Nike Vaporfly 2 vs. Alphafly (2022)
These two elite Nike shoes aim to go very fast in competition. Brigid Kosgei broke the marathon world record with the Vaporfly on her feet, while Eliud Kipchoge wore the Alphafly for his record in the men’s competition. American star Galen Rupp, also a star long-distance runner, is known to run in Alphafly.
Both shoes have similar configurations: 39-40 mm thick sole under the heel, ZoomX foam, carbon plate.
The main difference is in the forefoot: the Vaporfly has a higher heel-to-toe drop of 8mm vs. 4mm for the Alphafly, so logically the Vaporfly’s stack is less padded under the toes. In addition, the Alphafly has a Zoom Air unit (a kind of cushion filled with compressed air) for a very comfortable push.
One might think that the higher drop of the Vaporfly favors more of a heel-to-toe attack, but that can vary from runner to runner, so there’s no hard and fast rule.
Finally, let’s note that Alphafly’s lockdown is a little more precise than the Vaporfly’s. Version 2 of the Vaporfly (2021) amplifies this difference by providing an even more ample lockdown.
Vaporfly or Alphafly: Which one to choose?
This comparison is a perfect example of “it depends” and “it’s a matter of preference.” These are two very good shoes designed with equivalent but slightly different configurations to cater to as many athletes as possible.
We recommend trying them on in the store (or ideally in a training session) to decide. The first Vaporfly (2020) has the advantage of being less expensive (about $220), while the Alphafly and Vaporfly 2 are currently priced at $275 and $250, respectively.
Side-by-side comparison
Impressive cushioning
More stable platform
New upper with a wider, more breathable forefoot
Better versatility
Hefty price considering the expected lifespan
Precise foot lockdown
Good space even for wider feet
Lightweight
Above-average durability for a carbon shoe
The new ‘Nature’ version is more ecological with 50% recycled material
The low heel-to-toe drop may not be suitable for everyone
Really high price
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%
Technical Specs
Terrain | Road | Road |
Pronation type | Neutral | Neutral |
Drop | 8 mm | 4 mm |
Heel stack height | 40 mm | 40 mm |
Forefoot stack height | 32 mm | 36 mm |
Weight (men) | 186 g/6.6 oz | 210 g/7.4 oz |
Weight (women) | 168 g/5.9 oz | 184 g/6.5 oz |
Release year | 2021 | 2020 |
Technologies
Outsole | Textured rubber | Textured rubber |
Midsole | ZoomX | ZoomX, Zoom Air |
Upper | Engineered mesh | Atomknit |
Cushioning
Softness (1-5) | 4 – Soft | 3 – Moderate |
Bounce (1-5) | 5 – Very bouncy | 5 – Very bouncy |
Use
Speed | Moderate, fast | Fast |
Distance | Mid, long, 10 km, marathon | Mid, long, 10 km, half marathon, marathon |
Workout | Competition | Competition |