Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 2 Evaluation vs Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%

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Previously, I all the time turned my nostril up at folks losing their cash on the flagship Nike trainers when it was apparent they weren’t aggressive runners.

Being the hypocrite I’m, I ended up shopping for a pair of Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% in the course of the gross sales. I feel I paid £160 from Nike. I hoped they may assist me set some PBs, they usually did, and I grew to become a convert. I now personal two pairs of Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%.

I developed some tendon points when operating with the Alphafly NEXT%, so when a sale got here up for the ZoomX Vaporfly 2, I purchased these. The justification was that they may not agitate my tendon as a lot, and I choose an even bigger heel drop, however the reality is I simply needed to strive them.

Options / Specification

• Terrain: Street
• Pronation sort: Impartial
• Drop: 8 mm
• Heel stack top: 40 mm
• Forefoot stack top: 32 mm
• Weight (males): 186 g
• Weight (ladies): 168 g
• Options: Carbon plate, Rocker

Background & Accidents

I’m not a aggressive runner, and reviewing trainers is extremely subjective. I am vulnerable to accidents, and my efficiency is all over.

I’m an OK runner, although. With the Tempo NEXT%, I managed a 3:23:50 marathon. With the Alphafly NEXT% I set a 5K PB of 19:30 and 10K of 40:49.

Since getting the ZoomX Vaporfly 2, I’ve been working round accidents. My ankles do not appear to love me anymore. It was my knee final 12 months. Nonetheless, I hope to make use of these to arrange a Marathon PB in Manchester in April.

Nike Vaporfly 2 vs Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%

It’s value noting that there’s a Nike Air Zoom Alphafly 2, however I’ve the older modal, so that is what I’m evaluating them in opposition to.

The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% are like they took the Vaporfly and made them as ridiculous as attainable.

The Nike Alphafly’s stack top is 35mm within the forefoot and 39mm within the heel, which provides it that pleasurable 4mm drop. The newer Alphafly 2 has a stack top of 40mm within the heel and 32mm within the forefoot, giving 8mm.

The Vaporfly Subsequent% 2 has the identical 8mm drop, with a stack top of 40mm within the heel and 32mm within the forefoot.

They each have ZoomX foam, which is bouncy and responsive underfoot, and each have a full-length carbon fibre plate.

The Alphafly then makes use of two Zoom Air items, which sit below the ball of the foot to ship extra bounce as you toe-off.

Past that, they’re each very related, they’ve the same knitted-style higher with an asymmetrical lacing system, they usually each have that taper heel.

Nike Vaporfly 2 Efficiency

I have never managed to set any PBs with these, but. However that is extra because of the truth I’ve been working round ankle points, and I’m coaching for a marathon, whereas I set PBs with the Alphafly NEXT% for 5K and 10K and did one HM.

The closest comparable I’ve of the 2 footwear is the London Royal Parks Half Marathon, after I used the Alphafly NEXT%, and the Nice North Western Half Marathon, the place I used the Vaporfly Subsequent% 2.

I did the Royal Parks at 7:03 minutes per mile (01:32:28) and the GNW at 7:08 minutes per mile (01:33:28). Nonetheless, I would not actually say they’re comparable. London was flat with good climate, GNW was very windy with an undulating return loop. I used to be higher skilled for GNW. If it was a flat route with good climate, I’d have most likely acquired a PB.

Subjectively, these really feel a bit slower than the Alphafly NEXT%. The Alphafly NEXT% are bouncier, and I feel this gives the look of them being quicker, it’s laborious to objectively say if that’s true.

These are a lot quicker than my normal coaching shoe. I’ve been sporting a pair of Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit3 for my coaching runs, they usually appear to trigger fewer points with my ankle. Nonetheless, they’re fairly gradual, I’ve been operating 13+ miles in them at 7:55 to eight minutes per mile.

Within the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Subsequent% 2, for related runs, I run at about 7:35 to 7:40 minutes per mile. It’s not a large distinction, solely 4% or 5%, however it’s vital if that interprets over to my marathon instances. My coaching runs on these are quicker than my marathon tempo, so I’m on monitor for a PB.

With each the ZoomX Vaporfly 2 and Zoom Alphafly NEXT%, I discover the match is not excellent for me. The unstructured design appears to permit my foot to push ahead and my toes to press in opposition to the entrance. My left foot is barely bigger, and I am usually left with a black toenail. I really feel like the subsequent measurement up can be too large.

Nike Return and Guarantee Coverage

One of many major explanation why I’m a convert to those costly trainers is the truth that Nike has an excellent return and guarantee coverage.

You’ll be able to return Nike on-line orders, together with customized Nike By You sneakers, for any motive inside 30 days of buy.

You’ll be able to then return faulty or defective merchandise with legitimate proof of buy inside two years of the net or in-store buy date.

I’m not positive how straightforward or possible you’d want the guarantee of the Vaporfly Subsequent%. However my trainers all collapse after a 12 months of standard use. I used to be in a position to get a refund when the air bubble of the Zoom Tempo NEXT% popped, and I think about that may occur with the Alphafly NEXT%.

Value and Various Choices

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 2 are presently obtainable from Nike for round £230. I paid £135 for them again in November 2023. You should buy them from Keller Sports activities for round £145.

The Nike Alphafly 2 (they appear to have ditched the NEXT% bit) is £279.95. Keller Sports activities has them for £178.

• Adidas Adizero Adios Professional 3 – £220 – Properly reviewed with a 10mm drop.
• Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 – £190 – 8mm drop marketed as a half/full marathon race day shoe

Total

It’s laborious to say if I choose the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Subsequent% 2 or the Alphafly NEXT%. They’re each extremely quick footwear, and I’ve been utterly received over through the use of them in occasions.

I really feel just like the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% is quicker, for me, no less than. However they’re very bouncy and really feel a bit bizarre to stroll round in, however I discover them good to run in.

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Subsequent% 2 feels a bit extra pure. Actually extra bouncy than my coaching footwear.

For me, I would not pay full value for both of those footwear, however I’m pleased to pay round £150 within the gross sales. For aggressive athletes, I’m positive the price of the shoe is way simpler to justify.

Initially posted on Mighty Gadget