I wasn't a strong enough runner to really maximize the AF V1 at the marathon. AF V2 was a great shoe, but felt too clunky and heavy in the business part of the marathon. But the AF V3....WOW! I love that shoe, and the reason I love it is that it disappears on my feet. I don't think about my feet when I put these on. They aren't super bouncy, super rolling...they are just soooooooo smooth. I ran a 10k TT this weekend, and pulled a nearly 2min PB, 4 weeks out from my marathon. And again...I never thought about my shoes ONCE on the run.
I absolutely love these shoes. I have two marathons in v1 and onde in V2 and I got along with them very well. Iam preparing to run another marathon and this time I am going with v3, that for me is the best out of all of Alphaflys. It is confortable, light, stable, fast. It is effortless reaching my marathon pace in these shoes. Nice video as always Andy!
Good that you got to try these. Seems that you like them more than me. Just felt too wide, relatively heavy and clunky for me TBH. OK they are "lighter" than previous Alphaflys but in our UK 13 still come in around 290g which is what 50% heavier than most runners look for in a race shoe (especially now with the ASICS ones we can't try) and 40g more than say a Vaporfly. Agree that is best to test race shoes at race paces but got to be honest and I think if I did 4 x Mile about a minute slower than my 5K race pace in a taper it would be alarming if could not manage that easily enough in pretty much anything. I guess ultimately we have paid £285 for a race shoe that sounds like we won't race in at least as first choice. That all said better try mine again. Not used them since I did my review of the Proto one back in January. It was pretty cold then so maybe they might feel a little better now. I did at least think they kind of "cruised" OK but seemed expensive for that. I also did think they made me run slightly differently. Always thought it was interesting that Ben Parkes loved them then tore his hamstring then seems to have ditched them.
Here I was watching this video and I suddenly wondered if you would be in the comments section having a dig at these shoes and mentioning that Ben Parkes had a ham string injury (supposedly from these shoes).... And here you are! (just like every other alpha fly review video. Give it a rest will you. If you don't like them and can't make them work, have you considered that your running form might be the thing to blame? Perhaps you have terrible form? Perhaps you are too slow for them?
@@JMC2727at 15:48 Andy asks us for opinions so here are mine as invited. What are yours? My times are easy to look up. 2:33 for the marathon back in the day and more recently 2:59. So yeah being now almost an hour behind likes of Kipchoge I am sadly perhaps too slow.
@@mister.myoung8601 no - I was kind of expecting he would mention it one of his videos but don't recall that. Anyway seems I get "told off" for commenting too much on people's videos :)
Yeah I did enjoy it to be honest, just as I did v1... I dont see you favour the alphafly in general over the vaporfly do you? you go for the vaporfly more... for me, I was quite torn back when I had both the v1 of each... I do find as someone with a longer stride that I do get the bounce required to make the most of them. I wonder if a shorter choppier stride isnt as effective? I'd love to see some testing on that... Anyway... yeah I would be worried if I didnt feel good in taper week too... I was just trying to make a point that theres no reason to test these at any sort of paces other than "fast"... which, in effect, is what I tried to do. If I look at the saucony endorphin elite... I get similar bulk but 37g less I think, so its a no brainer!
I sent my AF3 back when my meta speed sky Paris arrived. I never ran in them, wore them around the house a few times whilst waiting for the ASICS release. Once the MSP arrived for me there was no contest. The MSP has the bounce but also the agility and nimbleness that the AF3 lacks. I totally agree with you that the AF3 is just too big and bulky. It’s a real shame that you cant get the MSP in your size as it’s simply exceptional. Good luck this weekend!!!!!!!!
Great review. Thanks for the tip of adding an insole on top of the Alphafly 1 unsole. If you ever do another follow-up on the Alphafly 3, please let us know how many road miles can it go up to, such as 120 miles or 300 miles, or 500 miles.
