Agree 100% !!!. Bought a pair and they just killed my right arch just trying them on. Also the most difficult shoe I've ever tried to get my foot in. Returned them and just got the Addidas Prime X Strung based on your review...awesome shoe....loved the V1 Alphafly and got the 2 based on reviews claiming the arch was better....very impressive that you are all over this one ....thanks!
Yes, this is what exactly happened to me as well. It is like a needle poking through my right arch. And the funny thing is, it does not happen every time ! Bought a pair of Adidas Prime X Strung and never look back.
I ended up cutting and removing a chunk of foam in the arch to flatten the bulky arch and shoe glue did it’s magic, it worked out very well but it shouldn’t be case for such an expensive piece of gear.
It's funny that first versions of the Alphafly and Vaporfly seem to be better for racing, the foam is maybe less durable (they changed the zoomx a bit) but it's less rigid too. The early versions seem to have a bit more pop and energy return.
I reluctantly bought these after watching this because I absolutely love the Total Orange & Black-bright Crimson colour-way. The moment I put them on, the hight of the arch was concerning. After using Pegasus, Pegasus Turbo 2's, Vaporflys, Invincible Flyknit 2's and 2 versions of Zoomfly's - To my dismay 5 km into my first treadmill run with the Alphafly 2's I couldn't continue. Blister on my right arch!! Sadly they will be returned. Point of my comment is Ed's review is bang on.
Just returned to running after a 7 weeks break due to injury. I'm finally able to fully enjoy your videos again without the constant feel of missing out on something hahaha
The Nike Air Zoom Temp Next Percent Flyknit cause me to develop plantar Fasciitis, I've given up wearing Nike shoes for now. Saucony has become my go to, thanks to all your glowing reviews.
This was my exact experience in the v1, it’s so upsetting knowing the show is so good in terms of energy return and how the legs feel after but that risk of arch pain just popping up at random points is horrendous, if there was a specific point that we knew it would occur at that would be at least manageable it’s the not knowing that sucks the most could be 2km could be 20km just have to risk it and find out just such a shame
Glad I've ignored these, instead I've followed your recommendation and gone prime x strung for my stoopid, no justification overspend. I will never endorse anything with air pods ever again either. Pointless, literally deflating, gimmick. The strung is a joyful number as you maintained. Top work, chap.
It's odd, alot of people had arch issues with the Alpha V1, and felt the V2 addressed that arch issue. But in turn they felt it over tamed the shoe down. I LOVE my AlphaFly V1's, but I have high arches. This is why we need to have multiple top end racing shoes from different companies. Some people work with Nikes, some people with with Adidas, Saucony, Puma, etc. It's good that Nike isn't dominating the race shoe space anymore like they did in 2018-2021'ish.
Totally agree. I hung mine up after 45 miles. Love the first version. But have totally moved on. Love endorphin pro 3 and the Adidas. Go to would be the meta speed sky +. I just love that shoe and for some reasons I seem to land perfectly on them.
Amazingly honest review, especially as it was a negative one! I’ve never bought a ‘super’ shoe due to high cost and if they are being retired after only 100 miles, the cost per mile is too much…. I’m a bang for my buck kind of guy. Thanks Ed
It’s the stitching between the midsole and upper that produces the friction in the arch. Had the same problem and decided to apply a layer of silicone rubber and shoe goo to cover up the stitches and managed a 20 miler.
Hmm, maybe you could fix the arch irritation issue.. I see 2 fixes in my head. Either use a heat gun on the medial arch part of the zoom x foam to deform it with some pressure.. bend it out. Or you just cut a thin part out to lessen the pressure below the arch.. this method will probably shorten the lifespan of the zoom x.. but whatever right? Tinkering for the betterment of shoe excellence is worth it!
That’s crazy but not surprised because I had the same issue with trying Nike shoes due to peer pressure from my buddies. Zoom X just doesn’t like and they make my feet hurt. For some reason Lightstrike Pro agrees with my feet and I’m going to stick with that 🤷🏽♂️
I ran London and Chicago Marathons in October and ran two Sub 3’s in them. Guess we are all different, it seems to work for me. Not saying another shoe wouldn’t have performed just as well. Just shows reviews are helpful but getting a shoe on your feet is the only way to really tell.
