Nike AlphaFly 3 - Quality Issues?

Running Shoes/Running Gear Shoes

1 month ago 05/16/2024 11:43am EDT

So, having returned my eagerly anticipated AF 3s to the Nike store after just 13km of road running (the soles of the shoes were showing signs of wear - picture linked below), I got hold of a second pair. I was assured by staff in store that this was likely a one off issue, so I took their word.

photos.app.goo.gl

Link:photos.app.goo.gl/EEJxtEP4oWDYJV3WA

I've just returned from a 10km run only to find it has happened again. Given the location of the wear it is a surprise as I am not a heel striker. Call me blunt but after spending nearly £300 on a pair of trainers I don't expect to see this kind of wear already.

My Hoka Clifton 9s have done 1,000km and they are still like new.

Has anyone else faced this issue with this model?

1 month ago 05/16/2024 11:45am EDT

re: JayW

JayW wrote:
So, having returned my eagerly anticipated AF 3s to the Nike store after just 13km of road running (the soles of the shoes were showing signs of wear - picture linked below), I got hold of a second pair. I was assured by staff in store that this was likely a one off issue, so I took their word.
Link:photos.app.goo.gl/EEJxtEP4oWDYJV3WA
I've just returned from a 10km run only to find it has happened again. Given the location of the wear it is a surprise as I am not a heel striker. Call me blunt but after spending nearly £300 on a pair of trainers I don't expect to see this kind of wear already.
My Hoka Clifton 9s have done 1,000km and they are still like new.
Has anyone else faced this issue with this model?

They're a road shoe (or a shoe for track tempo). Did you run on trails in them?

1 month ago 05/16/2024 11:46am EDT

re: not a trainer -

Ran only on tarmac in both instances.

1 month ago 05/16/2024 12:02pm EDT

re: JayW

1 month ago 05/16/2024 12:11pm EDT

re: curiousz

1 month ago 05/16/2024 1:12pm EDT

re: JayW

I'm not sure I see any issue here. You've scuffed up some of the foam adjacent to the rubber heel outsole. It's exposed low density mid-sole foam, of course it'd wear away way faster than the outsole. Why would this be a problem though? If that bit of exposed midsole foam gets worn down to the level of the outsole rubber, do you think that's going to result in mechanical issues?

Also, whether you're a heel striker or not you obviously do put horizontal forces on that part of the shoe. Maybe it's different in this high stack shoe than in more traditional flats.

1 month ago 05/16/2024 1:26pm EDT

re: JayW

JayW wrote:
as I am not a heel striker.

I've got news for you buddy. Time to return the nikes and buy some HOKAs.

1 month ago 05/16/2024 2:12pm EDT

re: JayW

Probably trolling, right?

If not, here are all the things wrong with your post:

(1) image looks fine, i cannot believe that the store let you return that;

(2) AFs are not a trainer. They are meant to be in prime shape for about 50-100 miles and then they can hold together another 100-200 in a "lesser state."

(3) They are not meant to last as long as Hoka Cliftons.

(4) You are a heel striker.

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