Nike
Which should you buy?
Choose the Vaporfly 4 if you want the lightest, most agile racer for 10K to marathon.
Choose the Alphafly 3 if you're racing a marathon and want more cushioning and stability late in the race.
The Vaporfly 4 is 35 g lighter than the Alphafly 3. It has 5 mm less foam under the heel. Its drop is 6 mm against 8 mm. It costs £35 less at full price.
Side by side
| Spec | Vaporfly 4Nike | Alphafly 3Nike |
|---|---|---|
| Review score | 95/100 (2 reviews) | 95/100 (2 reviews) |
| Type | Race day | Race day |
| Weight (men's UK 8.5) | 166 g | 201 g |
| Heel stack | 35 mm | 40 mm |
| Drop | 6 mm | 8 mm |
| Cushioning | Balanced | Soft |
| Bounce | Springy | Springy |
| Plate | Carbon plate | Carbon plate |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Fit | True to size | Runs small |
| Widths | standard | standard |
| Waterproof version | No | No |
| UK RRP | £240 | £275 |
Weights are for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5. Prices are UK RRPs; shops often sell for less.
What the critics say
Vaporfly 4
- Soft, springy, speed-friendly cushioning
- Locked-in upper that helps you push
- Snappy plate at toe-off
- Unstable at the heel
- Heel hold could be better
Scores from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run.
Alphafly 3
- Smooth, rhythmic transitions over the marathon distance
- Light and breathable for such a big shoe
- Snappy, responsive feel from the stiffer midsole
- Narrow midfoot can rub the arch on long runs
- Expensive and noisy on landing
Scores from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run.
Paraphrased from published reviews.
What's new in each
Nike Vaporfly 4: About 10% lighter than the Vaporfly 3, with a lower 6 mm drop, a reworked carbon plate, a snugger upper and more outsole rubber up front. Same ZoomX foam.
Nike Alphafly 3: A continuous midsole replaces the Alphafly 2's split forefoot, the Air Zoom pods move rearward, the rocker shifts forward, and it is roughly 40 g lighter with an Atomknit 3.0 upper.
Prices for the Vaporfly 4 Prices for the Alphafly 3
More comparisons
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