I have both alphaflys and the endorphin elite plus the vaporfly 3 I’ve only done one race in the alphafly 3 and absolutely loved it and I think I might prefer it too the alphafly 1 but I’m still not sure if either are better then the vaporfly 3 it’s too close to call as I love the vaporfly 3 and it’s a lot lighter but I think the alpha 3 might just be my new favourite. alphafly 1 is still incredibly good and I love that shoe too 🤣 For me the endorphin elite doesn’t really work I’m not slow in it but it’s too firm for me and as a result I don’t feel any benefit from the plate or much propulsion. Also once iv ran in them I’m incredibly happy to take them off afterwards as the firmness beats up my legs a bit and it feels very harsh. I think it Probably works so well for you because you prefer firmer running shoes and are probably more adapted to it . I probably need to add a firmer daily shoe to my rotation to go along side the generally softer shoes i prefer. it’s probably good to mix it up and adapt to different stimulus and firmness
Great to hear your thoughts! Glad you love them and you love the vaporfly 3! Yes the elite is firmer for sure.... I think also as a heavier runner I put more force through each step so I dont find them firm... I also dont find them soft, they sit right in that sweet spot in the middle!
Haven't tried the AF2 but have two pairs of AF1 and they never quite felt as good for me as everyone else was saying (I got both on a deal), always preferred the Vaporfly 1 or 2. With the AF3 (got a pair of the proto's), it has just felt good from the first step and I would take this over the Vaporfly 3 every single day. I've ran a couple of half's and a 10 miler in the AF3 and I really love the way it feels but, having recently bought the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris, I feel that it could get pushed down the pecking order, that is one hell of a running shoe!
Great honest review, like you really liked the AFly v1. Found them easy to hold an exact pace for a long time. Not sure I’d rush out and buy this update but I’m sure it’s still a good option (so many choices nowadays, it’s really down to preference) good luck for Sunday 🏃♂️
I always felt Alphaflys ‘made’ you run a certain way, not to mention feel clunky as well as those awful hotspots. This latest interaction seems no different. Only one game in town now…the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris. 30-40g lighter than the AFs, forgiving, fast up to 5k pace but there for you for the 30k+ stuff. I’ve been running in them for a few weeks now; it’s the complete package - and I think it is their simplicity that does it. They let you run how you want to run, and the results are amazing. People just get too caught up with Nike the brand imo, and there are better race shoes out there. Summed up by a guy wearing them on my long run this morning, when I asked how they were: “They’re okay - still getting used to them. I should’ve bought the ones you’re wearing.”
I’m still yet to try these. I’m currently using my 4th pair of V1’s with one more box fresh pair to go. Did the Manchester Marathon last weekend and the V1’s performed as expected, just a shame my glutes didn’t. 😂
........and then i am grateful for the mercy of early birth....to have been a runner back in the days, when there was no midsole in running shoes, back then, when no shoe was responsible for a pb....those times have long gone and will disappear from the memory of most runners....though i like to get carried forward by my shoes from time to time, but having done all my best races without any super shoes. i guess both, the old style shoes and i will wander down memory lane into the fogs of Avalon
Are you considered a stride runner or a cadence runner. I’m torn between your love for the endorphin elite and ASICS Metaspeed sky Paris for a half and a 10k.
Hello Fod - want to order the alphafly 3 - not sure of size. Have the streakfly in 10.5 size. And the Next % 2 in size 11. What to order? What sizes do you have in the streakfly and then in alphafly? Thanks for any info here.
Thanks for update. Just tried on the alfafly 3 in 10.5 size. Have the streakfly too in same size with 300 miles. Streakfly seems little more roomy but maybe from 300 miles to loosen up. And maybe too the alphafly 3 with a general more tighter sock like fit. Could go to 11 in Alfafly but more weight and the 10.5 to loosen up some.
Hi Andy, I did my Paris marathon PB in the VF3. I didn’t really find something special in that shoe when I did my first run but after 50kms I started to like them , very stable, efficient confortable. I like my v2s but they are a bit firmer ( I think that the v2s are more durable). I bought the Metaspeed edge Paris they are so 😍🤣 but I don’t think that they are as bounce as the VF3s will see … I think that the VF3 will stay my marathon shoe 🚀👏👏👏😉🇫🇷
They did... they have since changed their returns policy but you could return a shoe if it had been lightly worn... I think the returns policy got abused too much so now you cant do it
I'm not a fan of shoes getting bulkier, felt the same with the adiós pro, version 2 is just much better, version 3 I actually wore down the sidewall with them brushing past each other on every stride. I don't mind the vapour fly 2, it was skinny. For this reason I think I'll skip these and I'll be looking at the Edge Paris. Due to a lack of review I'm assuming they don't do them in your size?
