I’ve reviewed running shoes for Outside Magazine for the past five years. With all the buzz around ChatGPT I was curious if it could spit out a decent shoe review. I asked ChatGTP “What are the differences between the Nike Alphafly NEXT% 1 and Nike Alphafly NEXT% 2? Here’s what it said…
ChatGPT: The Nike Alphafly NEXT% 2 is the successor to the Nike Alphafly NEXT% 1, and there are a few key differences between the two shoes:
Upper: The Alphafly NEXT% 2 features an updated Flyknit upper that is designed to be more breathable and comfortable than the previous version.
Cushioning: The Alphafly NEXT% 2 has a slightly thicker midsole than the Alphafly NEXT% 1, which provides a softer and more responsive feel underfoot.
Outsole: The Alphafly NEXT% 2 has a redesigned outsole that features deeper grooves for improved traction on wet surfaces.
Weight: The Alphafly NEXT% 2 is slightly lighter than the Alphafly NEXT% 1, with a men's size 9 weighing in at 7.2 ounces compared to 7.6 ounces for the previous version.
Sustainability: The Alphafly NEXT% 2 features Nike's FlyEase technology, which is designed to make the shoe easier to put on and take off, and it also uses more sustainable materials in its construction.
Overall, the Alphafly NEXT% 2 is an updated and improved version of the Alphafly NEXT% 1, with enhancements to the upper, midsole, outsole, and sustainability features.
Me: Are you sure the Alphafly NEXT% 2 features Nike's FlyEase technology?
ChatGPT: I apologize for the confusion in my previous response. The Nike Alphafly NEXT% 2 does not feature Nike's FlyEase technology. This was an error on my part, and I apologize for any inconvenience or confusion it may have caused. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Me: It's my understanding the Alphafly NEXT% 2 is heavier than the original.
ChatGPT: I apologize for the mistake in my previous response. You are correct that the Nike Alphafly NEXT% 2 is actually slightly heavier than the original Alphafly NEXT% 1. According to Nike, the men's size 9 of the Alphafly NEXT% 2 weighs in at 7.5 ounces, while the men's size 9 of the original Alphafly NEXT% 1 weighed in at 7.2 ounces. I apologize for any confusion my earlier response may have caused.
Me: I have the weight of the Alphafly NEXT% 2 at 8.4 ounces.
ChatGPT: I apologize for the mistake in my previous response. You are correct that the weight of the Nike Alphafly NEXT% 2 is actually closer to 8.4 ounces, not 7.5 ounces. The weight can vary slightly based on the size of the shoe, but in general, the Alphafly NEXT% 2 is slightly heavier than the original Alphafly NEXT% 1. I apologize for any confusion my earlier responses may have caused. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
Me: Which shoe is better for the marathon?
ChatGPT: Both the Nike Alphafly NEXT% 1 and Nike Alphafly NEXT% 2 are designed to be high-performance running shoes, specifically for use in long-distance races like the marathon. However, the "better" shoe for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your personal preferences, running style, and the course conditions of the race you are competing in.
In terms of specific differences between the shoes, the Alphafly NEXT% 2 has a slightly thicker midsole than the Alphafly NEXT% 1, which may provide a slightly softer and more responsive feel underfoot. The Alphafly NEXT% 2 also features an updated Flyknit upper that is designed to be more breathable and comfortable, as well as a redesigned outsole with deeper grooves for improved traction on wet surfaces. However, these differences may be relatively minor and may not necessarily make one shoe "better" than the other for every runner.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which shoe is better for you is to try them both out and see which one feels more comfortable and supportive for your specific needs. You may also want to consult with a running expert or coach who can help you evaluate the pros and cons of each shoe and make an informed decision based on your individual running goals and preferences.
Me: What is the drop on both shoes?
ChatGPT: The drop, or heel-to-toe offset, for both the Nike Alphafly NEXT% 1 and Nike Alphafly NEXT% 2 is 8mm. This means that the difference in height between the heel and forefoot of the shoe is 8mm. The Alphafly NEXT% 1 and Alphafly NEXT% 2 are both designed to provide a responsive and efficient ride for runners, and the 8mm drop is intended to support a natural footstrike while still providing enough cushioning and support for long-distance running.
Me: That's not correct, the drop on the Nike Alphafly NEXT% 1 is 4mm.
ChatGPT: I apologize for the mistake in my previous response. You are correct that the drop of the Nike Alphafly NEXT% 1 is actually 4mm, not 8mm. The 4mm drop is intended to provide a balance of cushioning and stability, as well as a more natural footstrike for runners.
For the Nike Alphafly NEXT% 2, the drop remains at 4mm, which helps to provide a similar ride and feel to the original Alphafly NEXT% 1. The 4mm drop is intended to provide a more natural footstrike and encourage a midfoot or forefoot landing, which can help reduce the stress on the joints during long-distance running.
Thank you for bringing this to my attention, and I apologize for any confusion my earlier response may have caused.
Me: No, the drop on the Nike Alphafly NEXT% 2 is 8mm
ChatGPT: I apologize for the confusion and mistake in my previous response. You are correct that the drop of the Nike Alphafly NEXT% 2 is actually 8mm, not 4mm as it was for the original Alphafly NEXT% 1.
The increase in drop to 8mm in the Alphafly NEXT% 2 is intended to provide a more cushioned ride, and also to give the shoe a smoother transition from heel to toe. This difference in drop may be noticeable for some runners, and may influence their decision between the two models depending on their preferred running style and needs.
Thank you for bringing this to my attention and I apologize for any confusion my earlier response may have caused.
As you can see, ChatGPT is nowhere near ready for shoe reviews. My job is safe for now.