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Nike Alphafly 4: 5 things (including the science) behind new marathon shoes
Confirmed
In Short: Nike has launched the Alphafly 4, the latest version of its marathon racing shoe, designed to improve running efficiency and performance.
Nike has unveiled the Alphafly 4, the fourth iteration of its marathon racing shoe, nearly three years after the launch of its predecessor. The new model is designed to enhance running efficiency and performance.
According to Nike, the Alphafly 4 improves force loading, joint rotation smoothness, and lateral stability, thanks to biomechanical testing.
The carbon-fibre Flyplate in the Alphafly 4 features a more pronounced scoop geometry and a wider base compared to the Alphafly 3, providing a wider platform and a more noticeable rocker in the forefoot.
The Alphafly 4 also introduces a new outsole material called Light Shot, contributing to its lightweight design.
Nike claims that the Alphafly 4 boasts a 10 percent greater energy return than the Alphafly 3, storing more of a runner's energy and returning it with each stride.
Nike uses the term 'running economy' to measure how efficiently a runner uses energy, tracking the amount of oxygen their muscles require during sustained effort.
The Nike Sport Research Lab developed a mechanical model linking shoe properties to an athlete’s running economy, allowing for accelerated product development.
The Alphafly 4 is priced at $280 and is available in a limited run at Nike.com, with broader availability beginning October 29 at Nike.com and select retailers.
The development of the Alphafly 4 began with Nike’s 'Breaking2' project, aimed at helping a runner complete a marathon in under two hours.
Nike emphasizes that the Alphafly 4 was designed based on feedback from runners across various backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels around the world.
What this adds
The Alphafly 4 is marketed as a premier racing shoe, with the science behind it making it stand out in the market.
Nike's approach of using mechanical models before conducting on-foot trials has accelerated the product development process.
Background
Nike has launched the Alphafly 4, the latest version of its marathon racing shoe, designed to improve running efficiency and performance.
What's confirmed
- Nike has launched the Alphafly 4, the fourth version of its marathon racing shoe, nearly three years after the launch of its predecessor.
- Nike says biomechanical testing shows that the Alphafly 4 improves force loading, joint rotation smoothness and lateral stability.
- The carbon-fibre Flyplate, according to Nike, has a more pronounced scoop geometry than the Alphafly 3 and a wider base, giving the shoe a wider overall platform and a more noticeable rocker in the forefoot.
- The Alphafly 4 also uses a new outsole material called Light Shot.
- It is priced at $280 (approximately Rs 26,861) and is available in a limited run at Nike.com, with broader availability beginning October 29 at Nike.com and select retailers.
- The Alphafly 4 boasts 10 percent greater energy return than the Alphafly 3, claims Nike.
- Nike uses the term “running economy,” which essentially measures how efficiently a runner uses that energy by tracking the amount of oxygen their muscles require during sustained effort.
- Nike says it advanced biomechanics research and mechanical testing to predict and improve athlete performance in the Alphafly 4.
- The development of Alphafly begins with Nike’s “Breaking2” project, with the aim to help a runner complete a marathon in under two hours.
What's still developing
- Online Running Coach | Running Shoe and Gear Reviews Looking for the best cushioned running shoes to log miles?
- From the high stack for recovery days to the bouncy and fast shoes for race day, our team has put in the hours and the miles to test every shoe here.
- “Nike does not design Alphafly 4 around a specific geography or demographic. Instead, the shoe was informed by feedback from runners across a wide range of backgrounds, abilities and experience levels around the world. Our goal is to understand the common needs of runners globally and translate those insights into products that can serve more athletes,” a Nike spokesperson told indianexpress.com when asked if the company took insights from Indian runners and athletes when designing the Alphafly 4.
- The Alphafly 4 is the lightest and most responsive Alphafly released to date and is designed for runners and athletes.
- While the Alphafly 4s are marketed as premier racing shoes, the science behind one of the fastest marathon shoes makes them even more interesting.
- Here are five things to know about the Nike Alphafly 4.
- A few months later, in 2020, Nike officially launched the Alphafly.