There can be. But I never found it changed for me in the v1 or v1 from the first run to the 2nd or 3rd… and I’d say these are the same as the foam felt 💯 amazing out of the box
Pricey shoes! My spend limit for running shoes that I can justify is about £150 max! Prices getting crazy as I expect shoe companies realising people are always looking for the ‘magic beans’ that will be a shortcut to regular consistent training. I think when you get to a certain ability level these may be worth it but at mine I think I’m better off investing in a coach or training plan if I’ve got the cash.
I don’t want to pay £285. But I also want one. I have a pretty fresh v1 that I’m saving for something. God knows what but still want the 3 that I don’t need. Completely off this shoe topic. Did you continue using the north face vectiv pro? If so did you have any plate issues?
They're looking more like basketball boots with each iteration 😂 I think I will skip these; more of a fan of the Endorphin Pro 3 and now 4. I'm the same size shoe as you Andy, so the bulk of these is pretty off-putting.
Love V2 out the box. V1 I had to add heel insert because I am a heel striker.. V2 is nearly 20gr lighter and the 8mm drop is there. Going against the grain with my opinion of V2. Yes I love the laces of the Cielo X1 😂.
weird looking shoe, balance just looks off. NEVER been a Nike fan though so maybe biased, non in my shoe collection and its a big collection LOL... Enjoy London buddy, my virus turned into full-blown Covid and now secondary fever just for shits and giggles.
I wasn't a strong enough runner to really maximize the AF V1 at the marathon. AF V2 was a great shoe, but felt too clunky and heavy in the business part of the marathon. But the AF V3....WOW! I love that shoe, and the reason I love it is that it disappears on my feet. I don't think about my feet when I put these on. They aren't super bouncy, super rolling...they are just soooooooo smooth. I ran a 10k TT this weekend, and pulled a nearly 2min PB, 4 weeks out from my marathon. And again...I never thought about my shoes ONCE on the run.
Wow, high praise! Thats great to hear!!
I absolutely love these shoes. I have two marathons in v1 and onde in V2 and I got along with them very well. Iam preparing to run another marathon and this time I am going with v3, that for me is the best out of all of Alphaflys. It is confortable, light, stable, fast. It is effortless reaching my marathon pace in these shoes. Nice video as always Andy!
Amazing!!
Saw so many of these at the Manchester marathon last weekend!
I can imagine!
And people say they are expensive :)
Good that you got to try these. Seems that you like them more than me. Just felt too wide, relatively heavy and clunky for me TBH. OK they are "lighter" than previous Alphaflys but in our UK 13 still come in around 290g which is what 50% heavier than most runners look for in a race shoe (especially now with the ASICS ones we can't try) and 40g more than say a Vaporfly. Agree that is best to test race shoes at race paces but got to be honest and I think if I did 4 x Mile about a minute slower than my 5K race pace in a taper it would be alarming if could not manage that easily enough in pretty much anything. I guess ultimately we have paid £285 for a race shoe that sounds like we won't race in at least as first choice. That all said better try mine again. Not used them since I did my review of the Proto one back in January. It was pretty cold then so maybe they might feel a little better now. I did at least think they kind of "cruised" OK but seemed expensive for that. I also did think they made me run slightly differently. Always thought it was interesting that Ben Parkes loved them then tore his hamstring then seems to have ditched them.
Have you asked Ben? Would be good to know also as his initial review led to expectations he would be using that and not the VF3 for next main races.
Here I was watching this video and I suddenly wondered if you would be in the comments section having a dig at these shoes and mentioning that Ben Parkes had a ham string injury (supposedly from these shoes).... And here you are! (just like every other alpha fly review video. Give it a rest will you. If you don't like them and can't make them work, have you considered that your running form might be the thing to blame? Perhaps you have terrible form? Perhaps you are too slow for them?
@@JMC2727at 15:48 Andy asks us for opinions so here are mine as invited. What are yours? My times are easy to look up. 2:33 for the marathon back in the day and more recently 2:59. So yeah being now almost an hour behind likes of Kipchoge I am sadly perhaps too slow.
