Side by side comparison: Altra Vanish Carbon 3 vs Nike Alphafly 3

Product Judgment

8.3

Strong

released 2026

Price Judgment

~$240$267$245$201$178

Reasonable

Widely Available

Performance

Comfort: 8Energy Return: 8Stability: 9Durability: 9Fun to Ride: 7

Run Fitness

Daily: 5Long: 9Tempo: 8Race: 8Recovery: 5

Pros & Cons

Stable for a super shoe
Durable outsole
Smooth rolling ride
Heavier than competitors
Snug forefoot volume
Slippery when wet

Specs

Best for3:15–4:30 min/km
Drop4 mm
Stack40mm / 36mm
Weight220 g
Terrainroad
Widthmedium
Pronationneutral
Seasonall seasons
PlateCarbon

Judgment Summary

Stable, durable super racer with anatomic fit; excels at marathon pace but heavier than rivals.

Where to Buy

Product Judgment

9.2

Elite

released 2024

Price Judgment

~$200$358$328$268$239

Strong Buy

Widely Available

Performance

Comfort: 8Energy Return: 10Stability: 8Durability: 6Fun to Ride: 10

Run Fitness

Daily: 3Long: 8Tempo: 10Race: 10Recovery: 2

Pros & Cons

Elite energy return
Lightweight for stack
Smooth, aggressive ride
Outsole durability concerns
Fit may feel snug
Limited wet traction

Specs

Best for2:30–4:45 min/km
Drop8 mm
Stack38 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot
Weight198 g
Terrainroad
Widthmedium
Pronationneutral
Seasonall seasons
PlateCarbon

Judgment Summary

Elite marathon racer with top-tier energy return and aggressive ride, best for fast race efforts.

Where to Buy