Back in early June, I got a surprise package in the mail – the most innovative running sneaker ever from Nike: the Air Zoom Alphafly Next%. Wow – this is the sneaker Eliud Kipchoge broke the 2 hour marathon barrier in. I wonder how fast they could make me.
I’ve been a casual runner ever since high school – I’ve run 5Ks, 10Ks, and even a few half marathons over the years. I’ve run in everything from Saucony, to Asics, to Mizuno, to Nikes of course. Never have I worn anything that compares to the Next%. As I unwrapped the sneakers from the box, I was immediately drawn to the exposed Zoom Air pods in the forefoot, and the ZoomX foam in the heel. I didn’t even want to try them on yet, they were so gorgeous to stare at.
Along with the sneakers, I received a challenge from the folks over at Nike: download the Nike Run Club app and run 50 miles in a month. See what these pavement pounders are made of. I’ve never been intimidated to put on a shoe before, but these freaked me out a little. For one thing, the customized carbon fiber plate literally propels your foot forward with every step. And all that foam puts you over an inch off the ground. These shoes were built for speed and new PRs.
Admittedly, the Next% took some getting used to. I couldn’t lace them too tight or else they’d pinch the top of my foot. I had to make sure my sock was pulled high enough on my heel or else the back of the shoe cut into my skin. And when running downhill, my foot slid forward causing blisters after a few weeks of use. Also, there is plenty of arch support, so if you have a normal or high arch it may aggravate your foot at first. And finally, being so high off the ground, you have to be careful where you’re running so you don’t roll your ankle.
Aside from those minor issues, I have thoroughly enjoyed running in the Next%. They run true to size, they’re super-light, and incredibly responsive. Through June and July, I’ve clocked 110 miles between them and the Infinity React. I wear the Next% Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and the Infinity React Tuesday and Thursday. I find that when I really want to run hard and fast, the Zoom Air and ZoomX cushioning in the Next% really kicks in. It’s definitely a sneaker for those who want to push themselves and run harder and faster. I really don’t see where else Nike can go from here, but I can’t wait to see what’s next!
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