Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% Best for: Long-distance races. Two Zoom Air pods, ZoomX foam, and a carbon fiber plate provide a cushioning platform that makes it our fastest racing shoe.

In a world filled with super shoes and intriguing options, the Nike Vaporfly 3 is still the best race day shoe we've found. The trifecta of ZoomX foam, a carbon plate, and a lightweight upper helps create a special combination for fast races.

The addition of a carbon plate in models such as the ZoomX Vaporfly and Air Zoom Alphafly, adds stability to the inherently soft material. The hype for the new ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 orientates around new midsole sculpting - and the prospect of a more stable underfoot feel.

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% comes from a history of broken records and PBs. By combining our two most innovative technologies, Nike ZoomX foam and VaporWeave material, Nike designers updated the full Vaporfly system from top to bottom—creating our most celebrated racing shoe yet.