Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 3 Prototype FD8356-100

The Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 3 Prototype is a Nike "super shoe" designed by the iconic sneaker company specifically to enhance the speed of marathon runners.

The Prototype colorway of the Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 3 features an upper constructed from white to pale orange gradient Atomknit. The "V62" on the medial side collar indicates that this is the 62nd version of this lightweight fabric, while the number of the midsole refers to a Nike test runner that put the most miles on this shoe. To complete the look of this upper, an oversized black Nike swoosh is printed across the quarter panel and extends onto the midsole.

The most impressive aspect of this running shoe is its high-octane sole unit. The midsole has a carbon Flyplate pressed between two slabs of continuous ZoomX foam to provide cushioning and maximum energy return. Visible Zoom Air units under the forefoot propel momentum, and all of this sits atop a black rubber outsole designed for traction. The Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 3 Prototype was released on January 4, 2024, for $285 retail.