Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next 3% Phantom

Phantom is the palest neutral in the Alphafly 3 range, a soft grey-cream that hides the bulk of the midsole better than the brighter releases manage. It photographs well and still looks like a racer up close, with the translucent knit upper and the visible Air Zoom pods under the forefoot giving the game away immediately. Nike keeps the overlays to a minimum, so the colour sits on very little structure.

On the road it does what the Alphafly line is known for: a tall ZoomX platform that cushions a marathon's worth of landings, and a carbon plate that keeps the stride rolling when your legs stop cooperating. Best saved for the last ten kilometres of a marathon, where shoes like this earn their keep. Below tempo pace you feel the height rather than the speed.

Good to know

• Sized to match your usual Nike running shoe; the upper has very little stretch, so avoid sizing down.
• Brand new, shipped in its original box.
• Questions before you order? We reply within 24 hours.