Cloudboom Strike vs Alphafly 3

Both the Cloudboom Strike and Alphafly 3 are top marathon racing shoes, suited for cushioning-seeking runners—with the former fitting those adaptive to instability and the latter for advanced speed chasers.

How Long Do Shoes Last?
The lifespan of the Cloudboom Strike and Alphafly 3 varies.
The Alphafly 3, despite having an enhanced outsole, still has the issue of long-term wear of the ZoomX foam.
Nike's official test shows that this shoe can only withstand about 400 kilometers of high-intensity use.
Some users estimate that its lifespan is around 250-300 kilometers, and it is recommended as a race-specific shoe.

The lifespan of the Cloudboom Strike has not been clearly defined, but considering that On's previous super shoe, the Cloudboom Echo 3, was marked with a lifespan of "good for four marathons" on the box, it is likely that the Cloudboom Strike also has a relatively limited lifespan.

Cloudboom Strike

✔ Price: $280


Materials
• Vamp: 100% Thermoplastic Polyurethane
• Collar Lining: 80% Polyester, 20% Polyurethane
• Collar Lining: 86% Polyamide, 14% Elastane
Key features
• Weight: 210g
• Striking fast racing shoe
• Innovative Bounceboard that propels you forward
• Ultra-responsive Helion™ HF hyper foam for energy return
• CloudTec® elements create a faster, smoother roll-through
• One-piece, mesh upper helps to reduce overheating
• Ultra-cushioned ride protects against impact
• Spoon-shaped 100% carbon Speedboard® to absorb and transfer energy
• Super powerful take-offs

Built for marathons. Race-day ready. This road runner is ultra-responsive and ultra-cushioned.
Cushioned Bounceboard
• Made using ultra-responsive Helion™ HF hyper foam, the shoe’s innovative Bounceboard construction propels you forward with power.
• A removable layer of plush cushioning, it maximizes energy return for a bouncy feeling underfoot – all while abiding by stack height regulations.
A cushioned ride, ideal for long races.

Carbon fiber Speedboard®
• The stiff, spoon-shaped Speedboard® works like a spring, absorbing energy and transferring it into the forefoot for the most powerful take-offs possible.
• And strategically-placed CloudTec® elements create a faster, smoother roll-through.
• The result? Increased running efficiency.

Ultralight upper
• Ultralight and breathable, the one-piece, semi-transparent mesh upper helps to reduce overheating.
• The cage-like construction locks down the midfoot for a secure, race-ready fit.

Alphafly 3

✔ Price: $295


Energy Return for Your Marathon
• Two forefoot Air Zoom units combine with ZoomX foam to store and return the energy back to you, powering every step.

What's New About the Alphafly 3?
• The Alphafly 3 is our lightest Alphafly ever, featuring a slightly wider carbon fiber plate for increased stability, a fully connected ZoomX foam midsole for smoother transitions, and an all-new Atomknit upper designed for improved multidirectional containment and breathability.

Propulsive Feeling
• A full-length carbon fiber plate delivers a propulsive sensation that helps you smoothly transition through every stride and tackle turns with confidence.

Cushioned Ride
• Fully connected ZoomX foam creates an ultralight and cushioned feel, helping you stay fresh and comfortable from mile 1 to 26.2.

More Benefits
• Notched laces offer a secure but soft lace-up.
• Integrated knit tongue with lofted padding helps alleviate lace pressure.

Product Details
• Weight: Approx. 218g/7.7oz (Men's US 10)
• Not intended for use as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm

• Fine-tuned for marathon speed, the Alphafly 3 helps push you beyond what you thought possible.
• Three innovative technologies power your run: A double dose of Air Zoom units helps launch you into your next step; a full-length carbon fiber plate helps propel you forward with ease; and a heel-to-toe ZoomX foam midsole helps keep you fresh from start to 26.2. Time to leave your old personal records in the dust.