Introducing Nike Apex: The Next Leap in Marathon Speed

Every marathon asks the same question: how much more is possible? Nike’s answer is Nike Apex, a new race day system built for marathoners chasing every possible second. It combines four Air Zoom units, new ZoomX LT foam, a redesigned carbon fiber Flyplate and a lightweight Flyknit X upper.

The shoe’s double stacked platform brings together two pairs of Air Zoom units, making Apex the first racing shoe with this setup and putting the most Air ever in the forefoot of a Nike running shoe. Designed to compress, store and return energy, the system delivers up to 40% more energy return than the Alphafly 3 in a men’s size 10 while weighing more than 10% less.

The platform uses zero drop geometry and a 40 millimeter stack at both heel and forefoot for consistent support across the stride. A wider outsole, rocker geometry and tuned plate are designed to help with stability and forward drive over marathon distance.

For decades, Nike has partnered with runners to better understand the demands of the marathon and turn those learnings into new performance solutions. The evolution of Air has been central to that journey, serving as a catalyst for some of the most important advances in running performance and helping propel the sport into a new era of speed. Apex builds on that legacy and represents one of the biggest leaps we've ever made in marathon racing, bringing together everything we've learned about speed, efficiency, endurance and Air-powered innovation in a system designed to help runners chase every possible second.

Designed for Unimagined Speed

Apex’s visible Air Zoom platform, which shares the new innovation introduced in Alphafly 4, gives the shoe its distinctive profile. The units are arranged to work with the plate and foam as an integrated speed system, shaped by athlete feedback and research at the Nike Sport Research Lab.

A new race specific ZoomX LT foam sits beneath the Air system; Nike describes it as softer and lighter than ZoomX, with greater energy return. The raised inverse wave Flyplate directs loading into the stacked units and supports forward drive, while the outsole places GOATEK and Fast Shot traction where it is needed to reduce unnecessary weight.

The upper pairs breathable Flyknit X fabric with a fitted knit collar and sock liner free construction for a minimal, glove like fit. Together with the cushioned platform, those details are intended to keep the ride light, responsive and consistent from the opening mile to the finish.

I’ve relied on Nike prototypes during some of the most important races of my career in the last few months, from breaking the half marathon world record in Lisbon to running the fastest marathon time of my life in London. The best innovations are the ones that let you focus less on what's happening beneath your feet and more on the challenge in front of you — that is what Nike Apex does.

Nike’s Race Day System of Speed

Nike traces its running innovation from co founder Bill Bowerman’s handcrafted spikes to the super shoes that reshaped racing more than a decade ago. Its current race day lineup combines athlete insight, scientific research, proprietary Air Zoom platforms, advanced foams and engineered plates to serve different runners and goals.

Within that range, Apex is Nike’s most advanced expression of marathon speed. Alphafly 4 balances responsiveness, comfort, stability and efficiency over distance, while Swooshfly is designed to help runners feel confident and ready to take on race day.

When is Nike Apex releasing?

Nike Apex is scheduled to arrive in January 2027 through Nike’s online store and select retail locations. Nike has not announced a specific release date or launch time. January falls within the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere. The confirmed release month is January 2027. Check out images of Nike Apex below while we wait for more details about the launch.

For more on Nike’s race day lineup, read our coverage of the Distance x Nike ZoomX VaporFly NEXT% 4 release.