dgutstadt wrote:
got mine today and did a 6 mile tempo run. few thoughts
a. the white color is way way way nicer looking than the original black color
b. upper is better than next%, much easier to get into and super ventilated. its is one of the best uppers i ever ran in (if not the best)
c. sole is bouncier than the next%, still same squish feeling and the kick from the plate
d. It is a bit heavier than the next%. Didn't feel it at first, but after 30 minutes or so of hard work in the heat I could tell. It is a very slight difference though so i'm being super picky (maybe its just in my head since i know they are a bit heavier)
But overall I don't think they are necessarily faster than the next% and certainly not more comfortable. The next% are just amazingly comfortable and cushy, especially off the bike; the alphafly just feel very slightly different and i'm not sure they will be as comfortable on the second half of the marathon as the next%.
then again, its only one run and I'm sure very subjective and individual. just my 2c
Exactly the same thoughts I had. And I I'd give the VFNext% the edge in fit for me. If I could get the fit of the VF with the upper of the AF, I'd be over the moon. Both are phenomenal shoes and I'd be happy in either one. Time will tell but right now, the VF is my go to shoe over the AF. I have 2 pair of the AF and very well may sell the second pair.
And as a data point, my size 11 VF Next % are 210g (7.40oz) and my size 11 AF Next% are 248g (8.75oz). I never thought I would be able to feel that sort of weight difference but you can absolutely feel it. Both are brand new with one "test run" on the treadmill of about 5K. I'm thinking I'll be using the AF for either a 70.3 (but not a 140.6) or a standalone 13.1/26.2 race to get a serious data point. At that point I'll know if VF or AF win as my 140.6 shoe.
Cheers, Ray