Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% Flyknit 2 Men

The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2 is a neutral competition shoe. The Alphafly is a revolutionary running shoe made for breaking records. On the prototype of the Alphafly, Eluid Kipchoge was the first human ever to run a marathon in under 2 hours. This is the ultimate marathon shoe due to the combination of ZoomX foam, a carbon plate and two Zoom Air Units. The Alphafly Next% 2 takes energy return and forward thrust to a new level.

What are the updates? First, the AtomKnit 2.0 upper has been modified to provide better midfoot support and better breathability in the forefoot. AtomKnit 2.0 has also been modified at the heel counter for extra comfort around the ankle. In addition, extra ZoomX foam has been added under the Zoom Air Pods for a better transition and energy return in the forefoot. Finally, the outsole has more and thinner rubber for improved grip and durability.

The ZoomX foam is Nike's lightest foam with the most energy return. The new model of the Alphafly now has even more ZoomX foam at the heel and forefoot because the sole has been made slightly wider. The wider sole provides a stable base if you get tired during the marathon. The ZoomX midsole effectively absorbs vibrations that occur during your run, reducing the impact on your muscles. In addition, you get a lot of energy back with every step, making running at a higher pace feel easier.

Two visible Zoom Air Units have been added under the forefoot. And underneath the Zoom Air Units is a layer of ZoomX foam for extra energy return under the forefoot. The Zoom Air Units are filled with air pressure and give a light feeling while running. Between the layers of ZoomX foam and the Zoom Air Units is a carbon plate that gives the shoe extra stability, but also a forward propulsion.

The new outsole on the forefoot is thinner and the profile has been changed. The rubber has different angles in the profile for a wider grip. In addition, two rubber strips have been added to the heel so that the grip and durability also improves when you land more on the heel or midfoot.

The Alphafly Next% 2 is comparable to the adidas Adios Pro 3, Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and the ASICS Metaspeed Sky+. These are all competition shoes made for long distance PRs like the marathon.