@@mister.myoung8601 no - I was kind of expecting he would mention it one of his videos but don't recall that. Anyway seems I get "told off" for commenting too much on people's videos :)
Yeah I did enjoy it to be honest, just as I did v1... I dont see you favour the alphafly in general over the vaporfly do you? you go for the vaporfly more... for me, I was quite torn back when I had both the v1 of each... I do find as someone with a longer stride that I do get the bounce required to make the most of them. I wonder if a shorter choppier stride isnt as effective? I'd love to see some testing on that... Anyway... yeah I would be worried if I didnt feel good in taper week too... I was just trying to make a point that theres no reason to test these at any sort of paces other than "fast"... which, in effect, is what I tried to do. If I look at the saucony endorphin elite... I get similar bulk but 37g less I think, so its a no brainer!
I sent my AF3 back when my meta speed sky Paris arrived. I never ran in them, wore them around the house a few times whilst waiting for the ASICS release. Once the MSP arrived for me there was no contest. The MSP has the bounce but also the agility and nimbleness that the AF3 lacks. I totally agree with you that the AF3 is just too big and bulky. It’s a real shame that you cant get the MSP in your size as it’s simply exceptional. Good luck this weekend!!!!!!!!
Great review. Thanks for the tip of adding an insole on top of the Alphafly 1 unsole. If you ever do another follow-up on the Alphafly 3, please let us know how many road miles can it go up to, such as 120 miles or 300 miles, or 500 miles.
I have both alphaflys and the endorphin elite plus the vaporfly 3
I’ve only done one race in the alphafly 3 and absolutely loved it and I think I might prefer it too the alphafly 1 but I’m still not sure if either are better then the vaporfly 3
it’s too close to call as I love the vaporfly 3 and it’s a lot lighter but I think the alpha 3 might just be my new favourite. alphafly 1 is still incredibly good and I love that shoe too 🤣
For me the endorphin elite doesn’t really work
I’m not slow in it but it’s too firm for me and as a result I don’t feel any benefit from the plate or much propulsion.
Also once iv ran in them I’m incredibly happy to take them off afterwards as the firmness beats up my legs a bit and it feels very harsh. I think it Probably works so well for you because you prefer firmer running shoes and are probably more adapted to it .
I probably need to add a firmer daily shoe to my rotation to go along side the generally softer shoes i prefer.
it’s probably good to mix it up and adapt to different stimulus and firmness
Great to hear your thoughts! Glad you love them and you love the vaporfly 3! Yes the elite is firmer for sure.... I think also as a heavier runner I put more force through each step so I dont find them firm... I also dont find them soft, they sit right in that sweet spot in the middle!
Great content as always Andy! 🙏🏻
My favourite is still the Vaporfly 4%
I bloody loved running in that shoe!
Good luck Sunday buddy! 👊🏻🤞🏻
Sadly, thats one I never got to try!! Wish they would remake it! Thanks buddy
Thank you for your honest review
Thanks
Haven't tried the AF2 but have two pairs of AF1 and they never quite felt as good for me as everyone else was saying (I got both on a deal), always preferred the Vaporfly 1 or 2. With the AF3 (got a pair of the proto's), it has just felt good from the first step and I would take this over the Vaporfly 3 every single day. I've ran a couple of half's and a 10 miler in the AF3 and I really love the way it feels but, having recently bought the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris, I feel that it could get pushed down the pecking order, that is one hell of a running shoe!
Great honest review, like you really liked the AFly v1. Found them easy to hold an exact pace for a long time. Not sure I’d rush out and buy this update but I’m sure it’s still a good option (so many choices nowadays, it’s really down to preference) good luck for Sunday 🏃♂️
Thanks buddy! Id still be on the hunt for another v1 in all honesty!
@@TheFODRunner I’ve had 3 pairs of VP1s all got many miles on them but still ok for training. They sold at bargain prices at the end. Under £90 !
I always felt Alphaflys ‘made’ you run a certain way, not to mention feel clunky as well as those awful hotspots. This latest interaction seems no different. Only one game in town now…the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris. 30-40g lighter than the AFs, forgiving, fast up to 5k pace but there for you for the 30k+ stuff.
