The Swoosh continues to push boundaries and break records with progressive runner technology. Enter, the Nike Alphafly 3.
Four years ago, the landscape of marathon racing faced a transformative shift when Nike athlete, Eliud Kipchoge, broke the 2-hour marathon frontier. Of course, this wasn’t just an achievement as a sportsperson, but as a human being – redefining the limitations of our potential. Propelled by the cutting-edge Nike Alphafly NEXT% prototype, Eliud sprinted into the hall of fame, bringing with him a new chapter in athletic footwear evolution. Now, half a decade on, the Nike athlete and Alpha Fly combo remains an undisputed champion, setting the pace that others can only aspire to match.
Embarking on the journey of Nike’s unwavering commitment to revolutionise the running experience for every athlete, the latest marvel, Nike Alphafly 3, unleashes the velocity of a marathon dream. Propelling you past the boundaries, this incarnation stands as the most featherweight Alphafly to date. Authenticated by the elite marathoners themselves and fueled by the pulsating energy of Nike Air Zoom, it’s the epitome of breaking barriers far beyond the finish line.
Debuting as a prototype back in Spring 2023, the Alphafly 3 adorned the feet of elite marathoners during the sneakers official World Athletics development window. Kelvin Kiptum etched his name in history in Chicago, clocking a groundbreaking marathon world record at 2:00:35. Meanwhile, in London, Sifan Hissan secured a victorious debut and went on to blaze through the second-fastest women’s marathon ever recorded. And Eliud notched an unprecedented fifth triumph, cementing his indisputable legacy.
This meant that the composition was definitely working – but just like any great runner, practice makes perfect. Continuing their mission of achieving unparalleled excellence, the Nike footwear squad embarked on a mission to fine-tune Alphafly. The mission at hand? Tp elevate the shoe’s essence by amplifying stability, enhancing comfort and delivering a propulsive ride – all encapsulated in a feather-light offering. And in true Nike style, that’s exactly what they did.
Within the new and improved Alphafly 3, you can expect a seamlessly connected heel and forefoot, granting a fluid heel-to-toe transition. A lightweight Fast Shot outsole guarantees prime traction and grip, whilst dual Air Zoom units in the forefoot cushion impact and return the energy right back into your next step. It goes without saying that comfort is a priority in any athlete-based shoe, and the runner at hand certainly doesn’t disappoint! A newly crafted last minimises friction within the arch as well as the entire foot, whilst a moulded sock liner supports the new lower-profile arch.
The latest iteration of the Atomknit 3.0 upper presents an enhanced fusion of containment, breathability and midfoot support, all within a design that is both lightweight and breathable. Elevating the experience, the heel is adorned with lofty Flyknit pods, delivering cushioning to the heel and lower Achilles. A reimagination of the lacing system introduces a gentler fit on the upper foot, seamlessly integrating the eye stays into the Atomknit upper, ensuring a harmonious blend of style and comfort. In this pristine all-white silhouette, bursts of vibrant hues accentuate the dual Air Zoom units in the forefoot. Noteworthy details include an athlete wear-test number (20820-4) proudly displayed on the lateral midsole, and “V62 ” etched on the Atomknit upper, symbolising the countless upper iterations in the relentless pursuit of perfection.
The Nike Alphafly 3 ‘Prototype’ will be available 4TH JANUARY ‘24 via NIKE & SELECTED RUNNING SPECIALITY STORES. While you await the drop, check out the Nike Running Shoe Finder to grab your match made in runner-heaven.
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