standard
$285Check priceAmazon
US · MSRP · widths: standard
$285Check price
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