World Record Shoes: Nike Alphafly NEXT% 3 Release Date and Everything Else We Know

15th November 2023 EDT FEATURES

World Record Shoes: Nike Alphafly NEXT% 3 Release Date and Everything Else We Know

The next generation of Nike's fastest super racing shoe is almost here.

[Update 10 Oct 2023] It’s official: the Nike Alphafly 3 is the marathon world record shoe. Over the weekend, rising marathon star Kelvin Kiptum smashed the WR in 2 hours 35 seconds at the Chicago Marathon—more than 30 seconds below Eliud Kipchopge’s previous WR.

On his feet were the latest Alphafly 3s, which was also the weapon of choice for fellow Nike athlete Sifan Hassan, winner of the women’s category.

Nike Alphafly 3 Kelvin Kiptum Chicago Marathon World Record

Kiptum’s record-breaking run couldn’t have come at a better timing and has launched Nike’s upcoming next generation super shoe into the limelight once again.

Read on for everything we know about the Nike Alphafly NEXT% 3, including its technology and release date.

[Update 25 Sep 2023] Eliud Kipchoge wore the Nike Alphafly 3 and won the Berlin Marathon over the past weekend. However, it’s been rumored that the release of Nike’s latest super shoe has been delayed. Read on for more details.

[Update 20 Sep 2023] We’re just days away from the Berlin Marathon and Eliud Kipchoge and his team have already descended upon the German capital. As expected, Kipchoge has been spotted training in the all new Nike Alphafly 3 “Prototype” on the streets of Berlin, hinting at an imminent release.

Eliud Kipchoge Berlin Marathon Nike Alphafly NEXT% 3 Release Date

The marathon GOAT also shared on X, formerly Twitter, that, “I have been putting in the work together with the team, doing all my trainings and trusting the process. I am ready to go back to my special place, back to Berlin to take on the challenge again.” Kipchoge won last year’s Berlin Marathon wearing the Alphafly 2, making that his fourth win in Berlin.

In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for more latest release details and scroll down for everything we know about the Alphafly 3 thus far.

All You Need To Know About the Nike Alphafly 3

The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% is Nike’s next generation of running super shoe. The Alphafly, as the running community calls it, was billed as the successor to another carbon-plated Nike runner, the Vaporfly, which previously helped shatter record after running record.

The first Nike Alphafly launched in July 2020, while a second iteration dropped in July 2022. With the Nike Alphafly 3 rumored to drop this fall, all eyes are now on Nike and marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge, who was instrumental in the conception and design of the first two Alphaflys.

When will the Alphafly 3 release? How much is it going to cost? We scoured the interwebs for clues and answer your most pressing questions below.

Who is the designer of the Nike Alphafly 3?

Since 2019, Nike has been working with Eliud Kipchoge on the Alphafly series, which sees the racing super shoe boasts some of Nike’s best running technology and innovation.

Besides a full-length carbon plate, the Alphafly also features Nike’s famed ZoomX foam that’s ultra responsive, alongside two Zoom Air pods on the forefoot. To complement the thick slab of ZoomX foam underfeet, Nike created a new breathable AtomKnit fabric for its upper, helping to reduce the overall weight of the shoe.

In 2022, Kipchopge broke the Marathon world record in a pair of Alphafly 2. The GOAT has now reprised his collaborator role with the Beverton footwear giant on the Alphafly 3.

Who wears the Alphafly 3?

Besides Eliud Kipchoge, who posted teaser images of him training in the Alphafly 3, other Nike athletes including Sifan Hassan, Scott Fauble and Suguru Osako have also been spotted wearing what looked like prototype models of the upcoming Alphafly shoe.

Nike Alphafly NEXT% 3 Eliud Kipchoge Suguru Osako

When will the Nike Alphafly 3 release?

On 24 September, the running world came together to cheer Kipchoge on as he officially debuted the Nike Alphafly 3 “Prototype” colorway at the Berlin Marathon. While first rumored to drop in August, Nike was reportedly planning to release the Alphafly 3 in March or April 2024.

Following Kelvin Kiptum’s historic record-smashing 2:00:35 run, Nike has now officially announced the the Nike Alphafly NEXT% 3 will release in January 2024.

Which should you buy: the Alphafly 3 or Alphafly 2?

This is undoubtedly the top question on the minds of most seasoned runners. From the leaked images we have gotten so far, the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 3 seems like a distinct departure from its predessesors. While the upper looking like it’s still made from Nike’s AtomKnit fabric, albeit more tightly knitted, the design of the chunky sole unit has been given a refresh.

Nike Alphafly NEXT% 3 Eliud Kipchoge Alphafly 2

For the midsole, expect the same full-length carbon plate alongside improved ZoomX foam and proprietary Zoom Air Pods. The slab of ZoomX foam looks much thicker than before and wraps around the Air Pods now, which should translate to increased durability and better returns. The sharper profile of the sole may also mean an improved, more comfy ride.

How much will the Alphafly 3 cost?

Both the first and second editions of the Alphafly NEXT% cost US$275. As the premium model in Nike’s stable of racing super shoes, expect the Alphafly 3 to hover around this price range.

However, with some significant changes in this upcoming edition, it is not impossible that Nike might make slight increments to its retail price.

Till then, it remains to be seen if the Alphafly 3 is a significant improvement over the Alphafly 2.

Follow along as we continue to bring you updates on this pair of Nike premier racing shoe.