What specific Nike shoe was worn for the first sub-two-hour marathon?

The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% was the shoe worn by Eliud Kipchoge when he ran the first sub-two-hour marathon in 1:59:40.2 during the Ineos 1:59 Challenge in Vienna in 2019.

Why wasn't Eliud Kipchoge's sub-two-hour marathon an official world record?

Eliud Kipchoge's sub-two-hour marathon was not recognized as an official world record due to the controlled environment and non-standard race conditions, such as rotating pacemakers and laser guidance.

What key technologies make the Alphafly NEXT% a 'super shoe'?

The Alphafly NEXT% combines ZoomX foam for exceptional energy return, a full-length carbon fiber plate for propulsion, and Zoom Air pods under the forefoot for additional responsive cushioning.

How did World Athletics respond to the controversy surrounding 'super shoes'?

World Athletics introduced new regulations in 2020, setting a maximum sole thickness of 40mm, permitting only one rigid embedded plate, and requiring shoes worn in competition to be reasonably available to the public.

Can everyday runners benefit from the technology in shoes like the Alphafly NEXT%?

While designed for elite performance, the technology has trickled down to other running shoes, potentially offering everyday runners noticeable reductions in perceived effort and improved efficiency, though they are often expensive and may not suit all runners.

What Nike shoe broke the marathon record?

The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% was the shoe worn by Eliud Kipchoge when he became the first person to run a marathon in under two hours, achieving a time of 1:59:40.2 in Vienna in 2019. While this specific event was not an official world record due to non-standard race conditions, it showcased the shoe's groundbreaking capabilities, and subsequent versions of Nike's "super shoes" have been instrumental in setting official world records.

The Record-Breaking Footwear Identified

The specific Nike shoe that garnered immense attention for its role in elite marathon running, particularly with Eliud Kipchoge's historic sub-two-hour marathon attempt, was the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%. This feat occurred during the Ineos 1:59 Challenge in Vienna on October 12, 2019. While the time of 1:59:40.2 was not recognized as an official world record due to the controlled environment (e.g., rotating pacemakers, laser guidance), it undeniably demonstrated a new frontier in human running performance, heavily attributed to the advancements in footwear technology.

Furthermore, Nike's lineage of "super shoes," including the Vaporfly 4% and various iterations of the Alphafly, have been worn by numerous athletes who have set official world records in marathon and long-distance running in sanctioned events. The Alphafly NEXT% represents the pinnacle of this innovation at the time of Kipchoge's sub-2 hour run.

Anatomy of Speed: Understanding the Alphafly's Technology

The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% is an engineering marvel, meticulously designed to enhance running economy and provide a significant biomechanical advantage. Its revolutionary design integrates several key components:

ZoomX Foam: This proprietary PEBA-based foam is incredibly lightweight and offers exceptional energy return, meaning it gives back a high percentage of the energy absorbed during impact. This cushioning system mitigates fatigue and provides a bouncy, propulsive feel.
Full-Length Carbon Fiber Plate: Sandwiched within the ZoomX foam, the rigid carbon fiber plate acts as a lever, providing stiffness and stability. It helps to reduce energy loss at the ankle joint, promoting a more efficient toe-off and propelling the runner forward with each stride. The plate's curvature is specifically engineered to work with the foot's natural mechanics.
Zoom Air Pods: Located under the forefoot, these two visible Zoom Air units provide additional cushioning and a responsive, snappy feel where runners typically exert the most force during toe-off. They work in conjunction with the ZoomX foam and carbon plate to maximize propulsion.
AtomKnit Upper: A lightweight, breathable, and supportive upper material that minimizes weight and provides a secure, sock-like fit without compromising breathability.

Collectively, these elements work synergistically to improve running economy by reducing the metabolic cost of running, allowing athletes to maintain faster paces for longer periods.

The Evolution of Running Shoe Innovation

The Alphafly NEXT% was not a standalone invention but the culmination of years of research and development, spearheaded by Nike's "Project Breaking2," which aimed to break the two-hour marathon barrier.

