Well done in that weather Tom, I have to say my experience with the AF3 is the polar opposite to yours. Much as I also love the AF1 (just bought another pair for training), I think the AF3 just feels so much better on foot and helps me keep up the pace in the second half of races, had great runs at a half and 10 miler in the last month and it just feels right! Good luck for Boston mate!
As someone who missed out on the AF3 and has 2 pairs on AF1's still in the box this makes me happy! Love the AF1, like you said when I put that shoe on I know I'm gonna go fast.. incidentally, I really did not like the AF2, tore my foot to shreds
Thanks for the review. I am training for my first marathon in mid-April. I have been trying different race day shoes on my Saturday Long Runs. So far I have tested the Alphafly 1, the Adidas Adizero Pro 3, and the Endorphin Pro 3 (in which I have my Half Marathon PB). I will be testing the Vaporfly 2 this week, but right now I am definitely leaning towards the Alphafly 1 as my race day shoe of choice.
Nike seems to have missed the mark with the Vaporfly Next 3, losing that forward push that the Next 1 gave you. From what you say with the Alpha, the same thing happens. Adidas made the right change from the Pro 2 to the Pro 3, and Saucony by making the Elite makes it very difficult for Nike and Adidas. Let's hope that the new Asics Metaspeed Paris once again resembles what the great Metaspeed v1 was. GREAT VIDEO😉
LSS (Leg Spring Stiffness) as measured by the Stryd foot pod has the AlphaFly V1/2 very close. But the added weight and bulk of the V2 is noticeable. The AlphaFly V3 has only marginally higher LSS values than the Tempo Next%, but it's reduced weight and smooth transition seem to more than make up for the lower LSS. If I was a sub 3hr marathon runner, I'd probably go with the V1. But at 3:15 to 3:20 the V3 is just a much smoother shoe and I know I will feel great at the end of the race.
I feel super shoes are losing their way a bit. The Vaporfly flyknit 4% felt WAY more aggressive and bouncy than vaporfly 3…which to mean feels somewhat clunky