I’ve been running in them for a few weeks now; it’s the complete package - and I think it is their simplicity that does it. They let you run how you want to run, and the results are amazing. People just get too caught up with Nike the brand imo, and there are better race shoes out there.
Summed up by a guy wearing them on my long run this morning, when I asked how they were: “They’re okay - still getting used to them. I should’ve bought the ones you’re wearing.”
I have huge problems at the foot arches, using the Alphafly 1. a little bit scared to go for the 3. is there a huge difference?
Vaporfly 3 returned, 2 is better for me. Alphafly 3 same feeling as you, I prefer the Alphafly 1 100%. Feels it gave me more energy return than 3
I’m still yet to try these. I’m currently using my 4th pair of V1’s with one more box fresh pair to go. Did the Manchester Marathon last weekend and the V1’s performed as expected, just a shame my glutes didn’t. 😂
V1s are just the best... they punched well above their weight with those shoes!
........and then i am grateful for the mercy of early birth....to have been a runner back in the days, when there was no midsole in running shoes, back then, when no shoe was responsible for a pb....those times have long gone and will disappear from the memory of most runners....though i like to get carried forward by my shoes from time to time, but having done all my best races without any super shoes. i guess both, the old style shoes and i will wander down memory lane into the fogs of Avalon
Yes, its getting rather complicated now with all this technology being thrown into these shoes!
What are you wearing for London? You gonna wear the endorphin elite
Yes endorphin elite buddy
Are you considered a stride runner or a cadence runner. I’m torn between your love for the endorphin elite and ASICS Metaspeed sky Paris for a half and a 10k.
Definitely a stride… my cadence on a 5k is around 172/174 and marathons probably 166/168… I have a long stride!
Hello Fod - want to order the alphafly 3 - not sure of size. Have the streakfly in 10.5 size. And the Next % 2 in size 11. What to order? What sizes do you have in the streakfly and then in alphafly? Thanks for any info here.
Hey! I went my usual 13, which is what I do in most of my other shoes, including the streakfly and the next%
Thanks for update. Just tried on the alfafly 3 in 10.5 size. Have the streakfly too in same size with 300 miles. Streakfly seems little more roomy but maybe from 300 miles to loosen up. And maybe too the alphafly 3 with a general more tighter sock like fit. Could go to 11 in Alfafly but more weight and the 10.5 to loosen up some.
Hi Andy, I did my Paris marathon PB in the VF3. I didn’t really find something special in that shoe when I did my first run but after 50kms I started to like them , very stable, efficient confortable. I like my v2s but they are a bit firmer ( I think that the v2s are more durable). I bought the Metaspeed edge Paris they are so 😍🤣 but I don’t think that they are as bounce as the VF3s will see … I think that the VF3 will stay my marathon shoe 🚀👏👏👏😉🇫🇷
Awesome! Glad the VF3 worked well for you, the v2 is indeed firmer but I have to say, I do prefer those!
Andy, Version 2 - did Nike take it back with no fuss after it being used for three runs? If so good customer service that.
They did... they have since changed their returns policy but you could return a shoe if it had been lightly worn... I think the returns policy got abused too much so now you cant do it
I sold my pair they killed me in the arch on longer runs.I ran Manchester in the Metaspeed edge Paris great shoe compared to these
I've not heard anyone say a bad thing about the Paris shoes... they must be the best pair on the market right now!
I would definitely recommend them plus some places have a 15% discount code 😊
@@Davyj81 He can’t. They don’t make our size in them
Had a pair and sold them. Felt to clunky, even more so when tired towards the end of the race. Like you say I'd pick version 1 over this all day.
I can imagine at the end of a race that the bulk of the shoe doesnt help!
@@TheFODRunner I feel if your a quicker runner like yourself you'll get away with it. The new asics on the other hand is 🔥.
@@charliebendall3696 Asics metaspeed Paris is the best racing shoe now.. I just wait to sale on the the Edge Paris..
What wave colour are you on Sunday Andy?
Blue Wave 1!
A vast improvement over version 2. I get a wee squeak for a few minutes but apart from that they’re brilliant. Might be my knees….
