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Another marathon record has been broken wearing the latest super shoe.
On Sunday, Ruth Chepngetich broke the women’s world record at the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:09:56. The Nike-sponsored runner bested the mark of 2:11:53 set at the 2023 Berlin Marathon by Adidas-backed Tigist Assefa.
To set the new mark, the Kenya-born marathoner had the Nike Alphafly 3 super shoe laced up. Specifically, Chepngetich wore the eye-catching volt colorway, which also features Nike’s dusty cactus, total orange and concord hues.
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The shoe was first worn by Kelvin Kiptum last October during the 2023 Chicago Marathon, when he broke the men’s marathon world record with a time of 2:00:35. One month later, Nike offered a deeper look into the shoe, and revealed it would be released in January 2024.
In terms of tech, Nike specifically added three innovations to the shoe designed to offer peak performance. There are two forefoot Air Zoom units in the shoe, which Nike explained were added to “launch you into your next step.” These are paired with heel-to-toe ZoomX midsole foam, which Nike stated was added “to store and return the energy back to you.” The third innovation is a full-length carbon fiber plate, added to offer the wearer a propulsive sensation “that helps you smoothly transition through every stride.”
The Alphafly 3 — Nike’s lightest shoe in the Alphafly franchise — also features the brand’s Atomknit upper that it stated was designed for “improved multidirectional containment and breathability,” as well as notched laces to ensure they’re laced up securely and an integrated knit tongue with lofted padding to alleviate lace pressure.
The Nike Alphafly 3 is available in women’s and men’s sizing, and retails for $285.
About the Author
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
