Thanks for giving us as many reviews as possible with as much detail as you do. So helpful when these shoes are getting so expensive. Would love to see something specifically on the recent research (scratch that , make that anecdotal pseudo-science) that suggests people should in fact NOT use carbon plated shoes as dailies. Been reading a bit about how such plates create "lazy achilles" issues. Hard to go back now (I even use RC Elite V2s now as my daily trainers as they are so comfortable). Anyhow, would love your take on the need or advantage of having two or three different types of shoes (and remember not everyone does your kinda mileage). Keep up your AMAZING work and commitment. We know it's a lot of work, but you are appreciated.
Thanks very much! It is becoming harder to judge when to use these shoes, since many of them are so comfy, and you do see elites just roll around in them for most of their runs it seems. I think I'd always have a non plated shoe for easy stuff, just to have a more normal feel underfoot. Also I like to do those easy runs on trails when possible so always a good excuse to get out of plated shoes then. In general I'm a big fan of a 2/3 shoe rotation just to change the impact on your body of the run. Still largely the same, but different drops, foams, everything reduces the repetitive impact of the run, so I think that's hopefully slightly useful for avoiding overuse injuries!
@@TheRunTesters Makes great sense yes, thank you. You guys might want to consider doing a piece specifically on "How to create a shoe rotation". You could address a number of these points (and others) and I am sure your fans would appreciate your advice here. Keep it up!
I’ve tried the Pro 3 & the Alphafly 1. Personally, I didn’t like the Alpha. It caused minor pain in my left arch & my calf felt tight after a 14 mile run w some speed. It did however help me run fast, but it just felt like too much shoe. I’m a heel striker so I’m not sure if I got my full pull out if the pods. I love the pro 3. No issues & will be running a full marathon in it next week.
Unfortunately one of the AirPods went flat on the Alphafly 2 for me. Nike were good though giving me a refund. Not sure if I was just unlucky but I'm a bit wary of getting them again. Did enjoy them though. Did a lot of km in the speed 2 and Speed 3 now. Love both those so sure the pro 3 will be a great shoe.
I only own the Speed 3s and Vaporfly 2s but from your reviews: Alphafly 2s = best marathon shoes, Vaporfly 2s = best 5k to half marathon shoes, Pro 3s = best shoes if you only buy one pair of racing shoes for all the above distances!
Haha a good summary. I'll leave myself some wiggle room though. Alpha 1 as good as 2 for marathons, maybe better for some people. Vaporfly matches up to Endo Pro 3 for all distances.
What do you think of Alphafly V1 vs V2? I've heard many say the V1 is better for faster stuff, but perhaps V2 better for marathons. Great video this one!
Cheers! It's such a tough call that one for me, I change my mind depending on what I've run in recently! Right now preferring my 1s, perhaps partly because they're in my favourite colour, but the 2s will work better for wider range of people with the wider set up and higher drop I think. Both great, fine margins!
Would you recommend the Alphaflys to a first time marathoner? Love the idea of this shoes. Want to run is something that feels fast and will help at the end of the long run.
For me it more depends on the runner rather than the experience. If you’ve done a lot of races, quite experienced with range of shoes, then Alphafly can work well. If newer to the sport i’d enjoy my first mara in a more normal cushioned shoe i think!
@@TheRunTesters i just bought the Novablast 3. Havent used it, yet. But have been looking for a pair of alfpha fly. But i have seen mixed reviews about it. The air zoom units have issues about durability, and so on. 🤔
Got two marathons next year Nick, thinking either Vaporfly Next%2, Endorphin Pro3 or Alphafly Next% V1, what's your thoughts? (I'm leaning towards the Alphas, my target time is 3.30)
Go with your gut for first one and use Alphas I reckon, but tbh all great shoes, whatever feels the most right near the time will work beautifully. I had that choice for Berlin and Vaporfly just seemed right haha. Best of luck!
I ran mine in the Alpha Next% 2. No feet issues for the run and legs felt pretty good that evening and the following days. Can’t complain about that! I’m a slower runner as well which this shoe isn’t for so for me that’s a win. Endorphins for me were an issue. Laces caused pain and the tongue kept slipping down on one. Also had some pains with them on the sole which isn’t typical for me in any shoes. I ended up selling them. 🤷♂️. Lots used them during the race though. I considered my vaporfly next% 2 but I felt the Alpha offered a more stable ride and more speed if needed along with a more roomy toe box. Good luck with your races!
