We need a marathon shoe…Can Nike Alphafly Next% 3 go the distance?
Welcome back to Race Lab, the series where running experts test out the best running shoes on the market. In this episode, we hang out with running expert Juju Kim and get her take on Nike’s Alphafly Next% 3.
12 September 2025 · 4 min read
About to take on a marathon (or half)? You’ll need running shoes that can keep up. There are so many shoes out there that claim they’ll take you across the finish line, but we’re looking for more than that. We want shoes that feel great, enhance performance, and help us get the most out of every mile. Enter Nike’s Alphafly Next% 3 (aka Alphafly 3).
This Nike super shoe was built for big distances and even bigger goals. Think of it as “marathon speed for all runners” — not just the pros. Its track record is already iconic, with Olympian Eliud Kipchoge making headlines for breaking marathon world records in Alphaflys. And before this latest version hit the market, it was tested by 300 pro and recreational runners around the world.
And now it’s our turn to put the Alphafly 3 to the test. In episode four of Race Lab, we team up with long distance running expert Juju Kim. No stranger to long stints on the tarmac, Juju’s standards are high. For her, running is an opportunity to learn something new about herself; the last thing she wants is a shoe that gets in the way. “For marathons and ultramarathons, I want something light, efficient, and stable. A good running shoe lets me forget I’m wearing it. I want to be able to put them on and go.”
The Testing Stations
New to Race Lab? Here’s the lowdown: we put super shoes through custom-built tests to tell you if they’re worth the hype. In this episode, Juju tests the Nike Alphafly 3 and focuses on the four things that matter most for long-distance runners chasing that race-day boost — sprint-friendliness, cushioning, stability, and responsiveness. Let’s get to it.
Let’s get speedy
This shoe is engineered to go fast and fine-tuned for sustained marathon pacing. It’s the lightest in the Alphafly series and packs a serious punch. Expect standout energy return, cushioning, and better pacing.
There are three main players in the shoe working together to deliver speed: super light and springy ZoomX foam, like a trampoline that stores energy when you land and gives it back when you push off. Then Air Zoom pods (boosters in the front of the shoe that compress and then snap back as you kick off) give an explosive toe-off that’s amazing for an extra boost at the finish line. And a carbon-fibre FlyPlate runs throughout the length of the shoe, keeping the foam and pods working in harmony and helping to propel you forward.
Comfort is key
The Alphafly 3 is a max stack situation that feels as comfortable as it looks. The ZoomX foam, dual Air Zoom units, and the height all work together to deliver a soft yet stable base for a long, plush ride. Comfort was one of the most surprising qualities of the shoe for Juju, who says she was shocked at “how good it felt even at slower paces. It was super comfortable, even when I wasn’t pushing”.
Stable and stacked
Max stack shoes always raise the same question: how stable are they, really? So we had to put the Alphafly 3 to the test. The third edition in the Alphafly family makes a key change — the midfoot gap previously seen in versions 1 and 2 is gone. Instead, the shoe now has a fully-connected midsole and outsole, boosting stability from the ground up. The lightweight upper has also been engineered for premium flexibility. Knit in a radial direction, it’s built to contain the foot in every direction, and protect the toes.
Maximum energy return
Last but not least, Juju tested the responsiveness — and no surprise, it came out top tier. Credit goes to the same power trio we mentioned earlier: the full-length carbon FlyPlate, the high-rebound ZoomX foam, and the dual Air Zoom pods at the forefront. Together, they give runners a propulsive, stable feel, saves weight and delivers maximum energy return for a sustained marathon pace.
Keep your pace
“I’ve seen the Alphafly Next% 3’s at races so I was excited to finally try them,” Juju said when we sat down at the end of the testing session. “I get why it’s such a popular race shoe now! I felt like I could hold the pace longer with less effort but they also felt surprisingly stable, which is important for me.”
Would she recommend them to another runner? “Yes. Especially for marathon day. This is the shoe for speed and efficiency that also gives you comfort and stability.”
Looking for even more running shoe options? Then stay tuned to future episodes of Race Lab for more tips on which ones could be right for you.
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