Nike Alphafly 3

The Nike Alphafly 3 is the maximalist marathon weapon for runners chasing impossible times, featuring a 40mm stack height and aggressive carbon plate that produce a 4% energy return advantage over the average super shoe. Its forefoot Air Zoom pods create a trampoline-like sensation, while the 8.6 oz weight is 1.1 oz heavier than the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2, but that extra cushioning becomes critical after mile 20 when legs fail. Kipchoge wore the original for his sub-two-hour marathon, and the Alphafly 3 improves on that legacy with a wider base and 2% better ventilation in hot conditions.