The last time Nike updated the Alphafly, Kelvin Kiptum quickly put them to the test, and shattered the marathon world record in the process. Unfortunately, the shoe kind of sat after that. For nearly three years, the most famous super shoe on the planet went untouched while Adidas runners rewrote the record books, even cracking the two-hour barrier in open competition earlier this year. Nike’s answer finally arrived this week in the form of the all-new Alphafly 4.
A New Formula of Fast
Nike cooked up a new PEBA compound called ZoomX LT that’s up to 17 percent lighter than standard ZoomX while still being able to return 8 percent more energy. And, it’s layered both above and below the carbon fiber Flyplate alongside all of the regular stuff.
Add it all up and the Alphafly 4 delivers 10 percent more energy return than its predecessor while shedding 5 percent of the weight. In fact, a men’s size 10 clocks in at a featherweight 7.3 ounces. The plate is wider and more aggressively rockered too, and the 39mm heel stack sits a single millimeter under World Athletics’ legal ceiling.
No More Squeaking Past the Competition
Now for our favorite detail. The Alphafly’s signature forefoot Air Zoom pods used to squeak, and Nike’s elites had plenty to say about that, citing they weren’t able to sneak up on rival runners late in a race.
So the pods are now heat-welded together rather than glued, and this production change leaves them softer, lighter, and, of course, nearly dead silent. Up top, a reworked Atomknit upper adds zoned midfoot cables and open-hole mesh venting, while a new Fast Shot outsole handles traction duties.
Nike Blinked on Price
Here’s the part nobody saw coming, though. Despite all the fresh tech, the Alphafly 4 rings in at $280, undercutting the Alphafly 3 that’s still listed on Nike’s site for $305.
That marks the first time the flagship has ever gotten cheaper between generations, and it drops Nike squarely into the same price bracket as its Adidas and Asics rivals just as fall marathon season kicks into gear.
Spec Sheet
Model: Nike Alphafly 4
Weight: Approx. 7.3oz / 208g (Men’s US 10)
Stack Height: 39mm heel / 31mm forefoot
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
Midsole: ZoomX + ZoomX LT foam
Plate: Carbon fiber Flyplate
Cushioning: Dual forefoot Air Zoom units
Upper: Atomknit
Outsole: Fast Shot
Price: $280
Pricing & Availability
The Nike Alphafly 4 launched in limited numbers on September 17 for $280, and (surprising absolutely no one) the first drop has already sold out. A wider release follows October 29 at nike.com and select retailers, so head over to Nike’s website to stake your claim.
Recap
Nike Alphafly 4
Nike overhauls its flagship marathon racer with lighter ZoomX LT foam, silenced Air Zoom pods, and a $280 price tag that actually undercuts its predecessor.
