Nike
Alphafly 4
Nike's marathon racer gets a lighter ZoomX LT foam layer, a wider carbon Flyplate and re-engineered forefoot Air Zoom pods. It keeps the Alphafly's distinctive bounce while feeling a little calmer and more planted underfoot.
What's new: Adds a lighter, livelier ZoomX LT layer, a wider and more aggressively rockered Flyplate, heat-welded Air Zoom pods and a stretchier Atomknit upper; stack and drop are unchanged and the price drops.
Previous version: Nike Alphafly 3 · Compare old vs new
About the Alphafly 4
Designed for half-marathons, marathons and other long road races, the Alphafly 4 is Nike's long-distance racing shoe and replaces the Alphafly 3. It differs from the lower Vaporfly 4 by adding forefoot Air Zoom units to its ZoomX and carbon plate construction.
The headline change is a new ZoomX LT layer, which Nike calls the lightest version of its most responsive cushioning and says is up to 17 per cent lighter than standard ZoomX. It sits over standard ZoomX foam, with added cushioning beneath the curved forefoot. The Air Zoom units are updated for the first time in the Alphafly's history, and Nike describes them as softer and quieter. A wide carbon-fibre Flyplate is intended to keep the shoe stable over the full distance. The Atomknit upper gains open-hole mesh zones and midfoot cables, Fast Shot rubber covers the outsole, and the drop is 8 mm.
Specs and features from nike.com, fleetfeet.com and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.
Video reviews
What the critics say
The reviews in briefThe Nike Alphafly 4 struck Believe in the Run's Meaghan Murray and Thomas Neuberger as one of the best marathon racers around, praising its bouncy foam and late-race pop. RTINGS' testers agreed it excels over long distances but found it unstable and short, while Supwell's Yowana Wamala liked its calmer ride but flagged loud squeaking.
- Positive: Softer and livelier underfoot than the Alphafly 3
- Positive: Forefoot pods give a noticeable pop late in a race
- Positive: Wider base feels more planted and transitions more smoothly
- Negative: Production pairs squeak loudly for the first runs
- Negative: Still a narrow, tall platform that is not very stable
Paraphrased from published reviews. Read them in full:
The numbers
- Race day
- Type
- 187 g
- Weight
- 39 mm
- Heel stack
- 8 mm
- Drop
- Carbon plate
- Plate
- Neutral
- Support
Weight for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5.
What it feels like
Fit
True to size
Snug, race-focused fit with a tapered toe box and no wide option; consider half a size up for the marathon if your feet swell.
What Reddit runners say
Runners on Reddit don't hold back. Jump straight into the conversations about the Alphafly 4.
On TikTok
Alphafly 4 on TikTokShort reviews and wear tests from runnersWhere to buy the Alphafly 4
RRP around £255. Tap through for today's price.
Nike Alphafly 4
In short
Built for marathon and half marathon racing, with a livelier, slightly calmer ride than before and a lower price. The platform is still narrow and tall, so it won't suit anyone wanting stability.
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