How different do you find the pro3 vs the speed3. Granted the speed3 isn’t a carbon shoe but I’ve heard some people reviewing it as better and grabbing it even for their speed work?
Speed 3 is great, but the Pro 3 is better for speedy stuff. With the past versions of the shoes it was close. Here’s our full comparison of the two th-cam.com/video/teb_2xc8G6w/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the review, what do you believe it's the durability of both shoes in distance and also if there is any possibility of aging of the foam in case of wearing them only for races, e.g. having the shoes for several years and only racing with them? thanks again
Hey aside from the change in feel on the Pro 3 mentioned in the video they should last as long as any shoes really, probably at their racing best for around 300km-ish, with few hundred more of great training performance. I spoke to shoe expert this week about ageing foams actually, they basically said after a couple of years of mostly storage you can probably knock 100-150km off the lifespan for the foam ageing, but they were mainly talking about EVA foams and these are both PEBA, so not 100% if that's the case there!
@@TheRunTesters thank you so much, yeah, I'm with this feeling of having a shoe just for racing it might not work, I like your idea of the pro as a racing/training shoe, and after a couple 100 miles, it becomes purely a daily trainer, I did exactly that with my Speed 2 and I was considering doing it with the pro now. I have my A race coming up and I'm considering the Alpha Fly for a PB attempt, then my question was what do I do with the Alpha Fly later, keeping it for the next race after a few months, doing some quality workouts, race more perhaps lol, but keeping in the closet is not an option to save the shoe for later as you said. thanks again
I believe the Alphafly 1 is going to become an icon. The lower drop and versatility of it will make it hard to come across again. Good thing I have 2 pairs.
I want to break 3 hours in the marathon I got a 3:03 and 3:05 in the alphafly 1 but not sure if I should get the alphafly 2 or vaporfly 2 I really want to break 3 hours been training so hard
Really like these "vs" videos because it's much easier to calibrate expectations relative to a shoe viewers have worn. Any chance you'll do Pro 3 vs SC Elite v3?
Just to add some experience here… I actually tested shoes yesterday and I was stuck between the pro3 and SC elite. Both were great shoes. I pronate quite a bit and in an unexpected turn of events the pro3 had more stability for me then stability shoes. Kept me in a really good position (they use video on the treadmill to assess your strike in each shoe). The SC elite say in the middle stability wise. Then I took them for a run outside… the pro3 definitely felt faster and the SC elite had a softer ride. So coming from alpha 1 and just my personal preference I like a softer ride. But I was very torn. Even though the pro3 wasn’t as soft it still felt amazing and I felt light on my feet. I got a pair of SC elite in the end because I want to use them through training and the softer feel was appealing to me but I’ve not stopped thinking about those pro3 😂 race day shoes…. It’s pro3 all day. No question whatsoever. But if you’re like me and you want to get some miles in the shoe as well then the SC elite might be better. That said i have to buy the pro3 now as well. Very different feeling shoes though.
I'm a heel-striker and my main piece of advice would be not to worry about footstrike so much. It's one small part of running gait, and pros and amateurs with all kinds of footstrikes will benefit from the shoes.
Best comparison I have ever seen! Very clear with little ambiguity typical for such kind of videos
Thanks very much!
Thanks for giving us as many reviews as possible with as much detail as you do. So helpful when these shoes are getting so expensive. Would love to see something specifically on the recent research (scratch that , make that anecdotal pseudo-science) that suggests people should in fact NOT use carbon plated shoes as dailies. Been reading a bit about how such plates create "lazy achilles" issues. Hard to go back now (I even use RC Elite V2s now as my daily trainers as they are so comfortable). Anyhow, would love your take on the need or advantage of having two or three different types of shoes (and remember not everyone does your kinda mileage). Keep up your AMAZING work and commitment. We know it's a lot of work, but you are appreciated.
Thanks very much! It is becoming harder to judge when to use these shoes, since many of them are so comfy, and you do see elites just roll around in them for most of their runs it seems. I think I'd always have a non plated shoe for easy stuff, just to have a more normal feel underfoot. Also I like to do those easy runs on trails when possible so always a good excuse to get out of plated shoes then. In general I'm a big fan of a 2/3 shoe rotation just to change the impact on your body of the run. Still largely the same, but different drops, foams, everything reduces the repetitive impact of the run, so I think that's hopefully slightly useful for avoiding overuse injuries!