Timely video. I’m having arch issues with my right shoe as well. I’ve never run in V1, so I can make a comparison, but I know that I have never tried so hard to like a shoe as much as I did the AlphaFly 2. It performs well, but I can’t trust it for runs over 8 miles. Such a bummer!
Maybe the AF2 is like an Ibanez superstrat of some sort with the dreaded Wizard neck profile that feels ultra fast when you start playing but ends up giving you wrist tendinitis? 😆 It's certainly a shoe I want to try but too many mixed reviews for me to want to take the chance - especially for the dough. I ordered the Prime X Strung from a UK dealer as it's not available in most sizes anywhere in the US. Should receive it late this week or early next week. I know I'm going to love it like which guitars I'll love before I even pick it up. Can't wait!
Similar issue for me in V1. I carefully removed the glued in insole and run with enertor insoles in. Transformed them from a pair of shoes I couldn’t even walk in to a marathon PB shoe (with no pain!).
I was the same in the V1. Once I peeled the insole out then the issue was gone, just a shame I out grew them. Currently waiting on my V2's to arrive after holding off for a while, eventually folded and purchased them for £175 so fingers crossed they are alright this time.
Totally agree with you. V1 for the win. I decided to use the v2 for the GNR this year and by the end of the run I couldn't wait to get the shoe off and get my feet into something else. I used the V1's for the Manchester Half and ran 4 minutes quicker, though the route was better, so can't say the shoe is 100% the issue. My second boxed pair is likely heading to SockX to recoup some earth credits.
Oh my,so sad to hear this one edd. Agree on what you've said. Running should be enjoyable. No matter what kind of shoe you use whether it's the most expensive pair money can buy or just a simple one still it's the feeling what's important. I just bought my pair for a discounted price (£170) this week. Haven't tried them yet but now I'm anxious to try them out. Hope they'll be forgiving. Haha
I have the same issues with the V2! I’m also having issues with the heal counter on my right foot. Constantly getting blisters no matter the sock or how tightly I tie the laces. I still had some occasional arch rubbing in the V1s but they felt way better! More pop and the foam feels softer in the V1.
Hey Edd. Quite disappointed with the outcome and your overall experience with the shoe. 😔 Works for some and just doesn't work for others. Have to commend you as you are not shy to call it out for its flaws. 👏 We look forward to the next iteration but at least you have the Pro 3/Prime X strung to keep you entertained. 😁
Not sure wether it would help with v2, but I had slight arch issues in the v1 and i put a thin insole over the regular one and it fixed it for me atleast. I used the ones from the rebel v2 i think.
I'm sorry, I loved this shoe for my last marathon. I found it extremely comfortable and zero foot pain. Obviously, this shoe only works with certain feet.
Same here on my first run, right foot. I am fine in the v1 though. I thought it might get better but i think i Will send them back now. Thanks Eddbud 👊
I’d love to see that! I wonder how many runners have been injured from this sort of problem but blame themselves. Video with some Cramps “Peter Gunn” as you saw away? 😂
So I had the same issue on v1, just managed to use it to its full life by putting an insole cutout to raise my heel a little, well the full life was just about 200 miles.
If you pay full retail price they are imho not worth the money, but the pair I bought already was discounted and if you wait for black friday maybe there will be even greater price reductions. Just today there is the white af1 and the vf with 40 % off at the nike website. I'd never pay full retail for my running shoes.
It’s interesting how different someone’s response to a shoe can be. I love my pair of V2s. I’ve been rehabbing a PF related arch injury, and these (and the SC Trainer) are the only shoes that have allowed me to keep running. Even managed to gut out a decent marathon time with them. On the other hand, I only managed a few kms in the Endorphin Pro 3s before my arch was in such pain I had to take a week off. Whatever is going on with the arches in the Alphas, it seems they are really hit or miss with people’s foot shape.
