The Only Pair of Shoes I Trust to Get Me Through a Marathon With Ease and Comfort

In a crowd of more than 50,000 people at the New York City Marathon, there’s one pair of marathon shoes that clearly reign supreme: the Nike Alphafly 3. This carbon-plated sneaker is a favorite among marathoners of all levels. I’m far from an elite runner, but the 2024 New York City Marathon was my seventh time tackling 26.2 miles, and this time I wanted to try the infamous racing shoe I’ve heard so much about.

Enter: the Nike Alphafly 3, the ultimate race-day weapon. Combining cutting-edge technology with unparalleled performance, these shoes are built for the kind of magic the New York City Marathon demands. It’s a race like no other, with its electric atmosphere, iconic skyline, and challenging course—this world-famous marathon draws runners from every corner of the globe.

While the course is legendary, it’s also unforgiving, requiring grit, strategy, and the right gear to conquer its bridges, boroughs, and bustling streets. I laced up my pair of Alphaflys for this year’s race, and I quickly understood why they’re considered top-rated marathon gear.

Nike Alphafly 3 — $285.00

Colors: 4Sizes: 5-12 (women’s); 3.5 to 10.5 (men’s)

Pros:

• Highly cushioned
• Responsive
• Absorbs impact
• Comfortable
• Great on all types of terrain
• Aerodynamic
• Wide range of sizes

Cons:

• Pricey

A journey in speed from Staten Island to Central Park

The marathon journey began on Staten Island, with the buzz of thousands of runners echoing at the start line. Crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, I immediately felt the advantage of the ZoomX midsole and Zoom Air units. The shoes absorbed every incline of the bridge and propelled me forward with a responsiveness I’d never experienced before. It felt like my energy wasn’t just conserved—it was amplified without much effort.

As I entered into Brooklyn, the streets were alive with cheering crowds. I navigated through masses of runners, spectators, and uneven pavement, and the snug fit and incredible grip of the shoe gave me the confidence to keep pushing my pace.

The halfway point loomed with the dreaded Queensboro Bridge. Once you hit mile 16, the race is known for its steep incline and relative silence. This section is both a mental and physical challenge, but the carbon-fiber Flyplate in the Alphafly 3 turned what could’ve been a struggle into an opportunity. Each step I took felt spring-loaded, and I surged up the bridge feeling speedy rather than sluggish. The Alphafly 3’s responsiveness kept my strides smooth and efficient as I powered through the last 10 miles.

Crossing the finish line, I looked down at my Alphafly 3s, grateful for the role they played in making this one of my best marathon experiences yet.

The final push through Central Park

By the time we reached the Bronx (mile 20) and looped back into Manhattan, the fatigue was real—but so was my motivation to get to the finish line. Naturally, my legs started feeling heavy, but the shoe’s cushioning became my saving grace. As the rolling hills of Central Park approached, I was happy with how the Alphafly 3 absorbed the impact and propelled me forward.

Turning into the final stretch on 59th Street and back into the park, I felt a surge of energy. Was it the crowd? The city? Or the shoes? Maybe it was all three. Crossing the finish line, I looked down at my Alphafly 3s, grateful for the role they played in making this one of my best marathon experiences yet.

Why the Alphafly 3’s were perfect for the New York City Marathon

The New York City Marathon is no ordinary race, and the Alphafly 3 is no ordinary shoe. Here’s why it was the perfect race-day shoe choice:

• Energy return: The combination of ZoomX foam, Zoom Air units, and the carbon-fiber plate provided exceptional energy return, keeping my legs fresher for longer.
• Comfort over 26.2 miles: The Atomknit 2.0 upper and secure fit ensured breathability and comfort, even through the toughest parts of the course.
• Adaptability on all terrain: From bridges to crowded streets to Central Park’s undulating paths, the Alphafly 3 handled every surface with ease.

Who is the Alphafly 3 for?

The Alphafly 3 is a dream shoe for competitive runners chasing personal bests and podium finishes—but it’s not just for elites. Recreational runners looking to elevate their performance and chase their own marathon goals will appreciate the shoe’s ability to reduce fatigue and maximize efficiency.

And let’s not forget the Alphafly 3’s stunning design. Nike has crafted a sleek, futuristic aesthetic that reflects its performance capabilities. The bold colorways (there are four to choose from) and unique silhouette are as eye-catching as they are aerodynamic, ensuring you’ll stand out both in the race and in your Strava feed.