New research, advanced capabilities and an innovation agenda has led Nike to evolve its Alphafly line to the Alphafly 3 — a shoe “to serve all marathoners.”
Nike optimized its proprietary Air technology, one of the shoe’s “key ingredients,“ for track, court, and pitch performance results using its “athlete data set from the Nike Sport Research Lab.“
With its science-backed and sport-specific research, Nike updated the spikes for track athletes with the Nike Victory 2 and Nike Maxfly 2; created a new basketball shoe, with the Nike G.T. Hustle 3; and updated its boot for footballers (soccer), with the 2024 Nike Air Zoom Mercurial.
Launched in January 2024, the Nike Alphafly 3 came out in new colorways. The new Nike Maxfly 2 and Nike Maxfly 2 remain in limited quantities. The G.T. Hustle 3 and 2024 Air Zoom Mercurial will be available in July. The Nike Alphafly 3, Nike Victory2 and Nike Maxfly2 are available now at nike.com and select retailers.
“When the Alphafly hit, it shocked everyone with the intro of Air Zoom,“ said Tony Bignell, VP of running footwear. “It was polarizing, but with our expert research in the world-class Nike Sport Research Lab along with validation from Eliud Kipchoge, the world’s greatest marathoner, we had the proof that it was efficient, responsive and gave such energy back — it was the best in the industry. This system of speed — our ZoomX foam, carbon plate and Air Zoom units — continues to be Nike’s competitive advantage.”
As for the future of Air?
Nike reported leveraging “AI technology and digital tools to co-create, one-of-one products with its athletes through A.I.R. — Athlete Imagined Revolution.”
A.I.R. is a co-creation with 13 athletes imagining the future of Air.
Using AI and algorithmic tools and “harnessing Nike’s scientific expertise, creative empathy and design curiosity, with A.I.R., Nike reported it is listening to its athletes and amplifying their potential.”
Nike’s Chief Innovation Officer John Hoke said, “A.I.R. is driven by hyper-personalization, boundless collaboration, and unparalleled creativity, with infinite possibilities. We’re unlocking new heights of innovation by harnessing the power of data, design and dreams. We’re introducing a groundbreaking new era of sport — a fusion of art and science where innovation knows no bounds.”
Image courtesy Nike