@@TheRunTesters Makes great sense yes, thank you. You guys might want to consider doing a piece specifically on "How to create a shoe rotation". You could address a number of these points (and others) and I am sure your fans would appreciate your advice here. Keep it up!
Ah yes that has been on the list for a while! Might be a good one for January
Love both although toe box of pro 3 needs to be wider
Agree
Want them both but have a 25 percent birthday present from nike so think the new alphaflys might be entered into my rotation. 😍
I’ve tried the Pro 3 & the Alphafly 1. Personally, I didn’t like the Alpha. It caused minor pain in my left arch & my calf felt tight after a 14 mile run w some speed. It did however help me run fast, but it just felt like too much shoe. I’m a heel striker so I’m not sure if I got my full pull out if the pods. I love the pro 3. No issues & will be running a full marathon in it next week.
was it a success with the Endorphin pro 3 ?
Unfortunately one of the AirPods went flat on the Alphafly 2 for me. Nike were good though giving me a refund.
Not sure if I was just unlucky but I'm a bit wary of getting them again.
Did enjoy them though.
Did a lot of km in the speed 2 and Speed 3 now. Love both those so sure the pro 3 will be a great shoe.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 ❤️👏
I only own the Speed 3s and Vaporfly 2s but from your reviews: Alphafly 2s = best marathon shoes, Vaporfly 2s = best 5k to half marathon shoes, Pro 3s = best shoes if you only buy one pair of racing shoes for all the above distances!
Haha a good summary. I'll leave myself some wiggle room though. Alpha 1 as good as 2 for marathons, maybe better for some people. Vaporfly matches up to Endo Pro 3 for all distances.
What do you think of Alphafly V1 vs V2? I've heard many say the V1 is better for faster stuff, but perhaps V2 better for marathons. Great video this one!
Cheers! It's such a tough call that one for me, I change my mind depending on what I've run in recently! Right now preferring my 1s, perhaps partly because they're in my favourite colour, but the 2s will work better for wider range of people with the wider set up and higher drop I think. Both great, fine margins!
where i am, pro 3 costs $305 and alphafly 2 costs $330. $250 is the boundary i gave myself when it comes to running shoes so i'd wait for discount
I think the better comparison would be Prime X Strung vs Alphafly 2. Which one wins?
It’s a comparison we have coming.
Would you recommend the Alphaflys to a first time marathoner? Love the idea of this shoes. Want to run is something that feels fast and will help at the end of the long run.
For me it more depends on the runner rather than the experience. If you’ve done a lot of races, quite experienced with range of shoes, then Alphafly can work well. If newer to the sport i’d enjoy my first mara in a more normal cushioned shoe i think!
Things I’ve heard about rubbing from the heel of the Pro 3 put me off getting it.
Interesting I've not heard much on rubbing, more complaints that the pink turns socks pink!
Are you gonna review the new superblast from Asics? Btw good review 👍
Hopefully! Think we’re a bit behind the US on that one
@@TheRunTesters i just bought the Novablast 3. Havent used it, yet.
But have been looking for a pair of alfpha fly. But i have seen mixed reviews about it. The air zoom units have issues about durability, and so on. 🤔
Also the Alphafly 2 has a all new insole- much wider
Which shoe would you prefer for a downhill marathon dropping over 5,000 feet? Thanks.
Oof. Alphafly for that I’d say, more protection for the pounding your legs will take!
Got two marathons next year Nick, thinking either Vaporfly Next%2, Endorphin Pro3 or Alphafly Next% V1, what's your thoughts? (I'm leaning towards the Alphas, my target time is 3.30)
Go with your gut for first one and use Alphas I reckon, but tbh all great shoes, whatever feels the most right near the time will work beautifully. I had that choice for Berlin and Vaporfly just seemed right haha. Best of luck!
I ran mine in the Alpha Next% 2. No feet issues for the run and legs felt pretty good that evening and the following days. Can’t complain about that! I’m a slower runner as well which this shoe isn’t for so for me that’s a win. Endorphins for me were an issue. Laces caused pain and the tongue kept slipping down on one. Also had some pains with them on the sole which isn’t typical for me in any shoes. I ended up selling them. 🤷♂️. Lots used them during the race though. I considered my vaporfly next% 2 but I felt the Alpha offered a more stable ride and more speed if needed along with a more roomy toe box. Good luck with your races!
