Proven Performance at World Athletics. "NIKE AIR ZOOM ALPHAFLY NEXT % 2"

Nike first released thick-soled running shoes with carbon plates in July 2017. This move overturned the conventional belief that top athletes wear lightweight, thin-soled running shoes. Since then, the combination of thick soles and carbon plates has taken the running scene by storm, with other companies following suit. So, what kind of technology is packed into Nike's latest model released this summer?

The Challenge Called "Breaking2" that Brought Athletes, Scientists, & Designers Together

Nike brought innovation to marathon shoes by defying common sense five years ago. The "Breaking2" challenge held at the Monza Circuit in Italy on May 6, 2017, was the catalyst. This project aimed to run 42.195 km in under two hours (the then men's marathon world record was 2:02:57) by uniting athletes, scientists, and designers. Eliud Kipchoge, wearing the "Nike Zoom Vaporfly Elite," an early thick-soled carbon shoe, marked an astonishing unofficial time of 2:00:25. This performance placed both Kipchoge and the shoes in the spotlight.

Nike's Thick-Soled Shoes Dominate the Marathon World

 Since then, Nike's thick-soled carbon shoes have continued their winning streak with athletes wearing them. At the Berlin Marathon in September 2018, Kipchoge set a new world record with a time of 2:01:39. In October 2019, at the 'INEOS 1:59 Challenge' in Vienna, Austria, Kipchoge recorded an unofficial time of 1:59:40, becoming the first human in history to break the two-hour barrier for 42.195 km.
 
In February 2018, Yuta Shitara and in October 2018 and March 2020, Suguru Osako, and in 2021, Kengo Suzuki broke the Japanese marathon record, all while wearing Nike's thick-soled carbon shoes. Additionally, in the famous Japanese New Year Hakone Ekiden relay race, Nike's shoes have dominated with 84.3% share in 2020, 95.7% in 2021, and 73.3% in 2022.

The Ultimate Running Shoes Get an Update

 This summer, the new running shoe "Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2" was introduced. The first "Alphafly" was released in February 2020, so this update comes more than two years later. For Nike, which celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 1, this is a commemorative new shoe release.

According to Nike Running Footwear Product Manager Elliott Heath, the "Alphafly" has been taken to the next level, making it a shoe for all runners to aim for personal bests.
 
The most significant update from the previous model is the midsole. The 'Alphafly' is known for its two Zoom Air Pods in the forefoot. In this model, foam material has been incorporated below the Zoom Air Pods. Additionally, the heel has been widened to enhance stability.
 
"By incorporating ZoomX foam below the Zoom Air Pods and increasing the shoe's stability, smooth weight transfer and foot motion are now possible compared to the previous model. The versatility has increased, and we believe this shoe is perfect for both elite athletes and amateur runners aiming for their personal bests," said Heath.

ZoomX foam is a midsole foam material known for its superior responsiveness and lightness. In this iteration, the unity of ZoomX foam, Zoom Air pods, and the carbon plate feels even more enhanced.
 
"There were challenges due to the addition of layers, but we created a shoe that enables smooth weight transfer while achieving significant energy return. Also, while there was feedback about the loud footfalls in the previous model, that has been improved in this version."