The Nike Zoom Vaporfly 4%: Launched in 2017, this shoe was the precursor to the Alphafly and already demonstrated significant performance gains, with studies showing it improved running economy by an average of 4%. It introduced the combination of a carbon fiber plate and ZoomX foam that revolutionized the industry.
Project Breaking2 (2017): While Kipchoge narrowly missed the sub-2 hour mark (2:00:25) in this initial attempt wearing a prototype of the Vaporfly, the event ignited a global conversation about shoe technology and its impact.
Ineos 1:59 Challenge (2019): This event saw Kipchoge achieve the sub-2 hour mark in the Alphafly NEXT%, solidifying the shoe's reputation as a game-changer.

This era marked a paradigm shift in running shoe design, moving beyond traditional cushioning and stability to active performance enhancement.

Controversy and Regulation: Balancing Innovation and Fairness

The advent of "super shoes" like the Alphafly NEXT% sparked considerable debate within the athletic community and governing bodies. Critics raised concerns about "mechanical doping," arguing that the shoes provided an unfair advantage, potentially overshadowing the athletes' inherent abilities.

In response to these concerns, World Athletics (the international governing body for athletics) introduced new regulations in 2020:

Sole Thickness: A maximum sole thickness of 40mm was established for track and field events. The Alphafly NEXT% falls within this limit.
Carbon Plates: A maximum of one rigid embedded plate (e.g., carbon fiber) is permitted within the shoe.
Availability: Any shoe worn in competition must be "reasonably available" for purchase by the general public for a certain period before the event, ensuring equal access.

These regulations aimed to strike a balance between fostering innovation and maintaining a level playing field, ensuring that the essence of human athletic achievement remains paramount.

Implications for the Everyday Runner and Future Directions

While designed for elite performance, the technology pioneered in shoes like the Alphafly NEXT% has had a significant trickle-down effect on the broader running shoe market. Many brands now incorporate carbon plates and highly responsive foams into their performance and even daily training shoes.

For the everyday runner, understanding these technologies can inform shoe choices:

Performance Benefits: While not everyone will experience the same magnitude of improvement as elite athletes, these shoes can still offer a noticeable reduction in perceived effort and improved efficiency over long distances.
Considerations: The aggressive design and high stack height may not be suitable for all runners, especially those new to running or with specific biomechanical needs. The shoes are also typically expensive and have a shorter lifespan compared to traditional trainers.
Training vs. Racing: Many runners reserve "super shoes" for race day or key workouts due to their cost and specialized nature, opting for more durable and stable options for daily training.

The future of running shoe technology continues to evolve, with ongoing research into new materials, plate designs, and biomechanical optimization. The Alphafly NEXT% represents a landmark achievement, but it is certainly not the final chapter in the quest for faster, more efficient running.

Conclusion: A New Era of Athletic Performance

The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% stands as a pivotal piece of footwear in the history of marathon running. While its most famous outing was in a non-record-eligible event, it undeniably showcased the immense potential of advanced shoe technology to push the boundaries of human performance. Its innovative combination of ZoomX foam, a carbon fiber plate, and Zoom Air pods fundamentally altered the landscape of elite running, sparking both awe and debate. The legacy of the Alphafly and its predecessors is a testament to the power of exercise science and engineering collaboration, ushering in a new era where footwear is an integral part of the athletic equation.

The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% was instrumental in Eliud Kipchoge's historic sub-two-hour marathon, though it was not an official world record due to non-standard race conditions.
This 'super shoe' features ZoomX foam, a full-length carbon fiber plate, and Zoom Air pods, which collectively enhance running economy and propel athletes forward.
The Alphafly NEXT% is the culmination of Nike's 'Project Breaking2' and an evolution of the revolutionary Vaporfly 4% shoe.
Its advanced technology sparked controversy, leading World Athletics to introduce regulations on sole thickness, carbon plates, and shoe availability.
The innovation from shoes like the Alphafly NEXT% has influenced the broader running shoe market, offering performance benefits but also considerations for everyday runners.

Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%: The Shoe That Broke Barriers and Records