Oh dear you seem very sad about this one. I haven't worn mine as much (only 33 miles) and only so far for interval sessions so other than warm ups and downs have done very few easy miles in them which I didn't find particularly enjoyable but felt lot better when got going as it were. They were surprisingly good for me for instance in a session of one minute "sprints". I do find both versions rather clumpy and a bit unnatural so TBH they are not my favourite race shoe and haven't yet worn either version for such short of a flat out 5K on Zwift/treadmill in the AF1. I did notice the arch in the AF1 walking about but not so much when actually running and I can't say I have in the AF2 as yet so if I might have mentioned it was "fixed" then more of a case of did not notice it personally. Maybe they were predominantly designed for Kipchoge as clearly he does OK in them as set a world record in them in Berlin recently. Got to assume he would use still the NEXT% 2 (like he did in Tokyo or Olympics) if he really preferred them. And maybe that's the thing - not all shoes suit all runners although at £270 that is an expensive test.
It’s one I’m sad about as when it worked it was great. Otherwise it’s a clog that seems to get easily saturated. I’m sure there’s some moisture in the midsole.
I feel your pain!! I had it with v1, thought worse with v2 as soon as i put it on - returned them straight away. never had this with any other shoe - replacing with a wider inner sole some say works but you have to do a hatchet job to remove the glued in one. I’ll go back to the Asics Metaspeed Edge+, comfortable upper, simpler design does the job well
I enjoy both versions. The V2 is much more comfortable but less bouncy than the V1. It's more tamed. However, after being used to running in the V2, I had arch issues when running again in the V1.
I really enjoyed V1, so for my half marathon, I brought a new brand V1 for the race, tried it for couple of sessions before the race, no problem. But in the race itself, I ended up with huge blisters in both arches.......
Concur, did a half in them and not as expected. Give me the VaporFly 4% Flyknit anyday! In my view that was the sweetspot of the super shoes....well on my foot anyway!
Vaporfly 2 is still the best, AF 1 is okay, not bad for long run, the energy still return to me, but AF 2 😂😂, the price??? I don't know what happen with Nike
I've said it before the alphafly one was the same arch killer as it seems new one is. Ruined my GNR race and injured my feet for weeks afterwards. I retired those and went to new balance and never looked back.
I have similar issue with v1 but have adapted by putting in a pair of memory foam insoles which reduces the pressure on the arches. Perhaps try that before binning them completely?
I always put a different insole in all my shoes but I don't the arch issue in any of my alphafly's V1 or V2..I do have arch issues in the Nike infinity react and several hoka models..saucony gives me some issues with the outside of my heel..I believe we are individual and our feet also are unique to no surprise some love a shoe and others hate it..good video Edd..
Odd that Nike thinks stacking up the arch would reduce the pain/discomfort. Obviously puts the shoe midsole closer to the foot/arch area. Not just Nike, but beginning to notice planned obsolescence at various milage points, earlier than expected. Went for a run in Boston10 at 90 miles and almost destroyed my ankle, shin splints, knee pain. Yikes! These foams not holding up
I just bought the orange Nike Alphafly 2’s in size U.K. 9 from Nike in Black Friday..They got delivered today but I can’t get them on my feet, I don’t know what to do, can you help? 😢
Hi edd 👊 , I hope you get over that flue there mate , as for nike I think the pegasus and vapourfly are the only models that are consistently good Shoe that hardly anyone complains about , I picked up peg trail 3 cheap hopefully first nike shoe that works and floatride trail arrived not tested yet ,try on and its amazing shoe on feet so comfortable 😀
Elite marathoners don't wear the same versions us mortals wear. They wear versions that are customized for them independently. 100 mi. with arch pain.Thanks for toughing it out and taking one for the team for a complete review. 👍Imagine playing a gig prancing around wearing 6 inch stilletos wearing a latex bodysuit or stripped down to leather bikini underwear and trying to shove a microphone down one's throat while singing or gargling. While his wife is smacking on bubblegum playing a 1958 Gretsch looking completely bored. Just another day in the office for a band who writes songs about the point of view from a humans fly's perspective. The Cramps is what Elvis would of sounded like if he was from Hell.
I know some manufacturers of inflatable paddleboards had to do safety recalls due to a glue issue. Turned out global supply issues meant the glue makers had changed ingredients and didn't tell anyone, so even tho the same glue was being used as far as the sup makers were concerned, it was no longer up to the job and lots of failures.Maybe Nike had same issue?
