Evidence-led comparison · not a wear test
Nike Alphafly 3 vs Nike Alphafly 4
At least one model is upcoming. Shortlist an available, well-fitting shoe for an imminent race; wait for the unreleased model’s confirmed stock and missing specifications before treating it as an upgrade.
Nike Alphafly 3
Marathon racer combining ZoomX foam, a carbon Flyplate and forefoot Air Zoom units. Running Warehouse lists a men's US 9 weight of 7.0 oz and 40/32 mm stack. Price is the checked Sail/Burg Ash/Phantom offer; other colorways may differ.
Available when checked
Specs and buying guide →Nike Alphafly 4
Upcoming marathon racer with ZoomX LT foam, a carbon Flyplate and redesigned Air Zoom units. Running Warehouse lists orders from October 29, 2026; weight and stack measurements are not yet published. Not independently wear-tested.
Upcoming · expected 2026-10-29
Specs and buying guide →Specifications at a glance
Historical values are labeled, not newly verified. Prices are snapshots—not MSRP or live offers. Higher stack, lower weight and carbon construction do not establish a better shoe.
| Specification | Nike Alphafly 3Source checked | Nike Alphafly 4Source checked |
|---|---|---|
| Intended category | racing | racing |
| Weight | 7 oz | Not published |
| Heel stack | 40 mm | Not published |
| Forefoot stack | 32 mm | Not published |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Recorded price | 294.95 USD | 279.95 USD |
| Stability category | neutral | neutral |
| Cushioning category | soft | soft |
| Carbon reinforcement | Yes | Yes |
| Performance foam category | Yes | Yes |
| Availability | Available when checked | Upcoming · expected 2026-10-29 |
What the measurements actually change
Weight
Alphafly 3: 7 oz; Alphafly 4: Not published. A value is unpublished, so no numerical difference is asserted.
Heel stack
Alphafly 3: 40 mm; Alphafly 4: Not published. A value is unpublished, so no numerical difference is asserted.
Forefoot stack
Alphafly 3: 32 mm; Alphafly 4: Not published. A value is unpublished, so no numerical difference is asserted.
Drop
Alphafly 3: 8 mm; Alphafly 4: 8 mm. The source-checked values are the same.
When to shortlist Alphafly 3
Nike Alphafly 3 is catalogued for racing. Consider it for a race-specific shortlist, then rehearse in training before committing to race day. Check comfort over your intended distance and stability at your target pace. Carbon reinforcement alone does not establish a faster shoe for you.
When to shortlist Alphafly 4
Nike Alphafly 4 is catalogued for racing. Consider it for a race-specific shortlist, then rehearse in training before committing to race day. Check comfort over your intended distance and stability at your target pace. Carbon reinforcement alone does not establish a faster shoe for you. Its upcoming status makes availability a deciding factor.
Is the newer version worth upgrading to?
Both belong to Alphafly. Start with what you want to change about your current pair: fit, intended use or a specific construction detail. Read each source-linked model overview below for documented changes. The measurements below can establish geometry and weight differences, not a faster race time. If your current shoe works well, a new version number alone is not a reason to replace it.
Price and value—not a live deal comparison
Alphafly 3: 294.95 USD; Alphafly 4: 279.95 USD. These are recorded offers, potentially from different dates, colors or clearance periods. They are not necessarily launch prices. Check both source links for matching size/width, current price and return policy before deciding which offers better value.
What this comparison cannot establish
We have not independently measured fit, outsole grip, energy return, comfort or durability for this pair. The absence of a rating is not a poor score. No universal winner, injury-prevention claim or race-time improvement is inferred from carbon construction, foam classification or stack height.
Questions before buying
Which is better: Nike Alphafly 3 or Nike Alphafly 4?
At least one model is upcoming. Shortlist an available, well-fitting shoe for an imminent race; wait for the unreleased model’s confirmed stock and missing specifications before treating it as an upgrade.
Which of these shoes is lighter?
Alphafly 3: 7 oz; Alphafly 4: Not published. A value is unpublished, so no numerical difference is asserted.
Should I upgrade within the Alphafly series?
Both belong to Alphafly. Start with what you want to change about your current pair: fit, intended use or a specific construction detail. Read each source-linked model overview below for documented changes. The measurements below can establish geometry and weight differences, not a faster race time. If your current shoe works well, a new version number alone is not a reason to replace it.
Are the listed prices and availability current?
Alphafly 3: Available when checked. Alphafly 4: Upcoming · expected 2026-10-29. Alphafly 3: 294.95 USD; Alphafly 4: 279.95 USD. These are recorded offers, potentially from different dates, colors or clearance periods. They are not necessarily launch prices. Check both source links for matching size/width, current price and return policy before deciding which offers better value.
Is this a hands-on review?
Specification-based buying guidance, not a hands-on review. Running Warehouse is our primary specification source. Categories and buying considerations are editorial interpretations, not measured performance. We do not invent comfort scores, durability mileage, fit tests or race-time gains.
Sources, checks and editorial standards
Specification-based buying guidance, not a hands-on review. Running Warehouse is our primary specification source. Categories and buying considerations are editorial interpretations, not measured performance. We do not invent comfort scores, durability mileage, fit tests or race-time gains.
Nike Alphafly 3
Source-checked specifications
Recorded source check: 2026-09-26 (UTC date).
One men's/unisex US 9 shoe, ounces; stack/drop in millimetres.
- Source checked on the stated date, not continuously refreshed.
- Fit, durability and running economy have not been independently tested by RunAnalytics.
Nike Alphafly 4
Source-checked specifications
Recorded source check: 2026-09-26 (UTC date).
One men's/unisex US 9 shoe, ounces; stack/drop in millimetres.
- Source checked on the stated date, not continuously refreshed.
- Fit, durability and running economy have not been independently tested by RunAnalytics.
Published by RunAnalytics. Sources are checked on the dates shown, not continuously. Spot an error? Send the model, disputed field and a source link. We retain older records for comparison, but do not label them as newly verified.