How different do you find the pro3 vs the speed3. Granted the speed3 isn’t a carbon shoe but I’ve heard some people reviewing it as better and grabbing it even for their speed work?
Speed 3 is great, but the Pro 3 is better for speedy stuff. With the past versions of the shoes it was close. Here’s our full comparison of the two th-cam.com/video/teb_2xc8G6w/w-d-xo.html
@@TheRunTesters Thanks for the response, will have a watch of that.
Thanks for the review, what do you believe it's the durability of both shoes in distance and also if there is any possibility of aging of the foam in case of wearing them only for races, e.g. having the shoes for several years and only racing with them? thanks again
Hey aside from the change in feel on the Pro 3 mentioned in the video they should last as long as any shoes really, probably at their racing best for around 300km-ish, with few hundred more of great training performance. I spoke to shoe expert this week about ageing foams actually, they basically said after a couple of years of mostly storage you can probably knock 100-150km off the lifespan for the foam ageing, but they were mainly talking about EVA foams and these are both PEBA, so not 100% if that's the case there!
@@TheRunTesters thank you so much, yeah, I'm with this feeling of having a shoe just for racing it might not work, I like your idea of the pro as a racing/training shoe, and after a couple 100 miles, it becomes purely a daily trainer, I did exactly that with my Speed 2 and I was considering doing it with the pro now. I have my A race coming up and I'm considering the Alpha Fly for a PB attempt, then my question was what do I do with the Alpha Fly later, keeping it for the next race after a few months, doing some quality workouts, race more perhaps lol, but keeping in the closet is not an option to save the shoe for later as you said. thanks again
Which one offers great mileage and durability?
I believe the Alphafly 1 is going to become an icon. The lower drop and versatility of it will make it hard to come across again. Good thing I have 2 pairs.
Do you like the Alphafly 1 or 2 better?
Killer Q. Changes day by day haha. Leaning 1 atm, but 2 will work for more people
How is the heel wearing on the pro 3s? My old speed 1s only lasted 180 miles as I heel strike pretty bad
It’s good on that front, I heel strike and haven’t seen any undue wear
I want to break 3 hours in the marathon I got a 3:03 and 3:05 in the alphafly 1 but not sure if I should get the alphafly 2 or vaporfly 2 I really want to break 3 hours been training so hard
Really like these "vs" videos because it's much easier to calibrate expectations relative to a shoe viewers have worn.
Any chance you'll do Pro 3 vs SC Elite v3?
Glad they’re useful! We will do a few vs for the SC Elite for sure, should have the review ready next week
@@TheRunTesters Can't wait for that one as they are my top three choices!!!
Thank you, very interested in SC elite vs Pro 3
Just to add some experience here… I actually tested shoes yesterday and I was stuck between the pro3 and SC elite. Both were great shoes. I pronate quite a bit and in an unexpected turn of events the pro3 had more stability for me then stability shoes. Kept me in a really good position (they use video on the treadmill to assess your strike in each shoe). The SC elite say in the middle stability wise. Then I took them for a run outside… the pro3 definitely felt faster and the SC elite had a softer ride. So coming from alpha 1 and just my personal preference I like a softer ride. But I was very torn. Even though the pro3 wasn’t as soft it still felt amazing and I felt light on my feet. I got a pair of SC elite in the end because I want to use them through training and the softer feel was appealing to me but I’ve not stopped thinking about those pro3 😂 race day shoes…. It’s pro3 all day. No question whatsoever. But if you’re like me and you want to get some miles in the shoe as well then the SC elite might be better. That said i have to buy the pro3 now as well. Very different feeling shoes though.
Hope that helps
So you still recommend the Alphafly to someone who is a heel striker who probably wont get the benefit of those airpods on the forefoot?
I'm a heel-striker and my main piece of advice would be not to worry about footstrike so much. It's one small part of running gait, and pros and amateurs with all kinds of footstrikes will benefit from the shoes.
@@TheRunTesters What about the vapor's? same principle?
Yep
What I was going to ask!
@@davidtownsend6113 yeah but vapors and alphas seem made to front feet strike
Alpha gives me a black nail, pro 3 is my favorite 😍
same ! i cant wear alphas ! have 3 black toe nails now so i'm also going to have to swtich to pro 3 !!