Bit of wd40 around the air pods will help. If its not the air pods, its a dry spot. "Production error" where there is no glue on a certain part.
Agreed!
I'm not a fan of shoes getting bulkier, felt the same with the adiós pro, version 2 is just much better, version 3 I actually wore down the sidewall with them brushing past each other on every stride.
I don't mind the vapour fly 2, it was skinny.
For this reason I think I'll skip these and I'll be looking at the Edge Paris. Due to a lack of review I'm assuming they don't do them in your size?
No they don't
Sadly not buddy, ASICS never do super shoes in my size
@@TheFODRunner yeah that's not great, fingers crossed there's a new endorphin elite that's an absolute banger.
Will nike restock the alphafly in this colorway
No idea sadly!
You gotta to try the asics paris. They're lighter than my liberate nitro lol
sadly they dont make my size!
Isn't there a break-in period? And, isn't there getting used to them?
There can be. But I never found it changed for me in the v1 or v1 from the first run to the 2nd or 3rd… and I’d say these are the same as the foam felt 💯 amazing out of the box
I have 2 Paris of Alphafly 1 and love it and Vaporfly 1 and 3 and love it too!!!!!
Alphafly v1 and vaporfly v1 are the best!
Pricey shoes! My spend limit for running shoes that I can justify is about £150 max! Prices getting crazy as I expect shoe companies realising people are always looking for the ‘magic beans’ that will be a shortcut to regular consistent training. I think when you get to a certain ability level these may be worth it but at mine I think I’m better off investing in a coach or training plan if I’ve got the cash.
Give it a year and they will be in the xmas or black friday sales... I picked up a pair of v1 2 years ago at xmas for £130... bargain!
Good morning. Interesting description, Andy. I'm not a fast runner( my pace is 5min/km). Here is my Like. Have a good day.
Your pace for what type of run?
@@Fozzee.1970 Hi. It's for easy run/10-15km.
I don’t want to pay £285. But I also want one. I have a pretty fresh v1 that I’m saving for something. God knows what but still want the 3 that I don’t need. Completely off this shoe topic. Did you continue using the north face vectiv pro? If so did you have any plate issues?
I used it a couple more times yes! I never had any issues, I’ve got them stashed away for when I ever do a trail race! Love them
@@TheFODRunner thanks Andy for taking the time to reply
literally want this shoes but 300$ is too much
It's worth it if you love running. 300 dollars is the cost of groceries these days.
Not at 285 price tag why people spend this kind of money on shoes just crazy ( all the gear but no idea)
$285 ain’t even that much money stop being cheap and or broke 😂
People like me... I label myself as an idiot... so idiots do!
Brutal
Version one is awesome
The 1s for me are hard to beat
They're looking more like basketball boots with each iteration 😂 I think I will skip these; more of a fan of the Endorphin Pro 3 and now 4. I'm the same size shoe as you Andy, so the bulk of these is pretty off-putting.
You are in safe hands with the Pros!
Love V2 out the box. V1 I had to add heel insert because I am a heel striker.. V2 is nearly 20gr lighter and the 8mm drop is there. Going against the grain with my opinion of V2. Yes I love the laces of the Cielo X1 😂.
Oh haha! Fair enough!
I liked the 2, but developed a blister during a marathon due to poor lockdown. I am considering endo pro 4 for an upcoming marathon.
Pro 4 is unreal but I do get blisters, i've sidelined mine until after London so that I have time to figure out whats going on with them!
@@TheFODRunner I just got my pair so haven't yet completed a practice run. I ran chicago pro 3 and really enjoyed them.
Spud from Trainspotting!!!
😂
I love my Alphafly 2 lol
Oh haha! Sorry about that
I know it's function over aesthetics but god damn thats one ugly ass pair of shoes.
Always out of stock…
N rBolo😮😅
not worth it
weird looking shoe, balance just looks off. NEVER been a Nike fan though so maybe biased, non in my shoe collection and its a big collection LOL... Enjoy London buddy, my virus turned into full-blown Covid and now secondary fever just for shits and giggles.
Oh mate, so sorry to hear this, really hoping you recover well soon! Thank you for the well wishes!
Wider is good for me as I have wider feet