Alphaflys a bust?

The elites are indicating that for at least 60% or so they prefer the Next%.

Giving you the benefit of the doubt and assuming your question wasn't sarcastic... No, I've been running for many years at a passable level. My logic is that if the alphafly provides a 2% benefit over the vaporfly (let's call it 5% to 3% versus a standard non-plated, non-pebax foam shoe) then it isn't ridiculous that the shoe could provide a 3 min advantage to a 2 hour 37 minute marathon runner. Not everyone will benefit equally but to suggest it's ridiculous (i.e. beyond the realms of possibility) is naive.

math fail wrote:

Questioner of things wrote:

Genuinely don't understand why you think this is so ridiculous at non-elite 10k and marathon paces. The shoes make you faster (if your mechanics work with them) - it's not just hype - hence people taking about banning them, records being reset. Runners haven't just improved immeasurably across the board in the last two years.

You must be new to running?

_______________________

Vaporfly shoes, in general, provide an estimated 2.5-3 minute performance benefit to subelite and elite runners.

I haven't tried the Alphaflys but from the reviews and descriptions, I'm going to stick with the Next% . They are about as perfect as a shoe can get for me, unless Nike can figure out a way of shaving off an other ounce or two. Also a trail version of it would be pretty cool.

I will second this. I've run in both the Next% and AlphaFlys and the energy return on the Alphas is definitely better for me, a 190 lb runner with poor form. They also provide good feedback if you're not mid- or fore-foot striking. The second I start to sit back in them later in a race, I know it based on the way the shoe feels.

The only thing truly groundbreaking or even remarkable is that a thread about a Nike product was started by someone other than a Nike employee. I mean, they weigh in once they see it on the Board, but a civilian felt the need to start it.

Questioner of things wrote:

Giving you the benefit of the doubt and assuming your question wasn't sarcastic... No, I've been running for many years at a passable level. My logic is that if the alphafly provides a 2% benefit over the vaporfly (let's call it 5% to 3% versus a standard non-plated, non-pebax foam shoe) then it isn't ridiculous that the shoe could provide a 3 min advantage to a 2 hour 37 minute marathon runner. Not everyone will benefit equally but to suggest it's ridiculous (i.e. beyond the realms of possibility) is naive.

No, that's ridiculous. Shoe technology doesn't make massive jumps like that. Over several decades, yes, but nothing as rapid as you suggest.

I prefer the Alphafly upper, but do prefer the lighter Next% in general. A perfect shoe would have the Next% with the Alphafly upper.

I would love to see some data on their relative economics. I have one pair of each, and they certainly feel different; the Alphas are more responsive but stiffer, the Next% is more pliable and comfortable. That said, to paraphrase an earlier poster, I'd wear crocs if it helped me to run faster. It does seem convincing that so many elites are choosing/running well in the Next% or that Adidas platform boot.

They are really only geared for the Marathon.

Like, only the Marathon.

Vaporfly 4% is prob the best 10k-Half Marathon Racer.

Vaporfy Next % is prob the best Half Marathon to Full Marathon Racer.

Nike is coming out with a lower profile, plated racer, to race 5k to 10k.

Most of the other companies have only created competitors to the Vaporfly 4%.

While still good, Nike is ahead of the curve.

For context, the Next % was supposed to be like the "5%", but conflicting data did not quite give an average of 5%. So they just called it "Next %", meaning more % than the 4%.

With that said, every runner is different. Some athletes may prefer different stack heights, upper lasts, or midsole durometers.

Translation - OP cannot afford Alphafly's so they must be bad.

I have Next % and Alphafly's. The Alphafly's are more bouncy, durable and have better energy return.

Also, the Alphafly's is in limited production so essentially NO ONE has the shoe compared to the next %.

Makin it CLAP' wrote:

Translation - OP cannot afford Alphafly's so they must be bad.

I have Next % and Alphafly's. The Alphafly's are more bouncy, durable and have better energy return.

Right, because that extra $25 is really breaking the bank.

Makin it CLAP' wrote:

Translation - OP cannot afford Alphafly's so they must be bad.

I have Next % and Alphafly's. The Alphafly's are more bouncy, durable and have better energy return.

I've done lots of workouts in the Alphaflys and ultimately decided to stick with the Next% for my recent marathon. I doubt you have scientifically measured your "energy return" in each shoe.

They didn`t work too well for Jakob and Filip yesterday as they both ran poorly, even Filip. I agree with statement that you need to be heavier/have a more powerful stride to fully utilize them. They are very stiff indeed.

I like em for the more durable outsole and they are great for a heavy heal striker like me. It’s a toss up personally, but I can say the tempo version is complete and utter garbage

For those questioning the performance gains, stop whining and go try a pair on already.

As a heavy runner with poor economy, my easy pace dropped nearly 15 seconds per mile while my HR stayed the same. These shoes are massive difference makers— and this has been common knowledge for 3+ years now.

iogoc eagie wrote:

For those questioning the performance gains, stop whining and go try a pair on already.

As a heavy runner with poor economy, my easy pace dropped nearly 15 seconds per mile while my HR stayed the same. These shoes are massive difference makers— and this has been common knowledge for 3+ years now.

The Alphaflys only came out this year, not 3 years ago.

not 3 years wrote:

iogoc eagie wrote:

For those questioning the performance gains, stop whining and go try a pair on already.

As a heavy runner with poor economy, my easy pace dropped nearly 15 seconds per mile while my HR stayed the same. These shoes are massive difference makers— and this has been common knowledge for 3+ years now.

The Alphaflys only came out this year, not 3 years ago.

Obviously.

I’m talking about the technology behind the super shoes.