Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next%

What’s the story?

This is the fastest long-distance race shoe known to man: Eliud Kipchoge wore the Alphafly to run the world’s first sub-2hr marathon. The combination of responsive Zoom X superfoam cushioning, foot-long carbon plates and unique air-pods forced World Athletics to rethink the rules on what elite runners are allowed to wear.

Is it any good?

When it comes to all-out racing and chasing PBS over marathons and half-marathons, these Nikes deliver a punchy, responsive ride that’s hard to beat. They’re not as light and nimble as the old Vaporfly, and the high stacked midsole isn’t everyone’s cup of Lucozade, but there aren’t many shoes to match these performance-enhancing creds.

Price £260 / stuff.tv/alphaflynext