Alphafly 4

The verdict

The Alphafly 4 keeps the recipe that made the series famous: a thick slab of foam, a full-length carbon Flyplate and Air Zoom units under the forefoot. What changes is the detail. A new, lighter ZoomX LT foam sits over standard ZoomX, the plate is wider and the Air units are quieter on landing, so the ride feels calmer and more planted without losing the trampoline.

It suits marathoners and half marathoners running at or near goal pace, especially midfoot and forefoot strikers who can load those pods properly. Heavy heel strikers will still find it works, but the shoe saves its best for runners who stay up on their toes late in the race.

Next to the Alphafly 3 it is lighter, a touch more stable and a few dollars cheaper, which makes the older shoe hard to recommend at full price. Fit is snug and racy through the midfoot, so try it on before race day.

“A better Alphafly in nearly every way, and slightly cheaper too.”