I had to return my vapourfly 2 for that same feeling just trying them on I could feel pressure in the arch of my right foot. Was really disappointed. Great review as always thanks
That's interesting, I returned vaporfly 2 recently as the right shoe felt like it had a lump around the arch area...I just wore around the house and said....Nah...not good! I purchased a pair of adios pro 2 on special instead 😁 what a shoe!!!
@@Mark-df3tk I did exactly the same! The left shoe felt perfect but towards the back of the arch on my right foot felt exactly as you say, don't suppose you got them from Keller sports did you? I noticed there was a very small piece of material missing in the right shoe that connects the start of the heel counter to the upper that was missing compared to the left shoe. Right behind the label.
@@unknownmeaning8506 I think it may have been Keller sports, do they go under another name like sports shoes or something?? I've bought so many different shoes recently to try from different sites so not sure.... The thought crossed my mind - where they Nike rejects???
First run on these and got 2 blister on the outsole of my foot. Returned them straight away after just 2 runs. Such a shame cause I loved the OG Alpha's. Less bouncy and even more expensive. The magic is gone.
I sent my version 1’s back to Nike for the same reason - horrible arch pain. I’d heard the v2 were wider but the same thing happened … they went back to Nike too
The V1 killed me on my arch, was very painful until I seen a video to fix it by ripping out the original insole and putting a trainer insole in with a lot more arch coverage (I used my Nike vapormax insole) and they were fine but after I broke a few toes I seemed to out grew them by half a size so had to sell them on. I've just bought the V2's and they should be arriving this week so I'm hoping for no arch problems with this version as I found it was more the insole on the V1 causing the problem rather than the actual shoe or midsole design but I'll need to wait a few days yet to see I guess.
I did set a half Pb in this shoe. Unfortunately next time out one of the AirPods went flat. Nike provided a refund, but I'm not confident in QC on this product. Also suffered some arch rubbing on left foot but did clear after a few runs.
Just ran the Napa marathon which was cold and wet (probably a factor) and got a big ol brutal blister on my flexor... might use the Alphafly 2's for training here and there but will probably move on to the Saucony Pro 3's
Edd knows what video to put in the right time 👍😁 , I am considering buying now on discount for 200 Euros Alphafly v1 Ekiden. V2 is too expencive. And in my country EU-Croatia stores do not have V2 in stock at all, so can't even go to a store to try them on. 🙁 My only concern is 8 vs 4mm drop, I like higher drop for road shoes. So I'll consider V1 maybe.
Hey Eddbuddy, I felt the arch pressure when I fit into one of these, and said no to $270. Don’t dump it yet. The outsole is still good. Maybe you should use it to take the trash out every week or use it as a garden shoe. Lol
I have had the exact same experience in the version 2. I started off fine I even ran my half marathon pb in them. The I ran a 3/4 and started to feel arch pain I actually thought there was a stone in my shoe. Tried it again on and intervel session and never felt pain like it while running it was a stabbing pain in my arch. I had to walk all the way home. I sent it back to nike and got a refund. I was actually thinking maybe I just got a bad pair I was goingbto purchase them again but after hearing you had an identical experience I'm staying well away from them. I'll stick to the version 1 which I had no problem with. 😊
I sent this shoe back after two runs. The heel counter gave me blister on both heels. I have never had a pair of shoes give me blister till these puppies. Version 1 is my go to race shoe, these just made me sad and blistered.
Today I bought these ones...a few hours later I was running...felt amazing, but it worries me a little bit the calf pain in both legs by the end of the run and afterwards...wishing it was bad luck and hoping the next time it feels better Anyone with the same issue? No arch pain btw.
I do think people need to realize if you don’t have arch issues or pain, this is still a very good shoe (although maybe not for the price). And you’re right it’s Eluid that’s great but he’s still chosen to use this and I’m sure he wouldn’t if it was slower/worse for him.
