Nike Alphafly 4 vs. Alphafly 3

The Nike Alphafly 4 is now a reality. After nearly three years, Nike has updated one of its most recognizable racing shoes to offer more energy return, less weight, and a smoother, more stable ride. It maintains the identity of the Alphafly 3: ZoomX foam, a carbon plate, and two forefoot Air Zoom units, but it modifies virtually every performance-influencing component.

Nike released the first units yesterday, September 17, 2026, and they sold out quickly on its website the same day. If you missed out, you won't have to wait long: they will be available at BeUrban in the coming days. It's a chance to see the new generation up close and pick your size before they sell out again.

In this comparison, we analyze the main differences between the Nike Alphafly 4 and the Alphafly 3, which type of runner each is designed for, and whether it's worth making the jump to the new generation.

Nike Alphafly 4 vs. Alphafly 3: main differences

Feature	Nike Alphafly 4	Nike Alphafly 3
Approximate weight	208 g, US men's size 10	218 g, US men's size 10
Drop	8 mm	8 mm
Midsole	ZoomX LT + ZoomX	ZoomX
Plate	Wider carbon Flyplate	Full-length carbon Flyplate
Air Zoom	Renewed, lighter and softer units	Two forefoot Air Zoom units
Upper	Atomknit 2.0 with improved containment	Atomknit
Primary use	Half marathon and marathon	Half marathon and marathon

The fourth version is approximately 10 grams lighter in Nike's reference size. It retains the 8-millimeter drop, so the major change is not in foot position, but in the combination of materials and how the shoe guides the transition.

New combination of ZoomX and ZoomX LT

The Alphafly 3 uses a fully connected ZoomX midsole that provides cushioning, lightness, and marked rebound.

The Alphafly 4 retains ZoomX but adds a new variant called ZoomX LT. The two foams are distributed around the Flyplate to reduce weight and achieve a more elastic and progressive ride. According to data shared by Nike, ZoomX LT is 17% lighter and offers 8% more energy return than conventional ZoomX.

This doesn't mean any runner will automatically run 8% faster: it is a material comparison conducted by the brand, and results will depend on technique, pace, and adaptation.

Air Zoom renewed for the first time

The Air Zoom pods located under the metatarsals remain a hallmark of the Alphafly. In the third version, they offer direct, explosive response, albeit firm and noisy.

For the Alphafly 4, Nike has redesigned these units for the first time using a new radio-frequency manufacturing process. The result is pods that are about 30% lighter, with a slightly softer feel and more progressive compression.

The intention is to achieve a smoother, less demanding transition over many kilometers. Even so, initial tests indicate it remains a noisy shoe on asphalt.

Carbon Flyplate: more width and stability

Both versions feature a full-length carbon fiber Flyplate. However, the Alphafly 4's plate is slightly wider and works on an enlarged platform, especially in the forefoot.

This change aims to improve stability in corners and when technique loses precision due to fatigue. The plate features a more pronounced curvature, and the rocker starts slightly earlier, favoring a more fluid toe-off after compressing the Air Zoom units. It thus maintains the series' characteristic propulsion while attempting to make it easier to control.

Upper and fit

The Alphafly 3 uses a light and breathable Atomknit upper with a competitive fit that can feel snug for wider feet.

The new Atomknit 2.0 retains the thin, open structure but adds side bands and midfoot cables to better hold the foot on the platform. The toe box keeps a sharp silhouette, and the fit remains that of a racing shoe, so it is highly recommended to check your size carefully.

Sensations: how do they differ when running?

The Nike Alphafly 3 offers a firm, reactive, and clearly mechanical feel. At high paces, the combination of ZoomX, plate, and forefoot pods provides a powerful launch, especially for those already adapted to its geometry.

The Nike Alphafly 4 retains that character but seeks a somewhat smoother experience. The lower weight, new Air Zoom pods, and advanced rocker should facilitate the transition, while the increased width provides security when curves or fatigue appear.

It is not a reinvention, but an evolution designed so that more runners can take advantage of the system during half marathons and, above all, marathons.

Which is faster?

Nike claims the Alphafly 4 is 5% lighter and offers 10% more energy return than its predecessor. These are relevant improvements on paper, but they cannot promise a specific gain on the stopwatch.

The Alphafly 4 has more potential due to its lower weight and renewed transition. However, a runner adapted to the Alphafly 3 can continue to achieve excellent performance: in such a unique shoe, fit and feel weigh as much as laboratory numbers.

Which runner is the Nike Alphafly 4 better for?

The Alphafly 4 is aimed at runners looking for maximum performance for half marathons and marathons, especially if they value high responsiveness with some stability or found the Alphafly 3 too firm. It is a model for racing and key workouts, not for daily runs.

And for whom does the Alphafly 3 still make sense?

The Alphafly 3 still makes sense for runners who know its fit, enjoy a more direct response, or find an interesting price opportunity. If you already have a pair in good condition and it works for you, there is no urgent need to switch: the fourth version refines the ensemble but keeps its philosophy and drop.

Expert opinion: Alberto Navarro

“The Alphafly 4 doesn't break with the third version, but it improves aspects important for a long race: it drops weight, softens the response of the Air Zoom units, and widens the base to gain stability. On paper, it can be a slightly more accessible Alphafly when fatigue and curves appear. Even so, the Alphafly 3 remains an extraordinary racing shoe; if the runner is already adapted to it and it works for them, it continues to be a totally valid choice.”

— Alberto Navarro, running expert at BeUrban

A curiosity: the Alphafly 4 was already running before it was presented

Although it was presented in September 2026, prototypes associated with the Alphafly 4 had been appearing in major races for over a year. Conner Mantz and Jacob Kiplimo used development versions in notable performances. Furthermore, almost three years have passed since the Alphafly 3: it is the longest interval between two generations of this family.

Nike Alphafly 4 or Alphafly 3: final verdict

Choose the Nike Alphafly 4 if you want the lightest and most evolved version, a smoother transition, better containment, and a somewhat more stable platform. It is the option with the greatest potential for tackling a half marathon or marathon in pursuit of maximum performance.

Choose the Nike Alphafly 3 if you like a firmer and more direct response, already know its fit well, or find a good buying opportunity. It continues to offer the combination of ZoomX, full plate, and Air Zoom that has made it a benchmark in competition.

The Nike Alphafly 4 will be available very soon at Be Urban Running. While they arrive, you can discover our selection of Nike running shoes for training and competition. You can also visit us at our stores in Elche, Valencia, Murcia, Alcoy, Villena, Cartagena, Santa Pola, Yecla, and Torrevieja, where our team will help you choose the model most suitable for your paces, distance, and goals.