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Tested using Methodology v0.10
Updated Mar 20, 2026 05:14 PM
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Amazon.com
Tested using Methodology v0.11
Updated Apr 10, 2026 07:58 PM
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Nike.com
Weight
239.9 g (8.46 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
4.7 mm
Plate
Carbon Fiber
Weight
200.7 g (7.08 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
6.4 mm
Plate
Carbon Fiber
Our Verdict
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4
Nike Alphafly 3
The Nike Alphafly 3 and New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 are both racing shoes, though each prioritizes different aspects of performance. The Nike is lighter and built specifically for elite-level marathon racing, offering maximum energy return, making it ideal for runners aiming for peak performance. The New Balance, while heavier, provides a more accomodating fit and more cushioning, making it a versatile and comfortable choice suitable for a broader range of runners targeting personal bests.
Variants
- FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 (Cyber Jade/White/Black - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 (Cyber Jade/White/Black - (Women - US 7))
- Alphafly 3 (Black/Olive Aura/Metallic Silver - (Men - US 9))
- Alphafly 3 (Bright Crimson/Lime Blast/Mint Foam/Cave Purple - (Men - US 9))
Main Differences for
Marathon Racing
Marathon Racing
Threshold
Marathon Racing
8.1
8.5
Weight
6.8
8.1
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
6.8
8.1
Right Shoe Weight Photo
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Left Shoe Weight Photo
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Weight
239.9 g (8.46 oz)
200.7 g (7.08 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
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Heel Stack Height
39.5 mm
39.8 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
35.9 mm
33.4 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
4.7 mm
6.4 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
4.0 mm
8.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Outsole Heel Width
86 mm (3.4")
91 mm (3.6")
Outsole Arch Width
74 mm (2.9")
68 mm (2.7")
Outsole Forefoot Width
111 mm (4.4")
116 mm (4.6")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
2.17
2.29
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.09
3.47
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Internal Length
270 mm (10.6")
273 mm (10.7")
Internal Heel Width
58 mm (2.3")
59 mm (2.3")
Internal Forefoot Width
95 mm (3.8")
90 mm (3.5")
Wide Sizing Available
Yes
No
Forefoot Fit: Width
9.0
9.4
Forefoot Width Photo
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Ball-Of-Foot TTS Deviation
3.8 mm (0.149")
-0.8 mm (-0.032")
Toe TTS Deviation
3.9 mm (0.152")
-2.2 mm (-0.087")
Forefoot Fit: Height
10
9.7
Forefoot Height Photo
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Toe TTS Deviation
1.8 mm (0.072")
-0.8 mm (-0.030")
Arch Fit: Width
9.6
6.2
Arch Fit Photo
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Arch Width TTS Deviation
-1.0 mm (-0.040")
-5.6 mm (-0.219")
Length Fit
10
10
Toe Clearance Photo
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Heel Rocker Geometry
6.6
Heel Rocker Photo
Heel Spring
16 mm (0.6")
Heel Apex Position
15.3%
Heel Rocker Angle
21.3°
Forefoot Rocker Geometry
6.7
Forefoot Rocker Photo
Toe Spring
45 mm (1.8")
Toe Apex Position
66.4%
Forefoot Rocker Angle
26.6°
Other Features
Other Features Photo
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Tongue Gusset Type
Non-gusseted
Non-gusseted
Plate
Carbon Fiber
Carbon Fiber
Performance
Heel Compression Energy Return
8.2
8.2
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Heel Energy Return
81.9%
82.0%
Forefoot Compression Energy Return
8.1
8.2
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Forefoot Energy Return
81.4%
82.2%
Heel Cushioning
7.8
7.6
Heel Cushioning Picture
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Heel Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 550N
3.77 J
3.82 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
9.44 J
9.18 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
15.67 J
14.96 J
Forefoot Cushioning
8.3
8.0
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
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Forefoot Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 800N
5.23 J
4.68 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
9.07 J
8.55 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
13.24 J
13.10 J
Heel Firmness
5.9
5.9
Heel Firmness
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 550N
52.1 N/mm
49.4 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
120.0 N/mm
129.6 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
270.5 N/mm
277.3 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
7.5
7.4
Forefoot Firmness
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 800N
92.4 N/mm
103.1 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
197.5 N/mm
170.1 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
378.0 N/mm
370.8 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
7.4
7.8
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 10km
7.99 J
8.41 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
7.88 J
8.33 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
7.81 J
8.27 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
7.76 J
8.24 J
Rocker Stiffness
7.9
Forefoot Rocker Stiffness Video
Forefoot Rocker Stiffness Graph
Preview Graph
Force To Flatten The Rocker
117 N
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
8.0
Forefoot Bending Video
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
Preview Graph
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
71.3%
Forefoot Bending Stiffness
9.5
Forefoot Bending Resistance Picture
Forefoot Bending Resistance
Preview Graph
Forefoot Bending Stiffness
41.6 N/mm
Forefoot Bending Force
484 N
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New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4
Nike Alphafly 3
Comments
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 vs Nike Alphafly 3: Main Discussion
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