I removed a reply from this comment from a user who seemed to be trying to be smart or ridiculing either you are I. I don’t stand for rudeness here. 👍🏼👊
Agree mate. Bought it but it doesn’t work for me too. It’s just at home as part of a special rotation of “If I wanna feel fast and have an enjoyable 5k run, I’ll bring these out to play”
@@EDDBUD thanks. Yeah I wasn’t trying to do either with my comment. I can feel the arch pressure in mine however it goes away after the first mile or so. Just finished a marathon in them with no major issues other than I should’ve wore a bit thinner. Out of all the runners I saw the vaporfly seemed much more prevalent.
Never had any issues with arch support in either version, I'm not sure the Vapor Fly Next %2 or Alpha Fly Next % 2 offer the same pop as the version 1. I definitely preferred my Vapor Fly Next %1 over my current 2s. Jury still out on the Alpha Fly V2. One thing is certain Zoom X offers a marked energy return advantage over the other brands; the other brands have caught up and passed Nike in some areas but not the midsole.
@@EDDBUD I hope so, looking forward to trying out the Pro 3s, didn't like my Pro 2s, honestly thought my Speed 1s were better. I have the New Balance SC Elite on the way with a pair of Rebel V3s as a training day companion, hopefully they pair well.
I've been able to try the V1 in a Nike store and instantly my feet rejected them in the arch area, even just standing and a couple of steps in them was painful..... Sadly I won't even bother with the V2 because of it. Not worth the hassle. I've never had it in any other shoe I've owned whether it be super shoe or daily trainer 🤷♂️
I have found V2 hurts my arch less than V1 as some other reviewers have said. Do you suppose some of the different experiences could be down to poor manufacturing tolerances resulting in differences from shoe to shoe?
Ed, a similar of/on thingxwith v1. Not as bad as your thing. Some runs some rubbing, or hardness in forefoot and other times just fine. I dis have an experience qhere that 1/2 heel cup rubbed my achilles area with incredible pain.
Was thinking about splashing out and buying some Vaporfly 2's ( hoping they are reduced in Nike Black Friday sale! ) .. but all these comments are making me reconsider. Yet to find a physical shop who sells them so I can try them on. Do the Vaporflys have the same arch issue?
I had no issues with the V1 but just brought the V2 and felt the rubbing. So I took the insoles out and put in some Hoka as they are very near the same shape. It seems to have fixed the issue by giving a little more padding in that area. Well worth a go even if you still bang the V2 back on the shelf? Have a go?
Off topic but have you ever been injured Ed? I've been unable to run for nearly 11 months now. It sucks. Tendinosis blows. Nike shoes scare the hell out of me. The only shoes that haven't given me problems are the Pegasus and the Infinity. The ZoomX Invincibles put me into this non stop injury spiral. My fault as a newbie not realizing I have atrocious ankles and those shoes are like running on Airex Balancing pads. Really hope I can run again some day. Never in an AlphaFly that's for sure.
Have 3 V1s, no arch problems. Also have 3 V2s, in the green/white (2 pairs) and orange (Kipchoge’s Berlin). I suddenly got blisters on my left arch after just 3kms. Whoa! So now I have one green/white and one orange, both unused.
I have no idea why the majority of shoe manufacturers need to make their shoes with arch support. Just make them flat and comfy inside and if anyone needs support, they can buy orthotics. I mean, your foot has an arch for a reason, adding arch support only weakens your foot and prevents it from functioning properly. You want support, just buy some damn insoles that provide that.
I only have the v1 but guaranteed if I run further than 10km in them I'll have pain (and eventually blisters) in the arches of my feet just behind the balls of my feet.
second insole will solve that issue. i never had issues till i did and read that ppl put a thin insole in that goes futher out and since then they fit really well
See asics didn't call the meta+ the meta 2 because there wasn't enough major improvements to warrant the name 2. It's the same here. It should've been alphafly next% +. The arch is just disappointing. I have a wide foot and overpronate a little bit so this shoe is what I want to stay away from. Honestly just buy other supershoes like adios 2 or 3, meta+'s
Perhaps this super shoes just meant for use until around 150km? Cos I saw a video from another shoetuber where he got his Alphafly Next% 2 airpod popped at around 150km!
I experienced the same blisters at the right arc for only 10km run. So disappointed this nike shoe and i dont buy any running nike shoe anymore. Totally blocked this brand. Saucony speed 3, pro3 so far so good👍
